Insulating a shipping container: How to do it?
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Shipping containers are no longer used only for transporting goods across the oceans. They are increasingly used as foundations for modern housing, offices, restaurants, small manufacturing companies or recreational facilities. Their advantage is a solid steel structure, a high degree of customization (so-called modularity) and quick availability.
Insulating a shipping container is an essential part of comfortable living in a container house. If you plan to operate in it throughout the year, summer and winter, we recommend that you invest in high-quality and reliable insulation. In the following lines, we will look at why container insulation is so important, what the options are, and how the whole process works.
Why is shipping container insulation important?
Shipping containersare made of steel, which has very poor thermal insulation properties. In practice, this means thatin summer, the interior becomes extremely hot, and in winter, on the contrary, it cools down quickly. In addition, there is significant moisture condensation, which can lead to mold, corrosion and structural degradation.
High-quality insulation of a container house will not only ensure thermal comfort, but also extend the life of the container. In combination with a suitable vapor barrier and ventilation the risk of moisture and moldis also minimized. In addition, in the case of inhabited or working spaces, it also helps to improve the acoustic properties of the building.
However, if you are considering using a container as a garage, also see the article – Shipping containers as garages? We have an alternative for you, where we offer more practical and functional solutions.
Container house insulation options
When choosing a method of insulationa shipping container, several factors play a role – budget, method of use of the container, requirements for insulation thickness and also speed of implementation. We also cover this topic in more detail in the article – Container House: How to Build a House from a Shipping Container?.
Among the most common methods of insulation are:
Sprayed PUR foam
Sprayed polyurethane (PUR) foam is one of the most effective solutions for insulating a shipping container. It creates a continuous insulating layer that adheres perfectly to the steel structure and eliminates the formation of thermal bridges. The foam is sprayed directly onto the walls, ceiling and floor, where it immediately expands and hardens. Thanks to this, it can completely insulate the entire ship containerin a short time.
The great advantage of PUR foam is its thermal insulation properties, which range from 0.022 – 0.028 watts per meter depending on the type of foam. With a thickness of 5–6 cm, you can achieve a similar insulation effect as with a 10–12 cm layer of mineral wool. In addition, PUR foam also serves as an effective waterproofing, thus protecting the insulation of the container house from moisture and condensation.
On the other hand, the application of PUR foam requires specialized equipment and an experienced team – it is not suitable for self-help use. It is also important to ensure ventilation in interiors, especially with closed-cell foams that do not allow water vapor to pass through. Nevertheless, it is one of the most effective and long-term proven solutions for energy-saving insulation of container buildings.
Mineral wool
Mineral woolis a classic choice for insulating a shipping container. The insulation is inserted between the internal structure of profiles, which also serves as a supporting frame for the cladding (e.g. plasterboard, OSB boards, wooden cladding). This system is more time-consuming to install, but the advantage is its breathability and good acoustic properties, which you will appreciate especially in residential solutions.
Thermal insulation properties of mineral wool are slightly weaker compared to PUR foam – the thermal conductivity coefficient ranges from0.035 – 0.040 watts per meter. This means that a thicker layer (usually 10 to 15 cm) is required to achieve the same level of insulation. On the other hand, wool is fire resistant (non-flammable).
The disadvantage of mineral wool is its sensitivity to moisture – if it soaks in water, it loses its insulating properties. Therefore, it is important to use a high-quality vapor barrier and ensure ventilation. However, when installed correctly, it is a reliable solution that has worked in practice for decades.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is an affordable solution that is used mainly forexterior insulation of container houses. There are two main types available – expanded (EPS) and extruded (XPS) polystyrene. EPS has a thermal insulation coefficient of 0.038 – 0.040 watts per meter, XPS achieves better values of around 0.030 – 0.035 watts per meter and is also more resistant to moisture and mechanical damage.
Polystyrene is applied to the external walls and roof of a shipping container using glue and anchors, and it is advisable to cover the entire system with plaster or cladding. When used at a thickness of 10-15 cm, it can effectively protect against heat loss. The exterior solution has the advantage that it does not take up space in the interior and eliminates the risk of condensation on the walls.
On the contrary, insulating the interior of a shipping container with polystyrene is not recommendedbecause a dew point forms between it and the metal wall, which leads to moisture condensation and the risk of mold. In addition, polystyrene is not vapor-permeable, and therefore does not contribute to the regulation of the microclimate
The process of insulating a shipping container step by step
Insulating a shipping containeris not just about applying insulating material. It is a complex process that requires a precise procedure:
1. Surface preparation – Removal of old coatings, rust and dirt. The surface is thoroughly cleaned and, if necessary, treated with an anti-corrosion coating.
2. Structural solution – In the case of internal insulation of a container house, a metal or wooden supporting structure is installed, between which insulation is placed.
3. Insulation application – Application of PUR foam, laying of mineral wool or installation of polystyrene – according to the chosen method.
4. Vapor barrier – In the case of mineral wool, a vapor barrier is required to prevent moisture from penetrating the insulation of the shipping container.
5. Finishing with cladding – The interior can be finished with plasterboard, OSB boards or other decorative cladding. Exterior, for example, with a facade system, wood or sheet metal.
How much does it cost to insulate a container house?
Insulating a container house depends on several factors – the selected insulation material, the scope of work, the number of containers or the complexity of the implementation. For orientation:
- PUR foam: from 15 to 25 €/m² depending on the layer thickness
- Mineral wool: approx. 10 – 20 €/m² (without structure and cladding)
- Polystyrene (EPS/XPS): from 7 €/m²
For complete insulation of a ship container (approx. 13–14 m² of area) you can expect costs from €1,000 upwards, up to €2,000 and more when using higher-quality materials. In the case of insulating a container house that is larger or requires a low-energy standard, the amount can climb even higher.
Conclusion
Insulating a shipping container is a key step that significantly affects the comfort, durability and energy efficiency of the entire building.Choosing the right insulation material and quality implementation are an investment that will pay off in the form of lower heating costs and greater comfort.
If you are attracted to original living and would like to create a space exactly according to your ideas, a container house can be an interesting path. Get inspired by solutions and possibilities for using shipping containers in blog articles on hagro.sk.
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