Best Techniques For Installing Doors In Existing Walk-in Cooler PanelsWhile the original doors in a walk-in cooler or freezer provide a frame, installing replacement doors or adding new doors to panels in existing walk-ins requires additional support framing. Standard panel construction merely fills a thin metal skin with insulation, leaving out any rigid structural framing and even structural framing may not be in the required location for properly installing a door. R-Plus doors are available to replace original doors or add additional doors through two different door framing methods. ![]() Double Frames Standard door frames use a single faceplate, usually on the external side of the walls to which the door is attached. This single faceplate attached through the panel’s thin metal skin and into the foam insulation does not have the structure to hold a door securely in position over a long period of daily use. Double frames are simply an additional faceplate added to the internal walls and bolted with through-bolts. The resulting faceplate-wall-double frame structure provides the backing that is strong enough to bolt a door frame on.
Return Jambs
Walk-in Cooler and Freezer Windows Called Out In Energy Independence Act of 2007Windows get specific mention in the Energy Independence Act of 2007. Design changes are required in windows to meet energy efficiency needs. The Act states these changes for both reach-in doors and wall windows: (3) ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS. “Each walk-in cooler or “(A) Transparent reach-in doors for walk-in freezers “(B) Transparent reach-in doors for walk-in coolers
Let’s look at the options available to meet these requirements. Reach-in doors are used for quick access to commonly used items in a kitchen or serving area. Windows help users keep track of availability and use of these consumables, which keeps a foodservice area moving smoothly. Entrance doors are covered with the same Act statements. These doors typically contain windows as a safety and security measure; workers can avoid opening a door into someone on the opposite side and managers can keep an eye on product without opening the doors. The Act requirements for windows help alleviate the heat leaks caused when a window is poorly designed or mounted. For freezers, there is no leeway in the number of panes used in a window, triple-paned windows are now the standard. Double-paned windows are still usable in walk-in coolers. Windows mounted in doors should properly seal against the exterior and interior door surfaces. A properly designed window is adjustable to meet small variations in door thickness. Additionally, windows can be ordered without frame ledges, which enhances cleaning efficiency and avoids holding condensation. Heating is important on freezer windows, and windows located in high humidity areas, to ensure the view is clear for safety reasons. Frequently only the fame is heated, but windows are available with both frame and glass heating, which ensures that the view remains open. One item not specified by the Act is the importance of the frames themselves having proper thermal barriers. Being metal, the frames can conduct heat much more quickly than the glass panes, which results in a quick loss of thermal efficiency. Frames should be built with thermal barriers to avoid unnecessary heat conduction into the cooler or freezer. R-Plus Doors will keep you informed on how we can help you address these required changes. Thank You For Subscribing To Door BuzzYou have subscribed to Door Buzz, a monthly newsletter for R-Plus Doors. We will not use or share your information for any other purpose. You may unsubscribe at any time, simply use the unsubscribe link on the newsletter and your name will be removed from the newsletter list. Again, thank you for subscribing to Door Buzz, we are sure you will find the information useful on a daily basis. The Strip Door Solution For Walk-in Coolers And FreezersStrip doors are specifically mentioned as a solution to “minimizing infiltration when doors are open,” according to the Energy Independence Act of 2007. “(B) have strip doors, spring hinged doors, or other We’ve all heard about, and maybe experienced, issues with strip doors: they don’t last long; they are always scratched; they looked dingy and unappealing to customers; etc. As with all equipment, the materials are all important and strip doors are no different in having specific materials used for specific jobs. Let’s look at the different considerations. The first consideration is strip sizes based on what is passing through the door. The bigger the item, the bigger the strips should be and the greater the overlap to match the higher wear factor. But if an opening is small compared to the item passing through, then smaller strips may be called for to avoid excessive dragging over the load. The next item to consider is the strip material itself. The material known as Standard Clear is a good choice above freezing, but an even better choice is Low Temp for any use below 40 degrees. Additionally, these materials come in various levels of reinforcement, so try to keep the level of reinforcement up to your requirement and avoid having a strip door wear out too early from misuse. Color is another factor here as it presents a visual barrier as well as protecting against excess infiltrating light that can spoil some products. Lastly, consider the many types of mounts available. In certain cases it may be valuable to have the strip door move completely out of the opening and then be quickly replaced. Movement can be accomplished through swinging or sliding mounts, even automatic gravity return mounts are available. R-Plus Doors will keep you informed on how we can help you address these required changes. Circle January 1, 2009 on your calendar, there’s a year full of changes coming and we’ve got you covered. Energy Act Specifies Move to More Efficient Fan MotorsA change in evaporator and condenser fan motors for walk-in coolers and freezers is also specified by the Energy Independence Act, but you may already have some of these changes in your basic specifications.
