Summer’s here, and while you’re soaking up the sun, your shipping container might be feeling the heat. The scorching sun and relentless humidity can take a toll on even the most rigid cargo storage containers. Don’t let your trusty steel storage unit suffer! You can keep it cool, dry, and ready to protect your belongings with a few simple steps.

Why Bother with Summer Maintenance?

Think of your shipping container as a trusty steel guardian for your possessions. Just like you wouldn’t leave your car parked outside all summer without checking the tyres and fluids, your container needs some attention, too. Here’s the lowdown on why summer maintenance matters:

 

  • Combating Corrosion: Excess heat and moisture are a recipe for rust, the arch-enemy of steel containers. Summer’s the perfect storm for accelerating this nasty process, weakening your container and potentially damaging your cargo.
  • Keeping Cool: Those scorching rays can turn your container into a furnace, not ideal for storing anything temperature-sensitive. Proper maintenance helps regulate the internal temperature and create a more pleasant environment for your belongings.
  • Preventing Condensation: The hot and humid summer air loves to condense on cooler surfaces, like the inside walls of your container. This moisture build-up can lead to mould growth, rust, and damage to your stored items.

Your Summer Maintenance Action Plan:

Now that we’ve established the importance of summer maintenance let’s dive into some actionable tips to keep your container cool, dry, and protected.

1. Banish the Enemy: Keeping It Dry

Remember, water is the enemy of steel. Here’s how to keep your shipping container dry and happy:

  • Elevate it: If possible, elevate your container slightly off the ground. This allows for proper drainage and prevents water from pooling around the base, which can accelerate rust. Using concrete blocks or treated wood supports is a great option.
  • Check for Leaks: Give your container a thorough inspection for any cracks or gaps in the roof, doors, or walls. Seal any leaks promptly to prevent water ingress.
  • Mind the Drainage: Make sure the ground beneath your container slopes away, allowing water to drain naturally. Standing water around the base is a definite no-no.

2. Beat the Heat: Cooling Down Your Container

Summer sun can turn your container into a sweltering oven. Here are some ways to keep things cool:

  • The Power of Paint: Give your container a fresh coat of paint with a reflective finish. Light-coloured paints, like white or grey, reflect sunlight away from the container, helping to keep the inside cooler.
  • Ventilation is Key: Proper airflow is crucial for preventing heat buildup and moisture accumulation. Install vents on opposite sides of the container to create cross-ventilation. Shipping container roof vents are another great option.
  • Consider Cooling Options: For truly temperature-sensitive cargo, consider implementing a shipping container condensation solution, such as using a dehumidifier or installing ventilation fans to combat humidity and prevent condensation.

3. The Insulating Advantage:

Insulation isn’t just for winter! Adding insulation to your painted shipping container can help regulate the temperature year-round, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter. This not only protects your cargo but also reduces the need for additional cooling or heating solutions.

4. Maintenance Matters:

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your container in top shape. Here’s what to include in your summer shipping container maintenance routine:

  • Inspect for Damage: Look for any signs of rust, dents, or cracks. Address any minor issues promptly and schedule your shipping container repair to prevent them from becoming bigger problems.
  • Door and Lock Check: Ensure the doors close properly and the locks function smoothly. A well-sealed container is essential for keeping moisture and pests out.
  • Rust Removal: If you find any rust spots, address them quickly! For the best way to remove rust from your shipping container, use a wire brush or sandpaper to scrape away the rusty areas until you reach bare metal. Next, apply a rust-preventative primer and a durable, weather-resistant paint to protect the exposed metal. For larger areas of rust or stubborn cases, consider sandblasting. This method can quickly remove rust and prepare the surface for painting.

Bonus Tip: Declutter for Better Airflow!

Leaving excessive empty space within your container can hinder air circulation. Try to organise your belongings to maximise the use of space and allow air to flow freely around them. This can be done by:

  • Stacking items neatly: Avoid creating large, empty spaces between items.
  • Using storage bins and containers: These can help you organize your belongings and keep them off the floor.
  • Leaving some space around the edges: This will allow air to circulate the perimeter of the container.

Following these simple summer maintenance tips, you can ensure your shipping container stays cool, dry, and secure all season long. Proper maintenance is essential to maximise the benefits of buying storage containers, such as increased security, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you protect your valuable belongings.

Summer Container Maintenance Sydney

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.