Shipping Container Ventilation

Shipping containers are designed to be wind and water tight, but if you’re using a container as a commercial or residential storage unit it might require a little extra ventilation to help regulate the humidity and potential moisture build up, especially in the coming summer months.

Shipping containers are equipped with small "breather" vents at the factory that allow a limited amount of airflow, but if you’re using a shipping container as a storage unit in a climate that has a high shift between day time and night time temperatures factory vents typically don’t provide enough airflow to keep ahead of condensation build up. If condensation and moisture is allowed to build up it can potentially damage anything stored inside of the container, especially sensitive items like paper products/legal documents or antique furniture. Mold, rust, smells, and general water damage can occur if the situation isn’t controlled.

How Condensation Builds in a Storage Container

Shipping containers are designed to be wind and water tight to protect all of the contents while in transit, and this also holds true if the container is being used as a storage unit. However, if the container is being used in an area with a high day time/night time temperature fluctuation it can cause moisture to build up. When the heat comes on during the day the air inside of the container will also warm up; then in the evening when the temperature drops off condensation will have the opportunity to form. It can happen in any well insulated house, green house, or even in an automobile.

How to Reduce Condensation in a Storage Container

If the air can be controlled and maintained to equal, or close to equal to the outside air temperature there will be less chance for moisture to build up. This can be done in a number of ways, the most obvious being to open and close the doors on a regular basis in the morning and evenings. However, if the container is in a remote location or not accessed on a regular basis this may not be an option. The easiest alternative is to install larger, secure vents to the shipping container. Some vents can be installed on the top, such as a whirly vent, or to the sides, like a standard vent.

Where to Buy Shipping Container Vents

Shipping container vents can be purchased at many container depots and yards, or purchased on line at ContainerLockBox.com. Local dealers can often times install the vents for a charge, or they can easily be installed with household tools and supplies. ContainerAuction.com is an online marketplace for buying and selling new and used shipping containers of all sizes, and ContainerLockBox.com is an owned subsidiary that specializes in bolt on lock boxes, container vents, and other shipping container parts and supplies. All lock boxes and vents are manufactured in the United States (Pennsylvania), built to high security standards, and ship within 24 hours of purchasing.