One of the most common questions we get is: "What thickness of sandwich panel do I need for my cold room?" The answer depends on your target temperature, ambient conditions, and budget. Here's the definitive guide.
Quick Reference Table
- +10°C to +20°C (Cool Room): 50mm panels
- 0°C to +10°C (Chiller): 60-75mm panels
- -5°C to 0°C (Cold Room): 100mm panels
- -18°C to -5°C (Freezer): 120mm panels
- -25°C to -18°C (Deep Freezer): 150mm panels
- Below -25°C (Blast Freezer): 200mm panels
Why Thickness Matters
Panel thickness directly affects the U-value (thermal transmittance). A lower U-value means better insulation. For example, a 50mm PUF panel has a U-value of approximately 0.44 W/m²·K, while a 120mm panel drops to 0.18 W/m²·K — more than twice as effective.
Cost vs Performance
Thicker panels cost more upfront but save significantly on electricity over the life of the cold room. For a -18°C freezer in Karachi's 45°C summer, upgrading from 100mm to 120mm can reduce your electricity bill by 15-20% annually.
Our Recommendation
Always go one step thicker than the minimum requirement. The extra insulation pays for itself within 2-3 years through energy savings alone.