Industrial Cold Storage Facility
Complete coating system for 650,000 sq ft refrigerated warehouse with temperature zones from -20°F to 50°F. FDA-compliant, thermal shock resistant, zero operational downtime.
Project Overview
This 650,000 sq ft industrial cold storage facility in Phoenix required a comprehensive coating solution across five distinct temperature zones, from -20°F freezer rooms to 50°F+ loading docks. The project demanded FDA food-safe compliance, thermal shock resistance, and zero operational downtime throughout the 20-week application schedule. Our industrial coating expertise ensured seamless execution across all temperature zones.
Challenges & Solutions
Challenges
- Coating application in active freezer zones (-20°F) without operational shutdown
- Thermal shock resistance across temperature transitions (70°F swings)
- Moisture and condensation management in high-humidity ante-rooms
- FDA food-safe compliance for all coating materials
- Heavy forklift traffic requiring industrial-grade durability
- Fast-cure systems to minimize downtime in revenue-generating spaces
Solutions
- Phased application coordinating with warehouse inventory rotation
- Thermal shock-tested epoxy systems rated for -40°F to 120°F
- Vapor-permeable moisture mitigation primers
- NSF/ANSI 51 certified food-safe coating systems
- High-build epoxy floors rated for 100,000+ forklift passes
- Fast-cure urethanes with 4-hour return-to-service time
Specialized Coating Systems
Freezer Zone Coatings
Specialized epoxy systems for -20°F freezer rooms with thermal shock resistance and moisture impermeability.
- • Thermal shock tested -40°F to 120°F
- • Ice-resistant smooth finish
- • Reflective white for energy savings
- • Anti-slip texture for safety
Loading Dock Systems
Heavy-duty epoxy floors for high-traffic loading docks with extreme temperature variations and moisture exposure.
- • 100,000+ forklift pass rating
- • Chemical resistance (oils, salts)
- • Fast 4-hour cure time
- • Seamless cove base system
FDA Food-Safe Compliance
NSF/ANSI 51 certified coating systems approved for direct and indirect food contact in all warehouse areas.
- • NSF/ANSI 51 certified materials
- • FDA 21 CFR 175.300 compliant
- • Complete audit documentation
- • Certificate of Conformance provided
Results
Zero operational downtime - all work during scheduled inventory rotations
5-year warranty on all coating systems across temperature zones
FDA audit-ready documentation and material certifications
99.2% reduction in floor spalling and cracking incidents
Improved energy efficiency through reflective ceiling coatings
LEED v4.1 contribution through low-VOC systems
"Moorhouse Coating's thermal shock-resistant systems have eliminated our floor cracking issues entirely. The phased approach meant zero revenue loss, and the FDA documentation passed our audit without a single question."
— Director of Operations, Industrial Cold Storage Facility
Related Services
Industrial Painting
Heavy-duty coatings for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution facilities.
Learn MoreFood Processing Facilities
FDA-compliant coatings for food manufacturing, storage, and distribution centers.
Learn MoreIndustrial Coatings
Specialized high-performance coatings for extreme environments and demanding applications.
Learn MoreServing Phoenix and the Southwest region with specialized industrial coatings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What coatings can withstand extreme cold storage temperatures?
Cold storage facilities require specialized epoxy coating systems specifically formulated for extreme temperature resistance. We use thermal shock-tested coatings rated from -40°F to 120°F that maintain flexibility and adhesion across the full temperature range.
Key features of our cold storage coatings include: moisture impermeability to prevent ice formation under the coating, flexible formulations that accommodate substrate expansion/contraction, seamless cove base systems to eliminate water infiltration points, and reflective white finishes that improve lighting efficiency and reduce energy costs.
These systems are tested to ASTM D7791 (thermal cycling) and ASTM D4541 (pull-off adhesion at low temperatures) to ensure performance across all temperature zones in your facility.
How do you prevent condensation damage in transition zones?
Transition zones (ante-rooms) between temperature environments are the most challenging areas in cold storage facilities due to constant condensation from temperature and humidity swings. Our approach uses a multi-layer moisture management system.
First, we apply a vapor-permeable primer that allows any trapped moisture in the substrate to escape rather than causing coating delamination. Next, we use a moisture-tolerant epoxy base coat that can be applied even when surface moisture is present. Finally, we apply a moisture-impermeable topcoat that prevents new moisture infiltration while maintaining the flexible properties needed for thermal expansion.
This "breathable yet protected" system prevents the blistering and peeling commonly seen in ante-rooms, and carries a 5-year warranty even in these high-stress areas.
Are your coatings FDA compliant for food storage facilities?
Yes, all coatings we use in food storage facilities are NSF/ANSI 51 certified and FDA 21 CFR 175.300 compliant. This certification means the coatings are approved for direct and indirect food contact, which exceeds the requirements for most cold storage applications.
We provide complete documentation for FDA audits including: Certificate of Conformance for all coating materials, NSF/ANSI 51 certification letters, FDA compliance statements, MSDS/SDS sheets for all products, and batch/lot traceability records.
Additionally, our coatings contain no VOCs or solvents that could contaminate food products, and the cured film is completely inert and non-reactive. Many of our cold storage clients have passed FDA and third-party food safety audits without any coating system deficiencies noted.
Can you coat our facility without shutting down operations?
Yes, our phased application methodology is specifically designed to eliminate operational downtime. We coordinate with your inventory management team to coat sections during scheduled rotations, maintenance windows, or low-inventory periods.
Our approach includes: Fast-cure urethane topcoats with 4-hour return-to-service time (forklift traffic can resume same day), section-by-section coating plans that maintain at least 85% of storage capacity throughout the project, weekend and overnight scheduling to minimize business impact, and temporary barriers and HVAC modifications to isolate work areas from active storage.
On the 650k sq ft facility featured in this case study, we achieved zero operational downtime over the 20-week project. The facility maintained normal throughput, and revenue was unaffected. This phased approach adds 2-3 weeks to the timeline compared to a full shutdown, but the cost savings from continued operations far exceed the extended labor costs.
How long will the coating system last in a cold storage environment?
Our cold storage coating systems typically last 10-15 years in freezer zones and 7-10 years in loading dock areas, depending on traffic levels and maintenance practices. We provide a 5-year warranty on all applications, covering both material and labor.
Longevity depends on several factors: proper surface preparation (80% of coating failures are substrate-related), appropriate system selection for each temperature zone, regular cleaning with pH-neutral cleaners (harsh chemicals can degrade topcoats), and prompt repair of any mechanical damage from forklifts or pallet jacks.
We recommend annual inspections to identify any areas needing spot repair before minor damage becomes major. Small repairs done proactively can extend the life of the entire floor system by 3-5 years. Many of our cold storage clients implement a 10-year maintenance cycle with spot repairs at years 3, 6, and 9, followed by a full recoat at year 10-12.
Ready for a Cold Storage Coating Solution?
Get FDA-compliant, thermal shock-resistant coatings with zero operational downtime.