Are Shipping Containers Waterproof?

This is a question we get a lot, and understandably so. Our customers commonly use Falcon’s modified shipping containers to store highly sensitive equipment, often in remote or rugged environments where the only barrier between the harsh elements and their assets is the container itself. So, yeah, let’s dig into it.

Are shipping containers waterproof?

First, a lesson in semantics. Let’s take a look at the definition of two important terms.

Waterproof: Total resistance to water, unaffected by water exposure, even when submerged.

Water resistant: Offers some protection against water, but may allow water to seep through under prolonged exposure or high pressure.

Second, a visual.

Imagine a shipping container falls off a cargo ship in the ocean. Does it sink? Or does it float?

Answer: It will sink. It might float for a hot minute (or a few days or weeks) depending on how buoyant the contents are, but it will eventually succumb to the ocean’s depths.

Therefore, a shipping container is not waterproof.

Are shipping containers water resistant?

Yes! And this is where we tell our moisture-averse customers to take heart, because shipping containers are inherently designed to be water resistant.

The Corten steel exterior is also known as weathering steel because when it’s exposed to moisture, it develops a thin layer of rust. That rust forms a protective patina over time that prevents further oxidation by creating a barrier between the steel and the environment.

So with shipping containers, rust ≠ bad.

Rubber gaskets on shipping container cargo doors are also an ally in the battle against moisture. Have you ever tried to open one of these doors? It’s not easy. And the rubber lining around them creates a nice, tight seal.

Built-in passive vents on shipping containers reduce the build-up of condensation. These are important when containers cross oceans or travel through temperature fluctuations, as they keep air moving through the interior. (This also means shipping containers are not fully airtight.)

How water resistant is a modified shipping container?

They’re remarkably water resistant, actually. After 20+ years of cutting holes into containers and experimenting with how to best seal them back up, we’ve learned a thing or two about keeping our modified containers as water resistant as possible.

• Sealed welded frames – All openings on a modified container have to be reinforced with steel framing and welded into place. Those things aren’t going anywhere.
• So much caulk – Caulk guns are a dime a dozen around Falcon because our production crew thoroughly seals seams and openings daily.
• Spray foam insulation – Spray foam is unique in that it expands upon application and sinks into small nooks and crannies. So not only does it create a thermal barrier, it also creates a substantial moisture barrier.
• Extra ventilation – The active exhaust fan is your friend where moisture is concerned. These are mainstays in our bathroom and locker room designs, as they expel stale air and excess moisture from small spaces.

Water-Resistant Modified Container for Rare Books

Meet Funke Books, a recent Falcon customer and excellent use case for water-resistant modified shipping containers. They sell rare and antique books and manuscripts, the oldest of which date all the way back to the 16^th century.

Their inventory of incredibly delicate paper, leather, vellum, and other fragile materials required a precise storage environment. Not too hot, not too cold, sealed from the elements, and minimal moisture. Here are a few of the modifications Falcon deployed to keep Funke Books’ precious inventory safe:

1. Two inches of spray foam insulation on all sides, including beneath the floor
2. Water-resistant coin vinyl flooring
3. Climate control to meet specific environmental needs
4. Utility port and extra outlets to run dehumidifiers
5. Exterior paint for extra protection (and a super-fun green color)

More Water-Resistant Modified Shipping Container Examples

Storage for an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that provides backup electric power

A data center intended to house servers and IT equipment in remote areas