Climate Control: Insulating your Shipping Container

Modified shipping containers are today used for a wide variety of purposes. Insulating a shipping container is essential for keeping warm during the winter and cool during the summer months. How these shipping containers are insulated, though, depends on two factors:

• The climate in which the containers are going to be placed
• How these containers are going to be used

Let us take a look at the importance of insulating your shipping container.

Why Insulate Your Shipping Container?

Proper insulation improves the energy efficiency of any structure. With the correct type and thickness of insulation, you can drastically decrease the amount of time your air conditioner or heating systems are running, thus reducing your power consumption and as a result, your utility bill.

The steel walls of a steel shipping container tend to get extremely hot in the summer and equally as cold in the winter. The type and amount of insulation required depends on the climate and function of the container. Without proper insulation, it can become very uncomfortable to stay in a shipping container if the container is used as an office or workshop. Even if the container is used for storage, temperature control may be required depending on what will be stored inside.

Furthermore, insulating a shipping container also helps improve the acoustics inside. Because of the hollowed shape of any shipping container, there is an echo created upon making any sound. Proper insulation inside a shipping container can dramatically reduce any noise problems.

Types of Insulation

Styrofoam, spray foam, and batt are the three main types of insulation used in shipping containers. Let us look at each of them:

Styrofoam: Polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam) is ideal for insulating storage containers. It is a fast, easy, and cost-effective way of insulating a storage shipping container and also helps reduce sound. Conventional climate-controlled storage containers typically cone with an inch of Styrofoam insulation already installed.

Spray Foam: This is ideal for temperature-sensitive enclosures. It is not considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing insulation, and it is sprayed directly onto the container walls. The spray foam then sets as a water-resistant, hard covering. Spray foam is a more expensive insulation option.

Batt (or Roll): This insulation material is ideal for living spaces and offices. Batt is made up of finely woven strands of mineral wool, plastic fibers, or glass, and it is the industry standard for insulation used in residential and office containers.

The quickest way to insulate shipping containers is to put in insulation panels that are readily available in predefined sizes, making it easy to fit them. Blanket insulation is also considered to be one of the cheapest options available. Eco-friendly insulation materials are also available such as cotton, wool, and mud.

So when you are buying a shipping container, keep in mind the various insulation options there are as only with proper insulation can you successfully convert a container into a comfortable living or office space.

For more information on modifying a shipping container contact Carolina Containers at 919-562-9187.

How Versatile Can a Shipping Container be on the Worksite?

Shipping containers are the lifeblood of many construction sites given their superior versatility. Today, these containers can be found inside warehouses, shipping docks, schools, and even in the backyards of DIYers all around the world! But just how versatile can shipping containers be? Let’s take a look at some of their various applications.

It is essential to distinguish the difference between the two types of containers Modular vs. Storage containers. Modular buildings are limited in mobility and are structurally insecure but come pre-assembled and are suitable for long-term projects such as housing developments, warehouses, and schools. In contrast, storage containers are suited towards on-site use, given their structural integrity, ease of customization, and mobility. Both are excellent choices depending on the type of project.

Office Buildings

Many construction sites purchase storage containers for office usage for administrative purposes. These units are stackable and customizable with electricity, lighting, HVAC, windows, telecommunications, and even internet access. Additionally, given the dangers construction sites present, shipping containers provide the necessary durability and integrity to preserve the safety of your workforce.

Medical Facilities

Keeping your workforce healthy and safe when they are on-site is a priority for all organizations. Accidents and emergencies happen all the time, and workers must have somewhere to go when the going gets tough. Storage containers for medical purposes are easily deployable. They can be equipped with resources to assist with the well-being of workers, including patient beds, first-aid, and hot & cold-water plumbing.

Expanding Storage

Storage containers are an excellent choice for securing equipment. Their ease of customization, durability, and deployability are perfect for developers to create a barrier between worksites and public space. Additionally, they come equipped with a steel covering, ensuring the safety of nearby pedestrians.

DIY Projects

In recent years, many individuals have taken the time to engage in “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) projects to create spaces for their personal use. Given the increase in the accessibility of educational resources in today’s world, shipping containers have moved beyond the industrial world and have seen expansion into the public. Many creatives have transformed these vessels into inspiring colorful spaces for outside lounges, home offices, bedrooms, gardens, and much more!

Shipping containers have proven to be useful in a diverse set of applications. Investing in them will provide you the ability to conduct administrative duties on-site, keep your workforce safe & healthy, and expand your storage facilities accordingly.

For more information on shipping containers and their use in your business, contact Carolina Containers at 919-562-9187.