There are several types of insulation that can be used for shipping container homes. Each has its pros and cons, but InSoFast EPS insulation panels are one of the best solutions. They control moisture, are cost-effective, simple to install, take up a minimal amount of interior space, and are ideal for do—it-yourselfers.
InSoFast insulation panels are designed for use in commercial-scale energy efficiency projects, but their amazing simplicity has made them popular with homeowners for DIY basement and interior renovations, exterior retrofitting under siding, brick, stone, stucco and other finishes, and for insulating shipping containers.
What is InSoFast?
InSoFast is a style of engineered continuous insulation that comes in 2-foot x 4-foot interlocking panels of varying depths. The closed-cell, injection-molded EPS foam panels can be universally applied to any interior or exterior wall assembly in both new and retrofit construction projects, including the interiors of shipping containers.
InSoFast closed-cell foam insulation is non-porous, making it difficult for water vapor and air to pass through it. It is stronger and denser than open-cell foam and provides higher insulating R-value per inch. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.
Pros and Cons of Different Container Insulation Options
There are several factors to consider when selecting insulation for your shipping container home, including ease of installation, cost, and product performance.
Fiberglass Insulation: This is the most common form of insulation that is used mainly between studs, joists and beams of unfinished walls, floors and ceilings. Although readily available and relatively affordable, it works like a sponge and is a recipe for mold, rot and poor indoor air quality, problems that may ultimately damage a metal structure like a shipping container. Read more about the benefits of choosing InSoFast continuous insulation panels over fiberglass insulation.
Spray Foam Insulation: Spray foam insulation is very flexible and can be sprayed into gaps of any size. While it offers a high R-value, it’s more expensive than other insulations, takes longer to install, and is a very messy affair. It’s also made up of chemicals that, if inhaled, can cause respiratory problems. Spray foam requires the help of a pro and is typically not a do-it-yourself project.
EPS Foam Panels: EPS foam panel insulation from InSoFast is cost-effective, offers very high R-values, is lightweight, can be affixed directly to the container sides with adhesive, and enabled you to minimize the thickness of your insulation. Most installations can be completed by do-it-yourselfers with a utility knife, glue and a caulk gun.
InSoFast CX Container Panels are designed specifically for the side walls of most shipping containers. Their thin profile takes up only two inches of interior space. The panels are set up for an 11-inch repeating pattern of the corrugation and the panel size is 44” x 24”. These panels are installed horizontally with the studs running vertically to allow the studs to adhere to the interior facing ribs of the container.
Our end wall and ceiling inserts are specifically shaped sleeves of EPS foam that are designed to close up the container’s corrugation air gaps. Once glued in place, the surfaces will be flush and ready for coverage in full InSoFast panels. Another solution is to utilize InSoFast Side Wall Inserts in conjunction with InSoFast UX 2.0 or InSoFast EX 2.5 panels to achieve maximum insulation and air-tightness.
As you explore different types of insulation for shipping container homes, consider the best, most cost-effective insulation from InSoFast. Call us today at (888) 501-7899 or contact us online to learn more.
