Types of Shipping Container Vents and Ventilation for Storage

If you’re storing lawn equipment, retail inventory, office files, or any other important item you need to ensure it’s kept in a temperature-safe environment. When using containers for storage, keep in mind that shipping container ventilation and other temperature control measures play an essential role in protecting stored items. Each container comes with its original shipping container vents that help circulate air in the box as it travels at sea. Although helpful, these vents aren’t likely to keep your sensitive items safe from temperature changes.

To learn more about different shipping container ventilation, take a look at the list below.

Types of Shipping Container Vents

1. Passive Shipping Container Vents

If you plan to store non-temperature sensitive equipment or items in a location with a moderate climate, the existing shipping container vents may work fine for your purposes. Keep in mind these small vents only promote minimal airflow.

Some items that can be stored in this condition—depending on your particular items—include lawn equipment, athletic equipment, or other items not sensitive to climate changes.

2. Active Shipping Container Vents

If your organization needs better airflow, consider installing more effective vents than those the manufacturers include in the original container design. Larger, more specialized vents can be added to a shipping container at the top or bottom of the unit.

If you’re concerned about moisture buildup in your storage unit, consider adding active shipping container ventilation to provide air circulation using mechanical fans. These vents will also work against odors. Passive vents, on the other hand, rely on the natural air currents caused by the weather. Keep in mind active shipping container vents require an electrical connection.

Improve Shipping Container Ventilation

3. Insulation

If you wish to keep stored items at a more moderate temperature, consider adding insulation to your storage container. Insulation will support shipping container ventilation by protecting stored contents against temperature changes both hot and cold, keeping the interior at a more moderate temperature.

Insulation options that work well for storage include Styrofoam or spray foam, neither of which require framing.

4. Climate Control

Finally, if you need to keep stored material at a set temperature, consider adding an air conditioning system. Select from several types of A/C units, including a PTAC unit, a wall-mounted unit, or a window unit. These different units will give you varying levels of control, depending on the sensitivity of your stored items. With an air conditioning unit, you can feel confident that no matter how the weather changes, your storage space will remain at an ideal temperature.

Are you interested in learning more about shipping container modifications? Check out our Shipping Container Modifications eBook. If you’d like to speak with a Falcon representative and get your modified container project in motion, give us a call at 877-704-0177 or email us at Sales@FalconStructures.com. We’re happy to discuss your project in greater detail.