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Nor-Lake Refrigeration Products FAQs

How do I know if I need a new walk-in cooler and freezer?
Look for the following signs that may indicate that a replacement walk-in cooler and freezer is needed.

Sagging doors allowing outside air in resulting in ice buildup on the evaporator coil
Panels separating from the foam or "delaminating”
Panels that are damaged from use or abuse
Panel seams on the interior of the walk-in walls or ceilings that have condensation or frost built up on them. This build-up signifies that the seal is no longer adequate and air is leaking through the seams. If the door and frame are the only place this is occurring, a retrofit door assembly could be the answer.

How do I know which walk-in is right for my business?
Consider what will be stored in the walk-in and how much product will need to be stored.
Depending on an item’s density and temperature, it may take longer to pull down to the correct temperature and a larger refrigeration system may be necessary to compensate. Daily usage, type and weight of product stored, and future expansion plans are a few considerations to keep in mind when replacing a walk-in.

What type of door should I select?
If doors are frequently opened and closed, you may need a heavy-duty door. Automatic closing devices like cam-lift hinges and a positive door closer are also required so that the door isn’t accidently left open. If it’s necessary to see inside the of the walk-in, you will need a window.

How can I protect the walk-in?
Kick plates on the door and inside the walk-in are also helpful in preventing damage. Strip curtains are another useful option that will help block outside air. Bumper rails are an inexpensive way to protect the walk-in.

What type of support/flooring will I need?
Consider the weight and frequency of traffic to determine what type of flooring you’ll need. If you’ll be using heavy-loaded carts or heavy shelving inside, you may need a reinforced floor or even a structural floor. If your walk-in will have floor panels, an interior or exterior floor ramp makes for easier access.

What size walk-in will I need?
Plan for the future. Will space requirements be increasing soon, or will it be necessary to move the walk-in some day? Look for panels that are cam-locking (most are these days). Cam-locks make it easy to dismantle move your walk-in or expand it should you need to.

Are the panels sold separately?
Nor-Lake can supply both panels and a refrigeration system.

What’s the best panel for my needs?
Walk-in panels with foamed-in-place polyurethane insulation offer the best R-value and are the most energy efficient (factors that pay for themselves overtime). Also, keep in mind polyurethane panels meet or exceed all the efficiency requirements of the Federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Additionally, the foam insulation used in polyurethane panels is green friendly and is completely CFC/HCFC free.

How many polyurethane panels do I need?
Polyurethane panels, because of their greater efficiency, are much thinner and still meet R-factor requirements.

What about system design?
Many manufacturers can aid with walk-in and system design. Make sure your supplier has this capability.

What type of finish do I need?
Panels are offered in a wide variety of finishes on both the interior and exterior. One of the most popular finishes is stucco coated steel because its embossed pattern helps hide scratches, dents and blemishes that are inevitable over time. Other options include smooth stainless steel, galvanized steel and stucco or smooth aluminum.

What are the benefits of buying a customized walk-in cooler and freezer?
Custom designed walk-ins can be configured in practically any size or shape to suit your needs but may cost more due to design time.

How soon can I get a walk-in cooler and freezer?
Standard size models can ship the same day they are ordered.

What are the benefits of pre-configured models?
Standard size models can save costs if you find a size to fit your needs. Quick ship models come with either a remote refrigeration system for with a packaged system containing the condensing unit and evaporator coil in one housing.