Cold Storage Racking System FAQs
If you have any further questions about pallet racking for cold storage environments, the Logical Storage Solution team is here to help.
We’ve answered some of the most popular queries below. For anything else, please give us a call on 0845 689 1300.
What Is A Cold Storage Racking System?
A cold storage racking system is a pallet racking installation specifically designed and engineered to perform reliably in temperature-controlled environments, including chilled warehouses, refrigerated distribution centres and sub-zero freezer facilities. Unlike standard racking, cold storage racking systems are built to withstand the mechanical stresses caused by temperature cycling and condensation, using materials and coatings suitable for low-temperature conditions. Logical Storage Solutions designs and installs bespoke cold storage racking systems for businesses across the UK.
What Temperature Ranges Can Your Cold Storage Racking Systems Handle?
Cold storage facilities vary significantly in their operating temperatures, and the racking specification needs to reflect the specific environment it will be installed in. Chilled warehouses typically operate between 0°C and 8°C, refrigerated distribution centres between -2°C and 4°C, and frozen food stores between -18°C and -25°C. Blast freeze chambers can reach -35°C or lower. Each of these ranges places different demands on steel components, protective coatings and fixings. At sub-zero temperatures, steel becomes more brittle and thermal cycling (the repeated contraction and expansion of components as temperatures fluctuate) increases stress on joints and connections over time.
Thankfully at Logical Storage Solutions, our experts can specify racking systems appropriate to the exact operating temperature of your facility, ensuring the materials, finishes and structural design are suited to the conditions they'll be working in long term.
What Types Of Pallet Racking Are Suitable For Cold Storage?
Several racking systems are well suited to cold storage environments, depending on the operational requirements of the facility.Wide aisle pallet racking is a popular choice where flexibility and direct access to every pallet are a priority. Drive-in racking maximises storage density in freezer rooms where floor space is limited and a last-in, first-out stock rotation is acceptable. Shuttle racking offers high-density storage with automated pallet movement, reducing the need for operators to enter cold or sub-zero areas. VNA racking is also an option in larger cold stores where maximising every square metre of floor space is essential.
How Is Cold Storage Racking Different From Standard Pallet Racking?
Cold storage racking must be designed to cope with the specific challenges of temperature-controlled environments. Metal components contract in cold conditions and expand when temperatures fluctuate, which places additional stress on joints and connections. Cold storage racking systems are typically built with tighter tolerances, corrosion-resistant finishes and protective coatings to handle condensation and regular wash-down procedures. The design must also account for the reduced dexterity of operators working in heavy PPE and the use of specialist cold store forklift trucks.
Can Pallet Racking Be Installed In An Existing Cold Room Or Freezer?
Yes. Logical Storage Solutions regularly installs pallet racking into existing cold rooms, chilled warehouses and freezer facilities. Pre-installation surveys are carried out to assess the floor condition, ceiling height, door positions and any existing equipment that needs to be worked around. All installations are planned with minimal disruption to ongoing operations in mind and are fully compliant with CDM Regulations 2015, with site-specific method statements and risk assessments provided as standard.
How Do I Know Which Cold Storage Racking System Is Right For My Facility?
The right system depends on several factors, including the volume and type of products being stored, your required stock rotation method, the dimensions of the facility and your forklift fleet. A high-throughput chilled distribution centre with a large SKU range will have very different requirements from a small frozen food store operating on a last-in, first-out basis.
Logical Storage Solutions provides a no-obligation consultation and full site survey to ensure the recommended cold storage racking system is tailored to your exact operational needs. Please contact our team today to find out more.
How Does Racking Layout Affect Temperature Management And Energy Efficiency In A Cold Store?
Racking layout has a more significant impact on cold store energy consumption than many operators realise. Poor layout can obstruct cold air circulation from evaporator units, creating warm spots within the racking that compromise product temperature and force refrigeration systems to work harder to compensate.
Aisle orientation relative to evaporator positioning, rack height relative to air flow paths and the use of solid versus open beam profiles all influence how effectively cold air circulates through a racking installation.
In high-density systems such as drive-in or shuttle racking, where air penetration into deep storage lanes is inherently limited, this becomes an even more critical design consideration. We work alongside refrigeration engineers and cold store designers where required to ensure the racking layout supports rather than undermines the performance of your temperature control system.
Does Cold Storage Racking Need To Meet Food Safety Standards Such As BRCGS?
For businesses operating under BRCGS Storage and Distribution certification, or working towards it, the design and specification of your racking system is a relevant consideration during audit.
BRCGS requirements covering storage facilities include expectations around the condition and cleanability of storage equipment, the management of pest harbourage risks and the suitability of materials in contact with or adjacent to food products.
Racking with damaged uprights, flaking coatings or inaccessible void spaces can present compliance risks during audit. We design cold storage racking systems with cleanability and inspectability in mind, specifying smooth-profile components and finishes suitable for wash-down environments where required.
If you are working to BRCGS, BRC, or another food safety standard, let us know at the outset and we will factor the relevant requirements into the design.
Does Cold Storage Racking Require More Maintenance Than Standard Racking?
Cold storage racking systems are subject to more demanding conditions than racking in ambient warehouses, which makes regular inspection and maintenance particularly important. Temperature fluctuations, condensation and the use of specialist cold store handling equipment can all contribute to accelerated wear on uprights, beams and connections.
Logical Storage Solutions recommends annual pallet racking inspections for all cold storage racking installations and provides ongoing maintenance and repair services to keep systems safe and fully operational.
