Shipping container homes may not be as structurally sound as they may seem (2024)

FAQs

Are shipping container homes structurally sound? ›

However, while many people admire them for their simplicity, in reality, constructing one of these houses can be an extremely challenging endeavor. In fact, there are even some experts stating that shipping containers are not structurally designed to sustain additional points of load-bearing.

Containers house a lot of different things. They could be pesticides or chemicals for instance. Containers are usually coated with lead-based paint to withstand the salty air and water in the oceans. They can be toxic to your health.

1. Durability and Strength. As mentioned above, shipping containers are made of tough, corrugated Corten steel, which can withstand extreme weather conditions and constant movement. Thanks to its strong steel frame, walls, ceiling and floor, it won't bend or shift under the weight of its contents.

According to HomeGuide, the average cost to build and install a container home is $25,000 to $250,000. While that's no small chunk of change, it's significantly less than you'd expect to pay for a traditional house in most parts of the country.

Because they were built to safely transport goods over long distances and often-harsh conditions, shipping containers are extremely durable, making them an ideal choice for homes. With proper care and maintenance, these homes can last decades - an average lifespan of 25-30 years.

First and foremost, the steel construction of shipping containers provides an excellent barrier against heat transfer. This means that the interior of the container stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter, without the need for extensive heating and cooling systems.

In hot climates, particularly in the summer, shipping containers can easily reach more than 100 degrees. So, to keep the inside cool and keep your contents safe, you'll need to plan ahead.

Most container leasing companies typically depreciate their containers over a 10-12 year period before retiring them permanently. However, the general consensus regarding lifespan for containers which are not in heavy use (such as those used in storage facilities) is an average of 25-30 years.

Container homes can also increase in value over time. As they become more popular, their market appeal grows. This popularity can lead to higher resale values.

Rust is more than an aesthetic concern for your shipping container home. Rust is a significant contributor to shipping container deterioration. It weakens the structural integrity of the container walls and makes them more vulnerable to damage and water intrusion.

How to make a shipping container home last longer? ›

Shipping containers are structurally strong thanks to the combination of each structural element—the corner castings, corrugated walls, corten steel, columns, beams, and more. Each element comes together to form an impressive box-like unit that shipping companies rely on to transport goods at sea.

How Strong are Shipping Containers? A shipping container floor is designed to carry a live load of 250 pounds per square foot (psf ). In contrast, the live load requirement is typically 40 psf for residential projects and 100 psf for many commercial projects.

Structural Integrity

Shipping/Cargo containers are built to be very sturdy. A steel frame is welded together, corrugated Corten steel is placed on the outside of the frame providing an exterior that can withstand everything thrown at it; wood flooring is then treated and bolted down inside.