5 Ways To Insulate Your Shipping Container: Which Is The Best?

Insulating Shipping Containers: The Ultimate Guide.

Are you considering converting a shipping container into a livable space or workspace? If so, insulation is a crucial factor to consider. Today, we're tackling the ins and outs of insulation.

Disclaimer: Our top recommendation is steel stud framing on the inside of shipping containers, paired with 2 lb of closed-cell insulation. However, we encourage you to research and adapt your approach to suit your specific circumstances and local climate.
In this video, we'll explore various insulation options and share our insights on what works best for different scenarios. We'll go from the worst to the best, so you'll know exactly what to avoid and what to embrace.

🔴 Fiberglass Insulation: Why You Should Stay Away 🔴
First on the list is fiberglass insulation. It might seem like a cost-effective option, but it comes with a host of issues, including moisture retention, mold, and poor thermal performance. Learn why we strongly advise against using fiberglass in your container project.

🔵 Mineral Wool Insulation: A Solid Choice? 🔵
Next up, we'll discuss mineral wool insulation. While it has some impressive qualities like moisture resistance and fire resistance, is it the best fit for shipping containers? Discover the pros and cons of this material and when it makes sense to use it.

🟡 Rigid Foam Insulation: Exploring the Options 🟡
Rigid foam insulation comes in various forms, but not all are created equal. We'll break down the differences between regular rigid foam and Insofast, shedding light on their challenges and benefits. Learn why these options may or may not be suitable for your container project.

🟣 The Flash and Bat Method: Our Favorite Insulation Technique 🟣
Last but not least, we'll reveal our favorite insulation method – the "Flash and Bat" technique. This innovative approach combines the strengths of spray foam and mineral wool to create a high-performance, energy-efficient insulation system. Find out why we consider this the gold standard for container conversions.

If you found this advice valuable, don't forget to give this video a thumbs up, subscribe to our channel, and ring that notification bell so you never miss an update. For more in-depth container conversion insights, visit us at TCG.ca Join us as we demystify insulation and help you make informed decisions for your shipping container project. Stay tuned, and let's create comfortable, efficient, and sustainable container spaces together!

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Timestamps:
0:00 Disclaimer
0:28 Worst Type Of Insulation: Fiberglass
1:07 Mineral Wool Insulation
2:07 Insofast
4:19 Rigid Foam
4:52 Spray Foam
5:09 Flash + Batt Technique
5:40 Thanks For Watching
#TheContainerGuy #ShippingContainer #DIY #ContainerMods

[freakyflow]

Fully agree with the flash and batt method Another help to those in hot climates is White painted roofs As it does not absorb heat like darker colors

[CarmenBIGPRESSURECaBoom]

Great and informative information. And I appreciate how you got straight to the point. Thank you!

[JP-ylon]

I’m Zone 2, 100* for 6mo a year. It’s InsoFast outside clad in board & batten. Inside it’s 2.5” of closed cell spray foam, 1.5” air gap, then advanced framing wall with staggered studs and insulation. Goal is passive house standards, minimize heat gain, noise abatement. Each exterior container is double width, so losing a few inches is irrelevant.

[jbsingh]

Excellent video, lots of great information, how many vents are required for rock wool batting?

[frankpintosr]

Great video! I’d like to see a comparison of all 5 insulation types, and the bonus type. Temp outside vs inside, cost of materials, time to install, etc. Maybe some thermal camera shots too please.

[PhillipCarswell]

Great info, thanks for sharing. I live in the carribean and we get 11-13ft of rain per year and the climate is 75-88 degrees Farenheit all year-round. What do you recommend for my container framing and insulation? Steel or wood framing? Best insulation for jungle humid environment?

[aaronreidbond]

I suggest a vapper barrier prior to any of the 5. What I was planning to use is a product called "super therm". It's a ceramic that can be applied on the exterior and interior. And if your intent is to build a home. And clad the exterior with other materials. This would be a great way to insulate.

Thanks for the great videos by the way!

[vladislavbeda]

A metal container is an absolutely vapor-proof structure. As I understand it, to avoid mold and maintain a healthy microclimate, a ventilation system is needed, and it is better if it is a ventilation machine. Guys, where it's hot it's not as relevant as where it's -25 or 30 degrees Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit) in winter :)) On the topic, in order to bring the dew point outside the container, I would in any case insulate only from the outside, and probably with a material that is not afraid of moisture and does not absorb moisture - polyurethane.

[princessdiannearintoc]

Very informative. Have you tried insulating medical facility especially the ones needed lead insulation?

[dbnnr]

Hey man, thanks for the solid content. Just bought a beat up 40hc and I’m learning a lot. I have a question, I’m in south Florida and the heat is my only enemy, it never gets cold enough here to worry about. Have you ever tested radiant heat barrier with an air gap for heat differentials with and without?

[eastcorkcheeses]

Use the corrugated white foam on the outside of your container - and clad on to that,

[jonbrady]

can you also add insulation on the exterior as well and put some exterior panels (not sure what) to cover the insulation for aesthetics?

[carterscustomrods]

What if you were to do an external insulation on exterior? Then skip vents, and have a thinsulate insulation inside it?

[wonderingsoul]

Is there a way to insulate the outside leaving as much room inside as possible?

[wallacewalcher]

On the flash and bat method mentioned, what size studs would you use? Since it's 6 in of insulation, would you have to use 2x6s or could you get by with 2x4 somehow?

[ifyoubuildit]

5:16 if you do flash&batt with wood studs, do you still frame the walls 1/2" away from the steel walls?

[magickladycj]

My dad welded 8 shipping container together then buried them into a bunker like home. I love the idea to insulate the walls for a warmer home. due to i am always at 63 F always. we have solar light through the roof and a wood stove. but it is a huge layout and heating is a challenge at best. I would love to talk to someone who really understands shipping containers although there is not many who do. at least i have not found anyone yet. i would love to be new flooring in but fearful of ruining my teakwood and mahogany floors. i would love to seal them or something so i could mop and care for them better. any idea's would be helpful.

[mikescottizzle]

When you put drywall over the studs and Spray Foam, won't you run into the same issue with condensation between the drywall and Spray Foam?

[QKGLH]

A cost comparison seems like a key factor that was missed. That's a big deal to most folks. Another key factor is the ability to DIY. I've looked for DIY spray foam kits and got sticker shock.

[hondainsight]

Random question what kind how much and r factor for a 40 foot aluminum food grade refrigerated shipping container? I have seen some for sale that claim the units at the end of the containers keep meat frozen on the voyage