Why Choose Spray Foam Insulation Over Insulation Batts and Builder's Paper?

It's not because it's cheaper... Spray foam insulation can cost up to eight times more than installing traditional insulation batts in a container home.

When insulating a container home, spray foam is low in VOC and remains non-toxic, helping to mitigate health risks associated with mould and mildew that will develop when using insulation batts and building paper. 

Substandard container homes are often built using only batts or builder's paper to cut costs and offer lower prices, making them appear more attractive to consumers. While these homes may look fine at the time of purchase, depending on the climate the home is exposed to, you’ll likely find mould and moisture developing inside the walls within the space of only a few months.

When researching proper insulation methods for your container home, it's crucial to check the manufacturer's terms and conditions in their contract (if they have one) or on their website. Some manufacturers that use batts and builder's paper offer very short warranty periods that are only valid if you run an extractor fan 24/7 (no, this is not made up).

Why Is Insulating a Container Home Different from a Standard Tiny Home on Skids or Wheels?

A shipping container is a steel box, and like a cold can of soft drink on a hot day, it will condensate when exposed to warm air carrying moisture. This happens because cold air in contact with the can cannot hold the same level of water vapor as warmer air. As a result, the warm air coming into contact with the cold can reaches 100% relative humidity, causing water to condense.

When living inside a warm container home, activities like showering, using the kitchen tap, or even just breathing add moisture to the air inside. If this warm, moisture-filled air contacts the steel, it will behave like a soft drink can, reaching 100% relative humidity upon contact with the cold surface (the steel) and will cause condensation behind your internal walls. This is what leads to mould and moisture issues in a container home.

By choosing spray foam insulation, you ensure that your container home remains comfortable and free from moisture-related problems, providing a durable and long-lasting solution.

If you need more reasons to choose spray foam insulation or you’re curious as to what other benefits spray foam might have, here are 8 reasons why you should choose spray foam insulation when building a container home.

Superior Insulation Performance:

Higher R-Value: Closed cell spray foam has a higher R-value per centimetre compared to traditional batts or builder’s paper, providing better thermal resistance and energy efficiency.

Air Barrier: It acts as an excellent air barrier, reducing air leakage and drafts, which batts and builder’s paper cannot do as effectively.

Sub-Zero Temperature Performance: Used in extreme climates like Canada, spray foam's insulation properties excel in extreme temperatures, ensuring consistent comfort.

Moisture and Water Resistance:

Waterproof: Closed cell spray foam is highly resistant to water and moisture, preventing issues like mould and mildew growth. This is a significant advantage over batts and builder's paper, which can absorb moisture.

Vapor Barrier: It serves as a vapor barrier, reducing the risk of condensation and moisture-related problems within the walls.

Structural Strength:

Added Rigidity: Closed cell spray foam adds structural strength to the building. Its rigid nature reinforces the walls and roof, which is beneficial in areas prone to extreme weather conditions like cyclones.

Durability: The foam’s rigidity and adherence to surfaces make it more durable over time compared to batts, which can sag or deteriorate.

Better Fit and Coverage:

Seamless Application: Spray foam can fill gaps, cracks, and irregular spaces that batts and builder’s paper cannot, ensuring a more complete and consistent insulation layer.

Reduced Thermal Bridging: The continuous application of spray foam reduces thermal bridging, where heat can pass through gaps in the insulation, which is a common issue with batts.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings:

Lower Energy Bills: By providing superior insulation and reducing air leakage, closed cell spray foam can significantly lower heating and cooling costs, leading to long-term energy savings.

Improved HVAC Performance: Better insulation means the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a consistent temperature, potentially extending the lifespan of the system and reducing maintenance costs.

Pest and Dust Resistance:

Barrier to Pests: The foam creates a barrier that can deter pests and insects from entering through small gaps and cracks, an advantage over traditional batts.

Dust and Allergen Reduction: Its air-sealing properties help to minimize dust and allergens entering the living space, promoting a healthier indoor environment.

Versatility and Application:

Versatile Use: Closed cell spray foam can be used in various applications, including walls, roofs, and floors, providing a versatile insulation solution for different parts of the home.

Sound Proofing: Spray foam offers excellent soundproofing properties, making your home quieter and more peaceful.

Fire Retardant: Acts as a fire retardant, adding an extra layer of safety to your home.

Environmental and Health Benefits:

Low VOC Emissions: Many closed cell spray foams are formulated to have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, making them safer for indoor air quality.

Reduced Environmental Impact: The improved energy efficiency can contribute to a reduced carbon footprint by lowering the energy demand for heating and cooling.

Choosing the right insulation for your container home is crucial for long-term comfort, durability, and energy efficiency. At Nook, we stand by closed cell spray foam insulation because it outperforms traditional batts and builder’s paper in virtually every aspect.

From superior thermal resistance and moisture control to added structural strength and energy savings, spray foam insulation ensures your home remains a cosy, healthy, and efficient living space.

Don’t compromise on quality—invest in the best insulation solution for your container home with Nook Tiny Homes.

For more information on the benefits of spray foam insulation and why it’s the preferred choice for our container homes, reach out to us today or explore our website for further details.