Reducing The Heat Load And Microcontrollers Further Raise Efficiency Current EC motors operate at approximately 85% efficiency. This makes EC motors 50-60% more efficient than the older Shaded Pole motors and 30% or more over PSC motors. These efficiencies quickly add up to real cost savings when applied to the 50-85 watt motors capable of turning the 10-18-inch fans producing the higher airflows required to effectively cool walk-in coolers and freezers. EC motors are also available with microcontrollers for precisely matching environmental requirements which constantly vary. Adjusting Designs Is Easy, Simply Exchange The Part Number Door Buzz Newsletter ArchivesNews and information on R-Plus Doors: Walk-in Cooler And Freezer Replacement Doors For Most All Applications. We archive Door Buzz here, feel free to read through the issues, click on the links and get deeper information on walk-in cooler and freezer doors. Please understand, we cannot guarantee that all links external to the Imperial Manufacturing site will operate properly from older issues, but all of the links internal to the imperial web site should operate with ease: please report any problems with internal links so we can repair them. To Sign Up For Door Buzz May 2009 Automatic Door Closers for Walk-in Coolers and FreezersAutomatic door closers are the first item mentioned in the 310-page act going into effect on January 1, 2009. Specifically, for any door closed to within one inch of full closure.
R-Plus Doors use a self-closing door package that has a magnetic gasket to ensure a proper seal. Spring hinges swing the door to the closed position and the door closer uses a spring to pull the door completely closed and ensure the door is latched shut. The latch has a more sensitive action that works in combination with the door closer. Other styles of door closers are available for larger applications. Hydraulic door closers are also available. Working with the Energy Independence Act of 2007The Energy Independence Act of 2007 went into effect on January 1, 2009. This has a big effect on walk-in cooler and freezer doors, let’s take a look at some of the details and solutions.
Included in the 310 page Act are updates on walk-in coolers and freezers, and very specific updates on doors for these walk-ins. “each walk-in cooler or walk-in freezer manufactured on or after January 1, 2009, shall: R-Plus Doors meet each of these required changes. This space has suggestions on specific door solutions and how R-Plus Doors meet the requirements. Here’s more information on how we help you comply with the Energy Independence Act of 2007
Super Insulated StructuresSuper Insulated Structures from Imperial Manufacturing are engineered for commercial uses ranging from stand-alone cold storage warehousing to pharmaceutical environment control. Equally well suited for the high winds, tropical heat and rains of the Pacific Islands or the harsh cold of the Alaskan wilderness, most of our Super Insulated Structures operate in less demanding conditions while still maintaining a perfectly controlled internal environment. Our Super Insulated Structures are currently in use in biotech, pharmaceutical and other medical-related fields. These structures also operate as environmental control spaces in clean rooms and any building where complete environmental control is required for consistent, high-quality manufacturing. For cold storage facilities, Super Insulated Structures meet the need for fast construction times under difficult conditions. But these Super Insulated Structures are tough, too. Contact your Imperial Manufacturing rep for more information on Super Insulated Structures. Traffic DoorsWhen constant quick and simple access is required in high-traffic areas, R-Plus traffic doors are the answer. These traffic doors are the answer for both personnel and mechanical traffic, using a stainless steel “V” cam gravity hinging system to close the door immediately after passage without requiring motors. You probably have certain very high traffic areas in your storage areas, with dry, refrigerated or wash-down requirements. These impact traffic doors come in two duty ranges:
Traffic Doors 9000 Series for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers
Traffic doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers meet the need for very high traffic storage areas, with models suitable for both pedestrian and forklift traffic. Non-motorized and with safety windows, these doors enhance the ability to quickly move product. Vertical Lift DoorsWhen the ceiling may be too low or there is not enough space to either side to open a sliding door, R-Plus Lift Doors are your solution. All doors come in manual or powered versions, depending on your preference and limited clearance requirements, with powered doors featuring high-speed operation with two pull-cord switches. Sectional or full lift, these R-Plus doors meet your needs where ceiling heights or side-to-side clearance are limited. Both our full lift doors and sectional doors maintain the same thermal efficiency of our swinging and sliding doors, but they deliver greater space use advantages. Available in all sizes up to 12 feet by 12 feet, larger sizes can be constructed from multiple panels using the cam-lock system. Both styles can be ordered in manual or powered versions, and a special hi-lift version is available for maximum clearance to meet the needs at each individual site. Sectional doors use heat cables between all outer edges and all sections to ensure clean and smooth movement. Powered full lift doors use a pneumatic safety edge and heat cable around the full perimeter of the door. Both door styles use a torsion spring counterbalanced lifting system rated for 20,000 cycles. All our doors feature neoprene bulb-type seals that are easily replaced, along with door panels of foamed in place polyurethane for structural rigidity and the highest insulating values in the industry. The complete list of available options is comprehensive.
