How to Maintain and Care for Your Shipping Container

Perhaps the best-known feature of a shipping container is its sheer durability. Its sturdy steel walls are both wind and water-resistant, keeping extreme weather out and maintaining the condition of its internal contents. 

While shipping containers’ protective potential is truly impressive, even the most durable of storage solutions still require proper maintenance. Over time, if a shipping container is exposed to harsh conditions, this can result in minor damage. 

If that damage is neglected, it will only worsen, eventually resulting in more significant issues that are harder and more expensive to repair. Thus, it is crucial that shipping containers are cared for and regularly maintained.

Even the smallest patches of rust and corrosion can gradually destroy a shipping container’s integrity and compromise its ability to provide optimal protection to stored items. However, if you make the maintenance of your shipping container a priority, you will never have to worry about dealing with rust or other similar issues.

Your container and its contents will be kept safe from damage, repair costs will be kept low, and you can even maintain the value of your shipping container in case you decide to sell it.

Best Practices for Maintaining and Caring for Your Shipping Container

To keep your shipping container in top condition for as long as possible so it can protect your valued belongings, there are certain maintenance practices you can implement to achieve this outcome.

If you use these practices on a regular or semi-regular basis, your shipping container will remain in like-new condition for much longer.

1. Keep it clean

Since storage containers are often exposed to weather conditions of all types, they can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris quickly. This is why regular cleaning should be a major component of your container’s maintenance plan. 

You can begin by washing off visible dirt and debris from the container’s exterior with a pressure washer. If any stubborn grime manages to cling on, you can scrub it off with a soft-bristled brush or a sponge.

Once the exterior is clean, move everything out from the inside and give it a clean as well, wiping down the walls with a mild cleaning solution and sweeping the floors. 

Not only will cleaning up your container decrease the chances of rust forming, but it will also help prevent issues that come with pest infestations. In addition to thoroughly cleaning your container, make sure you never store any food products within, as doing so could attract insects, mice, or other pests.

2. Spot repair any damage

Despite their durable design, storage containers can occasionally suffer minor damage. If you find any small holes or other types of damage to the interior or exterior of your shipping container, repair them promptly.

If the hole is small, you may be able to get away with simply patching it up with an ISO-certified patch, which can be applied easily and will function as a permanent solution.

However, if the damage to your shipping container is too significant to repair on your own, seek assistance from a professional to ensure the unit is properly fixed. Do not forget to check the roof of the container for damage as well, as this area is susceptible to dents, which can fill with water and lead to corrosion if left unfixed.

3. Repaint your container

Usually, containers are coated with exterior metal paint to prevent rust formation on the exterior walls. However, it is common for this paint to wear away with time, leaving your container vulnerable to corrosion. To prevent such issues from occurring, ensure that you repaint your container as needed. 

Only add a new layer of paint after you have given the exterior a thorough cleaning and allowed it time to dry completely. The best kind of paint for this job is called DTM (direct to metal), which can typically be found in various colour options at Home Depot or Sherwin Williams.

4. Waterproofing and moisture prevention

Although most containers are naturally good at keeping weather out, it does not hurt to add a few extra weatherproofing features to further contribute to the maintenance of your container. One of the best ways to do this is to add weather stripping around the perimeter of the door to stop moisture from getting inside. 

Sometimes, even with weatherproofing measures in place, moisture still manages to find its way into your container, leading to the build-up of condensation. This can negatively impact the container and harm your belongings stored within.

The best way to stop such a problem from occurring is to install vents on the side of your container or to add dehumidifiers or desiccants that will get rid of any excess moisture.

How Sigma Container Corporation Can Help You Acquire a Well-Maintained Shipping Container

Now that you know some of the most critical steps to best care for and maintain a shipping container to make it last a lifetime, you may be wondering where you can find a high-quality shipping container in the first place.

If you are searching for shipping containers for sale that are in top condition, look no further than Sigma Container Corporation. We have a wide assortment of steel ISO shipping containers of all types and sizes for you to choose from. 

We have both new and used shipping containers to offer. Our used containers have been incredibly well-maintained in order to preserve their condition and ensure their integrity. 

No matter what you have to store or how large or bulky your belongings are, we are confident that we have plenty of shipping container types to meet your needs. We would be happy to help you find one that is best-suited for you.

If you are not interested in purchasing a container for long-term use, we also have many rental containers available with flexible and affordable rental agreements. Whether you are buying a container from us or renting one, we will make sure it gets to you safe and sound by promptly delivering it directly to you so that you do not have to worry about its transportation. 

For more information about our shipping containers for sale, or to learn more about how our shipping container rental process works, call Sigma Container Corporation at 855-340-3342 or contact us here.