HomeShipping Container Insulation

Enverge spray foam systems

Shipping Container Insulation Specialists

Closed-cell Enverge spray foam for shipping containers — a thin anti-condensation coat that stops container rain in storage and self-storage units, or a full conversion build-up that turns a steel box into a warm, dry office, workshop or studio. Bonds directly to the corrugated steel, sprayed in as little as a day.

Stops container rainSprayed in situ on your siteVolume rates for fleets
Shipping container interior with closed-cell spray foam anti-condensation coat applied to the corrugated steel ceiling
Nexseal LE anti-condensation coatSprayed direct to corrugated steel — storage container
15–25mm
Anti-condensation coat
35–50mm+
Full conversion build-up
1 day
Typical 20ft or 40ft container
λ 0.027
W/m·K — Nexseal LE
The container problem

Nexseal LE closed-cell — the only insulation that truly bonds to corrugated steel

A shipping container is single-skin corrugated steel with no insulation — a condensation factory. Nexseal LE closed-cell spray foam bonds directly to the corrugated walls, roof and doors of an ISO container, creating a seamless thermal barrier, vapour control layer and anti-condensation coating in a single application. At λ 0.027 W/m·K it delivers maximum thermal performance at minimal thickness — critical where every millimetre of internal space matters.

  • Bonds directly to corrugated steel — no priming, no fixings, follows every ridge and trough
  • Integral vapour barrier — eliminates condensation at the steel face
  • 15–25mm anti-condensation coat or 35–50mm+ for full conversions
Free container surveyCondition, intended use and access — we confirm coat or conversionBook a Survey
Detail of spray foam filled between container conversion timber battens

Why board and foil fail on containers

Rigid board leaves an air gap behind every corrugation
Foil-bubble wrap needs taping and still traps moisture
Fibreglass batts sag, compress and absorb water
Spray foam makes continuous contact — zero voids
78 kPa compressive strength (BS EN 14315-1, typical published value) — helps stiffen ageing or dented containers
Two routes

Anti-condensation coat vs full container conversion

The right specification depends entirely on how the container is used. Storage containers need a thin anti-condensation coat. Container conversions need thicker insulation with stud framing for a plasterboard-ready finish.

Thin anti-condensation spray foam coat on the ceiling of a storage shipping container
15–25mm · direct to steel

Anti-condensation coat

A thin layer of Nexseal LE sprayed directly onto bare corrugated steel. Raises the surface above dew point and completely eliminates container rain. The corrugated profile stays visible. Ideal for storage, self-storage units and container yards.

  • No studs — sprayed straight to the steel
  • Minimal internal space impact
  • Half a day to a day per container
Most popular · storage, self-storage yards, container depots
Full conversion insulation with spray foam between timber studs in a shipping container
35–50mm+ · between studs

Full conversion insulation

Timber studs fixed to the container walls, with Nexseal LE sprayed between and over them for a continuous thermal envelope. Creates a flat, plasterboard-ready surface for offices, workshops, studios and pop-up retail.

  • Continuous envelope with zero thermal bridging
  • Flat, plasterboard-ready finish
  • 2–3 days depending on scope
For occupied spaces · offices, workshops, studios, retail
Bonds to every corrugation. Spray foam follows every ridge and trough of the container’s corrugated profile. Unlike rigid board, which leaves an air gap behind each corrugation, foam makes continuous contact with zero voids — the only way to truly stop condensation on corrugated steel. Rapid single-day application: a standard 20ft or 40ft container is spray-foamed in a single day for anti-condensation work; the foam cures in minutes with no drying time, and multiple containers on the same site are completed in quick succession.
Container rain

Why shipping containers get condensation

Single-skin corrugated steel with no insulation is a condensation factory. Here is how closed-cell spray foam solves every aspect of the problem.

Container rain

Warm moist air meets the cold steel roof and walls, forming droplets that drip onto stored goods. Causes mould, corrosion, packaging damage and stock write-offs.

Temperature swings

Steel containers heat up rapidly in sun and cool fast overnight. These daily swings are the primary driver of condensation — especially in Ireland’s damp maritime climate.

Spray foam solution

Closed-cell foam raises the internal surface above dew point and acts as an integral vapour barrier. No cold surface means no condensation — a permanent fix, not a temporary measure.

Self-storage protection

Storage container businesses suffer most from condensation complaints — customers’ furniture, documents and electronics get damaged. Spray foam eliminates the problem across entire container fleets.