Standard Lift Doors for Cold Storage
R-Plus Standard Sectional Lift Doors come in both manual and electric models. Standard lift doors are available in sizes up to 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide, consult the factory for larger sizes. These doors are used on loading docks, aisle ways, obstructed areas, or wherever directional side clearance and ceiling height are limited.
High Lift Sectional Doors for Cold Storage
R-Plus High Sectional Lift Doors meet the need for exceptional access to cold-storage facilities in both manual and electric models. Standard widths up to 12 feet wide, height is adjustable for maximum clearance; consult the factory for larger sizes. These doors are used on loading docks, aisle ways, obstructed areas, or wherever directional side clearance and ceiling height are limited.
Full Lift Doors for Cold Storage
R-Plus Full Lift Doors are single panel doors that come in both manual and electric models. Full lift doors can be specified for openings up to 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide, consult the factory for larger sizes. These doors are a single rigid panel for use in similar applications as the standard or high-lift doors where ceiling clearances permit a vertical track. Horizontal Sliding DoorsWhen you need to move big loads in a hurry, R-Plus horizontal sliding doors can manage the traffic. Our door sizes easily handle lift truck and pallet jack traffic, while staying usable for walk-in traffic, and both single and double door style can be motorized or manual. Manual double doors are easily parted in any order to allow personnel pass-through and motorized single doors can be fitted with a personnel door that helps maintain environment integrity by exposing a smaller interior area to air infiltration. You see these beefy doors used on exterior docks with heavy lift activity and interior doorways of cold storage facilities. The powered doors feature high-speed parting action to minimize environmental exposure. Every size is available up to 12 feet by 12 feet, and that can be enlarged using multiple cam-locked sections. Heavy-duty tracks, rollers, and hanger bar are available when required, delivering superior usability over a long lifetime. As with our other doors, neoprene bulb-type seals are easily replaced and come heated for freezer applications. The door panels are polyurethane, foamed in place for structural rigidity and the highest insulating values in the industry. The complete list of available options is comprehensive.
Single Sliding Doors for Cold Storage
R-Plus Single Sliding Doors come in both manual and electric-powered models to match the needs of your application. Powered doors operate at high-speed for quick access. Either model is available with personnel doors to simplify pedestrian access.
Bi-Part Sliding Doors for Cold Storage
R-Plus Bi-Part Sliding Doors come in both manual and electric models, with or without personnel doors to facilitate quick personnel access. R-Plus Doors for Cold Storage Walk-in CoolersCustom designed walk-in cooler doors and freezer doors to meet every cold storage need and special application.
Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers
R-Plus Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers come in overlap, flush and reach-in designs to meet your specific needs, including as replacement doors for existing walk-in coolers and freezers. These designs use high quality hardware and door surfaces, the same as our other door styles. You can ensure the quality and performance of your walk-in installation, whether it’s new construction, retrofit or remodel.
