If you have bought a good shipping container after doing your research, your job isn’t over sadly. Because knowing how to maintain your container is equally important in order to have a long container life. Don’t worry this is exactly what this blog is for! By keeping a regular check and a little effort, you can ensure your container provides all the comfort for decades! Irrespective of the use or the cost of shipping containers, they can fail to perform well over long periods of time due to the exposure to extreme weather conditions. By the end of this easy 5 minute read, you will have a thorough understanding of how to take care of your shipping container.
Understanding Shipping Container Maintenance
Shipping containers are costly because of the type of their usage. They are used for transportation over long distances, as living spaces and cafes. It is a heavy investment so they are supposed to be effective for years. However, good maintenance plays a crucial role in determining the life of a container. Lets dive into what this maintenance means and what are the other tips.
What is Shipping Container Maintenance?
Shipping container maintenance involves regular inspections and repairs to ensure the container remains in good condition. Key tasks include checking for rust, cleaning out debris, repairing dents or structural damage, and replacing worn-out seals to prevent water leaks. The flooring and doors should also be inspected for signs of wear or malfunction. Proper maintenance extends the container’s lifespan, ensures it remains weatherproof, and keeps its structural integrity intact. This is especially important for containers used in long-term storage, transportation, or as part of modular structures like homes or offices.
Why Is It Important?
Here are four simple points which will easily make you realize why maintaining a shipping container is so essential:
Cost-Effectiveness: Any issue detected in the beginning will require less money and time. Scheduled check ups of the container require less time and prevent the heavy investments of repair.
Resale Value: Businesses often sell their shipping containers after use. The resale value of every container however depends on its condition. A well maintained container will of course have a higher resale value because it will be able to promise the same protection even after long usage.
Safety and Security: Regular maintenance will let you be sure that the container is up to the mark and can be used without any doubt. A good container also relieves you of the worry that it might be violating any zonal laws or local regulations. Additionally, a container that’s structurally sound won’t pose risks to people or property around it.
Efficiency: A container in good repair is easier and more pleasant to use. You won’t waste time dealing with doors that won’t close properly or fretting over leaks every time it rains. This efficiency can be especially critical for businesses where time is money.
Shipping containers are built to last long, but routine maintenance is required to help them last that long. In general, all you need is one single checkup every year and that will help the container immensely. Regular checkups will also let you use the container without any worries of leakage, holes, infiltration, etc. Below are listed all the basics you need to know in order to keep your container in its best condition.
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The Basics of Shipping Container Maintenance
Initial Inspection: Key Points to Check
Structural Integrity: Take a good look at the overall structure. Are there any dents or deformations? These can affect the container’s strength.
Doors: Open and close the doors to see if they move smoothly. Check for any signs of damage or rust around the edges. Also make sure there is still enough gap between the door and the floor.
Seals: The door seals should be intact to prevent water from getting inside. Any cracks or brittleness means it’s time for a replacement.
Roof: Dents on the roofs are most harmful because they collect water which overtime will lead to rusting. Thoroughly check the roof and make it sure it is plain.
Cleaning and Preventing Rust
It is fairly easy to keep your container clean, especially from rust. Shipping containers are made of corten steel which does not react. Therefore, all you need to do is simply clean the container from outside using any soap and water. This makes sure that the container does not rust or become dirty. In case you spot an area beginning to form rust, not to worry. Just sand down that area and apply an anti rust coating (paint or spray) and you are good to go.
There are two main outer areas which require a little more attention:
Roof Maintenance: Roof maintenance is crucial as it is the most vulnerable part of the container. It collects material over time which can absorb moisture and eventually result in rusting. Holes in the roof directly damage the things inside the container. Therefore, the roof needs to be cleaned more than once a year.
Door and Seal Maintenance: exposed to all kinds of weather conditions, the lubrication of the doors and windows (if customized) will wear off leading to creaking sounds. The bottom lining of the doors can also lose grip over time so make sure you change that. It will keep the container airtight.
Preventive Measures
This is the best section of the blog, here you will learn about all the small efforts which have large effects in the long term. With the below mentioned steps, you will witness a big difference in the annual checkups of the container:
Paint and Coatings: Paint makes the container look fresh and brand new. Not only does it help with the looks, it is like a preventive coat which does not allow the surface to rust. An extra layer of paint on the already non-reactive corten steel is like sealing the deal.
Ventilation: ventilation is not only important if you are using it as living spaces, it also averts any chance of rusting from the inside. You should make sure there is enough movement of air. If that is not possible, you can also have substances that absorb moisture. This will help the container be fresh from inside.
Pest Control: Mice, rats, and insects can cause significant damage. Regularly inspect for any holes or gaps and seal them. Natural repellents or electronic devices keep pests at bay without harming the contents of your container.
Flooring: the maintenance of the floor is important specifically when it is used for transportation purposes. The floor goes to immense pressure while loading, unloading and shifting of the container. As a result, it can develop dents and even cracks. Therefore, they need to be checked regularly (after every use if possible).
If you keep these things in mind, not only will the container work effectively for a longer time, the regular checkups will also go smoothly. Extend the life of your investment by exploring our range of shipping containers for sale, designed to stand the test of time.
