5 Tips for Maintaining a Shipping Container in the Summer

Written by Susan Nalevac   Updated September 17, 2024

Between the heat and humidity, summer conditions can be relentless on shipping containers. Shipping containers are remarkably resilient and durable against the elements, but they’re not indestructible.

Keep your container in top shape with our simple but effective maintenance tips!

5 Tips For Container Maintenance in Summer:

1. Keep it Dry and Elevate It (if needed)
2. Paint the Roof
3. Install Vents or A/C
4. Insulate
5. Use a Dehumidifier

1. Keep It Dry and Elevate It (if needed)

The natural enemy of the shipping container is water and moisture of any kind, as it can lead to rust and corrosion. The last thing you want is your shipping container sitting in a pool of water, so it’s crucial to keep it dry on the ground.  Whether it’s on ground, pavement, cement, or gravel, make sure it’s dry year round. If needed, you can elevate it.

2. Paint the Roof

The roof of a shipping container can be like a magnet for heat, absorbing ultraviolet rays and turning the inside into an oven. There are a few strategies for keeping your container’s roof cool, like building a permanent cover for shade or moving it under a tree. But one of the simplest and most effective solutions is a can of paint!

Most shipping containers come in dark colors, but a can of lighter paint like gray or, ideally, white reflective paint, can do wonders to help cool off a container. The lighter color deflects the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them, resulting in a more comfortable and cool container.

3. Install Vents or A/C

Air circulation is vital for a shipping container to keep moisture and vegetation from taking hold within. So if you haven’t already done so, consider installing storage vents or an air conditioning unit to keep things cool.

A couple of small storage vents in the corners or a modest air conditioning unit can make all the difference in preventing moisture buildup.

4. Insulate

Insulation is one of the first things that anyone who owns a shipping container should install, whether you use it for storage or as a container home. A layer of insulation isn’t just for keeping the container warm in the winter but also for maintaining cool temperatures in the summer.

Pro Tip: Consider sustainable insulation alternatives like sheep’s wool, denim, ThermaCork, or Celotex.

5. Use a Dehumidifier

Conclusion

These are a few tips for maintaining a shipping container this summer—but the main takeaway is to avoid moisture and humidity at all costs.



If you’re considering purchasing a container, we have many shipping containers for sale in Indianapolis, Chicago, Dallas, and 29 additional locations across the country!