WhisperKool 17-1103, XLT Preparing Wine Cellar, Wall & Ceiling Framing, Insulation, Vapor Barrier

PREPARING THE

WINE CELLAR

The performance and life of your WhisperKOOL System are contingent upon the steps you take in preparing the wine cellar.

It is highly recommended that you obtain the assistance of a wine storage professional.

Wine storage professionals work with licensed contractors, refrigeration technicians, and racking companies to build well-insulated, beautiful, and protective wine cellars. In some areas of the country, these professionals are not available. We have put together some useful tips to assist in the installation process.

Our recommendations are meant to act as a guide in the process of building a proper enclosure. Your intended location may have specific needs that we do not address.

Wall & Ceiling Framing

Build wine cellar walls using standard 2x4 or 2x6 construction methods and ceiling joists following the guidelines of local and state codes in your area. The general rule for a cellar is the thicker the walls, the higher the insulation factor, the better the cellar remains at a consistent temperature.

Insulation

Insulation is REQUIRED with the use of the WhisperKOOL product; 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. 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.R19 is used in a 2x6 wall. It is important to use the correct insulation for the wall thickness.

Vapor Barrier

Vapor barrier is REQUIRED if a climate control cooling unit is installed to keep the cellar at the correct temperature and humidity. 6mm plastic sheeting is applied to the warm 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 and ceiling must be wrapped in plastic for a complete vapor barrier.

In areas of humidity, such as the southern and gulf states, the vapor barrier will prevent infiltration of warm moist air. The moist air can cause mold to form. The cooling unit will strip excessive moisture from the air and create water, which will need to be dissipated back out of the cellar using the Condensate Evaporator system or drain line. In dry climates, the vapor barrier will provide more control over retaining the higher correct humidity within the cellar.

Ducting

The unit is designed to exhaust into an open area. In situations where ducting may be necessary, Vinothèque Wine Cellars provides a specially designed ducting accessory kit for the XLT unit. Please contact Customer Service to order the ducting accessory kit by phone

(800)343-9463. Using any other ducting system voids warranty. Sheet rock must be applied in the exhaust room with no vapor barrier or insulation exposed. Failure to complete the wine cellar voids the warranty.

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