How Long Can Shipping Containers Last?

It’s important to understand how long your shipping container will last so you can get the most out of it. We cover average container lifespans, what impacts their durability, and how to make your shipping container last longer.

How to look after shipping containers to extend life expectancy

The best way to ensure your shipping container lasts as long as possible is to take care of it from the moment it arrives. Whether you’re buying a new or used container, proactive maintenance and proper care will help you extend its life.

Placing your shipping container

Installing your shipping container correctly will help it stay in good shape for many years. You should place it on a level surface where the ground isn’t going to shift. However, you should also try to ensure it isn’t at the bottom of a slope where water is going to run down to it.

Your container needs to be kept level else the doors may not open and close properly, and the lockbox may be difficult to align. Even the smallest shipping containers have relatively large doors. They need the container to be level to prevent them becoming stiff and sticking.

Foundation support will give your container extra stability and help to protect the bottom from water damage. The best type of foundations will depend on how you plan to use the container. Lighter loads, like a site office, can use different support compared to heavier ones, like full storage or a car workshop. Short term vs long term container use will also have different foundation needs.

When purchasing your container, ask your supplier for more detailed advice for your specific site.

Watch the paintwork

Your shipping container’s exterior paintwork will deteriorate through wear and tear over time. It’s important to paint your container to protect it from the elements and help prevent rust, corrosion and other damage. This is even more crucial if your container will be placed in a coastal area where it’s more exposed to salt water and sea air.

If you’re buying a shipping container from a company that offers a fresh coat of paint, this can help delay your first repainting. Your container will need repainting roughly every 5 years. You should use a durable, rust-resistant paint that is weatherproof and designed for metal surfaces. A primer can help to bond it.

You’ll need to clean the surface thoroughly before painting your container. This means sanding down any rust or dirt, then using a cleaning solution. A pressure washer or hose can remove any last loose remnants.

Eliminate condensation

Rust and corrosion can also come from the inside of your container. If condensation builds up, it can damage both your container and anything stored inside it. In areas with temperature fluctuations or high humidity, this can be a challenging problem.

Good ventilation should be your first consideration for preventing condensation in a container. If you’re using the container regularly (e.g. as a site office or home garden room) then this will be easier because the doors will be opened to air it out. If your container is used for storage and gets less regular use, this isn’t always practical.

You can mitigate against condensation with shipping container moisture traps that help to manage humidity. They’re designed to prevent moisture build up and create a more stable environment. Anti-condensation paint can also be used on the inside of a container. This will help to reduce damp, mould and corrosion.

Keep it watertight

While shipping containers are designed to be watertight, wear and tear can degrade elements over time. Pay particular attention to door and window seals during inspections as the rubber can degrade or become damaged.

As well as regular maintenance, you should inspect your container after heavy rain or snow. The flat roof makes containers more susceptible to water pooling, which is a large cause of leaks.

If snow melts or a large amount of rainwater builds up, it can stay there for a long time, especially during autumn and winter when it gets less chance to evaporate. As the water turns stagnant, it can start to damage the container’s structure and cause leaks.

Try to keep the roof clear of snow and pools of water. This will prevent the weight and pressure from contributing to damage and leaks. Address any small leaks quickly to prevent larger problems.

Shipping container maintenance and repairs

Preventative maintenance is key to helping increase your container’s lifespan. Neglecting it and putting off repairs is an easy way for rust and other issues to start building up.

You should inspect your container regularly and carry out any repairs promptly. You will need to inspect all elements, including any modifications. As well as the exterior and interior walls, this can include:

• Floor and roof - dents, holes and rust
• Doors - rubber seals, hinges, handles and locks
• Windows - caulking and sealant
• Electrics and lighting
• Stairs
• Racking and shelving

Remove any debris and surface rust using a wire brush. Have a schedule for repainting, plus things like greasing the door hinges and locks to ensure they keep functioning well. This helps them to keep working properly, as well as preventing any friction damage.