Beyond their initial function of transporting products, shipping containers have gained popularity for a variety of other uses. They can be used for a lot of different things, from stylish homes and businesses to storage units and even swimming pools. When people think about using shipping containers, one question that often comes up is: Are they waterproof?
This article will tell you more about the waterproof feature of shipping containers.
Shipping Container Design and Structure
Shipping containers are made to handle the rough conditions of traveling by sea. They are very strong because they are made of corten steel, a rusting steel that turns into a stable rust-like look when exposed to weather. The design has corrugated walls, which makes them stronger and more rigid. This makes them resistant to physical effects and environmental factors.
The design of shipping crates’ roofs, sides, and bases keeps water out. Most of the time, the doors are the weakest part. To keep water and air out, the doors have rubber seals. These seals are very important to make sure that the goods stay dry and safe from the weather while they are being shipped.
What Waterproofing in Shipping Container Means
Shipping containers are made to withstand bad weather and are often called watertight, but they aren’t completely waterproof. The phrase “watertight” means that they keep water out in normal situations. But that doesn’t mean they can handle being submerged for a long time or being under a lot of water pressure.
Factors Affecting Waterproofing
Several aspects affect waterproofing in shipping containers. Here are they:
Age and Condition
The seals around the doors can wear down over time, and rust can form, especially if the container has been in hard conditions. Waterproofing may not be as good in older barrels or ones that haven’t been taken care of properly.
Modifications
If you make changes to a shipping container, like cutting windows or doors into it, the protection might not work as well as it should. During and after changes, the right steps need to be taken to close and waterproof the area.
Positioning
Where and how you put a container can affect how waterproof it is. If you put a container on uneven ground or somewhere where water can pool around the base, water is more likely to get inside.
How to Waterproof Shipping Containers
Regular maintenance is very important for keeping a shipping container as watertight as possible. Here are some ideas:
- Inspect Seals: Check the rubber seals around the doors often and repair them if they look worn or broken.
- Check for Rust: Look for rust on the container, especially where the paint may have come off. If you fix rust spots quickly, they won’t be able to spread and make the container less waterproof.
- Repaint and Treat: By painting and cleaning the container, you can help keep the steel from rusting and corroding and keep it watertight.
- Ensure Proper Drainage: When you put the container down, make sure it’s on a strong, level base that drains well so water doesn’t pool around the base.
Alternative Waterproofing Measures
If you use shipping containers in places that get a lot of rain or floods, you may need to take extra steps to keep them dry:
- Tarps and Covers: Using heavy-duty tarps or covers can provide an extra layer of protection against rain and snow.
- Sealants: Applying marine-grade sealants to seams and joints can enhance the waterproofing capabilities.
- Elevated Placement: Raising the container off the ground using concrete blocks or piers can help prevent water from pooling around the base and seeping in.
Understand the Limits of Shipping Container Waterproofing
Shipping containers are made to be very resistant to water and are usually sealed, which means they can be used for many things. On the other hand, they are not fully waterproof, which means they can’t be damaged by water in any way. Your shipping container will stay dry and safe if you take care of it regularly, put it in the right place, and add extra insulation measures.
But for a guaranteed waterproofing feature, check out SCF shipping containers for a high-quality build that can protect from water damage and leaks.
