If you plan on spending any time in your shipping container, it’s essential you insulate it. America’s climate can be harsh at times, with hot summers and freezing winters meaning your container should be appropriately prepared. Although we have seen container repurposing boom as of recently, shipping containers were never designed to accommodate humans. Furthermore, they are essentially solid steel boxes, which leave them susceptible to the elements. This includes condensation, meaning that appropriate insulation is vital, not only for your comfort, but also to keep your shipping container in good condition. A container in good condition is free of mold, corrosion and rust. Here at Great Lakes Kwik Space, we provide quick and efficient solutions for businesses looking to expand their storage facilities. We have the best rates in, and throughout Chicagoland when it comes to portable storage containers for rent.
Here at Great Lakes Kwik Space, we understand which kind of insulations work well, and the others that don’t. Below, find some brief explanations to various insulation methods that we have had experience with.
When it comes to blanket insulation and insulation panels, these methods of insulation are DIY friendly; however you will require stud walls.
You can buy insulation panels in the sizes that you require, and then easily fit them between the gaps of your stud wall. The panels offer a high-level of insulation for their thin appearance, so if you’re on a budget, panel insulation may be your affordable solution. Because it is physically thin in nature, it is a great solution to keeping insulation thickness to an absolute minimum.
When it comes to blanket insulation, this is the absolute cheapest insulation method, but will take more time to install. The most common form of blanket insulation is mineral, or sometimes referred to as rock-wool. Various types of blanket insulation utilize fiberglass which makes the installation a little trickier, as care is necessary when handling. When installing a blanket insulation in your shipping container, always wear protective equipment to ensure a safe installation.
Utilizing spray foam insulation is an ideal way to ensure your container remains warm and cozy in the colder months, whilst dry in the damper and rainier months. This is because spray foam insulation creates a seamless vapor barrier, helping to combat condensation and heat escaping. When it comes to the installation, it’s also the fastest to assemble and offers users a great deal of flexibility. Spray foam insulation allows you to fill in gaps of any size, meaning it’s swift and efficient.
You are able to apply spray foam insulation both internally, on your containers internal walls, as well as external walls, bases and roofs. You are able to spray the base in order to combat any moisture sneaking in from underneath. Furthermore, once the foam has set, you are able to paint over it, giving you the opportunity to personalize your container how you see fit.
The negatives of utilizing spray foam insulation are that it is more expensive than other methods, while also being extremely messy without much practical experience. You should be careful when installing spray foam insulation as it can leave a huge mess, that isn’t easy to clean up.
As well as spray foam insulation, there are a variety of different types of insulation which can be effectively and safely installed for your container. These include:
It’s possible to even utilize a combination of different insulation types to target specific needs. For example, insulation panels to control interior temperatures, whilst using spray foam to prevent condensation affecting your container.
If you’re looking to go green and want to insulate your container with natural materials, there are a number of options available. Avoiding damaging materials such as fiberglass can have a really positive benefit on planet earth.
Living Roof
When the time of year is particularly hot, a living roof can reduce the indoor temperature by up to eight per cent. Unfortunately, it isn’t however an alternative to proper insulation and will be as good as useless during the winter months.
Cotton Insulation
Instead of using fiberglass, which isn’t good for the environment, this method uses recycled cotton and resembles blanket insulation. It is effective during the colder months and is environmentally-friendly.
Wool Insulation
Again similar to cotton insulation, this particular method resembles blanket insulation, but instead utilizes sheep’s wool. Again, this is most beneficial in the colder months, whilst remaining environmentally-friendly. It can however be a little too much for the summer months, so consider how much wool you will use.
When it comes to insulating a container, there isn’t necessarily a better option against others. It ultimately depends on your skill-set, the climate surrounding your container and your budget.
A mixture of insulation methods can be utilized together to meet your needs, as well as withstand your climate. With Great Lakes Kwik Space, you can find the best deals on portable storage containers for rent. With a highly experienced and dedicated team, they are sure to find you the best deal possible on your next portable storage containers for rent.
If you’re ready to get your project underway but need to source an appropriate shipping container, Great Lakes Kwik Space are your go-to-guys.
Contact us here at Great Lakes Kwik Space on 800 966 1016.
