Container insulation is a necessary part of any container home build. Since shipping containers are made of thermal conductor steel, without it your home will feel like an ice box during the summer and hot during the winter. Insulation separates the conditioned air inside your container home from the outdoor climate, and significantly reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling.

There are a number of materials you can use to insulate your container home. One popular option is to use panels of polystyrene foam — more commonly known as Styrofoam — that are cut to size for walls, ceiling, and doors in shipping containers. This is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Another option is to use natural fibers such as cotton and wool that have an R-value of about 3.4 per inch. These are non-toxic, eco-friendly options that also work well in colder climates.

You can also choose to insulate your container with loose-fill insulation, which includes shredded paper (cellulose), perlite, and fiberglass. These are blown in by machines, and can be very effective. However, they are somewhat messy and do not provide a sealed barrier against moisture.

Finally, you can use closed-cell spray foam to insulate your container. This is a quick and effective option, but not as visually appealing as the other methods discussed here. Spray foam is available in a variety of R-values and can be painted with a polyurea topcoat for additional protection against the elements. roof insulation