Tips on Installing After Market Shipping Container Vents

An efficient way to reduce condensation in a shipping container is by adding larger, after market shipping container vents. These vents allow for additional airflow and can be installed quickly and easily using a cutting torch or a strong steel saw, and a drill or welding equipment. Along with our own experiences, over the past few years we’ve collected many tips and ideas from people on the best ways to install the vents and make sure that they’re well connected to the container.

Trace the Vent Sleve The vents sold on ContainerLockBox.com have a three inch sleeve that extends inside of the container to make sure it’s completely inside the container, even if the container is straddling a groove in the corrugation of the container wall. To make sure the hole is cut to the proper size, hold the vent up to the container and trace the sleeve before cutting. Sealants and Adhesives Give the vent flange a healthy coating of a sealant and/or adhesive before permanently connecting it to the container, and give the edge a coating again (similar to bathroom tiles) once it’s connected. This will prevent any moisture from getting behind the vent and initiating corrosion.

Weld On If you have the ability, weld the container vent directly to the container. This will provide a strong, secure connection and if done properly will negate the need for excessive sealants. Bolt On If welding the vent to the container isn’t an option, there are four holes in the corners of the vent. A strong bolt or metal screw and be driven through the container to connect the vent to the container. This is probably the easiest way to connect the two, but a sealant is recommended to prohibit moisture from getting behind the flange.

While there are small breather vents on most shipping containers, they aren’t designed to manage air flow and condensation. Installing larger aftermarket vents are a great way to provide additional air circulation throughout a shipping container. No matter if you weld or bolt the vent on, using a sealant will provide a strong bond that prevents moisture from getting between the vent flange and the container.

ContainerLockBox.com is a subsidiary of ContainerAuction.com, and manufactures bolt on lock boxes and container vents in Lancaster, PA.