How Long Do Container Homes Last?: A Complete Guide

In today's world, we can't imagine what it would be like to not have goods shipped worldwide, but this is a fairly new concept in the history of logistics. The World Shipping Container Council celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2006.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

Over the last sixty years, containers have gone from a novel concept to numbering in the millions. About 1.5 million containers make their way through Port Houston each year. This has led to an excess of inexpensive shipping containers building up in stock yards.

As a result, resourceful and creative people have found many alternative uses for them, like building sea container homes, offices, and shelters. This begs the important question: how long can dwellings made with shipping containers last?

This guide should help provide some answers.

How Long Do Container Dwellings Last?

The short answer is that it depends. Shipping containers are built to withstand the rough environment of open-air sea shipping. They face the sun's harsh UV rays, bad weather, and salt. This is the prime environment for rust and corrosion.

Shipping companies will tell you that they use a container for about ten to twelve years before they take them out of rotation. But this doesn't mean the container is no longer useful, just that it won't be used for shipping.

A container that was used in a storage facility can last much longer. These containers aren't subjected to the same level of abuse as ocean containers and can easily last 25 to 30 years.

The lifespan for shipping containers that are used to build houses is even longer because these containers are not only in a friendlier environment but have also been treated and clad as part of the building process. Container homes can easily last well over 50 years with no problem.

If you plan to build a container home, the first thing you should do is buy your containers from a reputable source. They will be able to guide you through the process so that you buy the right container(s) for your needs.

You should also work with a reputable container modification service. They will properly clean and treat any rust areas on your container before making the appropriate modifications. This will protect your container from further corrosion. They can also paint your container to protect it even more.

Expert Modification

How your containers get modified will affect their lifespan. While they're over-engineered and can withstand a large number of cutouts, there is a tipping point. It takes an expert modification team to know where that tipping point is, in order to ensure your modified container retains its structural integrity after customization.

Build a Texas Container Home That Lasts

Now that you understand the answer to how long container homes can last, you're ready to start planning your container modifications in Houston. By working with an experienced container modification company, you can be confident that you'll get the most out of the project.

Contact our team of container experts today, and let us help you create a container mod that lasts!

We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

People build homes with the hope they last a lifetime or more. Many of the homes you see while going through a neighborhood may have been built decades ago. People move in and out of houses all the time, and others choose to build new homes meant to last generations.

One new trend in housing has taken over recent years. That trend is shipping container homes. However, new home-seekers often wonder whether they should invest in one and if they should be concerned about its longevity.

If you're investing in a new place to live, you want to ensure it's going to last for a while and that it holds up long enough until you move out. Learn more about shipping container homes and their lifespan.

What are Shipping Container Homes?

Shipping container homes are exactly as they sound—they're homes fabricated out of those large steel shipping containers on trains, boats, and semi-trucks. The military used these shipping container homes for emergency housing. However, they've become a standard housing option for many people.

Shipping container homes can be anything from a single shipping container meant for minimalistic living, or they can be stacked and soldered together to make a shipping container mansion. These homes comprise of recycled containers. However, some people would rather have their homes built from new shipping containers, which is also an option.

Other uses for homes built from shipping containers have included apartment complexes and even student housing. Perhaps sometime in the near future, there will be communities of shipping home containers.

The Lifespan of a Shipping Container Home

There's really no definite answer to the question of how long shipping containers will last. It depends on the type of container you have and where you live, plus other factors that either limit or expand their lifespan.

For more information, please visit Xindian Construction.

Shipping containers are generally very sturdy and stable. They're built to withstand all kinds of conditions while holding items to be shipped throughout the world. On ships, they experience rough waves and salty air. On trains or trucks, they may experience all kinds of weather and also intense ultraviolet rays.

Water on steel mixed with sunshine often results in rust. People who are interested in purchasing a shipping container home often worry about this the most. They don't want their homes to rust over a few years.

Those shipping containers that have experienced harsh weather can still be used for a home and it's great to repurpose them as a part of sustainable living. Just make sure to treat it for rust and that it's still sturdy.

Other storage containers are only used in warehouses to hold items, so they'll last much longer since they aren't exposed to the elements. These usually last around 25 years or more. If you intend to purchase a shipping container specifically designed for home use, they generally last way over 30 years—depending on the environment and other factors of course.

When purchasing a shipping container, especially if you will use it as a space where you'll sleep, eat and work, you want to ensure that it will last. That's why it is vital to ensure that you buy from a reputable supplier.

Pros of Shipping Container Homes

Shipping container homes have become a sought-after way of living. Here are just a few of the advantages they offer:

Eco-Friendly

For those who are looking to be eco-conscious, you can purchase a used shipping container. You're repurposing something that would otherwise be sitting idly. Rather than using all new materials, the shipping container is already in a condition to be made into a home.

Affordable

Considering all the costs homeowners face, they are always looking for ways to save money. This is where a shipping container home can help. That said, the cost of such a home can vary just like any other real estate.

Container homes come in multiple sizes and can provide decent living space—a single container's living space can range anywhere from 160 to 320 square feet. While they are not cheap, they typically cost less than general housing.

There are several factors that can influence the cost of a container home, but in general, they are considered affordable investments.

The price usually starts anywhere around $25,000 and can exceed $250,000. On top of that, you will need to add in all of the furnishings, but you can make it relatively inexpensive. There are ways to make it cheaper but will depend on other considerations such as the contractor you choose and the building materials used in the build.

Moveable

Shipping containers were built to move. You can move a shipping container almost anywhere to make it your home. Once they arrive at your destination, they're simply set onto a foundation. Because they are essentially modular homes, you can easily stack several containers on top of each other to expand it.

Durability

Shipping containers are built to withstand harsh weather conditions. They are primarily constructed of corten steel—also sometimes referred to as weathering steel. This type of material offers more protection against the elements and has a lower chance of corrosion taking place.

Cons of Shipping Container Homes

Although shipping container homes are great for the environment, affordable and easy to move, there are a few cons:

Prone to Rust

Let's face it—shipping containers are made of steel. Steel is a metal that is prone to rust over time. Although the steel used for the containers is more rust-resistant than most other metals, that doesn't guarantee that it won't rust.

However, there are ways to reduce this risk. One of the best ways is to choose an environment where rain won't be a continuous issue. Another method is to perform frequent inspections and to check for signs of corrosion.

This way, if rust has started to form, you can hire a professional to deal with it before it becomes a serious problem.

Not Always Structurally Sound

This con typically only applies to recycled containers. Used shipping containers have been near and far. They may have been on the rough seas or even through the mountains on a train. There may be some dents and dings in the container when it arrives to you if it's a recycled one.

Durability Can Be Compromised

While containers are made from durable materials, turning them into a livable home can compromise parts of their strength. For example, cutting out the necessary sections to make way for a room or door can cause problems in the future, such as the wall not having enough strength to carry its weight. Therefore it is best to consult a contractor as your home might require reinforcement.

A Home Shipped to You

There's a lot to consider if you're thinking of getting a shipping container home. Shipping containers are available almost everywhere, and they're relatively affordable. They would certainly make a great starter home. You can start small and slowly expand to make your home a shipping container mansion.

For more Apple Cabin Container House information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.