Extend the life of your investment. Explore our range of shipping containers for sale, designed to stand the test of time.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
The precautions mentioned above are of primary importance and need to be kept in mind at all times. However, depending on the seasons and weather conditions, you will need to take an extra care of a thing or two.
Summer: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating, inspect seals for cracks due to heat expansion, and check for rust spots caused by high temperatures. Consider applying UV-protective coatings to reduce sun damage.
Winter: Inspect door seals for potential drafts and lubricate hinges to prevent freezing. Apply insulation to regulate temperature and avoid condensation buildup. Clear snow from the roof and around the container to prevent excess moisture.
Rains: Rains are capable of causing the most problems so you need to be a little more vigilant during this time. Check for water leaks around doors and windows. Ensure the container is positioned on an elevated surface to avoid flooding. Clean and maintain drainage systems to prevent water accumulation. Inspect the roof for rust or corrosion, and apply waterproof coatings to protect from moisture damage. Regularly inspect the flooring for signs of dampness or mold, and ensure all doors and vents are sealed tightly to prevent moisture from seeping inside. For long-term use, consider adding a sloped roof to divert rainwater away from the container.
When to Seek Professional Help
While maintaining your shipping container is generally straightforward with regular inspections and basic upkeep, there are instances when expert assistance is crucial. Here’s a quick guide to identifying such situations and finding the right help.
Structural Damage: If you notice significant dents, deformations, or structural weaknesses, it’s time to consult a professional. These issues can compromise the container’s safety and integrity.
Extensive Rust: While minor rust can be addressed with DIY methods, severe rust that has penetrated the metal requires expert evaluation. Professionals can assess the damage and determine if the container can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
Door Malfunctions: Doors that pose difficulty while opening or closing might indicate underlying problems. Experts can realign doors, replace damaged components, and ensure the container remains secure.
Choosing the Right Service Provider
Hiring a professional will cost you but as much as repairs will cost you in case of damages. Therefore, you should do some research before hiring the right guy. A professional will be needed as long as the container will be in use which is why this research is necessary.
Ask for Recommendations: Gather information from your known ones, their personal experience will help you to decide which guy will be best for you.
Check Credentials: Try to look for services that specialize in this area. Such services usually have guys with good experience so you won’t need to worry about that. Ask the professional about their credibility in the skill.
Get Multiple Quotes: Almost every website provides an approximate quotation. Before finalizing one, get quotes from all possible services and then decide the one with the most value for money.
Your shipping container is a valuable asset. Investing in professional maintenance can help protect your investment and prolong its useful life. Don’t hesitate to seek expert help when you notice signs of wear and tear.
Innovations in Shipping Container Maintenance
Staying ahead of maintenance is crucial in the world of shipping containers. Let’s explore some innovative tools and materials that make it easier:
Smart Sensors: These tiny but powerful sensors monitor your container’s internal conditions, alerting you to potential damage before it occurs.
Corrosion-Resistant Coatings: Advanced coatings provide superior protection against rust and the elements, extending the container’s lifespan.
DIY Repair Kits: User-friendly repair kits with clear instructions make it easy to address minor issues yourself.
Cool Roofs: Reflective roof coatings help keep containers cooler in hot climates, reducing the need for additional cooling measures.
These innovations offer practical solutions to extend the life of your shipping container and ensure its long-term reliability.
Preparing Your Shipping Container for Long-Term Storage
Just like a vehicle, a storage container needs to be prepared to be undamaged while it is not in use for some time:
Pick the Right Spot: location is the most important factor that decides whether your container will be in good condition for use again. A dry place, ideally not very warm, is the best suited for keeping an ideal container. The dryness in the climate prevents rusting, but heat waves can cause damage which is why we don’t want the location to be very warm.
Cleaning: Just like a car is washed before covering it up, containers too need to be washed. This means sweeping out the interior, wiping down surfaces, and ensuring it’s dry. This step prevents mold and mildew, keeping your container fresh for its next use.
Check for Repairs: It is crucial that you fix all the problems in the container before storing it away. Issues like cuts and holes allow for open spaces which can rust. Over time, this rust will grow and cause irreparable damage.
Keep It Ventilated: Even when not in use, your container needs proper ventilation to prevent condensation and subsequent damage to goods. If your container lacks vents, consider adding them before putting it out of usage.
Pest Proofing: Rodents and insects are drawn to containers. Seal any gaps or holes, ensure doors close securely, and use traps or natural deterrents to keep pests away.
Cover Up: If your container is exposed to the elements, a high-quality cover can protect it from rain, snow, and excessive sunlight, helping to prolong its lifespan.
Conclusion
By the end of this blog, you definitely would have realized that doing a bit of research on the maintenance of shipping containers is necessary for the longevity of your storage container. Regular checks for rust, leaks, and structural issues can prevent costly repairs down the line. Whether it’s summer, winter, or the rainy season, adapting your maintenance routine to the weather helps protect the container from environmental damage. Simple tasks like sealing cracks, applying protective coatings, and ensuring proper ventilation can go a long way. With a little attention, shipping containers can remain durable, cost-effective, and versatile for years to come.