Right arrow Drainage and Defrost Behaviour

Drainage and Defrost Water on Cold Floors

Q: Why do ice patches appear away from drains?

Water can migrate along joints, wheel paths and subtle slopes before freezing, so ice often forms where the floor is coldest rather than at the drain itself.

Q: How does traffic influence water migration?

Traffic can push thin water films along aisles or sideways into colder zones, increasing the chance of refreezing and slip risk.

In cold storage facilities, water movement is controlled less by rainfall and more by defrost cycles, cleaning routines and temperature transitions. If drainage paths, falls and surface details are not aligned with how defrost water is released and refreezes, floors can become persistently icy in the same locations. We treat drainage behaviour as part of the wider cold storage warehouse flooring strategy, so water is guided away from traffic and containment zones rather than allowed to migrate unpredictably.

20 +

Years
Managing Water in Cold Stores

Defrost water often emerges at ceiling evaporators, coils and door air curtains before travelling across floors that remain below freezing. Where falls are shallow, drains are poorly positioned or joints have opened, this water can refreeze in thin films that are difficult to spot. These effects overlap with the traction risks described in slip risk and ice formation and interact with the movement behaviour discussed in joint movement and cracking.

How Defrost Cycles Change Floor Conditions

During defrost cycles, ice accumulated on evaporators melts and is released as liquid water. In many cold stores this occurs while floor temperatures remain well below freezing, so any delay in drainage allows water to refreeze on contact with the slab. Even small volumes can spread widely if the floor has minimal falls or if wheel traffic pushes water along preferred paths.

On new facilities, these risks are considered during concrete slab installation, where falls, drain placement and joint layout are planned around defrost discharge points. On existing floors where water repeatedly freezes in the same zones, resurfacing can be used to re establish falls and remove low spots that trap water. In warmer ante rooms and service corridors where water remains liquid for longer, polished concrete may support faster run off and easier inspection when drainage routes are well defined.

Factors That Influence Water Migration on Cold Floors

Location and frequency of defrost discharge.
Floor falls and local flatness around drains.
Joint openings that divert water along edges.
Traffic patterns that push water into aisles.
Temperature differences between zones.

Where Defrost Water Problems Appear First

Water related floor issues in cold stores tend to recur in predictable locations linked to defrost release, movement routes and temperature transitions rather than appearing randomly.

Beneath evaporators and cooling coils.

Door thresholds between frozen and ambient zones.

Low points created by joint movement or repairs.

Turning areas where wheels push water sideways.

Drain surrounds with damaged edges or falls.

Right arrow Our Approach

How We Control Water on Cold Floors

STAGE 1

Reviewing Defrost and Cleaning Water Sources

We identify where and when water is released during defrost and cleaning, and how it enters the floor surface under normal operation.

Double arrows STAGE 2

Mapping Falls, Joints and Drain Performance

We assess whether falls guide water toward drains or away from them, and how joint openings or repairs alter migration paths.

Double arrows STAGE 3

Defining Floor Adjustments That Reduce Refreezing

We define level corrections, edge repairs and surface choices that reduce standing water and limit where refreezing can occur.

Separating Water Source From Ice Location

Ice often forms away from the defrost outlet. Understanding migration routes prevents treating the wrong area.

Using Falls to Control Run Off

Even shallow falls influence where thin water films travel before freezing.

Protecting Drains and Their Edges

Damaged drain surrounds trap water and create repeat ice points under traffic.

Aligning Traffic Routes With Drainage

Traffic can push water into colder zones unless routes and falls work together.

Get a Quote for Cold Store Drainage Works

We help cold storage operators manage defrost water, drainage behaviour and ice risk across frozen and transitional areas.

Email: info@warehouseflooringsolutions.co.uk
Phone: +44 7813 957982
Unit 38 Neath Abbey Business Park
Neath Abbey
SA10 7DR

Right arrow FAQ

Cold Store Drainage Common Questions

Why does defrost water refreeze on cold store floors?

Defrost water is released as liquid while floor temperatures often remain below freezing. If drainage is slow or water spreads across cold surfaces, it refreezes quickly, forming thin ice films rather than obvious puddles.

Can small floor level changes affect drainage?

Yes. Minor low spots, joint steps or uneven repairs can interrupt water flow, causing water to collect and freeze even when overall falls appear adequate.

Why do ice patches appear away from drains?

Water can travel along joints, wheel paths and subtle slopes before freezing. Ice often forms where the floor is coldest rather than where water first emerges.

How does traffic influence water migration?

Forklifts and pallet trucks can push thin water films sideways or along aisles, moving water into colder zones where it refreezes and increases slip exposure.

When should drainage behaviour be reviewed?

Drainage should be reviewed when ice repeatedly forms in the same locations, after changes to defrost routines, or following floor movement or repairs that may have altered falls.