Anyone familiar with using shipping containers for business projects surely knows how important shipping container insulation is.
If anything, insulating containers is the first thing you must do after you buy a shipping container. While there are many insulation material varieties, each has benefits and downsides that may affect your final decision.
As such, let’s understand each insulation material’s benefits and disadvantages before choosing which one to use.
Why You Should Insulate Shipping Containers
Once people realized how shipping containers are more flexible and convertible than they originally were, people no longer use them only for shipment purposes.
Since people can convert containers into homes, offices, storage units, or even pop-up shops, these steel boxes are subject to a wide range of environmental conditions. Unfortunately, their metal exteriors are not ideal for maintaining a stable internal temperature.
In colder climates, shipping containers can become freezing, while in hotter climates, they can turn into ovens, trapping excessive heat inside. This temperature instability can have detrimental effects on whatever is stored within.
For instance, perishable goods such as food, medicine, or sensitive electronics can become damaged by temperature extremes. Even if you’re not using a container for storage, insulation is crucial if you’ve converted it into a living or working space.
Insulating your shipping container can help improve comfort and energy efficiency, reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling and making the space more sustainable over time.
But insulation is about more than just temperature control. A well-insulated shipping container can also mitigate issues like condensation that can cause rusting and mold formation inside the container.
Insulation can enhance the container’s soundproofing qualities, providing a quieter environment. Moreover, it helps protect the container’s integrity itself, prolonging its lifespan and making it more durable.
Given these benefits, it’s clear why you might want to insulate a shipping container. However, the challenge lies in choosing the right material and we’ll show you how it’s done.
Also Read: Recommended Shipping Container Cleaner Tools for Everyone
Popular Shipping Container Insulation Materials
When it comes to insulating shipping containers, several types of materials are available, each with its own set of characteristics:
- Foam Board Insulation
- Spray Foam Insulation
- Fiberglass Insulation
- Reflective Foil Insulation
- Cotton Insulation
Each of these materials offers different performance, cost, ease of installation, and longevity levels. Let’s break down each one to give you a better idea of what might work best for your needs.
Benefits and Downsides of Each Insulation Material
Foam Board Insulation
Foam board insulation, also known as rigid foam, is one of the most popular options for shipping container insulation.
It comes in large, flat panels made from materials like polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or expanded polystyrene (EPS).
We can cut these panels to fit into the container’s walls, floor, and ceiling. Foam board insulation is common for use because it’s affordable and relatively simple to install.
Benefits
- Affordable: Foam board insulation is relatively inexpensive than spray foam or other high-end materials.
- Easy to Install: The panels are easy to cut and fit into place, making installation straightforward and a good option for DIY projects.
- Thermal Performance: Foam boards have a high R-value (a measure of insulation effectiveness), which means they are effective at keeping temperatures steady inside the container.
- Lightweight: The material adds little weight to the container so it won’t affect the overall structural integrity or load-bearing capacity.
Downsides
- Moisture Resistance: Foam board insulation isn’t great at handling moisture. If you place your container in a humid area or expose it to a lot of rain, you may need to add a separate vapor barrier to prevent condensation from causing rust or mold.
- Fire Resistance: Some foam types are flammable, so you must choose a fire-retardant version if safety is a concern.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is one of the most effective methods for insulating a shipping container. This material comes in two types: open-cell and closed-cell spray foam.
Closed-cell spray foam is the denser and more durable option, offering superior insulation and moisture resistance.
When applied, spray foam expands to fill every gap and crevice, creating a seamless and airtight barrier.
Benefits
- Superior Insulation: Spray foam provides the best thermal resistance of any insulation material. This makes it ideal for containers exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Moisture and Air Barrier: Spray foam effectively seals the container, blocking out air and moisture, which helps prevent condensation, mold, and rust from forming inside.
- Structural Integrity: The foam helps reinforce the container’s walls, giving it added strength and durability.
