Preserving the Powerhouse: A Complete Guide to Maintaining Your Shipping Container

September 12, 2023

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At Get Simple Box, we understand the importance of keeping your belongings safe and secure. Although shipping containers are very long-lasting and actually require very little maintenance and upkeep, Get Simple Box understands how important it is to keep your belongings safe; in this blog post you will find some quick tips on keeping them in the best possible condition so they last as long as possible.

Regular Cleaning and Inspection

Maintaining your shipping container begins with regular cleaning and inspection. Even though these containers are built to withstand the harshest weather conditions, here’s what you should do:

Check the Roof:
Every once in a while it’s a good idea to sweep or spray the roof off to ensure that no debris is piling up or water is pooling unnecessarily
Clean the Exterior:
Use a pressure washer or a hose with a strong stream of water to clean the exterior. Pay special attention to any dirt, grime, or rust spots. For any stains, a mild detergent can be used.
Inspect for Rust:
Check the outside of the container for rust or corrosion. If you find any, brush it off or sand it down and apply rust-resistant paint or rust inhibitor. Keep in mind that shipping containers are made of Cor-ten steel, which is actually designed to provide a rough rusty layer whenever scratched or gauged to prevent further damage.
Check Seals and Gaskets:
Make sure the container’s seals and gaskets are in good condition. Replace any damaged or worn-out seals promptly to maintain a weather-tight seal.

Lubricate the Container Door Hinges

To ensure that your container’s doors operate smoothly, you may want to lubricate the hinges and locking mechanisms regularly. Use a high-quality silicone, oil, or other lubricant to keep these moving parts in good shape. One that we like is GIBBS™ Brand Lubricant because it does a great job of penetrating and lubricating. Lubricating them will prevent rust and make it easier to open and close the doors. For stiff doors on Used Shipping Containers one tip is to take a small torch to the hinge area (avoid burning the door gasket). Heat up the hinge and then open and close the door several times. Heating up the hinge can help to unbind the hinge pin and loosen up the oil inside the hinge area.

Protect Against Condensation

Because shipping containers are so watertight and seal up so well, any moisture that is stored inside the container will have nowhere to go, and will want to to condensate along the roof line. To prevent moisture buildup inside the container, proper ventilation is essential. Here are a few tips:

Check that the Ventilators on the side walls of the container are not blocked or covered with tape or other material
Consider using desiccant bags or moisture-absorbing products such as DampRid Tubs.
Most importantly, only put dry items inside the container.

Condensation may be a concern when using shipping containers for storage, but proper ventilation will help reduce humidity and prevent the growth of mold or mildew inside and outside of the container.

Elevate Your Container

If you’re using a shipping container for long-term storage, consider elevating it off the ground.. This prevents the container from sitting directly on damp ground, which can lead to rust and corrosion over time. Make sure that the container is sitting in a dry area and that it is sitting on dunnage of some kind:

2×4 or 4×4 dunnage usually works best (use treated lumber in damp areas)
Concrete blocks or a bed of gravel can work
We do NOT recommend railroad ties as they are uneven, corrosive, and hard to handle

Security Measures

To protect your stored belongings, invest in padlocks and security systems. Additionally, consider installing motion-activated lights or a security camera if your container is located in a less secure area. A few of our best simple security tips:

Install a Masterlock 6850 Padlock inside the lockbox of the shipping container to protect your padlock from being tampered with
Get to know your neighbors and keep an open line of communication to discuss any strange activity you may notice
Shine a light on the door area. Even a cheap solar light will improve security and functionality for you. Darkness and dark activities are exposed by light.

While shipping containers are built tough and are incredibly secure, these added measures will provide peace of mind knowing your items are safe and protected.

Regularly Reevaluate Your Needs

As your storage needs change, it’s essential to reevaluate the size and type of shipping container you require. Shipping containers hold their value well and can be modified to match your needs. You may have purchased a container for site storage, but could now use another point of access such as a swing door or a roll-up door. Get a quote for container modifications so that you can continue to get the most use out of your container.

We offer various sizes, including 10 foot shipping containers, 20 foot shipping containers, and 40 foot shipping containers, to accommodate your changing needs. If you find that you need more or less space, don’t hesitate to explore our shipping containers for sale or storage container rental options.

Remember, proper maintenance is the key to preserving the powerhouse that is your shipping container. With regular cleaning, inspections, and a few additional precautions, you can extend the life of your container and keep your belongings safe and secure. If you have any questions or need assistance with your shipping container maintenance or storage needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

We offer a wide range of containers for sale and storage container rental options to meet your storage needs. Whether you’re using a 10 foot shipping container for personal use or a 40 foot shipping container for your business. We hope this guide has provided some valuable tips on how to maintain your shipping container and make the most out of your investment. Whether you’re looking for shipping containers for sale near you or portable storage solutions, Get Simple Box has you covered. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect shipping container for your needs, and we’re here to provide guidance on maintenance and care to ensure your container stands the test of time.

P.S. Shed Storage Vs Container Storage

One of the significant advantages of shipping containers is their robust construction. Unlike traditional sheds, which are built flimsy and may require regular repainting or multiple roof replacements, shipping containers are built to withstand the elements without needing a new roof. This saves you both time and money in the long term, making them a cost-effective storage solution.