Wine Cellar Insulation and the Crucial Components of Wine Cellar Construction

The design and construction of a custom wine cellar in Chicago are likened to transforming a room into a giant refrigerator.  The key to controlling and maintaining the ideal climate conditions for storing and aging wines is a properly constructed wine storage room.  This implies that, aside from installing a climate control system, wine cellar insulation and vapor barriers must also be applied to the wall surface of the storage space.

Wine Cellar Construction Chicago

Wine Cellar Construction Chicago

Wine cellar insulation is a significant component of wine cellar construction because it helps keep the temperature and humidity levels stable, as well as prevents mold and mildew growth.  Installing the proper grade of insulation is essential to achieving the right moisture control and ensures the efficiency of a climate-controlled wine cellar.

There is a range of building insulation materials that wine cellar builders can use in wine cellar construction Chicago, such as rigid foam, fiberglass batts, and blow-in insulation.  Insulation with a minimum of R-19 thickness is required for the walls and R-30 for the ceiling.  Basically, insulation materials with a high R-value have good thermal insulating properties.

Vapor Barrier for Wine Cellar Insulation

Vapor Barrier for Wine Cellar Insulation

A vapor barrier is a damp-proofing material, specifically designed to prevent external moisture accumulation and transfer through the wall surface.  Its primary function is to shield the building envelope and insulation against serious moisture damage.  Vapor diffusion retarders also restrict air leakage through the wall and wall components.

Proper placement of vapor barriers is always on the warm side of the insulation.  Installing vapor barriers on the cold side will allow condensation to form and cause damage to the wall surface.  If vapor diffusion retarders cannot be installed on the outside walls and ceiling, wine cellar builders in Chicago apply them within the storage space by encasing the entire building envelope in plastic.

Wine cellar insulation and vapor barriers protect a wine storage room against the diffusion of warm moist air through the walls.  When warm air from the outside commingles with the cool air of a wine cellar space, condensation starts to form.  The presence of condensation can lead to mold and mildew growth that will cause damage to the walls, as well as to the wine collectibles.

Another crucial component of wine cellar construction is proper cooling equipment.  The optimum wine storage temperature and humidity are between 55 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 to 75 percent, respectively.  Wine cellar cooling units are engineered to help maintain the ideal levels of temperature and relative humidity.  With insulation and vapor barriers in place, climate control systems can create the best possible environment for storing and aging wine collectibles.

Wine Cellar Cooling Unit for Wine Cellar Insulation

Wine Cellar Cooling Unit for Wine Cellar Insulation

Wine cellar refrigeration systems come in a variety of designs that can accommodate various needs and applications.  The three primary types of wine cellar cooling units are self-contained through the wall cooling units, ductless split climate control systems, and ducted-split refrigeration systems.  Each unit has its own unique features, but all are specifically engineered to provide optimal wine storage conditions.

Wine Cellar SPecialists - Wine Cellar Builders

Wine Cellar Specialists – Wine Cellar Builders

When deciding to install a custom wine cellar, whether it is a private wine storage room or a large-scale commercial wine room, consulting with professional wine cellar builders and designers is highly recommended.  These professional wine cellar construction Chicago experts can help design, build and install a dedicated custom wine room wherein wine collectibles can age to perfection.

Click here to check out wine cellar construction projects in Chicago – https://www.customwinecellarschicago.com/.

Spray Foam Insulation For Top Quality Projects

New, better solutions are now available for high-end custom wine cellar construction, we now recommend using spray foam insulation. Polyurethane spray foam offers dramatically better climate control and removes the need to install a separate vapor barrier. If you want the best for your wine cellar installation call Wine Cellar Specialists +1 (773) 234-0112 and ask about the latest in spray in foam solutions.

Wine Storage – Some Basic Do’s and Don’ts of Storing Your Wine Collection

Proper storage is crucial to maintaining and preserving the quality of wines.  Wines have the ability to improve their taste and flavor when stored under excellent conditions.  However, they can deteriorate just as easily if exposed to unfavorable environmental factors, such as excessive light, temperature, humidity, odor, and vibration.

Wine Storage - The Do's and Don'ts

Wine Storage – The Do’s and Don’ts

Regardless of whether your wines are stored in a cellar, placed in a wine rack in a corner, or stacked neatly in a closet, following a few basic wine storage rules will help ensure that the taste and flavor of your collection will remain something for you to enjoy for a long period of time.