Corrugation coverage

Unlike rigid board or foil-bubble insulation, spray foam follows every ridge and trough of the corrugated steel. No air gaps means no hidden condensation forming behind the insulation.

Cost-effective

Anti-condensation spray foam pays for itself through reduced stock damage, fewer customer complaints and lower insurance claims. A one-time investment for permanent protection.

Projects

Container insulation projects

Duratite projects in the UK and Northern Ireland, delivered by approved installers.

Self-storage container yard treated with anti-condensation spray foam in Devon

Container Storage Yard — Devon, England

A 40-unit self-storage facility with persistent condensation complaints. A 20mm Nexseal LE anti-condensation coat applied across all 40 containers over two weeks. Customer complaints dropped to zero.

40 units20mm coatTwo weeks
Two 40ft shipping containers converted into a site office in Bristol with spray foam insulation

Site Office Conversion — Bristol, England

Two 40ft containers converted into a site office complex for a construction company. Timber stud framework with 50mm Nexseal LE throughout walls, roof and floor — plasterboard-finished, heated and cooled year-round.

2 × 40ft50mmPlasterboard-ready
40ft high-cube shipping container converted into a woodworking workshop with spray foam insulation

Workshop Conversion

A single 40ft high-cube container converted into a woodworking workshop. 40mm Nexseal LE between studs on walls and roof, with OSB boarding — comfortable year-round with no condensation on tools or machinery.

40ft high-cube40mmOSB finish
Advantages over traditional container insulation

Only spray foam bonds to corrugated steel

Rigid board, foil-bubble wrap and fibreglass batts all leave gaps behind the corrugated profile. Only spray foam creates a continuous, bonded thermal barrier on corrugated steel.

Complete steel bonding. Spray foam bonds directly to corrugated steel walls, roof and doors. No air gaps, no fixings, no adhesive tape — the foam follows every corrugation for 100% coverage.

Integral vapour barrier. Closed-cell foam is a vapour barrier by nature. No separate membrane, no taping, no risk of condensation forming behind the insulation — the most common failure mode of board insulation in containers.

Space efficiency: at λ 0.027 W/m·K Nexseal LE reaches the target U-value in less thickness than the alternatives — preserving valuable internal space where every centimetre counts.

78 kPaCompressive strength, BS EN 14315-1
Speed — a 20ft container in hoursLifetime durability — no sag, no compressionStructural reinforcement — less flex and rattle
Nexseal LE spray foam applied between the timber studs of a container conversion
Choosing your specification

Anti-condensation vs full conversion

Both use the same Nexseal LE closed-cell foam — the difference is thickness, framing and finish. Here is how the two specifications compare across every metric that matters.

SpecificationRECOMMENDEDAnti-condensation coatMost popular · storageFull conversion insulationFor occupied spaces
ProductNexseal LE closed-cellNexseal LE + timber studs
Thickness15–25mm35–50mm+
Timber studsNot required — sprayed direct to steelYes — stud framework installed
Plasterboard-ready finishNo — corrugation stays visibleYes — flat, board-ready surface
Condensation eliminatedYesYes
Integral vapour barrierYesYes
Year-round occupied comfortNot designed for heated useFull thermal comfort
Typical install timeHalf day – 1 day2–3 days
Internal space impactMinimal — sprayed straight to steelReduced by the stud + board build-up
Best forStorage, self-storage yards, container depots, goods protectionOffices, workshops, studios, retail, living spaces
Storage only? Anti-condensation coat (15–25mm) — stops container rain and protects stored goods. Occupied space? Full conversion insulation (35–50mm+) with studs — year-round thermal comfort. Multiple containers? Volume rates available — we insulate entire container fleets for storage businesses. Not sure? Get free advice.
Start to finish

Container conversion — start to finish

The journey from bare steel box to insulated, plasterboard-ready conversion — battened out, sprayed, and finished.

Shipping container battened out with timber studs before spray foam insulation
Battened out and prepped — timber studwork ready for foam
Nexseal LE spray foam applied between the timber studs of a container conversion
Nexseal LE sprayed between and over the studs
Completed container conversion insulation, plasterboard-ready foamed walls
Continuous thermal envelope — left plasterboard-ready
Nexseal LE closed-cell spray foam anti-condensation coat sprayed to the corrugated steel ceiling of a shipping container
Anti-condensation coat — sprayed direct to corrugated steel
Full container conversion with timber studs and spray foam applied to walls and ceiling
Full conversion — battened & sprayed
Shipping container office conversion, insulated and studded interior seen through the container opening
Container office conversion
Detail of spray foam filled between container conversion timber battens
Detail — foam between battens
Thin anti-condensation spray foam coat on the ceiling of a storage shipping container
Storage container — profile stays visible
How it works

Container insulation process

From initial assessment to completed insulation — a straightforward four-step process.

