How to Insulate a Shipping Container: InSoFast Panel Installation Guide

insofast shipping container Three workers installing InSoFast insulation panels inside a shipping container with tools scattered on the floor.

Your insofast shipping container insulation project could qualify for a tax break up to $1200.00. This valuable saving represents just one benefit you’ll get from proper container home or workspace insulation.

Making shipping containers comfortable and energy-efficient requires proper insulation. The CX44 bundle assembly contains enough materials to insulate a standard 20-foot container with 8-foot side walls. The container’s studs remain at 22 inches on center. 

Secondly, The system’s insulation panels feature specific shapes that fill the container’s corrugation – a unique challenge that regular insulation products don’t handle well. This piece walks you through the installation process with InSoFast’s complete component set:

Also, Corner Posts Bundles, CX-44 panels for sidewalls, Endwall Inserts with 2.0 Panels, and Ceiling Inserts with MAX 3.75 Panels. These step-by-step instructions will help you convert your metal box into a well-insulated, comfortable space ready for the finishing touches.

Preparing the Container for InSoFast Panel Installation

“InSoFast CX Container Panels are designed to fit most shipping containers and take the hassle out coordinating the trade contractors. InSoFast is a one step insulation and framing with electrical raceways ready to go.” — InSoFast, LLCManufacturer of energy efficient building systems and container insulation solutions

Looking to start your project with a quality container? Check out ftshippingcontainers.com – they even offer free shipping.

Each container’s corrugation patterns can be different. The CX44 panel fits the industry standard 11″ on center corrugation, but you should measure your container’s dimensions first.

The original setup might take some time, but this groundwork means your insofast shipping container insulation system will work great for years.

Installing InSoFast Panels by Container Section

Two men installing white insulation panels on the ceiling inside a 20-foot shipping container structure.

Image Source: InSoFast

The way you install InSoFast panels changes based on different container sections. Let’s get into each section step by step.

The CX44 Container Panel (44″ x 24″) fits perfectly with the 11″ repeating corrugation pattern on sidewalls. You’ll need to apply a ⅜” bead of PL Premium 3x adhesive along each stud’s ribbed surfaces. The panels should be pressed horizontally while keeping studs vertical, starting from the bottom up. A running bond pattern emerges after cutting the second row’s first panel in half with a utility knife. This staggered setup improves the structure’s strength.

The endwall installation starts with End Wall Inserts. Apply adhesive in an “S” pattern and place them first. The next step uses UX 2.0 (R-8.5) or EX 2.5 (R-10) panels in a vertical position. These 48″ x 24″ panels need their studs running perpendicular to the container’s corrugated ribs to stick better.

The ceiling work happens in two steps. Start by installing Ceiling Inserts (R-3) in the corrugations. The UX 2.0 or EX 2.5 panels follow with studs running parallel to sidewalls. The ceiling uses a stack pattern instead of running bond. The adhesive needs time to cure, so create “T” braces using 2x4s placed roughly 4′ apart.

Spray foam should seal any gaps, especially when you have panel intersections and openings.

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Optional Insulation Areas and R-Value Enhancements

“Armed with a cordless caulking gun and a job site table saw, we insulated the interior of our 20′ container, almost perfectly, in less than two hours; literally 10x faster than it took to insulate and frame using traditional products from the hardware store.” — Gorge Custom Containers (testimonial on InSoFast site)Custom container builder, testimonial provider

Your insofast shipping container’s thermal performance can be enhanced beyond the standard installation by improving several areas and increasing R-values.

The container floor needs FP-2.0 Flat Panels to maximize comfort. These R-8.5 rated panels will double your floor’s thermal performance. The durability of InSoFast floor panels stands out – they support 13 pounds per square inch of compressive resistance, which equals 1,872 pounds per square foot.is method boosts R-value and creates space for electrical and plumbing without drilling through lumber.

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Conclusion

Finally, Properly insulated shipping containers make versatile spaces for homes, offices, or storage. InSoFast panels give you the quickest way to tackle the unique corrugation challenges of standard containers. The detailed installation process starts with good preparation and moves section by section. This approach will give a perfect thermal barrier while keeping the container’s strength intact.

You’ll get more than just comfort from this upgrade. The tax break could reach $1200 for insulating your container. This benefit comes with long-term energy savings. The CX44 bundle fits standard 20-foot containers perfectly. Floor insulation and door panels add extra options to seal your space completely.

The InSoFast PLUS system lets you boost R-values as needed. These panels work well in any climate or use case. Built-in electrical raceways make finishing easier since you won’t need extra drilling or complex changes.

Lastly, Want to turn your metal container into a cozy, energy-efficient space? Start with a quality container as your base. FTShippingContainers.com has great options that ship free. Our step-by-step guidelines help you create a well-insulated space that stays comfortable all year. Your energy bills will stay low too. Your dream container space is just a project away!

FAQs

Q1. What is the most effective way to insulate a shipping container? The most effective way to insulate a shipping container is by using specially designed panels like InSoFast CX44. These panels are shaped to fit the container’s corrugation and provide both insulation and framing in one step. The process involves cleaning the container, applying adhesive to the panels, and installing them section by section on the walls, ceiling, and optionally, the floor.

Q2. Can insulating a shipping container prevent condensation? While insulation doesn’t completely stop condensation, it significantly reduces it by controlling where moisture forms. Properly installed insulation panels create a thermal barrier that helps manage temperature differences between the interior and exterior, minimizing condensation on the living space side of the container.

Q3. How much does it typically cost to insulate a shipping container? The cost of insulating a shipping container varies depending on size and insulation type. For example, insulation packages for a standard 20-foot container can range from about $1,981 to $2,539, while a 40-foot container with high cube 9-foot ceilings might cost between $3,197 and $4,756. These prices are for comprehensive insulation systems and can be customized based on specific needs and budget.

Q4. Are there any financial incentives for insulating a shipping container? Yes, insulating your shipping container can potentially qualify you for a tax break of up to $1,200. This incentive, combined with long-term energy savings, makes insulation a financially attractive option for container home or workspace projects.

Q5. How can I enhance the R-value of my shipping container insulation? To enhance the R-value of your shipping container insulation, you can use the InSoFast PLUS system. This involves layering additional rigid foam insulation over the base InSoFast panels. For example, adding 1/2″ foam to LowPro panels can increase the total R-value to R-11.6, while adding 1″ foam to CX 44 panels can boost performance to R-18.8. This flexibility allows you to customize the insulation performance based on your specific climate and usage requirements.