Root Cellar Prefab

Root cellars can be an excellent way to extend the shelf life of fresh food products, providing protection from direct sunlight and other elements which could otherwise wreak havoc with fresh produce. An underground space provides optimal conditions, while also meeting humidity, temperature, ventilation and drainage standards – some people build them themselves, while others hire professional installers for installations beneath their home.

In the past, cellars were typically constructed out of stone or wood and consisted of one room. Insulation was added to ensure they could withstand cold temperatures and moisture conditions within. If given the chance, visiting old cellars is worthwhile as you’ll learn plenty from studying these historic structures.

Modern root cellars can be constructed out of various materials, from concrete and cinder blocks to recycled items like bricks or tires. Once constructed, insulation is added to both walls and roof to help regulate temperatures and prevent the growth of mold or mildew, while battery-powered vents regulate interior climate by opening/closing them at specific times during the day – an essential factor for keeping humidity at a reasonable level for fresh produce preservation.

Though it is possible to build your root cellar yourself, hiring a contractor can save time and money. A good contractor knows the ideal spot for your cellar, provides excavation services, constructs a cellar complete with an insulated hatch door, insulation, and ventilation as well as provides other needed services such as pipe laying or electrical wiring installation.

Installing a root cellar can significantly decrease your dependence on grocery stores and help prepare for emergencies more effectively. Furthermore, this move will also significantly decrease your carbon footprint since most products found in stores travel hundreds of miles before reaching consumers’ shelves. Furthermore, food stored in a cellar will likely contain more nutrition than anything found in supermarkets.

Root cellars can also be used to store fruits, vegetables, and canned goods that require being kept cool – this can extend their shelf life by as much as a year or more! Be mindful that only items suitable for storage in low, stable temperatures with high humidity levels should be placed inside a root cellar. Avoid storing apples, bananas and avocados that emit ethylene gas as this could compromise their quality and lifespan as well as those stored elsewhere in your cellar. In addition, regularly check its temperature. Root cellar temperatures must remain below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the food you store there. An old septic tank could even serve as the basis of a root cellar; just ensure its capacity exceeds 1,500 gallons!


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