All the hardware you need for a high-performance cold room door

The door of a cold room — whether a sliding door or hinged door — is always a complex system, in which countless parts must be designed, built, and installed in a coordinated way to achieve a product with satisfactory performance.

The main goal when designing the door of a cold room is obviously to guarantee an adequate cold seal, which can be obtained only by using materials appropriate for the door panel and taking proper care in the choice of gaskets and parts, all essential elements for achieving the expected performance.

What are the essential components of a cold room door?

The components of a cold room door consist of all the elements that connect the moving and fixed parts of the room; that is, the door and walls. By nature, these products are mobile and dynamic. They are subject to different types of forces and are designed specifically to guarantee movement. Therefore, these elements are subject to a great deal of stress, especially when the door is large.

The following fall under the family of parts for cold room doors:

• Hinges
• Fasteners
• Sliding systems
• Gaskets 

These parts are generally subject to significant stress, and it is no coincidence that if the door malfunctions, the parts are suspected to be the cause of the problem.

Given their importance in guaranteeing the performance of the door, it is important that they—and the door as a whole—are designed carefully and specifically, considering the environment in which the door will be installed, the required temperature inside the cell, the use of the cell, etc. Only in this way a really effective door can be designed in relation to the specific environment where it will be installed. For example, a handle with an external fastening mechanism, is recommended for a room whose internal temperature is below zero, given that the mechanism of an interior clamp may freeze in very humid rooms, resulting in malfunction, or the handle becoming jammed. The choice of part type may therefore not be made in advance, but should always take into consideration the actual situation in which the door will be installed.

Another important aspect is that the hardware should be adjustable so they can also be used in non-standard situations. This is precisely why Intertecnica proposes fastening systems that can be registered, and adjustable hinges on three axes, which guarantee a perfect seal for the gasket on all four sides of the door. If the door is not perfectly straight but is slightly warped, the ability to adjust the fastener makes it possible to compensate for the gap, if it is not too large.

How can you choose components for the door of a cold room?

When choosing components to install on a cold room door, there are numerous parameters to consider. These can be summarised in four basic categories:

• Complexity: in our experience, this is one of the most important parameters, and the hardest to evaluate. In fact, a more complex product is not always the best solution for the door being installed. It can be sometimes preferable to turn to simpler models, which would perhaps lead to fewer adjustments while nevertheless guaranteeing excellent performance in relation to the type of door being designed.
• Simplicity of assembly: as any installer knows, ease of assembly and adjustment are essential elements to consider when choosing parts. Intertecnica products are designed specifically to simplify the installation phase and guarantee satisfactory results, both immediately and over time.
• Quality-price ratio: despite the size of the door being designed and the required temperature inside the room, choosing high quality components is fundamental for increasing the efficiency of the door and therefore for achieving the expected seal. Given that efficiency and economic convenience always proceed in step, reflecting carefully on the quality-price ratio of what will be installed leads to the best performance and tangible savings over time.
• Aesthetics, design, and functionality: a properly designed door is essential for guaranteeing the efficiency of a cold room, and since some finishing elements (the fastener, for example) are visible, it may also be important to assess their appearance in the selection phase, keeping in mind that the design of the parts also influences their ergonomics and ease of cleaning, that is, their broader efficiency and durability over time.

To learn more about the types, materials, and performance of parts for cold room doors by Intertecnica, visit our website!