How To Install:
Introduction
Below are quick links to the different approaches recommend for insulating and framing shipping containers.
Interior
Exterior
The first question to ask is why are you interested in insulating a container? Can you clearly define the project's scope?
Depending on your container's condition and end results you want to achieve, we can guide you to the best approach, which insulation panels, insert and/or insulated studs to use.
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The condition that your shipping container is in, matters?
- If you are trying to save money buying a container in "vintage condition," you may save money on the initial cost of the container but increase your labor costs.
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Shipping container sidewalls are built on an 11" on center corrugation.
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- Note this differs from standard framing construction methods built around 16" or 24" on centers. This affects other finish materials waste factors and attachment methods.
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- What do you want to achieve when you are finished, the end result?
- Residential, Commercial, Industrial, storage, etc.
- What surfaces do you need to frame and insulate?
- Interior application?
- Exterior application?
- How much insulation do you need?
- What "R-Value" is required for your project?
BEFORE you place an order with us talk to a design professionals and your local building code officials. Before you purchase your container is the best time to to discuss regulations, permits, and codes surrounding container building in your area. Different locations have different sets, of rules, zoning and building permit requirements.
- Definition of Requirement - (a thing that is compulsory; a necessary condition.)
Helpful Resources:
- Building energy code requirements.
- Modular Building Institute and National Portable Storage Association, Compliance Handbook.
- InSoFast Nationwide Code Compliance Report
Define your Scope of work;
- These pages can help you refine your needs, if you have questions give us a call @ 888-501-7899
- Finally, make a plan and stick to it don't over-estimate your needs. Measure twice order once.
In this section we define and narrow the available choices for insulating a container depending on the intended end use of the shipping container.
Finished Interior Space; habitable, suitable to live in. This would be walls that would achieve higher R-Values, and would require planned services like electric, plumbing, windows and door openings and higher-grade finishes and cabinetry.
Commercial Interior/Exterior Space; office spaces, commercial spaces, retail pop-ups and other high-end habitable spaces. These would be walls that would achieve higher R-Values, and planned services like electric, plumbing, windows and door openings and higher-grade finishes and cabinetry.
Industrial-Agricultural Interior/Exterior Spaces; These would be walls where interior space is at a premium and services like electrical can be surface mounted. Insulation values can vary but a clean and durable finish materials like FRP fiber reinforced plastic or metal are desirable. 
InSoFast is a stable insulation panel that will work well with most exterior finishes. Stucco, thin veneer stone, weathered steel siding, and board and batten siding's to name just a few finishes. The insulated framing systems allows the designer a wide range of options. The air tight, water tight, and 100% adhesive application, the steel shell need not be compromised with hundreds of screws holes just attaching the exterior finishes.
The weathered steel we chose is heavier than most available material siding. Weathered steel, often referred to as *(Cor-Ten). Corten develops a light rust layer that once formed, will protect the underlying material and prevent further corrosion. That is why we chose it for this InSoFast project we are hoping for a dramatic yet rustic finished shipping container.
A container is a cube with 6 sides, each side has 2 surfaces that can be framed and insulated. Added together interior and exterior, now the possible surfaces to insulate equals 12 sides with windows, doors, then R-Value the combinations are limitless. 
Make a plan and stick to it don’t over-estimate your needs. Measure twice order once.
InSoFast Definition of Conditions
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New (one trip)
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Used (multiple trips minor dings and dents)
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Vintage (Used hard lots of damage)
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It can be very confusing purchasing new or second hand container. Every supplier and reseller can grade conditions on a different scale of good, better, or best, ABC’s, 123’s, and other industry acronyms and certifications. The alphabetic soup of ratings. It all sound so complicated and confusing. Yet it is fairly simple, inspect your container before you make the investment. Would you buy a used car before you took it for a test ride? Take the time and visit your container reseller.
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- Institute of International Container Lessors –The IICL sets repair standards, by which all repairs are carried out. IICL is the strictest standards for used containers. Tools and Guides.
