Extend the Life of Your Modified Container with These 3 Simple Repairs

Shipping containers, modified into helpful structures, offer many years of benefits to organizations using containers as workspaces, storage spaces, equipment enclosures, and more. While containers remain durable and resistant to the elements, certain shipping container repairs help to extend the lifespan of the structures. By regularly checking on your unit, and making repairs as needed, your organization can look forward to a long future of container use.

Shipping Container Repairs – What You Need to Know

The best shipping container maintenance is proactive. To ensure your container structure lasts many years, you should inspect your structure regularly. Check plumbing, draining lines, and electrical connections annually. Regularly checking on important features of your structure will help you recognize problems early on. Similarly, you should regularly inspect the exterior of your structure to look for any developing rust patches.

3 Shipping Container Repairs to Improve Longevity

1. Remove Rust

Although a container is resistant to rust, rust may still accumulate if standing water remains for a long period of time. Thanks to rainfall and snowfall, container roofs are more likely to accumulate standing water than the walls of the structure. To combat the spread of rust on the roof, or anywhere on the structure, remove debris and regularly inspect for scratches or dents that may hold moisture. Take note of the caulk and weathering strips as you inspect your unit. Clean dirt and rust from the caulking or replace caulk as needed.

To take a preventative approach, make sure you touch up the paint on your container structure with a moisture resistant coating. A coating resistant to the elements helps ensure the longevity of your unit. If a significant amount of time has passed since your container was originally coated, you may want to consider recoating your unit. On the other hand, if you notice small rust build up on your unit, do not worry – shipping containers are incredibly durable units. Simply clean the area with a wire brush and vinegar, scrubbing the area as needed.

2. Lubricate Cargo Door Hinges

Many organizations choose to leave the container cargo doors operable as they use the unit as storage or as a workspace. If this is the case for your organization, you should regularly check the hinges of the doors, so they remain clean and well kept. Dedicate some time to clean dirt from the hinges and lubricate them, which will help keep your cargo doors working for a long time to come.

To properly care for your cargo doors, first clean the cam, keeper, and door hinges. Then, apply lubricant to the hinges. We recommend you start with the right door as it is the first to open.

3. Re-Level Container Unit as Needed

It’s important to place your container structure on a flat, level surface, preferably a gravel or concrete pad. Even after you’ve carefully prepared your site and placed your unit on a flat surface, overtime the unit may begin to shift. If that’s the case, consider releveling your unit. This repair will help prevent moisture build-up, plumbing issues, and sticky doors.

To properly level your unit, ensure the four corners touch the ground while the floor crossmembers do not touch the ground – shipping containers distribute their weight through the four corners alone. Furthermore, all the corners should be level with one another.

Prioritize Shipping Container Maintenance

Take additional steps to maintain and repair your shipping container structure by reading our free eBook, 10 Step Shipping Container Maintenance Guide. This guide dives into the importance of moisture control and other ways you can ensure your container unit will last many years. If you’d like to discuss the possibilities of a shipping container project, give us a call at  877-704-0177 or email us at Sales@FalconStructures.com. Learn more about the possibilities of modified containers here.