Building with shipping containers remains one of the most popular ways of building sustainably. Used in modular or prefabricated construction, shipping containers are excellent materials for fast-paced construction. Not only are they sturdy, but they are also versatile enough to serve as the framework for any livable structure. However, constructing with them can be disastrous when done incorrectly. To ensure you don’t end up regretting that container space you just built, here are 5 fatal mistakes to avoid when building with shipping containers.

1. Choosing the wrong container:

Not all shipping containers are created equal. They usually come in different sizes with varying heights and lengths. Some exist as regular 20 ft or 40 ft containers, and others as high cube containers of equal lengths, each typically measuring 8 ft wide, and 8 ft 6 in or 9 ft 6 in high, respectively. 

However, one mistake people make without realizing it is buying the wrong size of container. The problem with this is that there are requirements peculiar to each container, based on its size. For instance, ceiling insulations are best suited for high cube containers, whereas the ceiling insulations may compromise the headroom space in regular containers. Therefore, failure to take note of these differences may affect your being able to live comfortably in the structure.

2. Using very old containers: 

Another common mistake people make is buying the cheapest container available without checking its history or condition. Usually, these containers are cheap because they’re very old. Furthermore, in the long run, they usually prove to be way more expensive to use. Not only do they tend to be corroded, dented, deformed, or structurally weak, but they may have also been exposed to toxic materials such as pesticides or chemicals. As a result, you end up incurring more expenses to restore and maintain them.

Where they are not restored or maintained, however, they pose significant health risks and can end up caving in. To avoid this, it is best to purchase your containers from reputable suppliers and conduct thorough in-person inspections before buying. Also, when possible, go for one-trip or certified containers instead.

3. Over-cutting without reinforcement:

Shipping containers are strong because of their steel frame and corrugated walls. Thus, cutting out excess doors or windows from the walls and roof, or combining containers, tends to weaken the structure. In other words, modifying the container is never an issue, but over-modifying it by cutting out more steel than necessary without enough reinforcement can compromise the container’s durability, which can lead to sagging, warping, or even collapse over time.

Therefore, it is usually advisable to reinforce large openings with steel beams or frames where necessary. You can also consult an expert before cutting out large portions of steel from the container. Having a structural engineer review your design will go a long way in preventing a fatal disaster from occurring. Get started by booking a consultation with us.

4. Poor insulation:

Steel is a terrible insulator. Without proper insulation, container buildings can become extremely hot during hot seasons and very cold in freezing weather. In addition to this, rapid fluctuations in the container’s internal temperature as a result of poor insulation cause condensation and dampness that typically lead to a build-up of mold and rust, both of which pose serious health risks. 

To prevent this, use high-quality insulation systems such as spray foam or insulated panels. Also, ensure you design for adequate ventilation and moisture control from the start.

5. Bad foundation planning: 

Containers may look tough, but placing them on an unsteady foundation can be detrimental. To begin with, it causes uneven settling of the structure and can lead to structural stress in the long run. Moreover, a poor foundation can develop cracks and cause water infiltration, which exposes the structure to excess moisture and thereby weakens it.

Thus, simply placing containers on blocks or bare ground is rarely sufficient for permanent structures. Instead, design a foundation appropriate for your soil, climate, and building size. For example, concrete piers, slabs, or strip foundations.

Conclusion

Shipping containers can be an incredible building material when used correctly. However, they demand careful planning and technical knowledge. Avoiding these fatal mistakes can be the difference between a smart, sustainable build and a costly nightmare.

Therefore, before starting your container project, ensure you do your research, work with professionals where needed, and treat container construction with the seriousness it deserves. 

Or better yet, you can enlist the services of experts like Redcity. After many years carrying out various shipping container projects, we know what works best and what doesn’t when building with shipping containers. To get started, you can simply request a quote here. 

How do you think you can avoid these 5 fatal mistakes when building with shipping containers? Tell us your thoughts below.