Many people are attracted to shipping container buildings because they typically take much less time to build than traditional ones. This is because containers already have the necessary infrastructure, reducing the construction time.
Also, container buildings are more affordable than traditional buildings because they require less labor and materials. With containers, the walls, roof, and floor components are already pre-assembled, eliminating the need for significant repairs to the building’s structure.
With rising construction costs, housing shortages, and growing environmental concerns, repurposed containers offer a way to rethink how buildings are built and used.
However, with those abilities, how long will shipping container buildings last? Find out in this article!
Contents
What Makes Shipping Container Buildings in the US Last Long?
1. Built for Harsh Conditions
Shipping containers are engineered to withstand years at sea, enduring saltwater, storms, and heavy loads. They are made from corten steel that can naturally resist corrosion and maintain strength under extreme conditions. This helps in hurricane-prone regions like Florida and Gulf Coast.
Because of this, when repurposed into buildings, containers already have a durable, weather-resistant structure that outperforms many traditional building materials.
With insulation and protective coatings, they adapt well to US climates from the Arizona deserts to Midwestern winters.
2. Structural Strength
Containers are designed to be stacked up to 9 high when loaded with cargo. Containers transfer loads through their corner castings and posts, making them extremely stable when stacked.
This gives them exceptional load-bearing capacity, making them stable for multi-story buildings and long-term structural use.
However, when converting into buildings, some structural modifications, like cutting, can weaken the frame. To maintain strength, you need to reinforce cut sections with steel beams, use proper foundations, and apply protective coatings against rust.
3. Corrosion Resistance
Corten steel forms a protective oxide layer, which slows down rust when exposed to air, compared to regular steel.
In the US, containers get additional protective treatments when repurposed as buildings, such as:
- Repainting with anti-rust coatings.
- Cladding or siding (wood, stucco, or panels) that shields steel from direct sun and rain.
- Roofing systems that prevent water pooling.
These modifications extend the lifespan of container buildings to 25-50+ years.
4. Proper Modifications Extend Life
Extending the life of container buildings in the US depends on making the right modifications during construction and regular upkeep. This includes:
- Insulation & HVAC: Protects against temperature extremes.
- Roofing & Cladding: Reduces direct exposure to rain, snow, and sun.
- Elevated Foundations: Prevents ground moisture and flooding damage.
5. Climate Adaptability
In the US, containers are modified for different regional climates. For example:
- Arizona & Texas: Insulated and shaded to withstand desert heat.
- Florida & Gulf Coast: Elevated and sealed against humidity and hurricanes.
- Midwest & Northeast: Reinforced insulation and heating systems for snow and freezing winters.
These adaptations ensure containers remain functional and durable nationwide.
6. Sustainable Reuse
Shipping container buildings are considered a form of sustainable reuse, and that’s one of the main reasons they’re gaining popularity across the US.
They are repurposed from global shipping; their initial heavy-duty lifespan is extended when used as buildings. This second life cycle maximizes their value and ensures longevity in architectural use.
Also, using containers as a structural shell means less concrete, brick, and lumber – materials that have a high carbon footprint in extraction and manufacturing. This will reduce demand for traditional building materials.
5 Ways to Maintain a Container Home
Several container building maintenance tips can affect how long a container building lasts. They are:
Use a Strong Foundation
The longevity of container buildings is greatly influenced by your chosen foundation. Container buildings must meet the same basic criteria as traditional buildings. The foundation can ensure the stability of the container buildings, thus preventing them from collapsing.
The nature of the soil is the most important component in determining the type of foundation to use. If the soil is soft or contains layers of clay, you may need to consider installing more foundation supports to ensure the buildings do not sink after ten or twenty years.
Proper Roofing
The roof is a crucial part of a container building. If positioned correctly, it will ensure a longer lifespan.
Make the roof larger than the building and provide the proper slope to drain rainwater. Additionally, if you plan to install solar panels on top of your container building, ensure they are sturdy. Regularly inspect the roof for holes, tears, or debris blown by the wind.
Clean the House Regularly
Make sure the structure of your building is clean. This type of building is often built in less conducive environments, where there is a lot of dust, dirt, and debris. Cleaning the building is a maintenance activity that is often overlooked. Keeping it clean, both inside and out, can reduce the negative impacts.
Check the Drains
Well-maintained drains can determine how long a container building will last. Avoid puddles and leaks in the building’s plumbing. Water accumulation around the building can cause flooding, floor shifting, and other underlying problems. Install a proper drainage system to drain water away from the building.
Implement Preventive Measures
Implement control measures by sealing all gaps that could become entry points for pests. Ensure the building is well-insulated and weatherproof. Repaint or repair the exterior surfaces to protect against weathering and corrosion. Apply sealant to prevent moisture. Regularly trim or remove excessive weeds that could damage walls or block drainage.
Conclusion
If properly maintained, shipping container buildings can last for over 50 years. Container buildings only need to be repainted every 5 years. They are also resistant to earthquake cracks.
Buy used shipping containers for your building from Tradecorp! With years of experience, Tradecorp is a reliable provider of sales, purchase, rental, and modification services.
We also offer you a wide range of construction customization, like additional doors, windows, insulation, and electrical systems.
We will help you find the perfect container solution for your construction needs at a reasonable price. Fill out the contact form on our page to get shipping container construction for sale at Tradecorp. We will respond to your inquiry promptly.
