Types of Interior Shipping Container Insulation

The most common types of interior insulation for shipping containers include:

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Styrofoam Insulation

Made of polystyrene, Styrofoam is the most cost-effective insulation, ideal for simple installation. It doesn't require the build-out of stud walls as the ready-made panels are simply glued to the walls. However, it also has the lowest R-value of just 4. This makes it the best solution if you only plan to use your container for storage or limited work, such as a workshop. It has a life of about 50 years, so you also won't have to worry about replacement any time soon.

Batt Insulation

This pink insulation is made of strands of fiberglass, mineral wool, or plastic fibers. If you plan to use your container as your full-time office, this is the best choice. However, it does require wood framing installation. Although the insulation is affordable, the installation process does make it more expensive than Styrofoam. The framing and layer of drywall or plywood required over top of the insulation add up. However, if you plan to use your container as a shipping container office, this is the best option to maintain a comfortable temperature. Batt insulation has an R-value ranging from 13 to 19 and will last up to 100 years.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam does not come in a solid form and requires a technician to use special equipment to spray it on the interior surfaces. The foam expands and hardens as it sets, creating a completely water-resistant, finished product. It doesn't require framing, so if you have a storage space or workshop where aesthetics isn't important, you can save money and leave it uncovered. It has a lifespan of 80 years and an R-value of 6 per inch of foam applied.

If you plan to use it as an office or a space such as a mobile boutique or event stall, it makes sense to invest in the finish-out. You'll reap several benefits over other types of insulation, including reduced external noise, no settling, and resistance to bacteria, mold and fungus. Because of this, it is also ideal for storing sensitive papers and documents as well as expensive equipment. Keep in mind it is the most expensive insulation, whether you finish it out or not.

Blown Insulation

Blown-in insulation is different from spray foam as it consists of loose solid materials like fiberglass or cellulose. The materials are 'blown-in,' which means there is a chance loose, tiny particles can remain in the air after installation. Another issue is that the loose materials settle, which means you might need to 'top it up' in just a few years. The R-value is 4.2 per inch of insulation.

Mineral Wool Insulation

Also known as rock wool and slag wool, this type of insulation is ideal when you want a non-flammable insulation option. It is more expensive because it requires steel framing for non-flammable structures. It has a high R-value of 13 when used on walls and 26 on the ceiling. As a result, it is very good at reducing external noise. It also repels water and is expected to last a lifetime.

How to Insulate a Shipping Container from the Outside

Exterior shipping container insulation can be applied even if you have the interior insulated. It works in hand with a cladding which can include:

Wood Siding

Wood is more popular for container homes. It can last for decades but also tends to be more high maintenance than metal or vinyl. Wood expands with heat, so keep this in mind if your container won't get a lot of shade. It is installed with your choice of insulation. It also tends to be the most expensive option. When replacing old wood siding, it is biodegradable, helping to reduce your carbon footprint. It will rot in very moist climates, and it also requires regular maintenance for the stain or paint.

Vinyl Siding

This is a low-maintenance, long-lasting option. It is very affordable compared to wood and comes in a wide variety of colours and textures. The colour is baked in, so it never requires repainting. As with wood, it can be combined with your choice of insulation. It's also easier to install than wood, so costs less. It is more prone to trap moisture beneath the planks, which can lead to rust and corrosion. However, when installed properly, it should last for several decades.

Metal Siding

If you want a more industrial look, metal works well. However, in that case, it makes more sense to choose interior insulation and refinish the existing steel exterior to save money. You can create an interesting look with metals such as copper, which will develop a patina over time. Metal siding is low maintenance and resistant to mold and moisture. Of the three options, it is also the most durable and will stand up to Canadian weather well. Metal siding also reflects the sun, making it more comfortable in the summer, although it is also quite expensive.

Source: Poteet Architects

Green/Living Roof

Green or 'living' roofs act as a natural insulator, keeping the container warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Plants and flowers create an interesting design, and you can add stairs leading up to the roof to create a calming spot to relax. The system can be expensive, but it serves many practical purposes, including storing water and creating a natural habitat for bees and butterflies. This makes it very eco-friendly.

Make Your Container a Comfortable Place

As you can see, there are many ways to insulate a shipping container and we hope this guide has helped you understand the few options available on the market. Whether you want to insulate your container for a home office, a workshop, or for your commercial needs, make sure that you are well informed about the options available and understand the pros and cons of each.

Conterm can modify new shipping containers  or used shipping containers to meet your specific needs. In addition to insulation, our modification options include adding doors, windows, electrical and more. Visit our Container Modifications page to have a better idea of all the modifications we can do for you.

How to Insulate a Shipping Container - 5 Commonly Used Methods

There are various things to consider when buying a shipping container, including cost, size, condition, usage, security, surface prep, location, accessories, and maintenance. All these variables are important and should be on your mind before you start searching for and then purchasing a shipping container.

