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5 Misconceptions About Shipping Container Conversions

19.10.2020 - Posted by Updated On 19.10.2020    

There are lots of misconceptions about shipping container conversion projects. Naturally, people are reluctant to go blindly into a new project for converting a container into a home, storage unit, or work site office. As more and more containers are released into the retail consumer market, supplies are becoming more and more creative with the design, use, and applications of converted cargo containers.

There are many common questions that people ask before as they begin to research converting a container. Five of the most common are below:

Q: Don't converted shipping containers turn into ovens when they're in direct sun?

A: No, not at all. A properly insulated container can be more energy efficient than a conventional home. If you use ceramic spray insulation, designed and used by NASA, it will adhere to metal and create a highly effective insulator for your container. This works great for containers converted into home, office, or mobile storage facilities.

Q: Isn't insulating a container, especially with NASA quality spray insulation, really expensive?

A: No, it's not very expensive, and it's less expensive than fiberglass or foam insulation. To coat a 40' container with ceramic insulation paint the ISBU estimates that it will cost around $700.00. Even better, the paint is applied to the outside of the container and you don't lose any square footage inside of the container.

Q: Where can I get architectural drawings of a shipping container to use to begin my conversion plans?

A: Many times these plans aren't available. Shipping lines typically have in-house engineers that design the containers for a line, then submit the specifications to the manufacturer. The manufacturer is unable to release them, and the shipping lines don't typically provide them for competitive reasons.

Q: Won't a shipping container rust?

A: No. Intermodal shipping containers are designed for ocean transport, and built to withstand sea water, salt air, and high winds. Shipping containers are typically made with Corten steel, which is a non-corrosive steel. On top of this, they are coated with ceramic paint to make them highly resistant to all types of weather.

Q: Will a container home pass certification and inspections?

A: When properly designed and built, yes. The minimum height for residential building codes it typically 8', and a standard shipping container is 8' 6". Externally, a container conversion project can be covered with any type of siding or wood panelling. If you add on basic roof trusses, some windows, and possible a deck, it will be difficult to tell the difference between a converted container home and a standard residential building.

If you have any questions that weren't covered in this list or any other place in the site, you're welcome to contact ContainerAuction.com with your question. Whether you've purchased a container through one of our supplies or not, we're willing to share our expertise and make your project the best that it can possible be.



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