As younger homeowners prioritize efficiency, simplicity, and sustainability, the shipping container home has grown in popularity. It’s a unique style of living, but many swear by it, and its simple construction allows for tons of creativity.
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But, like any home, maintenance is crucial. If you want to make sure your container home retains its structural integrity for years, read our tips for maintaining your shipping container home!
1. Keep It Dry
The mortal enemy of the shipping container is rust and corrosion, which comes from moisture and condensation. Your main objective for maintaining your shipping container is to keep it as dry as possible.
There are many ways to keep moisture out of shipping containers, but the gist is to keep it as ventilated as you can and invest in a quality dehumidifier. Close the doors and watch for leaks or holes you can seal if it’s raining.
2. Keep It Level
You don’t want to be living on sloping or uneven ground in your shipping container home, but an even foundation is also crucial for the structural integrity of your container. If there are holes or gaps underneath or around the container, water can gather in puddles and exacerbate corrosion.
Your best bet is to put your container on concrete blocks or even railroad tracks to keep it steady, dry, and level.
3. Keep Pests Out
We love nature, but it’s better to keep the animals on the outside when it comes to your living space! Keep on the lookout for gaps or holes in your container that could let in insects, spiders, and mice.
Animals and insects can weaken the structural integrity of your container, not to mention give off an awful odor. Seal any holes you find with silicone sealant to keep the critters outside your home.
4. Keep Hinges and Doors Lubricated
Likely the only moving part on your shipping container home is a set of doors on one side. Without regular use and maintenance, your doors could seize and lock up.
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Keep your door hinges greased and clean with commercial-grade steel cleaner. It doesn’t take much; some simple WD-40 spray occasionally can add years to your door’s hinges.
5. Keep Weight Off the Roof
You might think that shipping containers are stacked on top of each other all the time, so the roof can handle some weight, right? The corners of the shipping container are built to hold tons of weight, but the middle isn’t.
Keep weight off the center of your container’s roof, including snow if you live in a cold climate. Snow is heavy and can melt, resulting in puddles on your roof, weakening its integrity even more.
As far as homes go, it doesn’t take much to maintain a shipping container to last years. In the end, simple tips for maintaining your shipping container home, like plugging holes and keeping it dry, can ensure it lasts for as long as you need it!
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