Tips for Taking Care of Your Container
The average lifespan of a storage container is around 25-30 years. The level of care you give your container will determine how well it will hold up over the years. However, letting your container sit in the same spot with little to no attention will cause premature deterioration. “But just what does it mean to ‘maintain’ a container?” You may be wondering. See our specific care tips below!
Shipping Container Care Tips
Keep Your Container Protected from The Elements – As sturdy as steel shipping containers can be, they are not invincible. And something as simple as rain, sleet, or snow can cause rust and corrosion if you are not careful. One thing that can help you avoid this type of damage is getting your container on even ground. Whether you choose to put yours on concrete pavers, railroad ties or some other smooth surface is up to you. As long as you elevate the container properly, it should be safe from any water that collects along the ground, thus making it less prone to damage.
Remove Rust and Other Unsightly Spots – If rust got to your container before you could, don’t stress! You can do several things to clean the area and help lengthen its lifespan. One option is removing the rust via an angle grinder or sandblaster. This method works exceptionally well in instances of medium to heavy rust. However, a scrap of sandpaper, steel wool, or a wire brush should suffice when dealing with mild rust patches. We recommend starting with a wire brush and slowly transitioning to sandpaper for a clean, smooth finish.
After removing the rust, you can start prepping the surface for paint. First, you will need to buy or borrow a pressure washer. Run the water over the affected area to remove any spots you may have missed. Then, rub the solution over the surface with a cloth or sponge soaked in vinegar. This will remove any remaining rust, grease, grit, and grime. Once your cargo container is completely dry, it is ready to be repainted! You can cover the area in whatever color you want; remember to use marine-grade paint. This oil-based paint is known for its strength, durability, and water-proof properties.
Conduct a Quick Roof Inspection – Just as the walls of your container need regular care, so does its roof. The best way to make sure it’s in top condition is by conducting a quick inspection. The main thing you’ll want to be on the lookout for are cracks, holes or gaps. These will all need to be repaired. Luckily, you can usually do this yourself using a patch and peel product. However, if you don’t own anything like this, you can also perform repairs using grommets (for smaller holes) or aluminum and roofing tar (for larger holes). Note: all holes will need to be patched prior to painting.
Your roof inspection should include repairing holes and clearing the area of leaves, branches, and snow. Removing these items will help relieve any unnecessary stress on the structure, ensuring it doesn’t bend or break.
Test Hinges—Your container’s walls and roof can be in top condition, but if its doors don’t work as they should, the container won’t be very useful. That’s why it is vital to lubricate the hinges regularly. Doing so ensures the doors open and close smoothly and don’t lock up.
Check Seals – At least once a year, you’ll also want to check the seals on your doors and windows. You are responsible for replacing any that have started to tear, dent, or warp. Otherwise, they will not be as effective in protecting against the elements. Luckily, this is a relatively easy and affordable fix. Your doors and windows will be set for the next few years now!
Watch for Rot – While checking your doors and windows, you’ll also want to look at the floor. In most cases, this part of the shipping container is made out of marine-grade plywood. However, like all wooden surfaces, it is still susceptible to rot. Therefore, we recommend checking for damage and seeking repairs if necessary. A musty smell, splits, cracks or extremely dry or wet spots are all common signs of this issue.
Call in a Heating & Cooling Contractor—If you own a container with a heating or cooling system, such as an OfficeTainer or one of our other custom containers, you will need to call in a contractor. Typically, these systems only need servicing one to two times a year. However, if you encounter any strange sounds or smells, don’t wait until your next scheduled inspection. Seek assistance immediately!
Have an Electrician Inspect Your Refrigeration—You’ll also need to seek regular inspections for cold storage containers such as our reefer or Ice-Cubz model. Set an appointment with your local electrician and have them check over all components to ensure they are in top condition. If you happen to find an issue in your search, feel free to call us at (877) 391-4064. We offer 24/7 technical support 364 days a year!
Learn More
As you can see, a lot goes into caring for your container. But don’t let that scare you! The reward far outweighs the work. And if you follow the eight steps outlined above, your container can have a long and healthy life. Furthermore, we’re here to offer you our support. So, if any questions or concerns arise when caring for your container, you can call us! Our office is open from 7 AM–5 PM, Monday through Friday. Our facility is located at 1069 Township Road 1950 East, Smithshire, IL 61478. Thanks for reading!