- Cargo Worthy– CW Standard under which a used shipping container is deemed suitable for the shipping cargo. The CW or Cargo Worthy standard generally implies that the container has a valid CSC. That little plate attached to the container Convention for Safe Containers. Look for the latest inspection date.
- Wind & Water Tight – WWT a standard under which containers are literally “wind and water tight”. In short, if you lock yourself inside the container, you should not see any light coming through the panels or roof. WWT makes no reference to the quality of the under-structure.
- Convention for Safe Containers –CSC established in 1972 to promote and maintain a high level of safety of human life in the transport and handling of containers by providing generally acceptable test procedures and related strength requirements.
- International Standardization Organization – ISO International organization based in Geneva working towards harmonizing worldwide technical standards; including those governing the construction of shipping containers
Definition of Requirement - (a thing that is compulsory; a necessary condition.)
Safety Precaution: Cut out all openings in the container and complete all welding, cutting or grinding operations prior to installing InSoFast panels. Do not expose the foam insulation or plastic studs of InSoFast panels to the flames, heat or sparks generated by welding, grinding or cutting on the steel container after panels have been installed.
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- Ensure all surfaces are clean of any debris, dust, loose paint, etc before installing InSoFast panels. It is up to the installer to determine the suitability of the adhesive for the surface you are bonding to. If in doubt, an adhesive performance test can be done.
- Eliminate any leaks before installing InSoFast panels. Do not penetrate the steel walls of your container with screws or fasteners. This compromises the continuous seal and can introduce moisture-related issues.
- If the container has large dented or indented areas, we recommend hammering them as smooth as possible before installing InSoFast products. As an alternative, the foam of the panel or insert can be adjusted by either carving away the InSoFast foam or by adding spray foam as as a dent filler.
- Cut out and frame all openings before installing any InSoFast panels or inserts.
Modular Building Institute and National Portable Storage Association, Compliance Handbook.
If you are purchasing and converting a container for storage, a man cave, she shed, mobile office, or just insulated storage we recommend an in person visual inspection. It is okay to act like a Missourian, (the SHOW ME state). It be easier to modify a container in good condition then one with dings, dents, rust, and holes.
It is important to inspect the walls you want to cover before you order InSoFast. InSoFast panels are not suitable for every project. It is up to you to decide if you have the skills necessary to tackle leveling a wall using advanced techniques. A wall must be repaired and stabilized structurally. Containers should be hammered flat and true and all rust spots and hole fixed. InSoFast panels are designed to be applied to structurally sound walls. How to shim and level walls. Learn More
In this section we cover the available choices for insulating the long side wall of a container.
CX 44 Container Panel
The InSoFast CX 44 Container panel is designed to fit most shipping container's long side walls. It's ideal application is more formal residential/office finished habitable space. Refer to the container diagrams to determine if the InSoFast CX 44 will fit your container’s corrugations. The corrugations should be 11" on center the proper fit is very important. We recommend that you purchase a Container Sample Kit and physically measure the CX 44 panel's fit to the weld seams on your container. Make sure that you have a uniform 44" on center spacing for the container's welds.
The panel is optimized for interior finishing with the electrical raceways built-in, CX44 is adaptable and will on the exterior walls applications too. The panel’s solid airtight construction helps prevents steel container condensation issues. CX44 panel varies in thickness from 2" to 3 1/2″ thick of closed-cell, injection-molded EPS foam and achieves R-11 insulation. The specifically shaped EPS is designed to fill the inset corrugation of a shipping container where the side wall weld seams are 44"on center. If the weld seams are less than 44" this may involve trimming the panels to fit. Contact our technical department about trimming and stack bonding panel alternative methods of installation.
Before You Glue
The InSoFast CX Container Panel is designed for the side walls of most shipping containers. The CX panels adhere to the industry standard of 11" on center, repeating pattern of the corrugated sidewall. The panel size is 44" wide x 24" high fits into this container standard module. This spacing conflicts with the 4' x 8' construction standard! The panel's stud spacing is 22"on center. THIS EFFECTS the finish materials installation methods. (E.G. a sheet of drywall 48" x 96", 22" on center does not divide evenly into 48 or 96.) The fastening and adhesive patterns will change and finish material waste should be considered.
