Shipping containers are built to stand the test of time, after all, their first use case was transporting goods across oceans and tackling harsh weather conditions. However, this longevity is not possible without essential maintenance and repairs.
Typically made from steel and marine plywood, shipping containers start their life with robust materials. Like anything, these materials need to be well looked after to ensure they stay in the best condition for a long time.
Learning the steps you need to take to ensure your shipping container lasts as long as you need it to will help you make the most from your investment, no matter what you’re using your container for.
Benefits of shipping container maintenance and repair
Maintaining and repairing your shipping container is not just essential for longevity, there are many other advantages to looking after your unit. One of the key benefits is cost efficiency. By regularly maintaining and repairing your container, you can avoid costly replacements while extending the lifespan of your unit.
Being conscientious in your approach to shipping container repair and maintenance is also beneficial for companies that rely on them for transportation, whether you’re a shipping business or the person on the receiving end of the journey. Ensuring your container is maintained to a high standard can help you ensure goods are transported safely and securely, reducing the risk of damage and loss, which can be expensive to rectify.
Proper maintenance and repair works can also improve the overall efficiency of the shipping process, supporting faster and more reliable delivery times. In addition, this approach helps you comply with safety regulations to maintain the integrity of the shipping industry.
How long do shipping containers usually last?
The lifespan of a shipping container largely depends on how you look after it. It’s possible for shipping containers to last for up to 40 years, and sometimes longer, with the right repair and maintenance plans in place. To get the most life out of your shipping container, it’s vital that you regularly inspect it and keep up with any repair works before they become more problematic.
Looking to dispose of your old shipping container? Find essential information and options for safely getting rid of it in our guide Shipping Container Removal: How to Dispose of Your Old Shipping Container
10 tips for maintaining shipping containers
We know that shipping container maintenance is critical for the efficient, safe, and cost-effective transportation of goods around the world. But maintenance and care are also vital for shipping containers used for other applications, such as home projects or business premises.
Following our simple maintenance steps can help ensure that shipping containers continue to deliver their primary service, and other use cases, effectively and safely.
1. Inspect the ground
Whether you’re using a shipping container for storage, transportation, or a bespoke project, the ground is the first aspect to consider when thinking about proper maintenance. If your shipping container was delivered on a softer surface like soil, gravel, or clay, you may run into drainage problems.
If this occurs, your container could settle over time and shift on an uneven surface, resulting in access issues. To rectify this problem, containers can be re-levelled with a jack and cement blocks or railroad ties underneath.
However, prevention is always better than cure, so we recommend placing your container on a solid, well-drained surface from the beginning. There are several ways to prepare the foundation for your shipping container, but getting this right from the start will make future maintenance much easier.
2. Get secure anchoring in place
If your container is situated outside, it’s important to put secure anchoring in place to avoid any container movement. The container should be firmly anchored to the ground or foundation it is placed on. By doing this, you can prevent the container from shifting during harsh environmental conditions.
This is critical because weather damage can significantly impact both the security and structural integrity of your shipping container, leading to more repairs and maintenance work.
3. Look after the doors
Arguably one of the most important elements of a shipping container to look after, shipping container doors are prone to getting damaged due to their frequent use. To maintain the functionality of your container doors, regular lubrication of the door handles, locks, and hinges should be undertaken to ensure they work correctly.
Additionally, your regular inspections should include the door seals which can be prone to wear and tear. These can be replaced if signs of damage are showing.
4. Inspect & treat surface rust
Shipping containers are made with Corten steel which has a high level of corrosion resistance, however, this doesn’t mean containers can’t succumb to corrosion or rust. Corten steel can only slow corrosion, so it’s vital to regularly inspect your container for any signs of rust.
Widespread rust is often one of the most common reasons for steel shipping containers to stop fulfilling their purpose, whether you’re using it for storage, shipping, or something else. As soon as you see rust forming on your container, it’s time to take action. The best way to remove rust from a shipping container is by wire brushing it before applying a coat of primer and paint made for metal.
5. Inspect and re-caulk weather stripping
When containers are left outside, the weather stripping around the doors can crack or peel. It’s vital that you check your stripping regularly to ensure your container stays wind and water tight. Annual checking is usually recommended, and if needed, the entire weather strip can be replaced or filled with caulk.
6. Clean it regularly
Ensuring your container stays clean is an essential part of shipping container maintenance. Regular cleaning means keeping your unit free from dirt or debris which could cause damage in the long term. At minimum, you should sweep the interior of your container regularly and use a mild detergent with water to wash the exterior.
