We come this week with more new and interesting questions from our customers, so here are a few that we’re answering today with the hope to help everyone looking for a shipping container or storage container to buy, lease or rent to own.
16. What is the expected life of a shipping container?
A new one trip shipping container used for storage, could have a life expectancy up to 50 years. Obviously, this depends on many factors such as the type of use they are put to, environment ( humid or dry ), if there will be any modifications along the way. A used container will last less time because it will already have had a life at sea in humid environment and in transport but they will still give you a very long service life. The expectancy of a used container will depend mainly on the condition of the doors and the roof, it can be 20-25 years more after you receive it, if you take good care of it and maintain it well.
17. Is the condensation affecting shipping containers?
If you think about it you will see that any metal surface that is exposed to temperature variations will inevitably suffer from condensation, but there are ways to avoid it. Studies show the corrugated construction of modern containers helps prevent condensation most of the time. Also another factor that contributes to this is the paint itself, used on the exterior of the container also helps prevent damage caused by condensation. It is interesting that the roof of a new container is slightly arched to give it a slight “bump” so that external water does not pile up on the roof. If water would lie on the top of a container, would lower the temperature of the metal and might cause condensation on the other side of the steel.
Condensation would happen more inside used containers that have roof dents where water gathers. Condensation is more likely to occur when a container is sat on cold, damp ground such as exposed soil or a flooded area; the cold from the earth will lower the steel temperature of the container above and reduces the temperature of the frame, walls and ceiling compared to the air temperature inside, causing condensation.
Air has moisture particles carried within and produces condensation when the temperature drops, so reducing the amount of moisture in the air inside of a shipping container will prevent condensation most likely. You can avoid it, if the items or goods stored, are only placed inside during a dry day if possible. The container can also be vented on a dry day by opening the doors to allow damp air to circulate out of the air in the container. Also, you can use dehumidifiers, the ones that you place them inside and will absorb moisture from the air over a period of time.
18. Can a shipping container be insulated?
The shipping container can be insulated. There are on the market, so called reefers or refrigerated units, that are actually new, from manufacturer and/or retired used insulated, which are the best for temperature controlled storage. If insulating a container for residential or commercial occupancy, please consult with a local building inspector or review local building codes. You can also insulate the container even if it’s not a refrigerated unit, but we recommend to consult with a local building professional. You have a previous blog post about insulating your shipping container you can read and understand better your options.
19. Are the containers weather proof?
All new and used shipping containers are Wind and Water Tight, so you can consider them weather or water proof. It is their main purpose when being used carrying overseas different perishable goods. There are also some containers that are sold As Is, and those are to be avoided, becasue they might have holes, delamination, damages to the roof, doors, seals or gaskets, bent bars etc. Sometimes price is a factor of knowing what condition a unit is , but is always better to ask for confirmation.
20. Can a shipping container be used to build a house or an office?
Of course! Lately the green movement is nudging people to use more and more shipping containers for different purposes especially for raising homes, offices, stores, coffee shops, restaurants and different other buildings. Their frame and structure is easy to use, material is durable and can be easily modified and welded together for a larger usable space. The shipping containers serve as structures for permanent and temporary homes all over the world. You can keep it simple or you can go full luxury. We do suggest talking with a professional to help you achieve your shipping container dream home. You can check out a few designs and ideas in our Shipping Container Architecture category on our blog.