The CX panels are installed horizontally with the studs running vertically. Lay out the first row of CX panels to determine the fit to the container. Variations in the corrugations may require the panels to be trimmed or spaced out. If the panels need to be adjusted, it may be better to stack bond the panels instead of installing the panels in a running bond pattern. 
Place a 3/8" bead of adhesive on the backside of the CX44 panel.
Side Wall corrugation dimensions that the CX44 will fit.
- The CX 44 Panel 24" x 44"
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- It is a good choice as a base panel for the InSoFast PLUS when higher R-Value is needed.
- It is a good choice when a finished livable space is desired.
- Designed to fit 44" wide weld seam to weld seam.
- CX44 Panel (5 panels/box) 36.67 s.f.
- One 20’ high cube wall would require 5 boxes of the CX 44 panels
- One 40’ high cube wall would require 10 boxes of the CX 44 panels
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First Things First
Warning: Do not expose the foam insulation or plastic studs of InSoFast panels to the flames, heat or sparks generated by welding, grinding or cutting on the steel container after panels have been installed. Cut out all openings in the container and complete any welding, cutting or grinding operations prior to installing InSoFast panels.
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CX44 Insulated Shipping Container Panel with Studs |
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| CX44 Panel Details |
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Dimensions |
24in × 44in × 2in-3 1/2in |
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| Horizontal Chase |
48in × 1in × ¾in |
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Vertical Chase |
24in × ¾in × ¾in |
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Coverage |
7.33 sq-ft |
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R-Value ASTM C518 |
R-11 |
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| ASTM C578 Type II |
Closed-Cell, injection-molded EPS |
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Canadian Standards CAN/ULC S701 Type 2 |
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ASTM C303 Foam Density |
1.35 lbs per cubic foot |
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ASTM E96 Water Vapor Permeability |
(Class III Vapor Retarder) 3.5perm/in |
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| Maximum Service Temperature (long term) |
167°F = 75 Celsius (°C) |
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Surface |
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Interlocking Edges |
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Service Raceways |
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Engineered for Shipping Containers |
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Exterior Application |
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Interiors Application |
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Flat Panel(UX 2.0)and Sidewall Insert
This method to finish the long sidewall of a shipping container is for interior or exterior applications. The UX Flat panel and inserts is a two-step process insulated first with the (SWI) Side Wall Inserts to infill the wall's corrugated voids preventing hidden condensation. The UX2.0 or the EXi 2.5 Flat Panels (48″ x 24″) are installed over the inserts so that the black studs run horizontally, crossing over the container's corrugations, providing maximum contact between the InSoFast studs and the steel container. This is the quickest and easiest method used when the container 's condition is less than optimal.
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- Preferred method when modifying older containers with dings and dents.
- When weld seams are greater than or less than 44" on center.
- Industrial fast track application.
Sidewall Bundle Contains:
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- (UX2.0 Flat Panel) or (EXi 2.5 Flat Panels) = 40 sq-ft. per box.
- (SWI Side Wall Inserts) = 30 pieces 48 inches long covering 120 lineal feet of corrugation in-fill or (15) 8′ tall sections
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Basic Installation Instruction
First Things First
Warning: Do not expose the foam insulation or plastic studs of InSoFast panels to the flames, heat or sparks generated by welding, grinding or cutting on the steel container after panels have been installed. Cut out all openings in the container and complete any welding, cutting or grinding operations prior to installing InSoFast panels.
Installing Sidewall Inserts into a Container
The long sidewalls of the shipping container is a two step process and is insulated with Sidewall Inserts and either the UX 2.0 or EX 2.5 flat panel. 
Place a bead of adhesive in an “S” pattern down the center of the backside of the sidewall insert. Set the inserts into the lower half of the sidewall corrugations. 
For a standard 8’ high container, the panels can be installed in a stacked method or a running bond pattern. The running bond pattern works better to eliminate waste on a 9’ high container.
The container wall is now ready to run electrical wiring.
