Shipping Container Maintenance Guide
Shipping containers are an excellent investment and can be utilized for countless applications. These sturdy, versatile units provide a secure place to store just about anything or convert into a custom workshop or office space.
Although shipping containers serve as a high-quality solution, they require regular maintenance to maintain maximum effectiveness. How should you care for your container to ensure it remains in good condition for as long as possible? Learn about the best practices for shipping container maintenance to keep your unit as good as new.
How to Take Care of Your Shipping Container
With the right care, you can keep your container in excellent condition for as long as possible. Follow our eight steps below to maintain your shipping container.
Obtain a High-Quality Container
First things first: choose a high-quality shipping container from a reputable supplier. Starting your shipping container journey with a container in excellent condition is the key to longevity. A new container isn’t a necessity; you can opt for a more economical route and go with a used container. No matter what you choose, you should always take the time to assess the supplier’s credentials and read their reviews. Once you find a trustworthy provider, you should check the quality of your container thoroughly before purchasing.
Keep on Level Ground
The beauty of shipping containers is their portability—they can easily be placed wherever you need them, allowing maximum convenience. Despite their mobility, it’s important to be mindful about where you place these containers. You should always place your storage container on level, solid ground to avoid any damage to the foundation. This is also a crucial aspect of ensuring proper drainage.
Inspect Regularly
By inspecting your container periodically, you can ensure you notice any issues and address them accordingly before they become detrimental to the quality of your container and the safety of your items. Aim to inspect your shipping container quarterly, and look for issues such as dirt, debris, rust, and pests. Be thorough by checking the doors, seals, roof, and floor. Doing this will allow you to catch any minor issues quickly, rather than letting them sit and worsen.
Ventilate Properly
With sufficient ventilation, your unit won’t have issues with condensation and moisture, which can cause major damage to your items if left untreated. Confirm that your vents are unblocked and are maintaining sufficient airflow regularly.
As a side note, shipping containers can have various types of vents. Rooftop turbine vents, fixed louver vents, and exhaust fans are all dependable options that provide sufficient airflow within the container. These considerations will allow you to keep the contents of your container in good condition.
Clean Dirt, Dust, and Debris
Regularly cleaning your shipping container will allow you to lengthen the unit’s lifespan. Removing any dirt, dust, and debris—both on the inside and outside of your container—will prevent more issues from developing, such as rust or holes. Ignoring these small details can lead to the container’s metal structure deteriorating over time. You may even consider cleaning with a gentle soap and water mixture, then touching up or repainting if necessary. Just like with any other space, keeping your shipping container clean will yield better results.
Lubricate Door Hinges
Regularly opening and closing the door of your shipping container will lead to typical wear and tear. Your door may not open as smoothly as it once did after some time. To restore the unit to its original condition and prevent further issues with the door, simply applying lubrication can effectively fix the problem. This quick step ensures you will continue having easy access to your storage unit.
Remove Standing Water from Roof
Precipitation can lead to standing water remaining on the roof of your storage container. If this issue isn’t addressed immediately, it can ultimately lead to rust, which can also corrode the roof’s metal over time. Checking the roof of your unit, especially following rain, is an important step to ensure your unit remains weatherproof, pest-proof, and secure.
Treat Rust Spots
Last but not least, ensure you address any rust spots accordingly. You should treat any rust spots by hand with a wire brush to remove the flakes. Next, apply primer and sealer, and your unit will be repaired effectively. If the rust has gotten to the point where it has created holes, you can restore the area by using an appropriate patch or tar tape. Promptly addressing these issues is crucial for your container’s longevity.
Keep Your Storage Container in Great Condition
By following these steps, you can keep your storage container in great condition for longer. Looking for a reputable storage container company to source your unit from? Count on Container Technology, Atlanta’s trusted shipping container supplier since 1988.
Our team of storage experts will help you find the right unit from our comprehensive selection of new and used containers. No matter the sizes or specifications you’re searching for, Container Technology. can provide you with a high-quality unit that suits your needs.