Horizontal Sliding Doors
When you need to move big loads in a hurry, R-Plus horizontal sliding doors can manage the traffic. Our door sizes easily handle lift truck and pallet jack traffic, while staying usable for walk-in traffic, and both single and double door style can be motorized or manual.
Vertical Lift Doors
When the ceiling may be too low or there is not enough space to either side to open a sliding door, R-Plus Lift Doors are your solution. All doors come in manual or powered versions, depending on your preference and limited clearance requirements, with powered doors featuring high-speed operation with two pull-cord switches.
Traffic Doors
When constant quick and simple access is required in high-traffic areas, R-Plus traffic doors are the answer. These traffic doors are the answer for both personnel and mechanical traffic, using a stainless steel “V” cam gravity hinging system to close the door immediately after passage without requiring motors. Imperial Walk-in Coolers and FreezersEnergy-efficiency is the driving force for all Imperial walk-in cooler and freezer designs, providing an immediate payback and long-term return on your investment. Proper design can result in tax credits and other benefits; please work with our representatives to see what benefits may be available to you in your location. See our recent projects in our Imperial Walk-ins Project Photo Gallery and you’ll understand what we mean when we say “custom.” You can read the entire act and stay up to date on how our walk-in coolers and freezers will help you meet those requirements by visiting our “Countdown To Implementation” page. Or get a point by point review of Imperial walk-in cooler and freezer solutions for each Energy Act requirement. You can also learn more technical information on how we think about energy-efficiency from these articles:
“R” You Insulated Against the Next Phase (Out)? (PDF)
High-density urethane perimeter framed panels provide structural integrity when bonded with metal skins and foamed-in-place cores. Metal skins in a variety of finishes, cover the foamed-in-place, CFC-free, Class 1 fire-rated Urethane cores. No wood is used in food service construction, but may be used when required for greater structural strength in industrial construction. A large range of door types and styles is available, designed to meet your specific needs. Read our Specifications for Foodservice or Industrial businesses, and our Installation & Maintenance documentation for details, or download our Request for Quotation form to start a discussion with one of our reps. Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and FreezersR-Plus Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers come in overlap, flush and reach-in designs to meet your specific needs, including as replacement doors for existing walk-in coolers and freezers. These designs use high quality hardware and door surfaces, the same as our other door styles. You can ensure the quality and performance of your walk-in installation, whether it’s new construction, retrofit or remodel. Your cold storage doors get heavy traffic, with employees constantly moving in and out. R-Plus swing doors balance durability, economy, and appearance, perfect for cold storage walk-ins used in restaurants, grocery stores, processing plants, convenience stores, and kitchens. Be assured that R-Plus doors meet the Energy Independence Act 2007 requirements in effect since January 1, 2009, we provide a full point by point overview. Thermal isolation is maintained through foamed-in-place polyurethane, which delivers strength and the highest insulating values in the industry. All gaskets are easily replaced and anti-sweat door heaters are available for low-temperature applications. A complete list of options is also available for each door model.
Overlap Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers
R-Plus Overlap Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers are available in both single and double versions to meet diverse commercial needs. Able to meet any physical requirement using an overlap mounting method, these doors perfectly match your needs in dimension, appearance, and maintenance.
Flush Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers
R-Plus Flush Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers meet your flush-mount requirements and are suitable for most installations. These doors perfectly match your dimension, appearance, and maintenance needs through review of our architectural specifications documentation.
Reach-In Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers
R-Plus Reach-in Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers deliver all the convenience and speed you want in a quick-access door, with the quality and maintenance. Manufactured to the same high tolerances and using the same quality materials as the rest of the R-Plus Doors, our doors are the answer for your reach-in applications.
Replacement Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers
When it comes time for replacement, R-Plus replacement doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers are the best choice. R-Plus swing doors are compatible with all manufacturers of cold storage systems. At home in restaurants, grocery stores, processing plants, convenience stores, and kitchens, R-Plus swing doors are the finest replacement doors available and will meet all your needs. Traffic Doors 9000 Series for Walk-in Coolers and FreezersTraffic doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers meet the need for very high traffic storage areas, with models suitable for both pedestrian and forklift traffic. Non-motorized and with safety windows, these doors enhance the ability to quickly move product.
