Replace or Repair Delaminated Shipping Container Floor

If you buy a used shipping container, chances are that the floor has some form of peeling or cracking on the surface, often referred to as delamination. In some cases, it's not a big deal, however it's always good to keep an eye on the situation and address it before it large problem.

Reasons to Repair or Replace Shipping Container Floors

Everyone thinks that shipping container floors are coated in toxic chemicals, however this isn't necessarily the case. If you have any doubt, check the CSC plate and look at the 'Timber Treatment Component'. The second part will be the treatment chemical. Keep in mind that if the flooring was ever repaired or replaced this may not be correct. If the chemical is something that really concerns you, and it's in your budget, you may want to go ahead and replace the entire floor. Alternatively, you can patch the damaged section, put new flooring over the existing flooring, treat the entire floor, or any combination of these.

Quick 'How To' Suggestions

First and foremost, don't sand the flooring. Similar to asbestos the dust isn't good for you. If you leave it in place it's relatively harmless.

If the entire floor is being replaced, start at one and begin pulling up the floor. If you can access any screws the process might go easier if they're removed first. Once the original floor is removed, scrape the ribs clean of any glues and begin cutting the flooring sections, put adhesive on the ribs and replace the sections of flooring, screwing the floor to the ribs every 12-18 inches.

If you're only replacing a section of the flooring, take the reciprocating saw or circular saw and remove the section that needs to be replaced; making sure that it spans between two ribs. Remove the damaged section, clean the ribs, put down the adhesive and replace with the new section. Once it's screwed into place your work is done.

Recommended Tools Utility Knife with extra blades Scraper Claw hammer Several tubes adhesive and sealant Reciprocating saw Circular saw Heavy duty drill Treated plywood for the section being repaired

Treating the Shipping Container Floor

With either a new floor, or the original, treating the floor with a sealant is always a good idea. The most popular sealants are an epoxy. You'll want to find one that is solvent free and recommended for wood. Clean the floor based on your specific brand of epoxy, apply one or two coats and make sure the area is well ventilated.

Repairing, replacing, and treating the floor of a used shipping container depends on your budget, what you're using the container for. If the container will be used for a residential conversion, your needs might be different than if you're using it for a storage unit on a farm or ranch.