When to use this system
A freezer / cold store floor insulated with termPIR® between two vapour barrier layers is the standard solution for cold-storage facilities:
- Freezers with negative temperatures (down to –30°C) — require double vapour barriers above and below the insulation to prevent moisture migration into the core. Condensation within the insulation lowers λ and causes core cracking during freeze-thaw cycles.
- Cold rooms in food processing plants (meat, dairy, fruit & vegetables) — where HACCP requires a smooth, washable floor.
- Blast freezing chambers (–35°C) — the most demanding application, with intensive thermal cycling.
- Frozen logistics warehouses — distribution of frozen products.
Why termPIR® AGRO P-REV
The AGRO P-REV variant is PIR with aluminium facing reversed towards the core (REV = reversed). Its characteristics are ideal for cold store floors:
- Aluminium underneath protects the PIR core against alkalis from the cement screed (pH > 12 destroys standard PIR on the floor side).
- Upper glass-veil facing allows direct welding of bitumen vapour barrier.
- Compressive strength ≥ 120 kPa (CS(10/Y)120) — sufficient under industrial floors with forklift traffic.
Installation requirements
- Lower vapour barrier laid on the levelling layer; overlap min. 15 cm, joints welded or bonded with butyl tape.
- PIR boards laid in staggered pattern, sealed at joints with aluminium tape (gas-tight). This is critical — a leaking freezer floor loses cold and forms ice blisters beneath the insulation.
- Upper vapour barrier welded / bonded over the insulation, prior to pouring the screed.
- Perimeter zone (against the wall) — PES expansion tape through the full thickness of the screed, preventing thermal bridges.
- PVC coving or PVC skirting at the wall-to-floor junction eliminates right-angle joints and prevents dirt accumulation (HACCP requirement).
Freezer vs cold room floor
| Parameter | Freezer (–30°C) | Cold room (+5°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Required termPIR® thickness | ≥ 120 mm | 80–100 mm |
| Vapour barrier | double-sided (critical) | single-sided on warmer side |
| Adhesive / tape | aluminium (gas-tight) | aluminium standard |
| Under-floor heating | yes (against ground frost under chamber) | not required |
Technical documentation
The system is described in the Cold Storage Catalogue 2025 (Gór-Stal, 2025-04-23, pp. 32–34). PZH hygienic certificate for termPIR® AGRO P-REV — approval for facilities with direct food contact.
Layer composition
| # | Layer | Thickness | λ | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concrete screed acc. to architectural design | — | — | wearing layer |
| 2 | Vapour barrier — bitumen felt or PE film | — | — | upper vapour barrier |
| 3 | termPIR® AGRO P-REV | 60–120 mm | 0,022 W/(m·K) | thermal insulation of cold store floor |
| 4 | Vapour barrier — bitumen felt or PE film | — | — | lower vapour barrier |
| 5 | Cementitious levelling layer | — | — | substrate levelling |
| 6 | Concrete floor slab | — | — | load-bearing structure |
Related catalogue items
Recommended variants
Installation accessories