(SWI Side Wall Inserts)
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Side Wall InSerts One box of Side Wall Inserts covers 112 Lineal feet of corrugation. |
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48in x 7 3/4in x 1 1/4 in |
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| Coverage |
2.5 sq-ft |
| R-Value ASTM C518 |
R-5.3 |
| Closed-Cell, injection-molded EPS |
ASTM C578 Type II |
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Canadian Standards |
CAN/ULC S701 Type 2 |
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Foam Density |
1.35 lbs per cubic foot |
UX 2.0 or EXi 2.5 Flat Panels, the panels are 48″ x 24″.
UX 2.0 Flat Panels2″ thick of closed-cell, injection-molded EPS foam body achieves R-8.5 insulation The UX2.0 is our thinnest profile panel, optimized for flat surface interior finishing. The UX 2.0 will work on floors, walls, ceiling and can be adapted for shipping container construction or other unique applications. It is a good choice as a base panel for the InSoFast PLUS when higher R-Value is needed. |
EXi 2.5 Flat Panels2 1/2″ thick of closed-cell, injection-molded EPS foam body achieves R-10 insulation. The EXi is optimized for interior finishing. The panel will work on floors, walls, ceiling and can be adapted for shipping container construction or other unique applications. It is a good choice as a base panel for the InSoFast PLUS when higher R-Value is needed. |
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CX LowPro Insulated Studs
CX LowPro a hybrid engineered solution for insulating containers for interior or exterior applications. Insulating a shipping container is a balancing act between space, comfort, energy efficiency, and humidity control, CX LowPro gives you that control. The CX-LP studs are ideally suited for inter-modal container conversions and are best suited for industrial applications where thin wall insulation and framing is the primary need. (If you are not planning to embed electric services like wiring in the wall, or if you are planning surface mounted conduit. One of the many benefits to the stud, it is easier to modify and adapt to accommodate dings and dents of older containers. The CX-LP is a hybrid method designed to address the overseas freight charges. CX-LP insulated stud method of application utilizes locally sourced flat foam board to reduce overseas freight. The insulated stud is ideal eliminating framing cold spots when insulating a container.
Interior application
LowPro interior application with a window.
First Things First
Warning: Do not expose the foam insulation or plastic studs of InSoFast panels to the flames, heat or sparks generated by welding, grinding or cutting on the steel container after panels have been installed. Cut out all openings in the container and complete any welding, cutting or grinding operations prior to installing InSoFast panels.
The adhesive applied CX-LP eliminates the hundreds of holes associated with shipping container or sea can modifications. The CX LowPro stud is part of a assembly to work with the Side Walls Inserts. The corrugation infills are typically placed on either 11 - 22 inches on center in an alternating pattern with the (SWI) side wall inserts. The CX-LP insulated infill framing is ideally suited for container conversions in commercial, residential, industrial, interior or exterior applications where thin wall insulation and framing is the primary concern. LowPro used in this configuration with 1/2" thick drywall only 1 1/4" of interior space is lost.
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| The LowPro's versatility of traditional framing without the energy penalty of steel or wood studs. In this example the LowPro studs provide extra attachment around a window opening. | Contrasted by this example that trims out the window and maintains the 22" on center container framing layout. Using the LowPro studs only where they are needed. |
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CX-LP LowPro Insulated Stud |
Side Wall InSerts |
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CX LowPro-Side Wall Architectural Details |
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7 1/2in × 24in × 2in |
48in x 7 3/4in x 1 1/4 in |
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Coverage |
2.5 sq-ft |
2.5 sq-ft |
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R-Value ASTM C518 |
R-8.5 |
R-5.3 |
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Closed-Cell, injection-molded EPS |
ASTM C578 Type II |
ASTM C578 Type II |
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Canadian Standards |
CAN/ULC S701 Type 2 |
CAN/ULC S701 Type 2 |
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Foam Density |
1.35 lbs per cubic foot |
1.35 lbs per cubic foot |
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Surface |
N/A |
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Ready for Finishes |
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Interior |
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Exterior |
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- One box of the CX-LP 46 Insulated studs will do 92 lineal feet of framing. One 20' container side wall would need 44 pcs, of CX LowPro's insulated studs and 20 pcs. of the Side Wall Inserts to do one side.
