If you use shipping containers regularly, you’ll know that condensation can be a real pain. It’s that annoying moisture that turns into water droplets all over the inside – walls, windows, and your stored gear – when the air inside gets too humid. This build-up can be bad news, leading to damage that costs you money and causes headaches. So, let’s look at some simple ways to implement effective shipping container moisture control strategies and keep that dampness at bay.
What Exactly is Condensation?
Condensation is a common issue when dealing with shipping containers, whether you’re storing goods in one or using it as a workspace. It’s basically what happens when the air inside gets too full of moisture, and that moisture turns into water on cooler surfaces. If you let too much of this moisture hang around in your container, it can cause a bunch of problems for whatever you’ve got stored:
- Mould and mildew development: Thriving in damp environments, these can damage goods and create health hazards.
- Corrosion on metal objects: Moisture accelerates the rusting and degradation of metallic items.
- Warping: Wood and other susceptible materials can distort and lose their shape due to excessive humidity.
- Packaging deterioration, especially on cardboard: Moisture weakens and degrades cardboard packaging, potentially compromising its contents.
- Caking of powder in some goods: Certain powdered substances can absorb moisture and solidify, rendering them unusable.
As you can see, it’s pretty important to keep condensation out of your container. It can damage your belongings and cost you a fair bit in the long run.
What Makes Condensation Happen?
How much condensation you get in your container can depend on a few things. Knowing what these are can help you take steps how to reduce humidity in a container and prevent it from happening in the first place.
First off, the temperature inside a shipping container is a big one. It can change a lot between day and night, and these ups and downs in temperature can cause condensation. When warm, moist air hits a cooler surface, it drops that moisture as water.
Ventilation is also a key player. If there’s no fresh air getting into your container, any moisture that’s there has nowhere to go, so it builds up. Good, steady airflow can help even out the temperature inside compared to the outside temperature, making condensation less likely.
Even how much empty space you have in your container can make a difference. More empty air means more room for moisture to hang around, which ups the chances of container condensation. Thinking about filling up more of that space might help a bit.
How Can We Combat Condensation?
There are a few pretty effective ways to tackle condensation. Things like insulation, making sure everything’s sealed up properly, and keeping the temperature steady can all help. For a more heavy-duty solution, you could look at getting a dehumidifier for a shipping container. Since a lack of airflow traps moisture, implementing adequate ventilation is a key step in container condensation prevention. Keeping an eye on those moisture levels is also a good idea. You could even consider installing a vent or an air conditioning unit.
Another good way to stop condensation in a shipping container is to install insulation on the walls and roof. It’s usually quicker and cheaper than sealing up the whole container. An insulated storage container also helps because it’s less affected by outside temperature, which means your stuff inside stays drier. Plus, insulation can make air conditioners work more efficiently because they don’t have to work as hard to maintain a steady temperature.
Any of these methods can help you win the battle against condensation and keep your cargo safe. You probably won’t need to do all of them, but picking one or two that suit your situation is a smart move.
The Long Haul: Why Ignoring Container Dampness Costs You
Don’t underestimate the long-term impact of condensation inside your shipping container. While it might seem minor at first, persistent dampness can lead to significant problems over time. The constant presence of moisture accelerates rust and corrosion on the container’s steel structure, potentially weakening it. Furthermore, damp environments encourage the growth of mould and mildew, which can damage stored goods and pose health risks.
Businesses have faced significant losses due to condensation ruining their inventory, and individuals have had their personal belongings destroyed. Addressing moisture control early on isn’t just about keeping things dry in the short term; it’s a crucial step in protecting your investment and ensuring the longevity of your container and its contents.
If you’re looking at shipping containers for sale and want to know how we can help you have a condensation-free experience, talk to the team at Betta Storage today. We’re here to help you find the right container and the right solutions to keep it dry.
1. Site Selection
If you are not mounting the container for the long term, choose a spot where the ground is even and the soil firm and compacted so that it will support the frame of the container. If your site is rough or slanted you can add a layer of gravel or small stones to keep the container stable and secure.
2. Surroundings
If your container is going to remain in place for a length of time, it can be valuable to pave the surrounding area prior to installation. This will provide a solid firm base for your structure and will enable you to utilise the outer area of the container more easily.
3. Vehicle Access
If your site is in a position behind other buildings then you may have trouble getting your container to your site. There are options to have your container dropped in situ’ by a crane but this is expensive. If your site is accessible by vehicle you will keep delivery costs down. Setting up storage containers in Sydney, where the topography varies, it is a great idea to prepare a level area prior to delivery.
4. Weather conditions
It is ideal to have your container delivered on a day free of rain, after a dry spell. Installing your container directly onto sodden earth may lead to sinkage and misalignment of your final structure. If you are in a particularly rough area you may need to secure your shipping container to the ground, but in most circumstances, the natural weight of the container will hold it firmly in place.
5. Ventilation
If you are concerned about water or drainage around the site of your container then it may be worthwhile setting the container down on concrete blocks. This will keep it raised from ground level, free of moisture and well ventilated.
Betta Storage are your local Sydney specialists in movable new and used storage containers. Contact us to discuss your requirements and let us help you choose the right container for your needs.