Wines need to be stored in dark places.  They should be kept away from harmful light sources, such as fluorescent light and ultraviolet rays.  Exposure to incandescent light can adversely affect the chemical compounds in wines and lead to premature development.

Wine Cellar Design, Proper Lighting, Climate Control & Insulation

 Wine Cellar Design, Proper Lighting, Climate Control & Insulation

In choosing a lighting system for your storage space, LED light bulbs are a good option.  LED-based lighting is energy efficient and emits less heat.  Installing light timers and dimmer switches can help reduce the amount of light that your wines are exposed to on a daily basis as well.

Regulating temperature and humidity levels is essential to maintaining wine quality.  The ideal storage temperature is between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  Fluctuating temperatures can accelerate the aging process and irreversibly damage wine.  As to humidity level, keeping it within 60% to 75% should be enough to prevent the cork from drying out and restrict potential mold growth.

If the storage space is designed to be a climate-controlled environment, the size and configuration of the cooling system should be considered during the wine cellar design phase of the project.  A proper wine cellar cooling system will efficiently provide a stable wine storage environment.

Wine Cellar Construction

Wine Cellar Construction

During wine cellar construction, it is important to outfit your storage space with proper insulation and vapor barriers.  Insulation will help maintain the desired temperature, while vapor barriers will help contain condensation build-up.  These features provide better moisture control for your wine room and ensure that the cooling system will function to its full potential.

Although wine bottles can be stored either vertically or horizontally, it is recommended to store them on their sides to keep the cork in constant contact with the wine.  This prevents it from drying out, which can cause oxidation and spoil the wine. Wine racks are built to hold wine bottles the right way.  They are designed with a tilt that allows wine bottles to be stored at an angle.

Keep your wine bottles away from food or household items that give off pungent odors.  Unsavory smells can seep in through the cork and taint the wine.  Wherever you choose to keep your wine bottles, make sure that the storage space has proper ventilation, which helps improve the air quality in your wine room.

Vibration can also have a negative influence on the chemistry of wine.  It has been said that vibration can be a contributing factor in the premature aging of wines.  Avoid storing wines near machinery that produce vibratory motion.  For wines to mature nicely, they require not only a stable environment but also a quiet atmosphere.

Therefore, it is important that you choose a wine cellar construction company that can help you come up with a wine cellar design that will safeguard your precious wines. You can visit these web pages to get started:
http://www.winecellarspec.com/
http://www.winecellarspec.com/wine-cellars/
http://www.winecellarspec.com/wine-cellars/#gallery

Wine Cellar Specialist, an Award-Winning Wine Cellar Builder

Wine Cellar SPecialists – Award-Winning Wine Cellar Project
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In November 2012, Wine Cellar Specialists won the Dallas Builders Association ARC

ARC Awards for Wine Cellars SPecialists

ARC Awards for Wine Cellars SPecialists

Award for converting a small kitchen pantry into a fully functional, climate-controlled wine cellar.  This wine cellar project was created for the Dann family in Frisco, Dallas.
The family wanted to transform their underutilized kitchen pantry under the stairs into custom wine cellars Dallas Texas.  The design phase of the project started out with a free 3D illustration provided by Nancy Noga, the owner of Wine Cellar Specialists.  The 3D design provides a preview of what the actual wine closet would look like, as well as outlines the type of racking system.

Click here to contact Wine Cellar SPecialists

Wine Cellar Construction Dallas

Wine cellar construction began by installing green board interior walls, along with proper insulation and vapor barriers.  All these materials are necessary to maintain proper climate conditions for storing and aging wines.

The addition of the racking system was the most challenging part of the construction phase.  Since the kitchen pantry was located under the stairs, the wine closet had a slanted ceiling.  In order to address this architectural impediment, the builders installed a waterfall wine rack that perfectly matched the contours of the ceiling.

The waterfall racking system was placed on the left wall of the wine storage room.  It has 13 ½ inch depth with 1 ½ inch toe kick and base molding and 2 ¾ inch crown molding at the top.  Diamond X storage bins with a horizontal rack above and a little serving table were installed on the back wall.  Diamond bins are ideal for bulk storage because they can hold wine bottles of various sizes.

