Do I Need Insulation Inside A Metal Planter?
Metal planters conduct heat and cold very effectively. In hot weather the metal can become warm, whilst in winter it can become very cold. For this reason many gardeners, landscapers and homeowners choose to add insulation between the soil and the planter walls. The insulation creates a barrier between the soil and the metal planter, helping to reduce temperature transfer whilst preventing plant roots from coming into direct contact with the metal.
Why Insulation Is Used In Metal Planters
The main purpose of planter insulation is to create a barrier between the soil and the metal planter. This helps reduce the transfer of heat and cold through the planter walls and can help protect plant roots from direct contact with the metal. Whilst no insulation can completely eliminate the effects of extreme weather, many customers feel it is a worthwhile addition, particularly for larger planters and exposed locations.
Different Ways To Insulate A Planter
There are several ways to insulate a planter and many of the materials used are readily available from builders merchants and DIY stores. Our insulation kits consist of four pieces of 25mm insulation board cut to fit the planter, together with two pieces of geotextile membrane. The insulation is fitted to the internal faces of the planter and stops approximately 50mm below the top edge so that it remains hidden once the planter has been filled. One membrane is installed in the base of the planter before delivery, whilst the second is used between the drainage and soil layers during planting.
Why Many Customers Choose Pre-Cut Insulation Kits
The insulation boards used in our kits are similar to those available from builders merchants and DIY stores. However, cutting insulation accurately can be surprisingly messy, particularly when using a saw or knife, often leaving rough edges and creating lots of small pieces to clean up afterwards. We cut all insulation to size in our workshop using specialist hot-cutting equipment before installing it inside the planter. This removes the need to transport large sheets, measure and cut the insulation yourself or dispose of any offcuts. The planter arrives ready for planting. More than half of the planters we supply include an insulation kit.
Custom Metal Planter Quote Builder
All of our planters can be ordered with an optional insulation kit. Use our online quote builder to choose your planter size and add insulation during the quotation process.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When Does Insulation Make The Most Sense?
Insulation is often most beneficial when a planter is placed in an exposed location. This may be a sunny position where the metal can become very warm during summer, or a permanently shaded area where the planter remains cold throughout winter. In both cases, the insulation helps create a barrier between the soil and the metal planter.
Can Insulation Be Used With Drainage Holes?
Yes. Insulation kits are designed to work alongside normal planter drainage systems and do not prevent excess water from draining from the planter.
Is Insulation More Important In Dark-Coloured Planters?
Dark colours can absorb more heat from direct sunlight than lighter colours, which is one reason why some customers choose to add insulation to darker powder-coated planters.
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