One critical element commonly overlooked when planning a shipping container purchase is insulation. Much like a home's attic, basement, or main structure itself, insulation is necessary to control the shipping container's temperature and moisture. Whether the shipping container is used to store belongings of different kinds or converted into a home or business, maintaining the right environment inside is critical. If you decide to skip the insulation to save a few bucks, you might regret it later when condensation ruins your contents or your shipping container starts to corrode. Or you might end up spending a lot of money later on heating and cooling. 

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There are several different ways of insulating your shipping container. Let's examine a few of the most commonly used options. 

1. Foam Insulation

An easy, effective, and flexible way to keep your shipping container warm in cooler months and dry in damper months is to use spray foam insulation. This type of insulation combats condensation and creates a seamless vapor barrier. The foam is really flexible and makes it easy to reach into gaps of all shapes and sizes. 

Spray foam insulation can be applied on both external and internal walls of your shipping container and can be used underneath the shipping container to stop any ground moisture from seeping in. Once the foam has dried, you can paint over it to give your shipping container a fresh and finished look. Spray foam insulation is a bit more expensive and a lot messier to work with compared to other insulation methods. Spray foam insulation expands upon application and then hardens, further sealing. However, it does require trimming as the expansion will push the foam past the face of your studs. 

2. Blanket Insulation

On a cold winter's night, to stay warm, you might choose to grab a sweatshirt and a blanket. You can use the same principle for insulating your shipping container by using what's called blanket insulation.

It comes in pre-cut lengths to fit typical wall heights and rolls (long rolled-up pieces that must be cut to length during installation). Blanket insulation is 'fluffy,' compressible, and not self-supporting. It's like your favorite blanket, except thicker and made of different materials. Blanket insulation is designed to be fastened in the cavities between studs and uses the studs as support so it will remain rigid and in place. 

Varieties of blanket insulation include: 

• Fiberglass Insulation:

   This is made from superheated sand or recycled glass spun into thin fibers. This is the most common type of cheap wall insulation in Western countries.

   

• Slag Wool, Mineral Wool, and Rock Wool Insulation:

   This is similar to fiberglass, but made from minerals and ceramics, or from 'slag,' a by-product of metal production.

   

• Sheep Wool Insulation:

   This insulation is made from sheep's sheared wool.

   

• Cotton or Denim Insulation:

   This is made from cotton, often with a blue-

  ish

   color because much of it is sourced from recycled denim or blue jeans.

   

  Are you interested in learning more about rockwool panels for insulating shipping containers? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

The advantages of blanket insulation are that it is one of the cheapest options and is very easy to install ' all you need is a stapler to fasten it to the studs. 

3. Loose-Fill Insulation

This type of insulation is based on applying small chunks of insulation into a wall cavity. These insulators generally require complete wall cavity containment before application, or you'll end up with a pile on the floor.

Three kinds of materials include: 

• Cellulose Insulation:

   Made from recycled paper products that are shredded, then blown in by a machine.

   

• Loose-Fill Fiberglass Insulation:

   Similar to fiberglass batts, but less dense and not tightly bound so the machine can blow in it.

   

• Vermiculite Insulation and Perlite Insulation:

   These minerals have been heated and expanded like popcorn, making a natural foam pellet that can be added to wall cavities.

   

4. Expanded Foam Insulation

Expanded foam is manufactured offsite into large boards and insulation panels that are pre-sized for typical wall heights. These insulation panels are self-supporting. You'll need to cut holes in the panels for things like doors and windows. 

Expanded foam installation is easy ' attach it to the studs or glue it right to the shipping container. Some varieties are molded to match a shipping container wall's corrugations to avoid large air gaps in these corrugated areas. 

There are several types of expanded foam insulation: 

• Open Cell Polyurethane Foam Insulation:

   These open-cell foam cells are not as dense and are filled with air, which gives the insulation a spongy texture.

   

• Closed Cell Polyurethane Foam Insulation:

   The 'blowing agent' fills the tiny microscopic cells with a gas other than air with better heat conduction properties, increasing the R-value of the foam.

   

• Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation:

   This is composed of small plastic beads fused together into a closed-cell foam. It's the white foam you'd see in coffee cups.

   

• Expanded Polystyrene Foam Insulation:

   This insulation begins as a molten material pressed out of a form into closed-cell foam sheets.

   

• Polyisocyanurate (

  Polyiso

  ):

   

  Similar to

   polyurethane, but more rigid.

   

5. Living Roof

During the warmer months, a living roof can reduce indoor temperatures by up to 8 percent, however it isn't a replacement for proper insulation. 

There are many insulation methods to choose from, and it all depends on your budget, skill level, and insulation needs. You could even use a combination of insulation methods to achieve your results. One way or another, it's good to know that insulating your shipping container is important, and count on that cost and time commitment when making a purchasing decision.   

For more related information, check out 4 Benefits of Climate-Controlled Storage, or connect with us here.  

Sources 

https://www.buildwithrise.com/stories/4-ways-to-insulate-a-container-home 

https://containerone.net/blogs/news/the-best-shipping-container-insulation-methods?_pos=1&_sid=37b9cd372&_ss=r 

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