Reusing Shipping Containers, Pros and Cons
Reusing Shipping Containers, Pros and Cons
Reusing shipping containers is very cost-effective and eco-friendly. Aside from that, shipping containers are built with a strong foundation which means you already have your building once you purchase one. So now, you only have to worry about the furnishings and decorations. Unfortunately, there is also the risk of rust but let’s talk more about the pros of reusing shipping containers and how to overcome the cons.
Shipping Containers Are Heavy Duty
The leading knowledge of shipping containers is that they are built to endure marine transport. So how is a shipping container made? First, a shipping container is created by welding together a high-quality steel frame. Corten steel is then attached to the cover of the said steel frame, which provides a shielding exterior that withstands anything you throw at it. However, while shipping containers are sturdy, heavy snow may push the roof to bow without proper reinforcements. To overcome this challenge, you will have to hire an appropriate contractor to lodge a sloped rooftop or fortify load-bearing walls. 
Rust and Corrosion
Unfortunately, we all know that salt water and steel are not great friends. Although Corten steel is corrosion resistant and can last six months to a year, the environment still influences how long its protective layer will last. However, you can coat your shipping container with rust-resistant paint to ensure it doesn’t rust sooner.
Shipping Containers Are Eco Friendly
Do you remember when you were taught the three Rs to save the environment? That’s right – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. A shipping container is just an enormous soda can that you can recycle for your purposes. First, reduce. You can minimize brick and cement use by buying shipping containers for your storage or new building, saving yourself from expenses.
Moreover, cement is one of the most significant sources of Carbon Dioxide. Next, reuse. You’re already reusing a significantly large amount of metal by buying a shipping container. You’ll be reusing more than 10,000 kg of metal by purchasing a couple more. You’re now an environmental hero! 
Shipping Containers Are Cost and Time Efficient
Constructing a new house or business site from scratch can consume a lot of time. This can take two months or even more to finish, whereas purchasing a shipping container will only take two weeks to release and another week to refurbish.
Shipping Containers Are Transportable
If you’re reusing your shipping container to build a home, why not make it a mobile home? You’ll love this concept if you love to travel but are vulnerable to home-sickness. A truck, a trailer, and a shipping container create a mobile home. You no longer need a recreational van; you can recreate your shipping container to look like your home. Come to think of it, not only can you build a mobile home, you can even make your food truck and start your business on the go! Now, you can go anywhere you want and take your business with you without leaving the comfort of your home, another cost-effective idea for shipping containers.
Temperature
The temperature inside shipping containers is a problem because they are steel, which effortlessly absorbs heat and cold. If you’re reusing shipping containers for your business or home, insulation is something you need to consider. An air conditioner, exhaust fan, or ventilation would help with the temperature problem. A modern and trendy insulator is styrofoam. With prop.
Er adhesives, you can secure it to your shipping container’s roof and walls. Here is a fact about styrofoam; styrofoam is made mainly of air which means it is a loosely packed material
Making it an inferior conductor of heat and a terrific convector. Styrofoam blocks heat energy by trapping the air in small pockets, reducing conduction and convection, making it an excellent insulator.
Building Permits
Shipping containers as buildings are a relatively new phenomenon, so gaining the building permits in some regions will be an obstacle. However, some areas in the United States have 
regulations for your shipping container buildings and home. Some of these areas are Texas, California, Oregon, and Colorado.
Whatever your approach to reusing shipping containers, remember that they are an investment and will need proper care and maintenance but will save you a tremendous amount of time and money. So, always do some research before taking a step forward in purchasing one.