What is the step-by-step sequence for installing corrugated container inserts and flat continuous wall panels inside a steel shipping container?

To insulate a steel shipping container using InSoFast, glue corrugated EPS inserts into the wall recesses with construction adhesive, then interlock continuous flat panels over the ribs in a running bond pattern.

Corrugated steel walls create severe thermal bridging and condensation risks when converting shipping containers into conditioned living or storage spaces. Traditional wood or metal framing robs up to 8 inches of narrow interior width, whereas an insert-and-panel continuous EPS (expanded polystyrene) system creates a thermal break while occupying only 2 to 2.5 inches of wall profile.

If you only do one thing: Apply a continuous 3/8-inch bead of heavy-duty polyurethane construction adhesive (such as Loctite PL Premium) behind every embedded stud and insert to achieve a secure bond without puncturing the exterior steel skin.

1. Prepare the steel substrate: Clean the interior container walls to remove oil, dust, loose paint, and rust scale, ensuring the steel surface is completely dry and sound before bonding.
2. Adhere the corrugation inserts: Apply a continuous 3/8-inch bead of construction adhesive down the center back of each trapezoidal container insert, then press them firmly into the recessed corrugations until they sit flush with the interior steel ribs.
3. Establish panel layout: Snap a level line along the base of the wall and cut the first panel so the built-in polypropylene framing studs fall on standard 16-inch on-center layout points across the run.
4. Mount the continuous panels: Run a 3/8-inch adhesive bead along the contact ribs of the embedded studs on the back of each panel, engage the interlocking tongue-and-groove edges over the flush inserts, and press firmly against the wall.
5. Stagger courses and air seal: Install subsequent panel courses in a running bond pattern—staggering vertical seams by at least 12 inches—and seal all perimeter joints, corners, and ceiling interfaces with low-expansion canned polyurethane foam.

• Watch out for: Driving screws or mechanical fasteners through the exterior steel skin, which creates thermal shorts, punctures weatherproofing, and accelerates rust.
• Watch out for: Using solvent-based contact adhesives or general caulks that degrade EPS foam cores or fail under seasonal steel expansion and contraction.
• Watch out for: Skipping the perimeter air seal at the floor and ceiling junctions, which allows interior moisture to bypass the insulation and condense against cold steel.

Calculate your interior wall square footage and identify whether your container has standard 20-foot or 40-foot side-wall corrugation profiles to order the correct insert packaging and panel quantities. Call InSoFast support at (888) 501-7899 for custom container layout quotes.