For more thorough cleans, you’ll want to use smaller tools and cleaning equipment to ensure smaller nooks and crannies are free from dirt. Be careful with abrasive cleaners though, as some products can damage the surface of your container, potentially damaging its structural integrity.
7. Keep the doors closed
It might sound obvious, but keeping the doors of your container closed when not in use can really help to maintain the integrity and longevity of your container. By keeping the doors closed, you can avoid excess moisture from entering the container. This is important because high levels of moisture can potentially rot any plywood flooring you have inside.
8. Avoid excessive weight on the roof
While large shipping containers can hold a lot of weight, it’s a good idea to avoid excessive weight on the roof of your container unless it’s planned and installed correctly. For example, your container won’t last very long if you just shove heavy items across the top of it. If you do need to store items on top, or add another container on top, you need to ensure the four corner posts carry the weight.
9. Remove debris, water, and ice from the roof
Standing water and debris are bad news when it comes to shipping containers. Even with a robust Corten steel shell, standing water and debris can still create rust on the roof of a container. As part of your maintenance plan, you should ensure you sweep the roof, removing water and debris to avoid holes forming.
10. Protect it from frost
Just as you should protect your container from any harsh weather conditions, frost is no exception. Your winter maintenance plan should include frost protection to make sure your container doesn’t succumb to damage caused by frost. We recommend you monitor your heaters, ensure any pipes are insulated, and check your water sources to prevent frost damage.
Common types of shipping container damage & repairs
Maintaining your shipping container is the best form of damage prevention, but occasionally damage will occur and you may need to carry out repairs on your container. Whether being used for transportation or something else, there are several common types of container damage that happen time and again.
These common problems will need to be repaired to ensure your shipping container functions well and remains in a good condition.
Rust
Shipping containers are particularly susceptible to rust caused by environmental damage. However, your container can even succumb to rust from small dents or damage, for example if a forklift chips the paint. If this happens, rust can develop under the paint, so it may not be visible immediately.
The most common areas for rust to appear on shipping containers are welds, seams, bottom parts of the doors, and container sides near the ground. To repair deep rust and holes on a shipping container, you’ll need to cut out these areas and weld a steel piece onto the container.
Damaged paint
When shipping containers are exposed to the sun and sea water, flaking paint can cause rust patches. However, this can often be easily removed with sandblasting, priming, and repainting. It’s important to use the correct paint for your container, ensuring it is both protected and looking fresh. Painting a shipping container is one of the best ways to maintain it and ensure longevity, whether you’re repairing it or simply giving it a freshen up.
Scratches and dents
With large items like shipping containers, it’s almost impossible to avoid minor scratches and dents. Thankfully, this type of damage is easy to repair. Small dents can be forced back into place with a hammer, while scratches will need to be sanded down and repainted to avoid excess corrosion. However, if dents are severe, they can cause issues with the roof or floor so may need to be professionally repaired or panels replaced.
Holes
Allowing holes to form in your shipping container can cause several significant problems. Holes enable water ingress, which can lead to corrosion, rust, and mould growth, eventually contributing to weakened structural integrity and potential damage to moisture-sensitive items.
Another problem with holes is that they can allow pests to enter the container, compromising the safety and strength of the container if they cause further damage. Depending on where your container is located, holes may also expose the unit’s contents to external contaminants and temperature changes, thus leading to compromised security and pressure imbalances for temperature-controlled environments.
As soon as you see a hole in your shipping container, it’s vital that you repair it quickly. It’s not always a simple job to repair holes, especially as you’ll often need an element of welding. In which case, it’s recommended that a professional carries out the repair work.
Malfunctioning doors
Container doors should be maintained regularly, as they are the most frequently used element of your shipping container. This also means they can be susceptible to malfunctions requiring remedial works. Door malfunctions can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical damage, worn or damaged seals, improper maintenance, rust and corrosion, and debris or obstructions.
Not only are door malfunctions bad for the longevity and integrity of your shipping container, but they can also compromise safety, with the unit more vulnerable to theft. Gaps in your damaged container doors can also become an entry for pests, expose the contents to temperature fluctuations, and compromise the container’s overall lifespan.
The repair of your container doors will depend on how the damage was caused. Rusted areas will need to be sandblasted and repainted, while physically damaged doors should have their hinges and locks straightened, lubricated and reinforced. Other repair works could include replacing worn seals and applying protective covers to prevent further damage. If your doors are very damaged or warped, it’s possible to have them completely replaced.