1

Container assessment

We assess your container’s condition, intended use and access. This determines whether you need an anti-condensation coat or a full conversion specification. Free and no-obligation.

2

Fixed-price quote

We specify the Nexseal LE thickness, any stud framework needed and provide a fixed-price, fully installed quotation. No hidden charges, no surprises.

3

Spray application

Enverge-trained applicators from our approved network spray Nexseal LE directly to the corrugated steel. Foam cures in minutes. Conversions get studs fitted first, then spray.

4

Handover

You receive thickness verification, product datasheets and warranty documentation. Conversions are left plasterboard-ready for your fit-out team.

From storage protection to full conversions

Specified around how your containers are used

Which route is yours?

Nexseal LE — the only insulation that truly bonds to corrugated steel

Uninsulated steel containers are condensation traps — especially through autumn and winter. The right specification depends on whether the container stores goods or houses people.

Tell us the container size, how it will be used and your Eircode (or postcode in Northern Ireland) — we confirm coat or conversion on a free survey.

Self-storage & container yardsA thin 15–25mm coat across roof and upper walls eliminates condensation and pays back through fewer damage claims and higher customer retention.

Container conversionsSite offices, studios, workshops and pop-up retail. Nexseal LE sprayed between timber studs creates a continuous thermal envelope with zero thermal bridging and a plasterboard-ready surface — Building Regulations-compliant where required.

Construction & logistics fleetsWelfare units, drying rooms, secure stores and equipment containers across multiple sites. Containers are sprayed in situ, individually or fleet-wide, with volume rates for larger orders.

Technical downloads

The system we specify

The foam and specification are matched to the container and how it will be used. Request the technical documentation for your project.

Nexseal LE closed-cell spray foam applied to corrugated container steel
Closed-cell

Enverge Nexseal LE

The core container system: a spray-applied, two-component closed-cell foam that insulates and air-seals corrugated steel. Rigid, moisture-resistant and an integral vapour barrier, with a 25-year manufacturer-backed material warranty, and can be overcoated to a Euroclass B fire rating where required.

  • λ 0.027 W/m·K
  • 78 kPa compressive strength (BS EN 14315-1)
  • Bonds direct to steel — no primer, no fixings
Shipping container battened out with timber and prepared before spray foam insulation
On request

Specification & fire documents

The written container insulation specification covers anti-condensation and full-conversion work — substrate preparation, thickness, stud framing, coverage and finish.

  • Container insulation specification guide
  • DC315 intumescent certification — for Euroclass B where an occupied container office or welfare unit requires it
  • Enverge product guide — Nexseal LE closed-cell and Sucraseal open-cell, and where each is used
Why Duratite

Why choose Duratite for container insulation

Trusted spray foam insulation specialists — delivering expert installations for shipping containers nationwide.

10+ years experience

Over a decade delivering professional spray foam projects, including hundreds of shipping container installations across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

1,000+ commercial projects

Commercial projects across Ireland and Northern Ireland including shipping containers, warehouses, hangars and industrial structures of every type.

Manufacturer-trained installers

Our approved installer network is directly trained and certified by Enverge, so every installation meets manufacturer specification.

Storage & conversion specialists

We understand both sides — anti-condensation coats for storage businesses and full thermal insulation for container conversions.

Complete documentation & warranty

Every project is handed over with thickness verification, product datasheets and warranty documentation — Nexseal LE carries a 25-year manufacturer-backed material warranty.

Volume rates

Competitive volume rates for multi-container sites. Self-storage operators, construction companies and logistics firms trust us for fleet-wide insulation.

Full container conversion with timber studs and spray foam applied to walls and ceiling
Container insulation, Ireland-wide

Insulate your container today

From a single storage container that keeps sweating, to a fleet of self-storage units, to a full office or workshop conversion — closed-cell spray foam stops condensation and container rain at source and turns a cold steel box into useable, year-round space. Send your container size, use and a few photos and we’ll book your free site survey.

FAQ

Shipping container insulation questions

Straight answers to what container owners, self-storage operators and converters ask before booking a survey — on condensation, thickness, cost, Building Regs, in-situ spraying and warranties. Can’t see yours? Ask us directly and we’ll come back to you the same working day.

