Shipping Container Maintenance and Repair
If you own a shipping container, you probably want it to last forever. Unfortunately, even though shipping containers are known for their durability, they are not indestructible or everlasting. However, taking care of your container with proper maintenance and making repairs when needed can help prolong the life of your investment. In this blog, we'll be sharing some basic tips to extend the life of your container as long as possible.
Shipping Container Maintenance
Inspect Containers Regularly
It is essential to regularly inspect your container to identify any potential issues before they become bigger problems. Taking time to assess your container even just twice a year is great, but you can do so as often as you’d like to stay aware of the condition of your container. Shipping containers can withstand a lot, and it takes some time for problems to get serious, but catching things early is always ideal.
When inspecting the container, look at the floors to ensure they are in good shape. Most shipping container flooring is susceptible to wear and tear, especially when there is a lot of traffic in and out of the container; therefore, it will eventually need to be repaired (find more info on this below). Examine the walls, roof, and doors closely to see that there is no rust developing that seems to be concerning. When it does, you’ll need to do repairs (also below) and check or replace the seals on the doors. They should be firmly attached to the doors and close into the doors well.
Painting Shipping Containers
Shipping containers are made of steel, and over time, steel rusts. This can occur more quickly depending on factors like environment and weather conditions. One of the key ways to delay rusting is to keep your container painted. For ultimate protection and rust prevention, we recommend an industrial alkyd enamel. You can find it at Sherwin Williams or anywhere that sells industrial paints. The paint should not cost much more than standard outdoor paint.
To paint your container, give it a good wash to get all the dirt and oil off. If your container still has shipping line markings on it, you may want to consider pulling those stickers off of the container as well. Once the container is prepped, use a roller or a sprayer to apply the paint. Oftentimes, shipping container yards will only paint the sides of the container, but you may also want to paint the roof. Alkyd enamel paint has a nice shine to it, and should last around 10 years if the container is not moving around. Containers that move around frequently (like in a rental fleet) will need to be painted more often.
Shipping Container Roof Rust Prevention
Shipping container roofs get the most moisture and are most likely to have rust issues before other areas of your container. Because of this, many will take measures to protect their container's roof. There are several effective methods for doing this, one of the most common being the application of mobile home roofing tar or similar waterproofing products. These materials help seal and protect the roof from moisture damage. In addition to basic roofing tar, there are also more advanced protective options available on the market today. These range from high-performance roof coatings that reflect sunlight and reduce heat accumulation to specialized membranes that provide enhanced durability and longevity. Which product is best for you will depend on the roof's current condition, your budget, and the specific environmental factors in your area.
By staying proactive with your shipping container maintenance and repairs, container owners can extend the lifespan of their containers and avoid costly repairs in the future. Remember, regular upkeep helps prevent minor issues from turning into major problems. If you're already experiencing some issues, don’t worry - we’ll guide you through the repair process next.
Shipping Container Repairs
Difficulty Closing Container Doors
Troubles closing your shipping container doors is the most common problem in containers. The main reason for this is that if you load your container, it can shift the way the container sits on the ground ever so slightly. This alone can make opening the doors trickier.
The easiest fix is to readjust your blocking or add a little blocking under your container. You can lift up one corner of your container with a car jack. Once the container is lifted, rearrange your blocking (or slip some under there). Always take caution when doing so and be sure not to put your hand under your container in case your car jack slips. We suggest using wood blocking if you do not already have any available. Once you adjust a corner or two, the doors should open more easily.
Damaged Container Flooring
The flooring of your container is made of plywood. The good news is, this is easy to replace. They have treated plywood to prevent moisture from coming through, so we recommend using that as well. The flooring sections are attached directly to the cross-members under the floor. If you look at your floor, you will see where they are attached. Carefully remove the flooring section and rivet or screw in the new piece, depending on how your flooring is attached. Be sure to get the same thickness flooring so your floor stays level.
Get A Close-Up Look on Container Floors
Holes In Your Shipping Container
If it is a small hole, such as a pin hole sized, you can simply weld it shut. However, if you have something bigger, you will need to cut out that section and replace it with more corten steel. You most likely don't have any lying around, so you will likely have to call the company who sold you your container to see if they can send you a piece. The damaged area needs to be cut out, and a new piece should be added in and welded into place to seal it properly. Since this repair requires cutting and welding skills, if you do not possess these skills, you will need to hire a welder to complete the repair for you.
Container Door Seals or Lockrods are Broken
As we mentioned, door complications are one of the most common shipping container issues. Especially with frequent use, it's only a matter of time before you will need new door seals. You can easily acquire door seal kits that fit perfectly on the door. To replace them, you simply take off the old seals and put on the new ones. If the lock rods (the vertical bars running the height of the door) bend or break, they should be replaced, as they are essential for securing the locks in place.
While we've covered many common shipping container complications, we know every situation is unique. If you need additional assistance with your repair, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our team at Super Cubes can walk you through a solution or help you find the best way to get your container back in working order.
For additional information on our modification kits, check here: DIY Kits & Pricing.
Super Cubes is a family-owned business located in Minneapolis, MN, that provides containers anywhere in the continental US. We offer personalized service for individuals and businesses, providing high-quality containers at competitive prices. With nationwide facilities, we can modify and deliver containers close to you. Contact our experienced team for your next container project.