Since 1950s, when they were first designed, shipping containers have helped redefine cargo storage. They brought down losses of goods in the shipping industry. More recently, their worth as durable units for homes wand commercial storage has been realized. With proper maintenance, containers last decades and provide advantages that conventional architecture does not. Despite their rising demands, shipping container prices are quite affordable. Here are some important things to know about the strength and durability of shipping containers.
They are highly stackable
Stack-ability is an aspect that makes them automatic choices for housing. When stacked on top of each other, shipping containers can be used for schools and even offices. There are many ways to be creative in using the shipping containers. As many as eight can be stacked on top of each other irregardless of whether they are the 20ft shipping container or 40ft shipping container when locked together and stacked corner to corner as well. Containers are usually built to take loads as high as 60 tonnes on each corners. Normally, even fully loaded containers can be stacked up to 8 high.
They provide durable floors
Shipping container prices are surprisingly low with the kind of durability they bring to the flooring. Conventionally, their wooden floors are made with hardwood plywood. Hardwood plywood is extremely durable, even after witnessing 6000 loadings. However, to guard against mass deforestation and the slow growth of hardwood trees, hardwood is used less. It is replaced by bamboo, which grows fast and is abundant. Bamboo, however, is as durable as hardwood, and can take a lot of abuse.
They are resistant to bad weather
Shipping containers are made with the heavy-duty Cor-ten steel. This is corrosion-resistant and is frequently used in industries that require exposed steel fragments. Moreover, they are primed and painted using weather-resistant paint, and can take hostile weather conditions. In the recent past, shipping containers stacked on top of each other have withstood hurricanes as well. They are fast being considered as a post-disaster housing prototype.
How long do they last?
There are many benefits of building a shipping container home. Generally, a shipping container can last about 25 years on its own. Used shipping containers are a cheap and eco-friendly option. They are typically used for 10 years and then released. If you want to opt for used shipping containers, you would not need to put in any repairs for at least the next 15 years. Coordinate with your company to make sure the container that you receive has no rust or heavy dents.
Increasing your container’s lifespan
It is natural to want to buy used shipping containers. They help combine functionality and cost-effectiveness. There is minor rusting from oxidation and superficial scratches. However, you can refurbish your container with the help of a few methods.
For instance, external cladding can help extending the life of your container by decades. Effective cladding resists termites and rotting for years. You can take restorative measures for rust and corrosion as well. If you are cutting out a considerable amount of steel, make sure you make necessary reinforcements.
Owing to their modular design, shipping containers offer greater structural strength with simpler designs. They take only weeks to build and low shipping container prices make them a cost-effective option for housing. Making suitable reinforcements can make them last even longer.