- One box of Side Wall Inserts has 30 pcs. that are 48 inches long or will cover 112 Lineal feet of corrugation in-fill.
- One box of the CX-LP 46 Insulated studs will do 92 lineal feet of framing. One 20' container side wall would need 44 pcs, of CX LowPro's insulated studs and 20 pcs. of the Side Wall Inserts to do one side.
The high-strength co-polymer plastic studs on 11 or 22-inches centers provide a positive attachment stud for finishing the container. The ribbed dovetails surface provides for adhesive applications against the metal surfaces.
CX LowPro Insulated Studs, (CX-LP) is ideal for export. The InSoFast panels, comprised of 98% air; they are bulky and more expensive to ship than the LowPro assembly. We concentrated the best attributes of our insulated panels into a cost competitive exportable insulated stud. LowPro Stud and locally sourced rigid flat foam board 40-50 shipping containers, can be fabricated from a single 20' IEU container imported to your region.
(SWI Side Wall Inserts)
Flat board stock foam and framing by others.
First Things First
Warning: Do not expose the foam insulation or plastic studs of InSoFast panels to the flames, heat or sparks generated by welding, grinding or cutting on the steel container after panels have been installed. Cut out all openings in the container and complete any welding, cutting or grinding operations prior to installing InSoFast panels.
The sidewall of a shipping container interior or exterior applications. If you just need to just insulate a container for storage and covering the insulation for fire safety and protection is not a concern we recommend the (SWI) Side Wall Inserts to infill the wall's corrugated voids to prevent hidden condensation. Then install locally sourced board stock insulation over the steel containers exposed metal surfaces.
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- Inexpensive method when modifying older containers with dings and dents prevent cold condensation surfaces.
- Industrial fast track application not suitable for habitual spaces, storage only.
- Check with local code restrictions for exposed foam insulation fire requirements.
- Traditional framing, wood or steel studs, would need to be installed with drywall and optional additional insulation in order to make the container into a habitable space
Sidewall Inserts:
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- (SWI Side Wall Inserts) = 30 pieces 48 inches long covering 120 lineal feet of corrugation in-fill or (15) 8′ tall sections
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(SWI Side Wall Inserts)
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Side Wall Inserts One box of Side Wall Inserts covers 112 Lineal feet of corrugation. |
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48in x 7 3/4in x 1 1/4 in |
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| Coverage |
2.5 sq-ft |
| R-Value ASTM C518 |
R-5.3 |
| Closed-Cell, injection-molded EPS |
ASTM C578 Type II |
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Canadian Standards |
CAN/ULC S701 Type 2 |
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Foam Density |
1.35 lbs per cubic foot |
LP-EW LowPro Endwall Exterior application
CX-LP-EW: LowPro End Wall bundle is part of a assembly that has material to finish the end wall of a 9' high cube or 8' standard shipping container. The LP-EW studs are placed 10 inches on center alternating with the end wall inserts. The LP-EW studs are ideally suited for container conversions for commercial, residential, industrial, interior or exterior applications where thin wall insulation and framing is the primary concern. Refer to the container diagram to determine the proper fit is very important. The End wall of the shipping container is a two step process. Insulated with LowPro End Wall studded insulation Inserts and the Endwall Inserts.
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LP-EW LowPro Insulated Stud One box of the LP-EW 22 Insulated studs will do 44 lineal feet of framing. |
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Dimensions |
5 1/2in × 24in × 2 1/2 in |
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Coverage |
1.00 sq-ft |
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R-Value ASTM C518 |
R-10.5 |
| ASTM C578 Type II |
Closed-Cell, injection-molded EPS |
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Canadian Standards CAN/ULC S701 Type 2 |
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ASTM C303 Foam Density |
1.35 lbs per cubic foot |
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ASTM E96 Water Vapor Permeability |
(Class III Vapor Retarder) 3.5perm/in |
| Maximum Service Temperature (long term) |
167°F = 75 Celsius (°C) |
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Surface |
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Interlocking Edges |
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Engineered for Shipping Containers |
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Exterior Application |
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Interiors Application |
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End Wall Insert
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End Wall InSerts End Wall or the containers nose 36 lineal feet of corrugation. |
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5in × 48in × 1 3/4in |
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| Coverage |
1.67 sq-ft |
| R-Value ASTM C518 |
R-7.5 |
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ASTM C578 Type II Canadian Standards CAN/ULC S701 Type 2 |
Closed-Cell, injection-molded EPS |
| Foam Density |
1.35 lbs per cubic foot |
Order Sample *This CX-LPEW bundle is a 3 part assembly designed to work on the end wall of a container. Sheet infill insulation supplied by others.