Why do shipping containers get condensation inside?
Shipping containers are made from single-skin corrugated steel with no insulation. When warm moist air inside the container meets the cold steel walls and roof, moisture condenses on the surface — a phenomenon known as container rain. This is especially severe in the Irish climate where day-to-night temperature swings are common. The corrugated profile channels condensation into drips that soak stored goods, cause corrosion and promote mould growth.
How does spray foam stop container rain and condensation?
Closed-cell spray foam bonds directly to the corrugated steel walls and roof of the container, raising the internal surface temperature above the dew point. Because the foam acts as both insulation and an integral vapour barrier, there is no cold steel surface for moisture to condense on. Even a thin 15–25mm coat of Nexseal LE eliminates container rain completely.
What thickness of spray foam does a shipping container need?
It depends on the intended use. For anti-condensation protection in storage containers, 15–25mm of closed-cell Nexseal LE sprayed directly to the steel is sufficient. For full container conversions — offices, workshops, studios — a thicker application of 35–50mm+ between timber studs is typically used to meet thermal performance requirements for year-round comfort and TGD L (Technical Booklet F2 in Northern Ireland) where applicable.
Can spray foam be applied directly to corrugated steel?
Yes. Closed-cell spray foam has excellent adhesion to steel. It bonds directly to the corrugated profile of shipping container walls, roof and doors without any preparation other than ensuring the surface is clean and dry. The foam follows every ridge and trough of the corrugation, creating a continuous thermal barrier with zero gaps.
Is spray foam suitable for container storage businesses?
Absolutely. Self-storage operators, container yard businesses and portable storage providers are among the most common users of anti-condensation spray foam. A thin coat of Nexseal LE protects customers’ belongings from condensation damage, mould and corrosion — reducing complaints, insurance claims and unit refurbishment costs. The investment pays for itself quickly through fewer damage claims and higher customer satisfaction.
How long does it take to insulate a shipping container?
A standard 20ft or 40ft container can typically be spray-foamed in a single day for anti-condensation work. Container conversions with timber studwork take 2–3 days depending on the scope. The foam itself cures in minutes, so there is no drying time. Multiple containers on the same site can be completed in quick succession.
What is the difference between anti-condensation and full conversion insulation?
Anti-condensation spray is a thin coat (15–25mm) of closed-cell foam applied directly to the bare steel to stop condensation and container rain. The corrugated profile remains visible. Full conversion insulation uses timber studs fixed to the container walls, with thicker spray foam (35–50mm+) applied between and over the studs. This creates a flat, plasterboard-ready surface and delivers the thermal performance needed for heated, occupied spaces like offices and workshops.
How much does it cost to insulate a shipping container?
Cost depends on the container size and the type of insulation required — a thin anti-condensation coat for a storage container is a much lighter specification occupied space. We provide a fixed-price, fully installed, no-obligation quotation after a free site survey, with volume rates available for multiple containers. Email info@duratite.ie for a quote.
Can a shipping container meet Building Regulations after spray foam insulation?
Yes, where the container is being converted for occupied use. A full conversion with 35–50mm+ of Nexseal LE between timber studs across the walls, roof and floor can achieve the thermal performance needed to satisfy TGD L, with zero thermal bridging around the framing. We provide U-value calculations and documentation for building control on conversion projects.
Can containers be insulated in situ on my site?
Yes. Containers do not need to be moved — they can be sprayed in situ on your site. The container interior must be empty and the doors accessible. For multi-level stacks, individual containers can be sprayed before stacking. This makes it easy to treat an entire container fleet with minimal disruption.
Does spray foam insulation come with a warranty?
Yes. Enverge Nexseal LE closed-cell foam carries a 25-year manufacturer-backed material warranty against material defects. The installation is covered by a workmanship warranty from the approved installer who carries out the work. Full warranty documentation is included in your completion pack.
Free site survey

Get a fixed-price container quote

Send your container size, how it will be used and a few photos. We confirm the right specification and book your free survey.

Reviewed by a spray foam specialistNo obligation, no hard sellAnti-condensation or full conversionIreland-wide — volume rates for fleets

Send my enquiry

Prefer to talk? Email info@duratite.ie — Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm.

Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · info@duratite.ie

Free Site Survey

Get a Free Site Survey & Quote

Tell us about your building and we’ll recommend the right system — foam, waterproofing or both — surveyed, specified and quoted at no cost.

  • Reviewed by a Duratite specialist
  • No obligation, no hard sell
  • One team from survey to warranty
  • Ireland and Northern Ireland coverage
info@duratite.ie
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