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Things to Consider Before Using Shipping Containers For Your Project

By Ella Zeen posted 05-30-2014 01:36 AM

  

 

In the last few years, we have been seeing a growing interest in reusing shipping containers that have for a very long time been fulfilling a purpose that was very singular and very temporary. Namely, due to relation of the costs of shipping back empty containers to the costs of making a new shipping container, these heavy metal “boxes” have mostly been discarded after a single use. Lately, however, more and more people are using them for construction projects that have been, in many cases, extremely interesting, cost-efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Still, one needs to be sure that the shipping containers are the best way to go and therefore, one needs to consider a number of things before they actually decide on using a shipping container, or more, for their project.

For instance, one needs to consider the climate of the area where they intend to build using shipping containers. If the area is very hot for the most part of the year, a shipping container, on its own, will feel like a microwave oven. If it is a cold climate, without insulation, a shipping container will be a freezer. This problem, when shipping containers are used for shipping and storage, can be circumvented by using container shelters. However, if it is going to be a home or an office, the construction of container shelters will negate the point of using a container shelter. Of course, it is always possible to install some serious insulation and solve this problem in another way.

Another thing to consider when using shipping containers for your project is the vicinity of your property to major ports. We are talking about projects that will involve using shipping containers for their intended, original use. They are extremely heavy when they are full and transporting them to the nearest port can become quite an expense and you might be better off without them. If you are near a port or if you have your own transport that can handle shipping containers, they will cut down your shipping prices dramatically.

One of the biggest reasons as to why people like shipping containers is their security and safety. It does not matter if you use them to ship goods or if you intend to convert them into standing structures for living or business purposes; you will be glad to know that shipping containers are extremely durable and safe. They can only be penetrated with dynamite or a blow torch, which is something to keep in mind.

If you decide to use shipping containers for construction, you should also consider the aesthetical aspect of it all. If you do not wish your shipping container to be visible and if you intend to cover it up as such, then there is no point in using them for construction. The good news is that you can do incredible things with shipping containers that will make them eye-catching and more than exciting as a building “material”.

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