End Wall inserts and the Flat Panel UX2.0 Suitable for interior or exterior applications.
Insulating the end wall of the shipping container is a two step process. First the inserts are installed on the end wall corrugations.
The embedded stud panels run horizontal, perpendicular to a shipping containers corrugated ribs. The goal is to provide as much contact between the studs and steel in order to maximize the holding power of the studs.
Flat Panel (UX2.0)
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PROPERTIES |
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UX 2.0, Flat Panel Details |
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Panel Dimensions |
24in × 48in × 2in |
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Horizontal Chase |
48in × 1in × ¾in |
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| Vertical Chase | 24in × ¾in × ¾in | |||
| Coverage |
8sq-ft |
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| R-Value ASTM C518 |
R-8.5 |
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| ASTM C578 Type II |
Closed-Cell, injection-molded EPS |
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| Canadian Standards CAN/ULC S701 Type 2 | ||||
| ASTM C303 Foam Density |
1.35 lbs per cubic foot |
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| ASTM E96 Water Vapor Permeability |
(Class III Vapor Retarder) 3.5perm/in |
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| Maximum Service Temperature (long term) |
167°F = 75 Celsius (°C) |
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| Co-Polymer Polypropylene Insulated Stud |
Surface |
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| Interlocking Edges |
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| Cutting Indication Lines |
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| Code Depth Raceways |
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| Ready for Finishing |
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| Interiors |
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| Exteriors |
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| Moisture Control |
Channels on Back only |
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Products Needed
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End Wall Inserts One box of Inserts covers the end wall. |
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| See Diagram | zip file |
| Insert Dimensions | 5 1/4 in × 48in × 1 5/8 in |
| Coverage per pcs | 1.75 sq-ft |
| One Box -20 inserts 4' long | (covers 35’ Sq-ft) |
| Interior side of the end wall | 1 boxes |
| Exterior side of a the end wall | 1 boxes |
| R-Value ASTM C518 | R-4.24 per in |
| ASTM C578 Type II |
Closed-Cell, injection-molded EPS |
| Canadian Standard CAN/ULC S701 Type 2 | |
| Foam Density | 1.35 lbs per cubic foot |
| Interiors | √ |
| Exteriors | √ |
| Shipping Containers | √ |
Ceiling Insulation Application
InSoFast take a complex assembly and makes it simple. The flat panels and inserts reduces the hassle out insulating and framing shipping containers ceiling. The ceiling of the shipping container is a two step process. Insulated first with the ceiling inserts used to fill the ceiling's stamped indentations to reduce the chances of a hidden condensation in the air void. Followed by your choice of either the UX 2.0 or EX 2.5 flat panels.
