The Best Insulation For Walk In Coolers And Freezers
Polyurethane Foam: Best in performance, best for your budget and best for the environment
By using the savings calculator, it’s easy to see how polyurethane insulation makes a huge difference in the cost of ownership of a walk-in cooler or freezer. But polyurethane also has several other advantages you may not be familiar with.
Polyurethane Has Higher Reliability
- Polyurethane foam permanently adheres to metal panels adding strength and reliability
- Superior moisture resistance due to polyurethane’s 97% closed cell content
- Polyurethane is a thermoset material which means it won’t melt and, because of its ability to resist fire, polyurethane earns a UL Class 1 rating.
Polyurethane Allows Soft Nose Panel Design

Soft nose panels have edges made of the same polyurethane foam as the rest of the panel for an airtight fit.
- Soft nose design means there is no hard rail or wood along the panel edge. Panel edges are made of the same polyurethane foam as the rest of the panel.
- With softer, more flexible edges, soft nose panels fit together better than other types making them more airtight and energy efficient. See our recent article for more about panel construction types.
- Polystyrene panels generally have a hard rail edge made of the same material and glued to the panel. Their edges are less flexible and less insulating because they don’t seal as thoroughly as soft nose.
Polyurethane Walk In Cooler Panels Are More Eco-Friendly
- An environmentally-friendly blowing agent with global warming potential of 1 to meet EPA , SNAP and CARB guidelines
- Our standard 4-inch-thick polyurethane panels typically have an R-value of 32 which meets or surpasses DOE regulations. Reduced energy usage makes polyurethane more sustainable and better for the environment. See the comparison chart below.
Polyurethane insulation provides a higher R-value than polystyrene.