{"id":31057,"date":"2024-11-07T16:14:38","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T16:14:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.speedrackwest.com\/?post_type=blog&p=31057"},"modified":"2026-02-04T11:00:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T11:00:13","slug":"mezzanine-floors-cold-storage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/blog\/mezzanine-floors-cold-storage\/","title":{"rendered":"Mezzanine Floors in Cold Storage Facilities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Why is a cold storage mezzanine floor beneficial?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don’t have to take our word for it. Let us give you some data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the latest study by the University of Michigan<\/a>, nearly half of the food waste, about 620 million tonnes<\/strong>, could be eliminated by fully refrigerated food supply chains worldwide. Furthermore, the study published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Research Letters indicates that fully refrigerated supply chains have the potential to reduce the emissions of climate-warming greenhouse gases associated with food waste by 41%<\/strong> globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The researchers had been modeling food losses to find out where the cold chain can be improved to reduce food losses and emissions. Of course, every company and supply chain is characterized by unique features, but most use cold storage. This directs our focus toward an efficient organization of storage volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s look at the mezzanine floor. Cold storage facilities<\/a> are typically equipped with refrigeration systems to maintain consistently low temperatures. Different products need a specific temperature. For example, pharmaceuticals need about 35\u00b0F-46\u00b0F<\/strong>, fruits and vegetables 30-40\u00b0F<\/strong>, the temperature for meat and fish is about 32-36\u00b0F<\/strong>, and frozen foods should be -10\u00b0F to 0\u00b0F<\/strong>. With a mezzanine, you can add a level to your cold storage space and physically get more storage options. So, what benefits can you expect from a mezzanine floor?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The advantages of a mezzanine floor rack type cold storage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Increased capacity through efficient use of space.<\/strong> While some researchers say that a mezzanine floor takes up to 25%<\/strong> of a building’s floor area or less, others point out that it depends on the mezzanine floor type. You can place it in any storage area and position it to fit a specific and well-defined purpose: combine it with conveyors<\/a>, a racking system<\/a>, or set it above a dock or production equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easy access and compatibility with other equipment.<\/strong> You can use stairs, elevators, or even lifting tables (platforms) to access the mezzanine floor. It can be automated and contains a shelving system inside.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Customizable design and individual layout.<\/strong> It is your business, your rules. Mezzanine rack type cold storage is always designed with your unique storage requirements in mind. You choose the layout, type, size, structure styles, and floor material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Save on energy costs.<\/strong> With a mezzanine, you can maximize natural light and maintain proper air circulation. This will have a positive impact on both employee well-being and energy consumption.
Please note that the design and installation must be carried out according to the load capacity of the intended use. As we’ve said<\/a>, the International Building Code (IBC) parameters define the allowable minimum to heavy load in pounds per square foot (PSF) distributed over the platform. For instance, from 60 to 90 PSF <\/strong>(minimum use\u2014conveyors or maintenance with limited access) to 250 PSF <\/strong>(storage warehouse\u2014heavy\/heavy manufacturing). Mezzanines should be built to the full expected load-bearing capacity of the intended use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brief view of mezzanine floor types for cold storage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We can divide the mezzanine floors as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Structural:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n