Walk-in coolers are essential for many businesses that need to store perishable goods at a low temperature. However, these units also require proper maintenance and care, especially when it comes to their doors. One of the important components of a walk-in cooler door is the gasket, which is a flexible strip of material that creates a seal between the door and the frame and prevents cold air from escaping and warm air from entering. There are different types of gaskets you need to replace on your walk-in cooler door, depending on the design and configuration of the unit. In this blog, we’ll explain the different types of gaskets you need to replace on your walk-in cooler door and how to identify and replace them.
Magnetic Gaskets
Magnetic gaskets are the most common type of gasket you need to replace on your walk-in cooler door. They are responsible for sealing the door when you walk in or out. They are found on the main door and are usually thicker than other types of gaskets. They are also made of flexible materials such as PVC.
Magnetic gaskets work by using a magnet embedded in the gasket material that attracts to the metal frame of the door. This creates a tight seal that keeps the cold air inside and the warm air outside. However, over time, magnetic gaskets can wear out and lose their magnetism or become cracked or torn. This can result in air leaks, energy loss, temperature fluctuations, and product spoilage.
Wiper Gaskets
Wiper gaskets are another type of gasket that may need to be replace on your walk-in cooler door. They are used to prevent condensation and moisture from forming on the door or frame. They are found on the sides of the door and frame and are usually thinner than magnetic gaskets. They are also made of flexible materials such as rubber.
Wiper gaskets work by wiping away any moisture or condensation that may occur due to temperature differences between the inside and outside of the unit or due to frequent opening and closing of the door. This helps to prevent corrosion, rust, mold, or mildew from forming on the door or frame. However, over time, wiper gaskets can wear out and become brittle or cracked. This can result in water leaks, damage, or contamination.
Door Sweeps
Door sweeps are another type of gasket you may need to replace on your walk-in cooler door. They are used to seal the gap between the bottom of the door and the floor, keeping the cold air in and preventing warm air infiltration . They are found on the bottom edge of the door and are usually made of rubber or vinyl .
Door sweeps work by creating a barrier that blocks the air flow between the door and the floor. This helps to maintain the internal temperature and reduce the load on the refrigeration system. However, over time, door sweeps can wear out and become torn or detached. This can result in air leaks, energy loss, temperature fluctuations, and product spoilage.
Identify Issues
To identify if your gasket needs to be replaced, you can check for any signs of damage or malfunction, such as:
- Gaps or spaces between the gasket and the frame
- Cracks or tears in the gasket material
- Loose, sagging or missing gasket
- Difficulty opening or closing the door
- Water droplets or stains on the door or frame
- Frost or ice buildup on the door or frame
- Mold or mildew growth on the door or frame
To identify if your door sweep needs to be replaced, you can check for any signs of damage or malfunction, such as:
- Gaps or spaces between the sweep and the floor
- Cracks or tears in the sweep material
- Loose or missing sweep
- Difficulty opening or closing the door
- Frost or ice buildup on the door or floor
Replacing a Gasket
To measure for a replacement gasket on your walk-in cooler or freezer, begin at a top corner of the door and measure the width, taking care to include the entire width. Next, measure the height from the top of the door to the bottom. Be precise, as even a small discrepancy can affect the gasket’s effectiveness. Once you have these measurements, you can confidently choose a compatible replacement gasket that matches your unit’s specifications, ensuring a proper fit and a secure seal to maintain the desired temperature inside.
The steps involved in replacing your magnetic gasket include:
- Remove the screws that secure your gasket
- Removing your old gasket by grabbing a corner and pulling it out
- Installing your new gasket by snapping it into place along the groove or slot on the door
- Replace the screws
- Testing your new gasket for proper operation and seal
Wiper gaskets are available in 80″ pieces. Measure the height and width of your door carefully and cut the wiper gasket to fit.
The steps involved in replacing your wiper gasket include:
- Measuring your existing door and frame dimensions
- Cutting the gaskets to fit your door
- Removing your old gasket by pulling it off
- Installing your new gasket by sliding it into place along the edge of the door or frame
- Testing your new gasket for proper operation and seal
Door sweeps are available in two sizes, 3′ or 6′. Measure the width of your door to determine the size you will need.
The steps involved in replacing your door sweep:
- Measuring the width of your walk-in door
- Choosing a compatible replacement sweep that matches your unit’s specifications
- Removing your old sweep by removing the screws
- Installing your new sweep by sliding it into place along the bottom edge of the door and screwing it in
- Testing your new sweep for proper operation and seal
Conclusion
Walk-in coolers are valuable assets for many businesses that need to store perishable goods at a low temperature. However, they also require proper maintenance and care–especially the gaskets that prevent cold air from escaping and warm air from entering. There are different types of gaskets: magnetic; wiper; or door sweeps. They have different types of materials, features, and functions. By knowing the different types of gaskets you need to replace on your walk-in cooler door and how to identify and replace them, you can extend the lifespan of your walk-in and prevent costly repairs. If you need any assistance with finding quality walk-in cooler door gasket parts or services for your unit, feel free to contact us today. We have a wide range of products and solutions for your walk-in cooler needs.
