How long do shipping containers last? Is a frequent query among those researching the advantages of shipping containers and modified container buildings. The lifespan of a shipping container is dictated by the environment, how it is used, and how long it has been at sea before alterations, although maintenance throughout a container’s existence may extend that lifespan even more.
The design of shipping containers assures their endurance when moving by sea, and as a result, they have an average lifespan of 25 years. The durability of the cargo container is maintained when manufacturers adapt them and turn them into container-based structures.
Corten steel, often known as weathering steel, is used to create these extremely indestructible boxes. It’s a kind of steel that was created to withstand extreme weather and corrosion better than other kinds of steel. This is why it is frequently employed for external structures like bridges. An unaltered container will remain wind and waterproof but still be rust-prone. Although it is renowned for its durability and hardness, it is not impenetrable. A storage container’s corrugated panels provide it additional strength. Following that, these panels are welded to reinforced steel beams. The floors and doors will follow. The unit is made more durable by the flooring’s use of 1-1/4″ marine-grade plywood.
Shipping containers and harsh environments
Shipping containers are designed to convey freight across challenging terrain. Specific ISO standards are followed by shipping container manufacturers. The specifications set out in the standards provide uniform measurements and design components, ensuring that all containers are constructed to withstand the same circumstances, including extreme weather. A shipping container can endure winds up to 180 mph, according to tests, without exhibiting structural weakening. For instance, a standard wood home may be destroyed in a couple of seconds by an EF-2 or EF-3 tornado with speeds between 111 and 165 mph. An SCH may still sustain damage from a tornado, although it may not be destroyed.
Armor against Pests
With homes built from shipping containers, pests are less of an issue. The metal sheets that line a cargo container repel ants, termites, and other animals. Mammals such as raccoons, squirrels, and others are unable to burrow through a wood crack.
Moisture protection
In comparison to a typical home, shipping container homes with good sealing are less prone to experience moisture issues. The corrugated metal plates are impervious to rain and water. Mold and mildew are less of a problem as a result of the metal exterior’s ability to repel water. Leaks can enter a typical home’s wall cavities and let mold get through the insulation. On the drywall, the moisture may eventually result in water stains. With a shipping container house, these problems are less of an issue.
Highly stable
Shipping containers are quite sturdy in addition to offering protection from the elements and pests. They are designed to carry heavy loads and be stacked. Shipping containers are expected to be less stressed when used as homes than when they are used for cargo ships.
Indications that your container requires maintenance
– Your container doors could become difficult to open and close for one of two possible causes. The necessity for lubrication of the container doors, particularly the cargo doors, is one explanation. The container might not be level due to aging, which is the alternative explanation. Containers positioned directly on the ground without a base frequently fall out of level over time. The earth may still shift and move the container, necessitating re-leveling, even though it is often totally safe to set containers on flat, hard surfaces.
Examine the outside of your container if your doors are challenging to open and close. On the underside of the container, make sure the floor cross members are not contacting the ground and that all four of the container’s corners are in contact with the surface. Similarly, each corner casting needs to be level with the others. You’ll need to re-level your shipping container structure if these items are out of order. To resolve this, we advise blocking your container by putting railroad ties, concrete pad blocks, or other sturdy blocks underneath the corners to level the building and create ground clearance. If necessary, you can then think about moving the container or pouring a foundation, among other long-term fixes.
-It’s time to inspect your ventilation, air conditioning system, or both if you start to notice musty smells. To be prepared for weather changes and prevent musty odors, we advise routinely inspecting your air conditioning system. However, check your air-containing unit if you notice a strange fragrance.
-Make sure you often inspect your cargo container’s outside for rust accumulation. It’s time to take care of any rust you may have observed. Despite corrugated corten steel’s amazing resilience, rust may still damage the metal. We advise using a professional wetting agent, mild bleach, or anti-mildew solution coupled with a water hose and brush to loosen rust and debris to effectively remove the rust spots. Call Container Hub, Dubai, UAE for bigger repairs to significant dents, scratches, rust spots, and holes.
Depending on the quality of the building and continuous upkeep, shipping container homes can endure for twenty years or more. In contrast to traditional houses, they might cost roughly half as much per square foot.
Remember that the end frames and steel rails used to support the container may endure between 100 and 150 years. If the original containers begin to show symptoms of deterioration, you might be able to extend the life of the house forever by replacing the corrugated sides as necessary.
If you need any assistance with maintenance, right from minor repairs like fixing the cracks or patching up holes to major issues related to the refrigerated containers, our team of experts from Container Hub, Dubai, UAE will fix them at an affordable cost and with a quick fix time.