How To Install A Walk-In

Edited 6-13-24

Are you in the market for a new walk-in cooler or freezer but concerned about installation? Contacting multiple installers and getting quotes can undoubtedly be a hassle, not to mention worrying about the quality and cost of the work.

The simple answer is to have a manufacturer like Master-Bilt coordinate your installation so you can be confident of a job well done at a fair price.

Master-Bilt has installation capabilities across the U.S., and we can assist with jobs of any size. For added peace of mind, we back our installations with the same warranty as our products.

While this article is a comprehensive installation guide, it’s crucial to note that only qualified personnel should install a walk-in. Also, only licensed electricians or refrigeration contractors should handle electrical and refrigeration connections. Safety and professional assistance are paramount in this process. If you are not qualified, please leave it to the professionals.

Items Needed For Walk-In Installation

To begin with, you will need a few items for uncrating and installing your walk-in cooler or freezer, including:
• Level
• Tape measure
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Hammer
• Metal snips
• Pry bar
• Phillips screwdriver
• Allen wrench
• Utility knife
• Square
• Drill driver

Unpacking And Inspecting Your Walk-In

As soon as your walk-in arrives, check the delivery receipt for the number of pieces in the shipment and ensure the number of pallets, boxes, or crates matches that number.

Examine the general condition of the shipment and carefully inspect all parts for shipping damage as soon as you finish unpacking. Look for torn shrink wrap or pierced cardboard, and contact Master-Bilt immediately if you find any damage.

Manuals, Diagrams And Parts

After the initial inspection, locate the hardware bag containing the installation manual, assembly drawings, wiring diagrams and parts that shipped along with your walk-in. The bag also includes a detailed packing list.

Please take a moment to read the instructions provided with your walk-in to ensure a seamless installation.

Walk-In Cam-Lock Operation

Walk-in panels are connected by cam-locking latches. When learning how to install a walk-in, knowing how the cam-locks operate is necessary. During the cam-locking process, the arm of one lock extends into a lock in the opposite panel and over a locking pin. Turning the lock brings panels together for a secure seal.

For proper operation of the cam-locks, first position the walk-in panels so that you face the panel’s interior, with the vertical latch access holes on the left side.

Then, ensure all locking arms are in the “open” position before locking panels together. In the open position, the locking arm is inside the panel and will not be visible. Use a 5/16 inch hex wrench, supplied with the walk-in, to activate the locks.

The locking arm is visible when the cam-lock is in the closed position. DO NOT attempt to assemble panels in the closed position.

Before locking the panels together, make sure the walk-in cooler cam-lock is in the open position and the locking arm is not visible.

Push the panels together and turn the cam-wrench a quarter turn clockwise. This will engage the locking arm inside one panel over the locking pin in the other. Continue to turn the cam-wrench for a half turn or until the panels are fastened together securely.

Turn the cam wrench a quarter turn clockwise to engage the lock.

Continue to turn the cam-wrench for a half turn or until panels are fastened together securely.

It’s important to remember not to overtighten cam fasteners. When the rotation of the cam-wrench stops due to normal tightening, the fastener has gone as far as it should. Overtightening will break the cam fastener, and the panels will not latch properly.

Ceiling And Wall Clearances

If you are installing a walk-in next to an existing building wall, allow a minimum of two inches between walk-in walls and building walls. The extra space compensates for irregularities in building construction and provides air space, which increases the walk-in’s efficiency.

Leveling And Preparing The Foundation

The first and most crucial step in constructing your walk-in is to ensure it is on a level surface. If the surface your walk-in is sitting on is not perfectly level, it will impact its overall fit and finish. Leveling methods will be different for floorless or floored walk-ins.

Before beginning installation, place an appropriate vapor barrier over the surface that the walk-in will occupy.

Walk-In With Floor Installation

If your walk-in has a floor, consult the construction diagram to find the first panel needed. Typically, start with a corner at the back of the walk-in and work toward the front.

As you position the first floor panel, ensure it is level front to back and left to right. Place shims between the existing surface and the floor panels if you need to level.

Shims should be rot-resistant wood, galvanized metal strips, or another sturdy material that will not deteriorate due to weather. To provide adequate support, shims under floor panels must be on 18-inch centers or less and across both the length and width of the panels.

Continue laying additional floor panels and leveling before cam-locking the panels together.

Floorless Walk-In Installation

You must attach panels to screeds supplied with your walk-in for walk-ins without a floor and using the existing building floor.

If the existing surface is not level, you must place shims under the screeds or wall panels, like in a walk-in with a floor. The shims must be 4 or 5 inches wide to match the thickness of the wall panels or screeds and placed every eight inches or less.

When the entire screed assembly is leveled, carefully and without disturbing the shims, lift the screed sections, tip them upside down and apply a heavy bead of construction sealant. This sealant, supplied with your walk-in, should be applied to the bottom along the edges that contact the building floor surface.

Next, seal all screed joints with sealant. Make a final check for squareness and levelness. Then, secure the screed assembly to the building floor with fasteners that are appropriate for the building floor.

Wall And Ceiling Assembly

At this point, you are ready to install the walls and ceiling. Select the first panel, typically beginning with a corner.

Position the corner properly on the walk-in floor or in the vinyl screed assembly. And, if the walk-in has a floor, flush the corner panel with the corner of the floor panel in both directions and lock it securely in place.

Select the next panel, as shown on the floor plan, and place it next to the corner. Align the panels at the top and turn the cam-lock latches along the vertical edge until they are entirely engaged. Then, engage the latches to the floor panels.

Install your walk-in in sections with opposite walls going up first and then the corresponding ceiling panel. This method allows ceiling panels to serve as supports between opposite walls as the installation progresses.

When installing the ceiling panels, be careful to avoid gasket damage. Lift the panels and set them in place rather than slide them across the wall panels’ top.
After the adjoining ceiling panels are in position, adjust the exterior edges so they are flush with one another and with the wall panels directly below them. Lock the ceiling panels securely to each other.

Only lock ceiling panels to the walls once all ceiling panels are in place. Start with cam-locking ceiling panels together to adjust the entire assembly and make it flush with the walls.

As you assemble your walk-in, make sure the panels are aligned correctly across the top.

Door And Frame Installation

When you finish the walk-in construction, checking the door section’s alignment is essential. Place a carpenter’s level against the door frame leg or inside the opening to ensure it is vertically aligned. Also, place the level against the face of the door frame to ensure correct vertical alignment.

If the alignment is off, you can unlock and adjust the door section. Check to make sure the door is seated correctly in the frame. The gap between the door and frame should be uniform on all sides.

One of the last things to check is the door sweep gasket along the bottom. The sweep should touch the floor lightly but not bind or stop the door from closing. If the sweep is too high or too low, adjust it by loosening the screws along the gasket. Retighten when the sweep is at the correct height.

Check the walk-in door sweep gasket along the bottom and adjust as needed.

Floorless walk-ins will have slam braces on the backs of the doors. Secure the braces to the floor with appropriate fasteners.

After all panels are in place, re-check the positioning of the ceiling panels and lock them to the walls. Then, tap the plug buttons in place at all cam lock locations.

More Assistance With How To Install A Walk-In

Although all installations are different, the procedures outlined in this article should ensure success in most applications. For more information or to arrange installation services, don’t hesitate to contact our service team at 877-503-5253 or rsginstall@refsg.com.