Shipping containers were originally used for shipment of bulk goods in oceans. It has the strength to withstand the powerful waves. They are now recycled to make rooms for residential and commercial purposes. It is eco -friendly since it recycles about 3,000kg of steel every year. The container homes are useful in urban areas where there is lack of space and the price of land is too high. Nowadays, container homes are suggested for flood-prone areas since the container can withstand nature’s fury. The container homes can be erected in a short period of time and the workforce required is much lesser than traditional homes.
Insulation of container homes:
Insulation is done to reduce heat or cold in areas where there is acute hot or cold climate. The Insulation provides a barrier between the outside world and the container homes. There is a great debate on the need for insulating container homes; sure it is cheaper if one doesn’t insulate the container homes. But to provide the proper protection from heat and cold one has to insulate their homes. Insulation also maintains the homes for a longer period compared to non-insulated ones. Different methods of insulation are:
Also Read: WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE CONTAINERS FOR YOUR OFFICE SPACE?
- Foam insulation:The best form of insulation since it is the quickest method. It is available in various forms; the best option is a spray form. The spray foam insulation is easy to use since it is flexible and can be sprayed in any type of gaps. Another advantage of foam insulation is it can fill all spaces, preventing the air to enter the gaps and thereby increasing the R-value to 7.5[ The rating of how an insulating material can provide a barrier for the container] The foam insulation can be used on the external, internal and the basement walls to prevent the moisture from entering the interiors. The best foam insulation is the closed cell polyurethane foam which provides with the total protection for container homes.
- Panel insulation: This version is cheaper than the foam insulation, and needs very little labour force compared to foam insulation. This type requires stud walls; which forms as framing support for the insulation. The installation is easier all you have to do is buy panels and fit it to the gaps on the wall. The R-value is 7.5 and it provides an all-round protection at a cheaper rate.
- Blanket Insulation: The blanket insulation is also called rolls insulation. It comes in flexible fibres called fibreglass. This type of insulation requires stud walls and beams. It also provides sound-proof homes since the insulation is made of fibreglass. But it is a messy form of insulation since a lot of protection is required while installing fibreglass.
- Eco-friendly: One of the primary reason for people living in container homes is conservation of energy. The insulation can be done in various environmental friendly ways such as:
- Wool: Natural sheep wool is used for insulation, w
hich saves energy compared to fibreglass
- Cotton Insulation: Uses recycled cotton clothes for insulation, it is a renewable form of energy but costlier than it’s synthetic version[ the best way to recycle all those old cotton clothes]
- Living roof: Who doesn’t like to sleep under a starry sky? The living roof provides just that it allows cool air to breeze in and keeps the home cool. But such insulation is not advisable for rainy areas.[what about all those mosquitoes?]
- Mudwall: It is a traditional concept of insulation since clay allows natural cooling to the homes but not an apt choice for rainy areas.
The conclusion:
Container homes are built for the conservation of energy since it does not need brick or mortar to build, it takes only a short time for its planning and execution compared to their traditional counterparts. But insulation should be done so that basic comfort is provided; the protection from heat and cold. The interior can be installed with curtains and blinds so that heat transfer will not take place. The roof can be a sloped one to enable cool air to enter and keep the interior cool. Once the insulation is done you can decorate the interiors and the container home will be stylish and chic just like a normal home. Now, all you have to do is plan a beautiful garden to enable proper cooling and shade to your newly erected container home. All the best!