That is only part of the question chance are that you are looking for a better way to build. InSoFast want to help you with your quest and we have developed a full line space saving injection molded, closed-cell insulation panels just for shipping containers. InSoFast panels give you a proven and versatile way to insulate the interior and or exterior of a container. We can guide you to one of our proven solutions, tailored to your climate. We offer you the best approach to correctly insulate a shipping container. We provide instructional videos to demonstrate the best approaches that work. We are skilled professionals with years of fabrication experience. Let us help you decide what systems will work best for you.
It may seem obvious that frying pans are made of metal. Metal conducts energy. Containers are made of metal. Like frying pans, containers conduct energy, too. Insulation is a buffer that slows down the transfer of energy. So it makes sense that you are looking for insulation for your container. InSoFast is that insulation buffer solution that you are looking for.
Solar gain is important:
We have all experienced hot, sunny, summer days where you get into your dark colored car and it is HOT. A container is no different from a car. It makes sense, if you live in a hot climate, to paint your container with light colors, and similarly, in cold climates, use dark colors. Mixed climates? A nice beige would be lovely.
InSoFast's foam is expanded polystyrene and its service temperature is:
| Maximum Service Temperature (long term) | 167°F = 75 Celsius (°C) |
| Maximum Service Temperature (intermittent) | 180°F = 82 Celsius (°C) |
Why you should consider using InSoFast insulation for containers?
Good question but a complex answer with a lot of variables. To simplify, for example, if you pull an ice-cold drink out of a foam cooler on a humid summer day, you will almost immediately notice condensation forming on the sides of the can. This is exactly what happens to the cold walls of a container. Warm air meets cold can causing (condensation). The simple answer if you take the same insulation from a foam cooler and you wrap it onto a shipping container wall, condensation is controlled.
Unlike traditional home building plagued by hidden condensation problems from air leakage, containers have the opposite challenge. To start with you have chosen a better shell that has nearly zero air leakage. InSoFast can help you with a comprehensive approach for controlling cold surface condensation. Adding InSoFast's proven airtight insulated lining reduces this temperature change condensation.
The next challenge is that whole relative humidity stuff. The complexity in controlling humidity levels in a container depends on the climate zone and moisture storage capacity of the finish materials. Different applications like agricultural uses or living spaces with higher humidity levels need more insulation and HVAC control. It is not just about more insulation but the right balance of insulation and HVAC controls.
A common use of Expanded Polystyrene is for safely transporting perishable food items and medical supplies. EPS has been used for ice chests, foam coolers, forever and the manufacturing of EPS is regulated to very high standards of quality and safety. Independent Testing Laboratories have clearly proven over and over again the effectiveness and temperature protection you can expect from thick-walled ice chests. InSoFast simply guides you on the best approach to apply this proven technology for your shipping container conversion projects.
Occupants breathing, showering, and cooking all produce excess moisture in traditional home construction. Water vapor can be controlled by various means; the most basic is air leakage through the building’s envelope, like windows. Containers cannot rely on air leakage to control humidity, unlike frame construction, shipping containers are airtight. To prevent excessive moisture buildup that can lead to condensation, a proper mechanical ventilation system to remove moisture and a supply of fresh air is still an important design element. To minimize wintertime condensation on windows or cold surfaces, you must lower the relative humidity of the air to keep it below the dew point of the surface. So yes you should vent but control what you vent. This is not "vent" to be confusing, you need a good quality mini split to control your air.
- A steel container is airtight, to prevent excessive moisture/condensation, a proper mechanical ventilation systems to control moisture and a supply of fresh air, is still an important design element.
- Dew Point Calculator
InSoFast has applications in places ranging from the jungles of Africa, to the Arctic Circle; we are pretty sure that our insulation will work just fine for you.
Energy Codes
You will face a lot of obstacles with building codes and R-Values requirements are designed for traditional framed construction. Shipping container are not traditional. InSoFast has information available to help you navigate your local requirements. While codes are well-intentioned, they don’t consider the airtight and diminutive size of a shipping container. Local townships will hold container construction to a higher standard, because it is different. Here is some basic information to get you started with deciphering building codes.
- Building energy code requirements.
- Modular Building Institute and National Portable Storage Association, Compliance Handbook.
- InSoFast Nationwide Code Compliance Report
Interior Space
Interior Space vs R-Value
It’s easy to increase your R-Value beyond code minimums while maintaining the engineered benefits and maximum interior space with InSoFast panels. InSoFast lets you balance high performance wall insulation boards against the need for valuable interior LIVING space.
- For more information about "Space vs. R-Value" go to our InSoFast PLUS page.
- Download Chart as a PDF for code submittal. Shipping Container R-Value vs Space Comparison InSoFast
Features
InSoFast take a complex assembly and makes it simple. Why work so hard? The family of insulation boards like the CX 44, CX LowPro Insulated Studs, and our other panels takes the hassle out insulating and framing shipping containers.
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- R-11 wall panel
- Built in framing
- Continuous insulation
- Built in service raceways
- Fast universal and simple
- Insulation boards designed to fit containers.
- Universal insulation for floor, walls, ceilings, interior and exterior
Benefits
When environmental disasters force cities, islands and countries to declare that there is a “ basic shelter and low income housing crisis” up-cycling or recycling shipping containers is a sensible solution. InSoFast is the easy way to turn cold, corrugated steel containers into cozy and safe homes. InSoFast is so easy that professional builders and volunteers can work together to construct housing for homeless and other at-risk residents.
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- No electrical guess work
- One detail, one solution . . . unlimited finishing options
- Less parts and pieces = less training
- Engineered components = a complete wall
- Assemble Less. Build Better. Get more done.
- Controls condensation behind the walls
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.
