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Getting the longest life out of your shipping container doesn't require much effort, but like anything a little effort here and there will go a long way. One of the great things about a steel shipping container is that there's no technology involved; so you don't have to worry about upgrades, support settings, out-dated features, or anything like that. However, it does help quite a bit if you put your container on a simple foundation. Once the foundation is in place, you really don't have to think about the foundation again, ever.
We've already discussed three types of container foundations (ascending in terms of cost and effort):
Now, we'd like to add another alternative to the list that is comparable to a wood beam foundation, a simple stone bed. Just as a wood beam foundation keeps the container slightly off the ground and allows a slight airflow under the container, a stone foundation will do roughly the same. While it will provide a little less ventilation, by removing this space you also remove the small space that rodents could find their way into. Granted, if a mouse or snake wants to make a home under a container they're likely to find a way to do so. |
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If you're purchasing a 20' or 40' container you'll want to adjust the stone pad size accordingly, and if you have time, it is best to do this seven days before the container is delivered to allow for natural compaction and settling.
Here's what you'll need:
How much stone will you need?
Laying a stone bed will allow the shipping container to have a solid foundation, and help to keep moisture away from the base of the container for the length of its life, as well as possibly extending its life by several years.
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