Question 1

How often should commercial refrigerator gaskets be replaced?

Accepted Answer

Most commercial refrigeration gaskets should be inspected every 6 months and replaced every 1–3 years, depending on usage and environment. High-traffic doors in busy kitchens may need replacement more frequently. Signs it's time include visible cracks, tears, mold growth, a loose or floppy seal, condensation around the door frame, or the door not closing tightly on its own.

Question 2

How do I know if my refrigerator gasket needs replacing?

Accepted Answer

The easiest test is the dollar-bill test: close the door on a dollar bill and try to pull it out. If it slides out easily, the seal is too weak. Other warning signs include visible tears, cracks, or hardening of the gasket material; condensation or frost buildup around the door frame; the door not staying closed on its own; and a noticeable increase in your energy bill.

Question 3

Do you offer free inspections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cal Gaskets provides complimentary on-site inspections for all commercial refrigeration units throughout Northern California. Our technicians will walk through your entire facility, check every door and drawer seal, inspect strip curtains, and document everything with photos. Most inspections take under an hour.

Question 4

What types of refrigeration units do you service?

Accepted Answer

We service virtually every type of commercial refrigeration unit, including walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, multi-door reach-in display cases, single-door upright refrigerators and freezers, undercounter refrigerators, prep-table drawers, and deli cases. We work with all major brands including True, Hussmann, Tyler, Turbo Air, Beverage-Air, Traulsen, and many more.

Question 5

What areas in Northern California do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Cal Gaskets is based in Hayward, CA, and serves the entire Northern California region including the San Francisco Bay Area (San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, Richmond, Concord), the Sacramento Valley (Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto), the North Bay (Santa Rosa, Napa, Vallejo, Fairfield), and communities along the coast from Monterey to Eureka.

Question 6

How much does it cost to replace a commercial refrigerator gasket?

Accepted Answer

The cost depends on the type and size of the unit, the gasket profile required, and the number of doors. Because we custom-fabricate every gasket to the exact dimensions of your doors, pricing varies. Schedule a free inspection for an accurate estimate — in most cases, the cost of a new gasket pays for itself within months through reduced energy bills.

Question 7

What are PVC strip curtains and why do I need them?

Accepted Answer

PVC strip curtains are clear, flexible plastic strips that hang in the doorway of walk-in coolers and freezers. They allow staff to walk through easily while blocking cold air from escaping. A properly installed set of strip curtains can reduce cold-air loss by up to 40%, translating directly into lower energy bills and more stable temperatures.

Question 8

Can a bad gasket cause a health inspection failure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Health inspectors check that refrigeration units maintain proper temperatures. A failing gasket allows warm air to enter the unit, causing temperature fluctuations that can push food into the danger zone (40°F–140°F). This can result in citations, required corrective actions, or even temporary closure. Replacing worn gaskets is one of the simplest ways to stay compliant.

Question 9

Do you install gaskets or just sell them?

Accepted Answer

Cal Gaskets is a full-service company — we custom-fabricate gaskets to the exact dimensions of your doors and install them on-site. Our technicians handle the entire process: measuring, fabricating, removing the old gasket, installing the new one, and verifying the seal. We also supply gaskets for customers who prefer to install them themselves.

Question 10

How long does a gasket replacement take?

Accepted Answer

A single gasket replacement typically takes 15–30 minutes per door. For larger jobs — like replacing gaskets on an entire row of multi-door cases or a walk-in unit — we can usually complete the work in a single visit. We schedule at times convenient for your operation, including early mornings or after hours.

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