Shipping Container and Van Insulation: DIY Materials Guide
Shipping container homes, site cabins and van conversions all need insulation that fits thin steel shells. This guide covers materials Insulation Warehouse Direct sells for DIY conversions — and points to our existing campervan product guides where relevant.
Quick answer
Most container and van DIY builds use a combination of foil-faced PIR boards on walls/ceilings/floors, mineral wool where a soft fill is needed, a vapour control strategy, and internal lining (ply or plasterboard). We also stock campervan insulation products (including Dodo ranges) for vans — see our live campervan guides. We supply materials only; we do not convert vehicles or containers.
Container walls and ceilings
- Steel skins swing between hot and cold — condensation risk is real. Plan a VCL on the warm side of the insulation and avoid trapping moisture against the steel without a thought-through detail.
- PIR boards cut to fit between battens or stuck/mechanically fixed per a competent detail are common; tape joints where required.
- Multifoil (SuperFOIL) appears in some thin-build van and cabin specs — follow air-gap rules.
Floors
PIR or phenolic over a level floor deck is common before a wearing surface. Check thicknesses with the PIR U-value calculator only as a thermal guide — vehicle and container floors also have structural and height limits.
Vans
For specialist van mats and sound deadening we already publish product guides (Dodo Mat / campervan range). Use campervan insulation alongside PIR where your build sheet calls for rigid board.
| Area | Materials to browse |
|---|---|
| Rigid board | PIR / Celotex / Kingspan |
| Soft fill / acoustic | Rockwool / glass wool |
| Van-specific | campervan insulation |
| Tapes / membranes | tapes / VCLs |
Frequently asked questions
Do you sell container home kits?
No — individual insulation and lining materials.
Is PIR safe against bare steel?
Follow a proper condensation and fixing detail; bare board against cold steel without vapour control is a common DIY mistake.
Do you install insulation, do surveys or help with grants?
No. Insulation Warehouse Direct sells insulation materials online. We do not install insulation, carry out surveys or handle grant applications. If you want it fitted, use a qualified installer, and for grants check the official GOV.UK energy schemes. We are happy to supply the materials your installer specifies.
Do you deliver to Scotland for van builds?
Celotex and Knauf loft roll have wider coverage; most other ranges are England — see the table.
| Where | What we deliver | Delivery charge |
|---|---|---|
| England | All ranges | Free on insulation, plasterboard and drylining from £400 ex VAT. Celotex: £400 ex VAT minimum, free delivery. Access panels: £15 + VAT under £300 ex VAT, free from £300 |
| Mainland Wales and mainland Scotland | British Gypsum (including Gypframe), Celotex, Knauf and access panels | £400 ex VAT minimum plus £40 + VAT (access panels: £15 + VAT under £300 ex VAT, free from £300) |
| Scottish islands | Not delivered | – |
| Northern Ireland | Not delivered | – |
Company: Bay Drywall and Insulation Supplies Ltd (company no. 14473556), Unit 3 Babbage Court, Totnes Industrial Estate, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5JE.