Should side wall container inserts be glued in place before attaching the primary flat insulation panels?

Yes, definitely. Side wall container inserts should always be glued into the steel corrugations first, creating a flush, continuous backing that eliminates condensation-causing air cavities before adhering the primary flat insulation panels over them.

Corrugated Corten steel shipping containers feature 1.5-inch-deep side wall corrugation profiles that trap moisture-laden interior air if left open. Installing flat continuous insulation panels directly over unfilled corrugations creates dead-air voids prone to condensation, rust formation, and reduced structural support for interior finishes.

If you only do one thing: Apply a continuous 3/8-inch bead of polyurethane construction adhesive directly to the inset corrugation valleys to bond each insert firmly before hanging flat panels.

1. Surface preparation: Clean the interior steel surface with a degreaser or rubbing alcohol to remove shipping residue, dust, and rust inhibitors, ensuring full adhesive contact.
2. Adhesive bead application: Dispense a continuous 3/8-inch vertical bead of foam-compatible polyurethane construction adhesive along each recessed corrugation channel.
3. Insert placement: Press each molded expanded polystyrene (EPS) side wall insert firmly into the corrugation valley until flush with the inner ribs, creating a solid planar plane across the wall.
4. Primary panel adhesive: Apply 3/8-inch adhesive beads along the ribbed rear surfaces of the built-in polypropylene framing studs on each primary flat insulation panel.
5. Panel installation: Interlock the tongue-and-groove flat panels directly over the flush inserts, staggering vertical joints to establish a continuous thermal barrier with integrated non-conductive framing studs.

• Watch out for: Using solvent-based adhesives, which dissolve EPS foam inserts on contact and destroy the structural bond against the container steel.
• Watch out for: Skipping the inserts entirely, which leaves unsealed air channels behind flat panels that allow humid indoor air to reach cold steel and generate hidden condensation.
• Watch out for: Fastening interior drywall before the construction adhesive fully cures over 24 to 48 hours, which can shift panels and weaken the wall bond.

Measure the depth and profile of your shipping container's side corrugations to confirm insert compatibility, then calculate your total wall square footage to order the appropriate panel bundles. For technical support, contact InSoFast customer service at (888) 501-7899.