All About Spray Foam Insulation-  
Ideal for inside Shipping Container Homes

                                                                                                                                   [ Also see Ceramic Insulation ]
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The Best Foam Insulation

Are you wondering which insulations are the most efficient, safe, and cost effective for your new
ISBU container home, prefab, or other new eco-green home construction?

Polyurethane foams should be used in combination with Ceramic Insulation Paint. The Ceramic 
Insulation is better on the exterior, and the PU Sprayfoam seems to be more effective for the 
interior of the ISBU or housing structure.As with Ceramic Insulation, the paint contains small balls, 
or bubbles and both contain a special gas. Both types of insulationrely on the bubbles to give it's 
high thermal efficiency.  ...Ceramic for external applications; Sprayfoam for internal applications.
However both could be combined inside and outside and are fully compatible.

Which type of Spray Foam is best: Open-Cell or Closed-Cell?

Eventhough Closed-Cell is a bit more expensive initially, we believe it is more durable, efficient 
and cost-effective in the long run. After interviewing and contacting many building contractors 
and successful ISBU contractors, we have easily concluded and recommend the use of the newer
Closed-Cell type polyurethane sprayfoam over the Open-Cell type foam. 

Open-Cell Foam- ocSPF (open cell spray polyurethane foam)
Open-cell foam is softer and less dense which can allow breaking and cracking. Winds and jarring to 
the surface can also allow pre-mature deterioration of the small air bubbles which can result in less
insulating efficiency over the years.

 - Density:  0.5 lb. per cubic foot.
 - R-factor: R-3.5/per inch

Because ISBU shipping containers can, and might be moved, they also should have the strongest 
and most durable insulation. Also if water, moisture, or flooding may occur, the Open-Cell will not 
tolerate such conditions. It's only advantage may be it's lower cost initially.

Closed-Cell Foam- ccSPF (closed cell spray polyurethane foam)
Open-cell foam is more rigid, but still flexible to withstand any shock or movement. The density of 
the Closed-Cell foam can withstand even light walking. Because of it's density, strength, R-factor, 
durability, and highly waterproof nature, it is very well suited for use in ISBU construction on all 
metal or wood surfaces. Closed Cell is:

 - Very waterproof, and acts as vapor barrier on both sides
 - More durable, stronger, and resilient
 - More dense and compact
 - Higher R-factor per inch
 - Long term economics

 - Density:  2.0 lb. per cubic foot.
 - R-factor: R-7/per inch

Professional or DYI application is ok.

Cost-
The initial cost of Open-Cell foam is about 30-35 % less than Closed-Cell foam, however the long 
term savings and sustainability are much better with Closed-Cell foam insulation.

Login to your Members Section for the total benefits and detailed instructions on it's preparation, 
application and use.

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NOTE: Not all manufacturers and dealers of Sprayfoam Insulation use Closed-Cell sprayfoam. Please 
be certain you are getting a true Closed-Cell Polyurethane sprayfoam of good quality.

Please contact ISBA for a list of recommended brands and Certified manufacturers.