Plastic sheeting (6 mil) is applied to the HOT side of the cellar walls. The vapor barrier must be either applied to the outside walls and ceiling, or if it is impossible to get to the outside, then the plastic must be applied from within the cellar.
The most common method is to wrap the entire interior, leaving the plastic loose in the stud cavity so the insulation can be placed between each stud. All walls, ceiling and floor must be wrapped in plastic for a complete vapor barrier.
Insulation is REQUIRED if a climate control cooling unit is going to be used. The R factor or thickness of insulation is determined by the thickness of the walls and ceiling. For example, fiberglass insulation of R13 is designed to be used in a 2x4 wall while R19 is used in a 2.6 wall. It is important to use the correct insulation for the wall thickness.
A minimum of R13 should be applied to the walls of a cellar. R19-R30 is recommended in the ceiling. Standard "Fiberglass" or "Rigid Foam" insulation is normally used in cellar construction, or in some cases, blown in insulation is used. It is very important that all walls and ceiling be insulated to keep the cellar temperature as consistent as possible during the summer and winter months.
Most commonly used is cedar or redwood (depending upon the racking materials) tongue and groove material applied to the walls and ceiling (consult with an Apex representative). This T&G 1x4 paneling is the same wood species as the racking material which makes for a very uniform look throughout the cellar. Stone or granite are also used as a wall covering material.
One of the most common problems with cooling units running continually is due to not sealing the door properly. Solid core doors or doors with a full glass insert are most often used. Glass doors must have at least double pane tempered glass. Apex offers both solid wood doors in standard and "old world" antique styles as well as glass etching as an option to those who want their glass insert wine door to look extra special.
Different types of spot lights are used to highlight picture openings, table areas, or large format display bottles. It is recommended that all lighting be on a timer system so they can't be left on for long periods of time. Lights cause excess heat and will cause the cooling equipment to over work itself.
For larger cellars we provide commercial refrigeration equipment that must be installed by a certified refrigeration expert. Consult with an Apex sales representative to assist with sizing the correct cooling unit, and to get installation and power supply instructions.
Passive cellars are rooms that are built below ground level. The natural ground temperature will be consistent at about 55 degrees to protect your wine for long term storage and no cooling equipment is required.
Cedar is more of a brown tone and lighter in color, where redwood is a more reddish tone and darker. Apex will send wood samples at no charge. Other woods are available on a special order basis. The racking design ideas are endless.
Apex has a design department ready to give you CAD layouts to customize the racking system to match your exact storage needs. (Consult with an Apex sales representative for design ideas and features for your custom cellar project).
Return Home