Things to Remember When Using Recycled Shipping Containers

The global shipping industry leaves a significant amount of waste in its wake. That’s why it’s exciting to see all of the creative ways in which people are beginning to reuse old shipping containers. Whether they’re converting them into tiny homes, using them to expand their office space or building them out into a retail environment, shipping containers are becoming a chic way to recycle and reuse large pieces of industrial waste.

Before you jump on the bandwagon and order some used shipping containers in Houston, TX, however, there are several things that you should be aware of when it comes to using recycled shipping containers for your residential or commercial construction project. Here are just a few essential things to keep in mind when building a home or business space out of shipping containers:

• They’re challenging to insulate: If you’re thinking about building a home or office space out of your shipping container, it’s important to bear in mind that they can be challenging to both insulate and ventilate. Shipping containers weren’t designed to keep people warm or cool, so you’re going to have to make some substantial retrofitting investments in your container.
• They may be contaminated: It’s important to figure out what your container carried before you make a home or retail space out of it. Some shipping containers may have been used to transport toxic materials, like petrochemicals or pesticides. Over time, these chemicals could leach into the materials, meaning that the container itself isn’t safe for human habitation.
• There could be a lack of structural integrity: Over time, the structural integrity of your shipping container may have degraded. During the construction process, you’ll likely punch holes in the container to use to install windows, doors and connections to other rooms of the building. This will cause the structure to further deteriorate, and could threaten the integrity of your entire project.
• They’re not necessarily cost-effective: While shipping containers may seem like a cost-effective way to insert a sense of industrial chic into your commercial or residential project, it’s important to note that they may not be as cost-effective as they initially seem. While the containers themselves may be affordable, there’s a lot of retrofitting that you’ll need to invest in to make them suitable for human use.
• They don’t suit every project: The fact of the matter is that shipping containers fill a niche. They’re generally not well suited for most residential or commercial construction projects. If you’re looking for a creative trade show booth, pop-up retail store or addition to your home, they may be ideal. In most cases, however, you’re better off going with traditional building materials.

Since 2014, A Mobile Box has been a premier source for shipping containers in Houston, TX. We offer shipping container sales and rentals throughout the greater Houston area, and we’re proud to serve both residential and commercial clients. To learn more about our portable container rental services, reach out to one of our friendly, knowledgeable container experts today.

Categorised in: Shipping Containers

This post was written by Writer