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What You Need to Know About Insulated Conex Containers

Climate Control
3 minute read
Jul 28, 2020
What You Need to Know About Insulated Conex Containers

Based in the heart of Texas, we know just how brutal that Texas sun can be here at Falcon. If you’re a business owner thinking of using a Conex container to store equipment or goods, or maybe you plan to create a modified workspace for employees, that heat might be concerning.

How hot does it get inside an unmodified, non-climate controlled Conex container? Of course, the answer depends on how extreme the outside temperature gets. In general, just like an automobile, a hot, sunny day that reaches the upper 80s outdoors can easily climb to more than 120° inside an enclosed steel shipping container.

But before you go looking for alternative temperature-controlled storage options, consider an insulated Conex box or container. Frequently paired with climate control units, Conex insulation is one of the most frequent modifications we perform for our customers and is extremely effective at protecting contents.

Why Insulate a Conex Container?

conex-container-insulation

The need for an insulated shipping container depends on several factors, including where it’s being stored. A warehouse or location shaded by nearby buildings, for example, will likely experience fewer temperature swings. When possible, use location to your advantage to improve energy efficiency.

The biggest driving factor that demands the use of insulation, however, is the intended use of the Conex box and any temperature-sensitive contents contained within. Some examples include:

  • Temperature/Humidity Sensitive Equipment: If you intend to store medical or IT equipment that contains components like soldered connections and circuit boards, humidity and extreme temperatures in either direction can impact their integrity. Insulating your container can keep the temperature stable inside and keep humidity out. Controlling the internal environment can also mitigate the growth of mold and mildew spores which are common issues in high heat and humidity.

shipping-container-garage

  • Vehicle Storage: Extreme climates have a marked effect on vehicles and their performance. Batteries can be drained, tires can be more likely to blow out, and coolant can evaporate. Extreme temperatures also diminish the run time of battery-powered electric vehicles. Insulating the storage facility in which vehicles are kept when idle plays a role in their longevity and can save you from big repair bills down the road.
  • Perishable Goods: Insulating your container can keep out moisture and extreme heat which have the potential to spoil perishable products. Some mobile medical sites or testing facilities may store perishable resources or medications, for example, and those sensitive materials could become less effective once heated beyond a certain temperature.

    Mobile food banks also must ensure compliance with food safety standards for the products they serve to community members. Insulation alone may not be enough in these circumstances, and you might need to use refrigerated appliances or climate  controlled units.
employee-conex-container-workspace
 
  • Employees! Whether they are stopping in to work on a piece of equipment or the shipping container is going to be a modified office, you’ll need insulation to protect them from the heat and keep them comfortable. Adding an air conditioning unit is a first step but, without proper insulation, it will have a hard time keeping up with demand.

Types of Insulation for a Conex Container

batt-insulationThere are a number of insulation types that can be used for Conex containers, and the type you choose depends on what is being stored. Many of our customers opt for batt insulation, a product made of finely woven fiberglass, mineral wool, or plastic. It’s the standard choice in construction for insulating attics and crawl spaces, it’s available in a variety of R-values, and it’s generally cost effective.

spray-foam-insulation

Another Conex container insulation option is spray foam insulation or foil-backed rigid foam insulation panels that are glued to the interior walls. The foam panels are easy to maneuver and install and make it relatively easy to apply a wall finish such as paneling over the top.

styrofoam-insulation

Polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, is another popular type of insulation. It’s ideal when storing non-heat producing assets. Installing Styrofoam is fast and easy since it doesn’t require framing. Instead, the panels are glued directly onto the walls of the container or mounted on bars flush with the walls.

Insulating your Conex container can protect your equipment, your assets, and your people. Choosing the right insulation for the job can be challenging, and we are here to guide your decision. We can help you choose the right Conex container along with the proper insulation to fit your needs. You’ll also be able to choose from a variety of window options, air conditioning, interior finishes, and more. Download our free catalog below to see how we can help on your next project.

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