Are you building or renovating your wine cellar? As we highlighted last month Cellarworks, Inc (www.cellarworks.com) wanted to bring to your attention two important components that will make your cellar successful and unique. The first which is addressed in this newsletter is the subject of insulation and vapor barriers. The other is new technology that can be used to manage your wine cellar and collection. Using this new technology will not only allow you to know what is in your cellar real time but know the exact location of every bottle even if  they have been moved. But this is for next month. Lets first make sure the cellar is built properly........................

Not All Is Equal---
 

Why are we talking about cellar insulation and vapor barriers?
Because as the title suggests, not all insulation is equal. Since the huge increase of wine cellars in private residences in recent years, we have seen more and more cellars with vapor migration and mold problems. This is due in part to the incorrect idea that most anybody can build a cellar. Unfortunately, the problems that arise are not seen for months after the cellar is complete.

Why is insulation needed?      (see online diagram)
This gets very complicated but as a snapshot, when you create a working cellar, the temperature in the cellar will be different than that of the surrounding living area. This difference in temperature and humidity creates a lower air pressure in the cellar and the outside air moves inward. As the air moves inward the humidity in the air cools and starts to condensate. This is where the problem lies. This moisture builds up and saturates the walls and creates a desirable habitat for mold. You will also find the cooling unit working all the time and never able to catch up thus reducing the life of the system.

Is all insulation equal?   (see photos of  failed cellars)
No. This is the reason for the current discussion. R-value measures heat transfer. The higher the R-value the better protected you are. What determines your R-value is based on how it was installed and what material was used. We often find either the material used and or the application is incorrect. Fiberglass batting is often used but is the worst product for our application namely because it has a low R-value to begin with and being an open cell product, it will retain moisture over a period of time. Closed cell products are the best but are often difficult to work with and any vapor barrier must be treated carefully.

The solution?
Always stick with closed cell insulations. Make sure your vapor barrier is not violated during the installation. Make sure you have sufficient R-value on the walls and ceilings, 25 and 30 respectively. The best solution and one that addresses all these issues in one step is to have trained installers insulate your cellar. One company that offers this service along with "do it yourself" kits is Wine Cellar Insulation Systems, (www.cellartherm.com). They have a superior product designed for wine cellars that gives maximized R-value and unparallel vapor barrier protection. They have trained installers that will include a preliminary mold treatment to the organic materials in the cellar. Most cellars can be done in a day and the cost is comparable to less desirable methods. Have a look at their website for additional information on this subject or if you are experiencing any problems.

Amazing California Collection for Sale---
A private party in Napa is offering an amazing 4000 bottle wine collection representing all the collectable wines from Napa in the last 20 years. If you have an interest, we will be happy to forward to you the list and contact details. Just respond to this newsletter.

If you know  someone who would benefit from the above information or would enjoy receiving future newsletters, have them email us.

Have a great month and please send us your comments questions or  suggestions.