This is my last article on creating your own cold storage bin, I've really enjoyed making this series. For this article I'm going to go over creating custom airtight doors and some general theory so you can easily adapt these plans and build your own cold storage bin, or cold storage room. The theory works the same in both cases but the work and expense increase dramatically as you scale up.
I used an image of my "completed" root cellar followed by a small diagram to contrast the whole vs the individual components that make the bin functional and mold free. Creating that custom air sealing lock can be a challenge so I thought I would do my best to explain it here. Once my storage bin was in place and attached to the facing wall I had a unique opening to match.
I had kept the pieces I had cut from the plywood so I laid them in place and traced a template from them. You will need to then use your template to begin fashioning a door. For my first layer I used a worn out foam exercise tile, its easy to just marker on an outline and then use an exacto knife or scissors to cut out your rough outline. Once you have your new template take it back to the opening and adjust it fit perfectly. I used some leftover R20 rigid foam insulation to add my second layer to the door and tuck taped the heck out of it.
In the end of was really happy how I turned some leftovers into a great insulated door that fits perfectly. there is a small handhold you can see at the bottom middle of the door where you slide your fingers in to flip the door out. At this point your cold storage is essentially done, but if you would like to have it keep cool in the summer an exterior door will need to be added. In my case a small bare sloped shed will be made and an old screen door painted black then white will make a hatch. By having trapped air between the cellar and the warm summer heat you can maintain that low 9Celsius all year round.
I'm hoping lots of people see this article, looking forward to taking questions and having a discussion about building below ground cold storage units!
Links to my previous articles can be found here:
https://steemit.com/permaculture/@mobios/secure-your-food-vault
https://steemit.com/permaculture/@mobios/save-your-harvest-like-your-cryptos
https://steemit.com/gardening/@mobios/a-look-at-my-seed-garlic
https://steemit.com/gardening/@mobios/update-on-my-latest-fall-plantings