Racking systems with horizontal reveal display rows were also installed on the back wall, which allow the collector to showcase his favorite wine labels.  A six-inch deep horizontal display rack was placed on the right wall near the entryway.  All the racking systems are designed to hold 750 ml wine bottles.

Watch this video to see the wine cellar design process.

Custom Wine Cellars Dallas Texas

The builders used mahogany in constructing the racking system and had it lacquered in order to achieve a beautiful effect.  For the cellar entryway, they opted to install a Tuscan wine cellar door which has an automatic bottom feature that helps prevent scratching of the wine cellar flooring.

For the refrigeration system, the builders decided to use a US Cellar Systems RM 2600 split system.  In order to hide the cooling unit from view, they built a unique case and grille using the same wood material used in constructing the wine storage racks.
LED-based spotlights were used to highlight wine labels and to set the right mood inside the wine closet.  Lighting systems that are LED-based are ideal for wine cellar use because they produce less heat compared to regular light bulbs.  They are extremely energy efficient and are not susceptible to vibration and breakage.

The wine closet was originally built to hold 496 wine bottles, but upon completion, the Dann family was able to store 514 wine bottles.
Wine Cellar Specialists is the recipient of the 2012 ARC Award for the Best Wine Cellar Remodel, which is a true testament to their commitment to exemplary design skills and work quality.

Click here to read more about this great news – http://www.winecellarspec.com/the-awarded-project-the-dallas-custom-wine-cellars-frisco-texas-job/.

Building a Wine Cellar – What are the Key Elements Involved?

There are plenty of reasons wine lovers would want to invest in their own wine cellar.  For starters, a wine cellar is equipped with a climate control system that allows your wine collection to age in optimal conditions.  Having your own wine cellar also provides convenience, which means no more running to the nearest liquor store whenever you feel like pairing your meal with your favorite brand when you have guests to entertain.

There are several key things that you need to consider before building a wine cellar.  The first is to establish a budget that will guide you through the selection process of your materials and design elements.

Location is also one of the primary things to consider because it will influence the cost of maintaining your wine cellar in the long run.  Hence, you must choose the coolest and most humid place to build your wine cellar.

Dave's Custom Wine Cellar Chicago Illinois

Dave’s Custom Wine Cellar Chicago Illinois

Next, determine the storage capacity of your wine cellar.  This will help you decide which type of racking system to use.  Your wine cellar must have enough space for additional wine bottles in case you decide to increase your inventory.

Another important element to consider is climate control.  Temperature and humidity should be regulated at all times to ensure that your wines will age well.  Installing a wine cellar cooling system and proper insulation will most certainly get the job done and keep the climate conditions in your wine cellar balanced.

US Cellar Systems offers wine cellar cooling units both for residential and commercial wine cellars. You can check out their products at their website http://www.winecellarrefrigerationsystems.com/.

A wine cellar not only provides a safe haven for your wine collection but also reflects your personal taste.  Although the main goal of wine cellar construction is to create an ideal environment for your wines, do not neglect the aesthetic aspects of the structure.  Design elements such as flooring materials, lighting, and furniture contribute greatly to the overall appearance of your wine cellar.  What better way to entertain guests and showcase your wine collection than in a wine cellar that exudes charm and elegance?

Custom Wine Cellar Goldberg Project

Custom Wine Cellar Goldberg Project

Wine cellar design is all about giving your storage room a personality.  It combines architectural structure and design schemes in order to create a tasteful environment that is conducive to your wine collection.  Wine cellar design involves picking out the right material for your cellar flooring, the type of lighting system, and furniture style.

There are various types of flooring materials that you can choose from cork, wood, and vintage barrels among them.  If you are eco-conscious, then cork flooring is suited for you.  It is naturally resistant to mold or insect infestation and it can help reduce noise and vibration.  Wood is another popular flooring material because it can match an array of decoration schemes.  It is also very sturdy and highly durable.  If you want your wine cellar to have an old-world appearance, then vintage barrels are the flooring material for you.  Vintage barrels feature distinct markings that add to their unique appeal.

Custom Wine Cellar Lighting

Custom Wine Cellar Lighting

Your choice of lighting should be enough to allow you to read the wine labels, but not too bright to cause heat in the room and damage your wines.  Wine cellar furniture pieces like wine racks and tabletop counters should complement the look of your wine cellar, as they will give your storage room a very stylish and classic environment.