How to Insulate Shipping Containers & Shipping Container Homes

Did you know that shipping containers don't come with insulation? Their corrugated steel walls have no extra padding behind them. Insulation is a feature that you'll have to add to your container after you purchase it.

Why is insulating a shipping container so important? One of the biggest benefits of insulating shipping containers is climate control. While shipping containers are wind-resistant and water-resistant, they are not resistant to outdoor temperatures. If it's scorching hot outside, the interior of the container can heat up. If it's freezing outside, it can get frigid inside. Adding insulation to the container's interior walls can create a strong barrier against outdoor temperatures, which will keep the interior temperature moderate.

Another benefit of insulating shipping containers is moisture control. Uncovered steel walls can create the perfect environment for condensation. When warm air hits the cold walls, water droplets will form. If you're using shipping containers for housing, that condensation can slowly ruin drywall, rot wood, peel wallpaper and create mold and mildew. If you're using shipping containers for storage, condensation can permanently damage the items inside.

Insulating a shipping container can also muffle outdoor noises. By insulating shipping container homes, you can help to guarantee that residents won't be disrupted by neighborhood noise. They'll have peace and quiet when they're inside. You will want to take this benefit into consideration if you intend to build a container home.

If you want to buy a new shipping container and insulate it, read this straightforward guide on insulation. You'll find out key information about how to insulate shipping containers, where to place your insulation, and how much the project can cost you.

How to Insulate Shipping Containers

There is more than one answer for how to insulate shipping containers. There are multiple materials to get the job done, including polystyrene panels, batt insulation, and spray foam insulation. Each material will come with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Polystyrene Panels

You can use panels of polystyrene - you may recognize it by the popular brand name "Styrofoam"- to insulate your shipping container. All you have to do is glue the panels directly to the interior walls. If you don't want to glue the panels, you can also mount them against bars that are flush with the interior walls. Polystyrene panels are one of the most cost-effective choices for insulation. The material is also long-lasting, water-resistant, and easy to install.

But polystyrene panels tend to have a lower R-value in comparison to other types of insulation. R-Value is a measurement of how well a material can prevent heat from flowing in and outside of a structure. The higher the R-Value, the better climate and moisture control the material can provide. Since this material can have a lower R-Value, you should reconsider using it for insulating shipping container homes. It's a perfectly fine choice for insulating shipping containers being used as storage units.

Batt Insulation

Batt insulation (also called "blanket insulation") are pre-cut pieces of woven fiberglass or mineral wool. Both materials are non-combustible, which is helpful for creating fire-safe structures. Batt insulation is easy to install and cost-effective. It's a popular choice for insulating shipping container homes and offices.

One potential issue with batt insulation is that it requires interior framing to install. Adding that wood framing to your container will add more time to your project and increase your overall costs.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam is a chemical product that expands and hardens onto a surface. It clings directly to the wall. It's known for creating a long-lasting, water-resistant coating with a high R-value. Spray foam insulation is typically more expensive than other types of insulation, especially because it requires specialized equipment to install it. For the best results, choose a closed-cell spray foam.

If you want to insulate a shipping container home in a colder climate, you should consider spray foam insulation. This option is also one of the best ways to insulate a shipping container meant for storing temperature-sensitive items like electronics or paper documents.