Step 1 Ceiling Inserts
Step 2 Flat Panels UX2.0 or EXi2.5
Ceiling Inserts (CCEIL)
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Ceiling Inserts One box of Ceiling Inserts covers 224 Lineal feet of indents. |
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Ceiling Insert |
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Dimensions |
48in x 4 5/8in x 13/16 in |
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Coverage |
1.7 sq-ft |
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R-Value ASTM C518 |
R-3.18 |
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ASTM C578 Type II |
Closed-Cell, injection-molded EPS |
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Canadian Standard CAN/ULC S701 Type 2 |
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Foam Density |
1.35 lbs per cubic foot | ||
Flat Panels UX 2.0 or EXi 2.5
UX 2.0 Flat Panels2″ thick of closed-cell, injection-molded EPS foam body achieves R-8.5 insulation The UX2.0 is our thinnest profile panel, optimized for flat surface interior finishing. The UX 2.0 will work on floors, walls, ceiling and can be adapted for shipping container construction. It is a good choice as a base panel for the InSoFast PLUS when higher R-Value is needed. |
EXi 2.5 Flat Panels2 1/2″ thick of closed-cell, injection-molded EPS foam body achieves R-10 insulation. The EXi is optimized for interior finishing. The panel will work on floors, walls, ceiling and can be adapted for shipping container construction. It is a good choice as a base panel for the InSoFast PLUS when higher R-Value is needed. |
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Insulating Swing Doors
InSoFast take a complex assembly and makes it simple. The flat panels and inserts reduces the hassle out insulating and framing shipping containers ceiling. The ceiling of the shipping container is a two step process. Insulated first with the ceiling inserts used to fill the ceiling's stamped indentations to reduce the chances of a hidden condensation in the air void. Followed by your choice of either the UX 2.0 or EX 2.5 flat panels.
Step 1 Ceiling Inserts
There are many styles of shipping container doors and just as many ways to insulate them. Doors vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, advanced tools and carpentry skills is required for this application. Like all of our panels they can be cut and modified to fit your size container. We will show how to use the InSoFast Flat Panel EXe 2.5 to insulate a door.
It is best to have a sample kit on site to fit and measure for your door. The inserts supplied in the sample kit represent most of the common role formed angles the container manufacturers use.
Flat Panels EXe 2.5
EXi 2.5 Flat Panels2 1/2″ thick of closed-cell, injection-molded EPS foam body achieves R-10 insulation. The EXi is optimized for interior finishing. The panel will work on floors, walls, ceiling and can be adapted for shipping container construction. It is a good choice as a base panel for the InSoFast PLUS when higher R-Value is needed. |
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Floor Insulation Application
Insulating a shipping container floor with the InSoFast flat panels increases your thermal performance with the application of our continuous insulation panels. Steel is considered a super conductor of thermal energy and in a container the conduction delivers a U-Value thermal penalty of .109 if you just insulate between the flooring beams @ 12" on center. What that means if you place R-19 insulation between the beams your effective R-Value, reads like this, (1 ÷ 0.0109 = R-Value of 9.17) Adding the UX 2.0 or EX 2.5 flat panel Will double your performance to an R-Value of 20.
Flooring Insulation
The floating method.
We demonstrate the floating method, (not glued down) recommended for carpet, laminate, and wood floors. This is a simple, quick installation that makes the container floor feel softer and more comfortable.
The screw down method can be used for any flooring type. An alternative is to bond the panels in place with a 3/8″ bead of adhesive along dove-tailed ribbing of each stud. The these two attachment methods are recommended for ceramic tiles to create a solid base that eliminates movement.
Flat Panels UX 2.0 or EXi 2.5
UX 2.0 Flat Panels2″ thick of closed-cell, injection-molded EPS foam body achieves R-8.5 insulation The UX2.0 is our thinnest profile panel, optimized for flat surface interior finishing. The UX 2.0 will work on floors, walls, ceiling and can be adapted for shipping container construction. It is a good choice as a base panel for the InSoFast PLUS when higher R-Value is needed. |
EXi 2.5 Flat Panels2 1/2″ thick of closed-cell, injection-molded EPS foam body achieves R-10 insulation. The EXi is optimized for interior finishing. The panel will work on floors, walls, ceiling and can be adapted for shipping container construction. It is a good choice as a base panel for the InSoFast PLUS when higher R-Value is needed. |
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Loctite PL Premium
LOCTITE® PL PREMIUM® POLYURETHANE CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVE
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Green Guard Certified Adhesive:
One of the many reasons we recommend Loctite PL Premium is it has the GREENGUARD Certification. It is important to us that you use an adhesive that has low chemical emissions, you are building in an airtight shipping container, improving the quality of the air you breath is kind of important.