Broken locks
Broken locks can be the cause of many different problems for shipping containers. Obviously, damaged locks compromise the security of your container, making it an easy target for theft and unauthorised access. Broken locks can also invite water and moisture into the container, resulting in rust, corrosion, and damage to the contents.
Another problem with broken locks is that they can disrupt operational efficiency for containers used in shipping. Damage to locks can cause delays in loading, transportation, and unloading processes.
The repair of locks on a shipping container is simple – just need to replace them with new, secure locks. You could also consider installing additional security measures like electronic systems or more padlocks to enhance the security of your container.
Issues due to inadequate ventilation
Without proper maintenance, shipping containers can be susceptible to inadequate ventilation, leading to all kinds of damage. The vents in a shipping container are designed to allow air to flow through, without letting rain and other unwanted elements in. However, when these vents are not functioning properly, excessive humidity can build up, leading to mould and mildew growth on stored items, or degradation of food, textile, or electronics.
Ventilation problems can also lead to temperature extremes in the container, especially in hot climates. This can result in damage to temperature-sensitive goods. If your container’s vents are broken, or you do not have them, they can be easily installed or replaced.
Presence of mould
Mould can develop due to several issues, including rust, holes, or ventilation problems. When mould is present in your shipping container, it can degrade your goods, particularly if you’re carrying organic materials. This can cause health risks, unpleasant odours, and potentially cross-contamination.
In severe cases of mould, structural damage to flooring and insulation can occur. If this happens, you may need to completely replace contaminated elements of the container to stop the mould from spreading further. For mould, prevention is key, so it’s important that condensation prevention is a big part of your maintenance plan.
Rotting or damaged floors
Container floors can be particularly vulnerable to damage, since they experience excessive weight, pressure and scraping. Over time, container floors can become water damaged if the container is not fully watertight, but could also become dented and damaged from weight and heavy use.
Rotting or damaged floors can be easily replaced by removing the flooring section and installing a new piece of plywood. If you’re replacing your container floor, you need to ensure you install the same level of thickness to keep the floor level.
Can I repair my shipping container myself?
It’s completely possible to repair certain elements of your shipping container yourself, however extensive repairs or replacements may require more specialist skill sets. You should evaluate the repairs you need to undertake before deciding whether you can repair them yourself. Even if you think you are able to complete the repair, you may not have the right tools to do so, making it more cost-effective to hire a professional.
In any case, there are a number of factors to consider before you decide whether you want to repair the container yourself.
- Damage extent – Small repairs to fix rust, dents, and paint scuffs can usually be carried out with some basic tools and DIY skills. However, more significant structural repairs or modifications should be handled by a professional.
- Equipment – Once you understand the extent of the damage that needs repairing, you’ll need to think about the tools and equipment you have access to and whether you have everything you need to get started. Some repairs may require more specialist tools which might not be readily available, in which case it could be best to hire someone.
- Skills – Being made of steel, it’s likely your shipping container repair will need some form of welding, metal cutting, and metal fabrication. Before you start working on your unit, you should evaluate your skills and experience to assess whether you are capable of carrying out the repair works confidently and accurately.
- Safety – As large structures, it’s likely you’ll be working at height for some part of the repair, and you may also be using some heavy machinery. As such, you’ll need to ensure you have proper safety equipment and knowledge of safe working practices.
- Regulations – Before you start working on your container, you need to ensure you’re compliant with local regulations or building codes. These might be different in different locations, so be sure to look for regulations in your area.
Of course, carrying out the repairs to a shipping container yourself seems like an obvious option, but it may not always be the best choice. If you’re not sure exactly what you’re doing, it’s possible that you may cause even more damage or potentially make the work environment dangerous.
To ensure the repairs are carried out safely, we’d always advise seeking help from a professional with knowledge and experience in shipping container repairs. Hiring external experts to repair your container can save you both time and money, while ensuring structural integrity of your shipping container in the future.
The bottom line
Although they are designed to withstand harsh conditions, shipping containers still need a little TLC from time to time. Maintaining your shipping container regularly and carrying out necessary repairs can help to extend the life of your shipping container while also ensuring it fulfills its purpose, whether you’re using it in shipping, storage, or complex conversions.
If you have any questions about shipping container maintenance and repairs, get in touch with our team of professionals today.
