Use Case
How to Install Cold Room Panels: A Step-by-Step Guide for Reliable Results (2026)
Installing cold room panels correctly is critical to the performance, lifespan, and energy efficiency of any coolroom or freezer. Even high-quality insulated panels can fail if installation steps are rushed or sealing is incomplete.
This guide walks through the correct process for installing cold room panels—from preparation to final checks— so you can achieve airtight joints, minimise condensation risk, and keep running costs under control.
Correct panel installation and sealing is essential for cold room efficiency and condensation control.
1. Prepare the Site Before Installing Panels
Most installation problems begin with poor preparation. Before any panel is lifted, ensure the site is ready:
- Floor or slab is level, clean, and dry
- All wall lines and corners are clearly marked
- There is enough space to handle and stage panels safely
- Drainage and floor finishes are completed if required
A level base ensures panel joints align correctly. Even small floor deviations can cause gaps and sealing failures.
2. Select the Correct Panel Thickness
Panel thickness must match your target temperature and usage. Installing panels that are too thin often leads to condensation, ice build-up, and higher energy consumption.
| Panel Thickness | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| 35mm | Light-duty coolrooms |
| 50mm | Standard commercial cold rooms |
| 75–100mm | Freezers and low-temperature storage |
3. Start with the First Panel (Accuracy Matters)
The first wall panel sets the alignment for the entire room. Take time to ensure it is:
- Perfectly plumb and square
- Fully supported along its base
- Correctly positioned relative to door openings
Rushing the first panel is the most common cause of installation issues later.
4. Join Panels with Continuous Sealing
As panels are installed, joints must be sealed continuously to prevent air and moisture movement. Depending on the panel system, sealing may include:
- PU foam for internal gaps
- Butyl tape for vapour sealing at metal joints
- External silicone for finishing only
For a detailed walkthrough of joint engagement and sealing techniques, see this guide on installing cold room panels.
5. Fix Panels Securely (Without Over-Tightening)
Panels should be fixed into appropriate framing or structural supports using corrosion-resistant fasteners. Fixings keep joints compressed and prevent movement over time.
- Typical fixing spacing: 300–400mm (project dependent)
- Use stainless or galvanised screws
- Do not crush insulation by over-tightening
6. Install Ceiling Panels Carefully
Ceiling joints are the most common location for condensation problems. Ensure ceiling panels are:
- Fully supported and aligned
- Sealed at every joint and corner
- Checked again after installation for gaps
7. Final Inspection and Condensation Check
Before commissioning the cold room, inspect all joints and penetrations:
- No exposed foam or crushed panel edges
- Sealant applied continuously with no breaks
- Doors, pipes, and cable penetrations fully sealed
Small gaps can create major condensation issues once the room reaches operating temperature.
Final Takeaway
Installing cold room panels correctly is a process that rewards precision. Proper preparation, accurate alignment, continuous sealing, and correct fixing are the keys to a long-lasting, energy-efficient cold room.