InSoFast panels were designed with simplicity in mind and we would argue that gluing them is not only the easiest method of installation but often the most effective. Third-party testing has shown the adhesive bond strength of our studs to have 108psi of holding power. This means each adhered panel is capable of holding over 5,000lbs!
In Canada the Glue is LePage PL Premium
Testing was conducted using Loctite PL Premium’s 3X Stronger Construction Adhesive, (in Canada it is marketed under the LePage PL Premium brand,) on clean concrete surfaces. It is the only adhesive we have tested. Other formulas and brands may not work as expected.
Estimating Adhesive Quantity
Estimating the amount of adhesive YOU will use has variables beyond our control like condition of your walls and how accurate are you with a glue gun? The example below is for one side wall of a 20' standard height shipping container you will need approximately 3 tubes of the adhesive. That is in a perfect world. PL Premium 3x adhesive is applied in a ⅜" bead on the backside of the studs onto the ribbed surfaces. We realize that a 3/8" bead of glue is very subjective. It is important that there is enough adhesive to squish the dovetails on the back side of the stud when pressed to the container wall. Adhesive follows the "Goldie Locks rule, too much, too little, and just right. If you are doing just right you can expect that 1 large 28-fl oz tube will cover 18 of our 24" long studs or enough glue at a 3/8" bead to cover 36 foot long bead of glue.
Additionally you will have to estimate for glue around openings like windows and doors.
1 large 28-fl oz / 828 mL tube = 18 (24" studs or inserts)
- CX 44 (22 panels with 2 studs each plus 8 end wall edges) = 52
- 52 ÷ 18 = 3 tubes of the adhesive
To verify that enough adhesive is used, press the panel into place. Pull the panel back and check to see if the adhesive has spread out beyond the full width of the stud. It is normal for the panel to "float out" from the side of the container when it is accommodating irregularities in the container walls. Additional adhesive may be necessary in some areas.
| LOCTITE® PL PREMIUM® POLYURETHANE CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVE Rough estimate for 28 ounce tubes of adhesive required | |||||||
| Container | CX 44 Side Walls | End Wall and Inserts | Ceiling and Inserts | Swing Doors | Floors | Total without doors and floors | Total Estimate with doors and floors |
| 20' Standard | 3 Per side total 6 | 2 1/2 | 6 1/2 | 3 | 7 | 13 | 23 |
| 20' High Cube | 3 Per side total 7 | 2 1/2 | 6 1/2 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 24 |
| 40' Standard | 6 Per side total 12 | 2 1/2 | 13 | 3 | 14 | 28 | 45 |
| 40' High Cube | 6 Per side total 13 | 2 1/2 | 13 | 3 | 14 | 29 | 46 |
Important Notice: Container Surface Temperature Applications
When bonding EPS and XPS foam insulation, use above 40°F (4°C) and avoid cure and surface temperatures above 90°F (32°C). Surfaces must be clean, dry and free of frost, grease, dust and other contaminants. Pre-fit all materials and protect finished surfaces. If using cartridge format, cut nozzle at a 45° angle to desired bead size and puncture inner seal. Be very careful not to allow Loctite® PL® Premium to cure on a finished surface.
Cold Weather Tips:
Interior Installation
Heating the interior of the container will not be sufficient for the adhesive to cure because the insulation panels will not allow heat to transfer to the container surface. It is recommended to either move the container to a heated area or tent and heat the exterior until the adhesive has cured.
Exterior Installation
The interior of the container can be heated until the adhesive has cured.
Interior and Exterior Installation
Install the exterior panels first while heating the interior. Allow adhesive to cure before installing interior insulation.
Wear gloves. Cured adhesive on bare skin will not come off immediately with washing and will cause skin to darken. Cured adhesive and discoloration will come off in about 3 days.
Clean tools and uncured adhesive residue immediately with mineral spirits in a well-ventilated area to the outdoors. Remove cured adhesive by carefully scraping with a sharp-edged tool.
InSoFast Plus Method
Need a higher R-value? No Problem! Start with a base of InSoFast continuous insulation panels they are feature-rich and easy to install. Then add rigid foam insulation over top of InSoFast panels.