Bi-Part Sliding Doors for Cold StorageR-Plus Bi-Part Sliding Doors come in both manual and electric models, with or without personnel doors to facilitate quick personnel access.
Single Sliding Doors for Cold StorageR-Plus Single Sliding Doors come in both manual and electric-powered models to match the needs of your application. Powered doors operate at high-speed for quick access. Either model is available with personnel doors to simplify pedestrian access. Standard single doors are available in sizes up to 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide, consult the factory for larger sizes. These doors commonly serve areas of medium density walk-through traffic and pallet jack or lift truck traffic.
Economy Operator Available This NEMA 1-rated solution is for indoor applications not needing a pedestrian door capability or mounting inside a freezer, a good solution in areas that do not encounter the harsh environments requiring a NEMA 4 rating. The Model T includes our standard safety-edge stop and a single-button security-protected remote that handles complete OPEN/CLOSE/STOP operations. Operator is pre-programmed for easy installation and troubleshooting. The maximum door size using this controller is 10x10, still large enough to handle small lift truck or pallet jack traffic. Combined with a high-quality R-Plus Door, the LiftMaster Model T controller maintains traditional R-Plus high-quality standards and is serviceable by commercial door companies nationwide familiar with LiftMaster controllers. Full Lift Doors for Cold StorageR-Plus Full Lift Doors are single panel doors that come in both manual and electric models. Full lift doors can be specified for openings up to 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide, consult the factory for larger sizes. These doors are a single rigid panel for use in similar applications as the standard or high-lift doors where ceiling clearances permit a vertical track.
High Lift Sectional Doors for Cold StorageR-Plus High Sectional Lift Doors meet the need for exceptional access to cold-storage facilities in both manual and electric models. Standard widths up to 12 feet wide, height is adjustable for maximum clearance; consult the factory for larger sizes. These doors are used on loading docks, aisle ways, obstructed areas, or wherever directional side clearance and ceiling height are limited.
Standard Lift Doors for Cold StorageR-Plus Standard Sectional Lift Doors come in both manual and electric models. Standard lift doors are available in sizes up to 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide, consult the factory for larger sizes. These doors are used on loading docks, aisle ways, obstructed areas, or wherever directional side clearance and ceiling height are limited.
Powered Doors
Replacement Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and FreezersWhen it comes time for replacement, R-Plus replacement doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers are the best choice. R-Plus swing doors are compatible with all manufacturers of cold storage systems. At home in restaurants, grocery stores, processing plants, convenience stores, and kitchens, R-Plus swing doors are the finest replacement doors available and will meet all your needs.
These doors meet the requirements of the Energy Independence Act of 2007, in effect since January 1, 2009. You can get more information here on the Energy Independence Act of 2007. Whether your doors are simply old and no longer performing to your expectations, or maybe your employees have been a little rough on your doors, R-Plus replacement doors are the quality solution you are seeking. R-Plus swing doors balance durability, economy, and appearance. Choose the interior and exterior skins to meet your needs and give us the required technical information, we will deliver a door that lives up to your expectations. Thermal isolation for R-Plus doors is maintained through foamed-in-place polyurethane, which delivers strength and the highest insulating values in the industry. All gaskets are easily replaced and anti-sweat door heaters are available for low-temperature applications. See our complete list of options to match your need. Standard features include:
Reach-In Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and FreezersR-Plus Reach-in Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers deliver all the convenience and speed you want in a quick-access door, with the quality and maintenance. Manufactured to the same high tolerances and using the same quality materials as the rest of the R-Plus Doors, our doors are the answer for your reach-in applications.
Flush Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and FreezersR-Plus Flush Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers meet your flush-mount requirements and are suitable for most installations. These doors perfectly match your dimension, appearance, and maintenance needs through review of our architectural specifications documentation.
Overlap Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and FreezersR-Plus Overlap Swing Doors for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers are available in both single and double versions to meet diverse commercial needs. Able to meet any physical requirement using an overlap mounting method, these doors perfectly match your needs in dimension, appearance, and maintenance.
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Oak Street Refrigeration Enjoys Imperial’s Attention To Detail
Doing business with Imperial is Great, when it comes to Sales, job completion, Service and attention to detail.
Steve Peter, Oak Street RefrigerationPRODUCTS