As a full-service insulation contractor in Calgary, Alberta, we have worked on a wide variety of facilities with diverse needs. Each comes with its own set of considerations and challenges we must meet and exceed in the name of temperature control, personnel safety, condensation reduction, and equipment protection. One particularly unique type of facility we would like to highlight this week is grocery stores. These essential businesses are deceptively complex when it comes to designing an effective insulation system.
Multiple Applications
In a grocery store setting, there are several mechanical systems at play. Aside from HVAC and plumbing, refrigeration and food preparation are necessary components of these facilities.
- Coolers & Freezers. Low thermal conductivity is only one part of the story when it comes to below ambient systems such as these. Condensation can compromise the functionality of the working units. Because of this, any insulation used on coolers, freezers, pipes, and other cooling components must have low water vapour permeability.
- Ovens & Stacks. Alternatively, these high-temperature units required for food preparation create a different quandary. Not only does the insulation have to withstand and contain intense heat, but pipes and vessels are also subject to expansion and contraction. Insulation must be designed and installed with this in mind.
Food Safety
The primary function of a grocery store is to ensure food is never contaminated or spoiled before it gets brought home. This means maintaining a high level of sanitation and cleanliness when working in and around said food products. As a result, any equipment, appliances, decor, and even insulation must be odourless, non-toxic, and non-contaminating. Materials like fibreglass that have the potential to shed particles should not be used anywhere near food. PVC or metal jacketing on top of insulation works to protect equipment from regular cleaning as well as eliminate the possibility of insulation material breaking off over time and contaminating food.
Customer Comfort
Most Canadians will visit their local grocery store weekly. That’s a lot of foot traffic at any given time! With all of the shoppers milling in and out of these facilities, their comfort is a top priority to business owners. This goes well beyond temperature control, too. A consumer’s experience must be considered from all aspects. Staff can give warm, friendly greetings at the door, but that won’t mean much if the refrigeration fans are so loud a customer can’t hear. Surfaces may be sanitized several times a day but a shopper may be turned off by the unfinished look of bare insulation or unsightly seals with goopy caulking. When installed properly, insulation can improve their auditory and visual experience.
Grocery stores are cherished businesses that literally feed communities. Mechanical insulation allows them to do so safely and efficiently. For more information on proper insulation for your commercial food company in the Calgary area, contact our team of experts today!
