Guide to Insulating a Shipping Container

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.

Choosing the best insulation for your modified shipping container can be daunting, considering how many different types of insulation are available. Proper insulation ensures your container has a comfortable working environment despite outdoor weather conditions. Poor insulation can let heat or cold into your container, which can be uncomfortable, or people or damage items stored inside.

Not only does proper insulation help control the temperature of your modified shipping container, but it helps keep energy costs low. Which insulation should you choose for your cargo container? In this article, we&#;ll look at the best shipping container insulation and the most common types used for modifications.

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Types of Shipping Container Insulation

There are many different types of insulation, but they all fall into four specific categories. You rate insulation by its R-value. The R-value is the resistance level to the heat that the insulation is blocking. Moreover, the higher the R-value, the better the prevention of heat energy transmission. Consequently, the better the insulation, the better the temperature inside your container.

The four most common container insulation types are:

1. Blanket insulation
2. Loose-fill insulation
3. Expanded foam insulation
4. Spray foam insulation

Below, we discuss each one in depth.

1. Blanket Insulation in Shipping Containers

Blankets are ideal for shipping container insulation in office and living spaces, making them a popular choice. Fluffy and compressible blanket insulation uses long fibers, a low-cost option that is easy to install.

Varieties of this type of insulation include:

• Fiberglass: Fiberglass is the most common type of wall insulation. You make it from superheated sand or recycled spun glass turned into thin fibers.
• Slag, Mineral and Rock Wool: This type of insulation is made from spun minerals, ceramics or slag.
• Sheep&#;s Wool: Just like it sounds, it&#;s made by shearing wool from sheep. Sheep&#;s wool is safe to touch, and you can be used safely by even at-home DIYers.
• Cotton: Cotton is typically made from recycled denim or blue jeans, resulting in a blue-tinted color. It is often more expensive than other types of insulation.

2. Loose-Fill Insulation

Loose-fill shipping container insulation is suitable for existing areas that have been finished, oddly shaped spaces and around barriers. This type of insulation is common in attic areas, where insulation needs to be added or replaced, but it can also work in modified cargo containers. It&#;s installed either through a blower or by pouring the insulation.

There are three subtypes of loose-fill insulation:

• Cellulose: You make cellulose from recycled paper or paper products that have been shredded and blown in with a machine.
• Fiberglass: Loose-fill fiberglass is like blanket fiberglass but is less dense. It is also not as tightly bound.
• Vermiculite or Perlite: You typically add Vermiculite and Perlite to wall cavities. You use perlite for better drainage and aeration, and vermiculite if you need more moisture retention.

3. Expanded Foam Insulation in Shipping Containers

Expanded foam is a popular shipping container insulation choice. In most cases, it usually has the highest R-value. This type of foam is created offsite and placed into boards and panels sized for differing wall heights. It is also self-supporting. Particularly, you can glue or attach expanded foam insulation to studs into a container wall.

Types of expanded foam include:

• Open-Cell Polyurethane: Open-Cell Polyurethane is thin and filled with air, giving the insulation a spongy texture. It has a lower R-value than its closed-cell counterpart.
• Closed-Cell Polyurethane: Closed-Cell Polyurethane uses a blowing agent that fills tiny, microscopic cells with a heat-conduction gas, thus increasing the R-value.
• Extruded Polystyrene: Extruded Polystyrene, or EPS, comprises tiny, fused plastic beads. (Similar to the foam used in modern disposable coffee cups.)
• Expanded Polystyrene: Sometimes called XPS, this foam starts as a molten material but is pressed into sheets.
• Polyisocyanurate: Often referred to as Polyiso, this foam is similar to polyurethane but markedly more rigid.

4. Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation for a shipping container is a solid choice, and it&#;s the most frequently applied form of shipping container insulation. It applies and solidifies quickly and can fill areas that might be difficult to insulate another way. Upon exiting the applicator, the insulating foam will expand 30-60 times to form a tight seal. You can use foam for equipment enclosures that are temperature sensitive. Consequently, containers used for mobile switch rooms, generator systems and labs usually have this type of insulation.

Types of spray foam insulation include:

• Open-Cell Spray Polyurethane: Open-Cell Spray is a less desirable spray foam insulation type because it has a lower R-value.
• Closed-Cell Spray Polyurethane: The most common shipping container insulation. It has a significantly high R-value and is good at controlling moisture.
• Damp Spray Cellulose: Damp Spray Cellulose is made from recycled paper products.
• Cementitious Foam: Cementitious Foam is a light mixture of natural minerals, water and air, like concrete. Consequently, it&#;s eco-friendly, non-toxic and non-flammable.

Open-cell and closed-cell spray polyurethane are expanding spray foams, but damp spray cellulose and cementitious foam are non-expanding. Expanding spray foam means the insulation expands to fill the area, while non-expanding means the material will be packed to fill the space.

What We Use at Southwest Mobile Storage

At Southwest Mobile Storage, we use insulation for containers in our rental fleet, and custom-modified containers. The most common insulation modifications we add are Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), Expanded Polystyrene (XPS) and spray foam insulation. We use these because they work well inside shipping containers. Furthermore, they have high R-values and provide a solid seal, meaning there&#;ll be fewer variations in container temperature.

If you need a container outfitted with high-quality insulation to keep temperatures manageable, speak with an experienced container representative today. We can help you find the perfect container for your project.

Summary

You can combine different types of insulation depending on how you use your containers. Shipping container insulation is essential for temperature regulation and can mean all the difference in a container you know you&#;ll spend a lot of time in. At Southwest Mobile Storage, we have the experience to ensure that all our insulation jobs have a high-quality standard.

Contact us today for a free quote on shipping container rentals, sales and modifications. No matter what you need, we can provide you with a container that will help you focus less on your storage problems and more on the tasks that are important to you.

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