Our house is our investment in the future. It gives us a sense of security that we have something to stay in as we get older. It gives us an assurance that there is something we can go to after a day’s work.
Good homes are definitely good investments. Whether small or big, wooden or concrete, our homes can give us the kind of warmth and comfort that we need.
In addition, our homes can also be an additional source of income. We can have them rented or sold at a fair price. Depending on the material used, our homes can either increase their market value or depreciate over time.
Homes that can last long are surely worthy of our investments. But what about shipping container homes? Is it a good investment? Would it last and for how long?
Shipping Container Homes
We have seen those shipping containers carrying heavy loads. They are either transported to different cities or just simply used as a storage area. They certainly are well-built and durable.
Today, we can’t imagine what it would be like to not have our goods shipped worldwide. It is undoubtedly one of the best innovations in the history of logistics.
Over the last 60 years, shipping containers have gone from a mere concept to trusted storage containers all over the world. It houses different kinds of stuff transported from anywhere in the world.
Due to its demand, shipping containers are piling up in stockyards. This results in people innovating and recycling simple shipping containers into something different from their main purpose.
People are now using shipping containers as offices, apartments, pop-up shops, sturdy sheds, and quirky furniture.
The most prominent use of shipping containers you can see today is having it as a home. Shipping container homes are now used as one of the best alternatives when choosing a home due to cost and mobility.
The sudden increase in shipping container homes drives curious people to ask how long can container homes last. What is the average lifespan of a shipping container home?
Shipping Container Home Lifespan
So, how long does a shipping container home Last? The best answer to the question is actually that it depends.
The average lifespan of shipping container homes is 25 years but can last longer if they are modified correctly and well-maintained.
Shipping containers are designed to withstand the rough environment of open-air sea shipping. However, there is always a chance that they will deteriorate especially with the wear and tear from their usual heavy tasks.
Shipping containers can accumulate unwanted rust and dust over time which could weaken their original form and structure. Not only that. There are other factors that can affect the lifespan of shipping containers.
The sun’s harmful UV rays, weather, and sea salt can also affect the shipping containers’ durability. These factors are the prime culprit for rust and corrosion.
Rust is the most common problem when it comes to shipping containers. It can greatly reduce the lifespan of a container home if not treated thoroughly. Thus, it is important to check your shipping container homes and look for rust spots.
Repair any problematic areas in your shipping container home to reduce the chance of deteriorating rapidly. Check any rust spots and treat it immediately to prevent rust from spreading all throughout.
Before building your desired shipping container home, check for areas needing repair or enhancement to be able to provide the best modification solution.
Use siding to protect the exterior part of the container. Protect the roofing for the winter season. Make the necessary changes to build a durable container home that is worthy of your every penny.
A well-customized shipping container can last longer than the average lifespan. Depending on the modification materials and the new environment it sits in, it can last 20-50 years with no problem.
Shipping companies may tell you that used containers were in service for about 10-12 years before they take them out of the rotation. This does not mean the container is no longer useful. It’s just that it will no longer be used for shipping.
With the right modification and enhancement such as cleaning, repainting, and waterproofing, your shipping container can last up to 50 years maximum.
New shipping containers are intentionally designed to last up to 30 years without needing much maintenance. They only need light maintenance and attention to extend their lifespan. If compared to traditional construction, shipping containers fare better when it comes to longevity.
The shipping containers used in a storage facility can also last longer compared to their counterparts. They are not subjected to the same level of utilization. Therefore, they mostly retain their original structure and can easily last up to 30 years.
The lifespan of shipping containers used to build houses are even longer as these containers are in a friendlier environment.
Furthermore, these shipping container homes are clad and treated as part of the building process. They are further customized to last much longer than ordinary shipping containers only used for storing and transporting goods.
Shipping container homes can definitely last up to 50 years if given the right modification procedure.
Build Container Homes That Will Last: Things To Do
If you plan on having a shipping container home, there are things you can do to have a container home that will last longer than needed.
Buy from a reputable source of shipping containers homes
If you choose to have a shipping container home, the first thing you should do is to buy from the best provider of container homes.
You should get all your materials from a trusted provider. They will not only provide you with the items you need but can also guide you through the process so you choose the right containers for building your desired home.
Modify shipping containers appropriately
If you plan to have a shipping container home, you should modify it accordingly so that it will surely last. You should understand that how your shipping container home gets modified will have an effect on its lifespan.
While shipping containers are overengineered and can withstand a huge quantity of cutouts, there will always be a tipping point. Thus, it is important to identify where that tipping point is to ensure your container home retains its structural integrity after the necessary modification.
Hire experts in container homes
Another thing you should bear in mind when building your container home is to work with the experts in container homes.
As a soon-to-be-owner, hire people who can best assist you in building your dream container home. Look for a group of people who understand your needs and can help you build a shipping container home that will last longer than the average lifespan.
Hire a reputable shipping container modification service that will properly clean and treat any rust areas on your container before making the necessary modifications.
Conclusion
To be able to get the maximum benefits of choosing shipping container homes, it is important to build it into something that can withstand not only time but also the different seasons.
Like other types of houses, shipping container homes can last if built with the right materials and if given due care.
