Although shipping containers are known for their firm and sturdy build, nothing is invincible. If you own or are planning to own a shipping container, you should be aware of the structural features that ensure your container is as strong as possible. Rusting is one of the most harmful features of a shipping container, as it can compromise the integrity of the firm structure.
As your personal guide to understanding shipping container health, this blog will delve into the many ways you can protect your shipping container from rust and damage. This article will indicate the most important aspects of maintaining a shipping container while also giving the best advice on how you can repair and elongate your container’s lifespan.
How Is A Shipping Container Constructed?
As a revolutionary means of transporting cargo across the world, shipping containers have changed the world of exporting for the better. The history of the shipping container dates back to the 1950s, when steel sheets were connected, and resulted in a durable box that protected the contents. Now made from a unique metal called Corten steel, shipping containers are relatively easy to manufacture and have solid longevity.
Read “The History of Shipping Containers” for more information.
Firstly, the sides of the shipping container are connected at the corners until a box is made. The flooring is then installed; however, it is important that the bottom is elevated off the ground via wooden or concrete feet. Shipping containers are at risk of sinking into the ground or collecting excess moisture if not properly set on foundations.
What Makes A Shipping Container So Robust?
As a rule of thumb, these steel boxes have been known to carry up to 27 tonnes of cargo in a 40 ft shipping container and over 28 tonnes in a 20 ft shipping container. Although the 40 ft container is longer, there are more pressure points, meaning less weight is able to be loaded as damage will ensue.
Along with the very robust Corten steel, each shipping container will be subsequently painted with a highly-specialised paint that prevents rust and fortifies the structure. This strong weather-proof paint provides protection from hostile elements at sea. Shipping containers are painted with several layers as a means of supporting the Corten steel and reducing the risk of rust.
How Long Will A Shipping Container Stay Strong?
On average, shipping containers last for approximately 25 years. This is entirely dependent on the maintenance frequency, however. Additionally, if you have a shipping container that is stationary for most of its life and not travelling the seas, exporting goods across the world, it’s likely to last longer. Nevertheless, maintenance is absolutely vital.
ContainerCo is proud to offer several replacement parts and accessories that ensure your shipping container can continue to be robust. Although we only sell high-quality and durable shipping containers, we give our customers the confidence of knowing we sell components that maximise the use of their container.
How To Protect Your Shipping Container From Rust?
As the primary cause of shipping container damage, rust is difficult to battle as it can begin in such a small area. Predominantly occurring where minor damage has been inflicted, a lot of the time, you may not be able to see it. It’s important that annual deep inspections are carried out to ensure no rust is growing.
Some areas of a shipping container are more prone to rust than others including the welds, seams, bottom areas of the door, sides near the ground and any damaged sections that have received dents.
Sandblasting can remove most surface rust simply requiring a prime and paint afterwards.
Deeper holes and significant rust need to be cut out before the container is suitable for use. Usually, a new piece of metal is welded on. Alternatively, a UV light hardened fibreglass polyester patch is added, which hardens similarly to steel.
For more information on repairs, please read “How Shipping Containers Are Repaired.”
ContainerCo
At ContainerCo, we pride ourselves on providing an extensive range of shipping containers for hire or purchase. Our range of 10ft, 20ft and 40ft containers can be used for various purposes, including shipment, storage or construction, to name a few. Featuring more than just containers in our product range, we also sell accessories and parts for shipping containers to ensure your container can be maintained and repaired after prolonged use.
Offering specialised containers along with dry standard variations, ContainerCo’s containers include refrigerated, dangerous goods, high-ball, open-top and side-opening options. As a fully-established shipping container company, we also have the facilities to modify purchased shipping containers. Our specialised team can assist you with altering containers into workspaces, cafes, tiny homes or construction site offices.
We can serve Kiwis across the country with facilities operating in Auckland, Tauranga, Christchurch, Wellington and Waikato. So next time you require a shipping container, make sure to hire or buy yours at ContainerCo today!
Contact us on 0508 732 873 or request a free online quote today!