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EPS vs. A1 Rockwool vs. PIR Sandwich Panels in Modular Containers: Thermal U-Value & Fire Safety Guide

Compare thermal conductivity (λ), EN 13501-1 fire classification, acoustic damping, and panel weight across 40–50 mm EPS, 50–80 mm A1 Rockwool, and 40–80 mm PIR cores for site offices, dormitories, and desert camps.

Architect İdris YAĞMAHAN & Civil Engineer Celalettin YAĞMAHAN · 2026-10-26 · 6 min
EPS vs. A1 Rockwool vs. PIR Sandwich Panels in Modular Containers: Thermal U-Value & Fire Safety Guide

1. Matching Insulation Core Chemistry to Climate & Site Regulations

Both our ready modular containers and our 72 bolt-together steel frame kits (designed with 40–80 mm panel channels) support three primary sandwich panel core technologies:

  • EPS (Expanded Polystyrene, 16 kg/m³): Lightweight, moisture-resistant, and cost-effective standard core for temperate urban site offices, guard cabins, and domestic living units.
  • A1 Rockwool (Mineral Wool, 100–120 kg/m³) & PIR (Polyisocyanurate, 40 kg/m³): Engineered for petrochemical/mining fire codes (EN 13501-1 A1/A2-s1,d0) and extreme +50 °C Middle East/Gulf or -25 °C alpine environments.

2. Technical Comparison Table: EPS vs. A1 Rockwool vs. PIR

Technical Property EPS Core (40–50 mm) A1 Rockwool Core (50–80 mm) PIR Core (40–80 mm)
Thermal Conductivity (λ) 0.036 – 0.039 W/m·K 0.038 – 0.042 W/m·K 0.022 – 0.024 W/m·K (Highest R-value)
EN 13501-1 Fire Rating B-s2,d0 / E (Standard) A1 / A2-s1,d0 Non-Combustible B-s1,d0 Self-Extinguishing Fire-Retardant
Core Density 14 – 18 kg/m³ 100 – 120 kg/m³ 38 – 42 kg/m³
Acoustic Insulation Moderate (~24 dB) Superior (~31–35 dB) Good (~26 dB)
Primary Use Case Standard offices, guard cabins, temperate housing Oil & gas, mining dormitories, public tenders +50 °C desert camps, cold-climate energy efficiency

3. Channel Compatibility on SerContainer Steel Frame Kits

All FR-P, FR-G, GR-P, and GR-G chassis beams and corner columns accept standard 1,000 mm modular width sandwich panels. Use our online Sandwich Panel & Betopan BOM Calculator to compute exact m² and panel counts for all 18 frame dimensions. (110-Model Price List (PDF) · Frame Assembly & BOM Calculator).

4. Roof & Sub-Floor Thermal Bridging Prevention

In addition to wall panels, ceiling blankets (80–125 mm glasswool/mineral wool or 80 mm PIR roof panels) and 16 mm non-combustible Betopan cement-bonded floor boards eliminate condensation and thermal bridging. (Request a Quote · Dealership & Distributorship).

FAQ · SerContainer

Frequently Asked Technical & Export Questions

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for container frame kits?

For 3×7 m Galvanized container frame kits (FR-G-W3000-L7000 and GR-G-W3000-L7000), the minimum order is 10 sets per model. For all other 70 frame kit models (including 3×7 m Painted and all other dimensions), the minimum order is 20 sets per model. Mixed-model combinations are not accepted toward MOQ.

Is there a minimum order requirement for ready modular containers (SC-K, SC-MK, SC-GK, SC-IK)?

No. Ready modular containers (accommodation units, site offices, security cabins, and WC/shower sanitary containers) can be ordered starting from 1 unit up to multi-unit construction camp packages.

How many container frame kits or ready containers fit into a 13.6m Truck (TIR) or 40' HC Sea Container?

For bolt-together demountable frame kits (such as 2.4×6 m or 3×7 m), a single 13.6m flatbed/curtain-side truck or 40' HC container holds approximately 20 to 28 sets depending on total weight and roof geometry. For factory-assembled 3×7 m ready containers, 1 truck carries 2 monoblock units (or 4–6 compact guard/sanitary cabins); for multi-unit export projects shipped in flat-pack configuration, 1 truck or 40' HC carries 6 to 10 units.

What is the difference between Flat Roof and Gable (A) Roof frame kits?

Flat Roof frame kits have a 2,600 mm external height and standard chassis/roof purlin structure. Gable (A) Roof frame kits feature 2,500 mm vertical side walls and dual-pitched steel roof trusses reaching a 2,850 mm ridge height, designed for rapid rainwater/snow runoff and residential aesthetics.

Do you offer Rockwool or PIR insulation and A/C preparation for Middle East & Gulf projects?

Yes. While our standard ready containers feature EPS insulated wall panels, you can select the "Hot Climate & Camp Option" in our quote calculator to upgrade to fire-rated Rockwool or high-density PIR panels, reinforced roof insulation, and pre-wired split A/C provisions for Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and North Africa projects.

What is included in a container frame kit and what is excluded?

Each frame kit includes the bottom chassis perimeter beams, top roof perimeter frame, intermediate floor/roof purlins, 4 or 6 load-bearing corner columns, gable roof trusses/ridge beams (on A-roof models), lifting lugs, and the complete bolt/nut/washer fastener set. Wall panels, roof cladding sheets, floor boards, doors, windows, and site assembly are excluded from the frame-only kit.

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