Downsides
- High Cost: Spray foam insulation is a significant upfront investment, which may be unappealing for some people, especially if you have a large container.
- Requires Professional Application: Unless you have experience, applying spray foam insulation can be tricky. It’s best left to professionals who know how to apply it evenly and efficiently.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is one of the oldest and most commonly used insulation types for homes and buildings, and it works just as well in shipping containers.
This insulation type comes in rolls or batts that fit between studs or framing components, and it’s relatively easy to install.
Benefits
- Budget-Friendly: Fiberglass is one of the cheapest insulation materials available, making it accessible to a wide range of people.
- Widely Available: It’s easy to find and can be purchased from most hardware stores.
- Fire Resistant: Fiberglass has natural fire-resistant properties, which is an essential safety feature when insulating a shipping container.
Downsides
- Moisture Issues: Fiberglass can absorb moisture, which might lead to mold growth if you don’t properly seal the container. It doesn’t offer a moisture barrier on its own.
- Skin Irritation: Working with fiberglass insulation can be uncomfortable, as the fibers can irritate the skin and respiratory system.
- Lower R-Value: Compared to spray foam or foam boards, fiberglass has a lower R-value, meaning it might not be as effective in extreme temperatures.
Reflective Foil Insulation
Reflective foil insulation is a layer of aluminum or other reflective material that works by reflecting radiant heat away from the container. Its usage conjuncts with other types of insulation like foam board or fiberglass to provide an extra layer of protection against heat.
Benefits
- Excellent for Hot Climates: Reflective foil insulation excels in hot climates by reflecting the sun’s heat away from the container, helping to keep it cooler.
- Lightweight: It doesn’t add significant weight to the container, making it a great option if weight is a concern.
- Moisture Resistant: Reflective foil is moisture-resistant and can help prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
Downsides
- Not Effective in Cold Climates: Reflective foil works by reflecting heat, so it doesn’t perform as well in colder climates where keeping the interior warm is essential.
- Needs Other Materials: To provide optimal insulation, reflective foil should be combined with foam or fiberglass insulation.
Cotton Insulation
Cotton insulation is an eco-friendly alternative that is made from recycled cotton, usually denim. This material has gained popularity due to its sustainability, making it an attractive option for those looking for green solutions.
Benefits
- Eco-Friendly: Cotton insulation is made from recycled materials, making it a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious individuals.
- Non-Toxic: Unlike fiberglass, cotton insulation is non-toxic and won’t irritate the skin or respiratory system.
- Good Thermal Resistance: Cotton provides a decent level of thermal performance, making it suitable for moderate climates.
Downsides
- Moisture Absorption: Cotton insulation can absorb moisture if not protected properly, which could lead to mold growth.
- Availability: Cotton insulation is not as widely available as other materials, so it may be harder to find in some areas.
Additional Information
When choosing insulation for your shipping container, it’s essential to consider factors beyond just material costs.
The climate where your container is located plays a significant role in the type of insulation you should use. For example, if you’re in a hot region, you’ll want to prioritize materials that reflect heat and offer protection against the sun.
Conversely, if your container is in a colder climate, you’ll need materials with higher R-values to maintain a comfortable interior temperature.
Additionally, think about the long-term benefits of your insulation choice. Some materials may be more effective at preventing mold and mildew growth, while others offer better soundproofing capabilities.
Also, installation complexity should be taken into account, as some materials are easier to install yourself, while others might require professional help.
Also Read: How Shipping Container Homes Defend Against Fires
Conclusion
While each insulation material has its distinctive benefits and drawbacks, it all comes down to the situation you’re dealing with when modifying your shipping container. Furthermore, to make the insulation work, the shipping container should be of the highest quality to protect your cargo and other belongings. To do so, order one today from Tradecorp via its quote form! With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Tradecorp always satisfies all clients’ specific business needs that rely on shipping containers to get everything done.