Shipping containers are more than just a big metal box. They can withstand the turbulence of the open ocean and handle anything thrown at them, such as harsh physical environments, strong gusts of wind, and extreme weather.
A shipping container is built to be airtight to provide insulation. However, it’s important to have proper ventilation. Lack of ventilation can lead to problems such as mold, rust, diseases, and unpleasant odors.
We’ll address the importance of ventilation and how to install these ventilation systems into your shipping container to provide some air flow.
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Table of Contents hide
1 Do Shipping Containers Need Ventilation?
2 Problems Caused By Poor Ventilation in Shipping Container
2.1 Explosion or fire
2.2 Severe health risks such as air poisoning and human diseases
2.3 Moisture can damage stock and stored goods
2.4 Steel containers will rust
3 What to Know About Shipping Container Venting
3.1 Should I get a roof vent or a side vent?
3.2 How important is a roof vent?
3.3 Should I hire professionals or install myself?
4 How to Install Vents on Shipping Containers
4.1 Steps on How to Install Ventilation
5 Best Shipping Container Vents
5.1 1. Shipping Container Vent Kit by CON-VENTS
5.2 2. Solar RoofBlaster for Conex Containers
5.3 3. Big Air 45 Louvered Gable Vent
5.4 4.Four Seasons Solar Powered Polycarbonate Vent
5.5 5. Shipping Container Vent OD Green
6 Conclusion
Do Shipping Containers Need Ventilation?
Although most of these shipping containers include a small opening to breathe, it’s not enough for functional ventilation. If water or other moisture finds its way inside of the container, it won’t get out.
Sufficient ventilation is essential in containers, especially if you’re storing moisture-sensitive items or in an environment where climate changes. When humidity is high, consider using a dehumidifier product in your shipping container home.
Problems Caused By Poor Ventilation in Shipping Container
One reason that a shipping container home will require a ventilation system because it may overheat, and moisture-sensitive goods can be damaged.
Most shipping containers will have built-in holes to act as ventilation. But the problem is that these holes aren’t enough for this situation. It’s best to install a ventilation system such as having intake vents, louver vents, or even a window.
There are many reasons that a lack of ventilation in containers can be problematic, especially for temperature changes.
Explosion or fire
Steel easily absorbs heat, especially within areas where it’s exposed to the sun. Surging temperatures will cause the container to feel like a toasting oven causing dangerous fumes.
As temperatures continue to rise, it’s not long before fire or explosion may occur.
Severe health risks such as air poisoning and human diseases
If you’re storing toxic or hazardous chemicals such as paints and thinners, a lack of ventilation in containers will cause air poisoning or fumes. This could lead to all of your goods, hardware, and people at risk.
Reducing temperatures can help, but installing airflow ventilation like air conditioning can go a long way. Many human diseases may occur without proper ventilation, such as nausea, dry eyes, asthma, respiratory diseases, and pneumonia.
Moisture can damage stock and stored goods
Plants, food items, spoil paper, and other perishables can grow mold and mildew from condensation. Rust can happen when water gets onto your electronics. Condensation is the primary factor for mold. This occurs when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface.
Even a small amount of water vapor can turn into liquid on the surface, otherwise known as condensation.
Steel containers will rust
Humidity can cause a buildup in condensation that leads to your container rusting. The repair in metalwork will be costly and very time-consuming. Poor ventilation in shipping containers will cause musty odors that are unpleasant to work in.
What to Know About Shipping Container Venting
Determine whether or not your circumstances requires a ventilation and which option is available to you.
Should I get a roof vent or a side vent?
If you’re utilizing the shipping container as a livable space, then you should find ways to get air to flow into the container. This can be done through roof and side vents. Have vents to the side is the cheapest option to go, and it’s an easy way to bring fresh air into the container.
Ideally, you want two vents placed on the opposite ends of the container. One vent is placed on high, while the other is on low. Side walls are required to install a side vent.
A roof vent, otherwise known as whirly bird or turbine vents, is typically installed on the roof of containers.
How important is a roof vent?
For some people, the one vent that is pre-installed into the container may suffice to promote airflow. Also, a container vent typically has a triple-layered screen to block the entry of insects. Some areas have climates with low humidity, which means you might not need any type of intake vents.
But how many vents would you need? This depends on your space in the container. Each addition of vent will help to provide more air inside.
Should I hire professionals or install myself?
There are two options when installing a vent to your container. You can either try to go through the installation instructions by yourself if you opt for the DIY route. Increase the odds of success by hiring professionals to get the job done and complete the modifications.
How to Install Vents on Shipping Containers
Now that you’ve decided to install vents inside of your storage container, now it’s time to begin making modifications to your container to suit your needs.
Steps on How to Install Ventilation
- Based on the climates and conditions, decide the location you want the vent. Line it up from the outside walls. If you choose to install the vent on the roof, check that the vent’s bottom end is elevated to the exterior.
- Wear your safety gear likes gloves and goggles, for this project. Use the angle grinder and cut the opening on the walls to fit your ventilation frame.
- Make sure the edges are straight and that the opening is a perfect square.
- Place it inside of the opening line it up exactly with the wall panel. Use the ball hammer in order to securely lock in the vent on end.
- Utilize a welding tool to attach the ventilation frame part in place to the opening.
- Seal the frame from the inside of the container.
Best Shipping Container Vents
Here is a list of the best vent products to help with the issue of heat and moisture issues for containers.
1. Shipping Container Vent Kit by CON-VENTS
The shipping container vent kit by CON-VENTS is an effective product for preventing moisture from building up. It comes with two vents that are designed to each end for cross ventilation. This product itself is designed to cover a 20 feet container.
It can be placed anywhere, such as the side doors or windows. If you’re worried about an insect problem, there is a perforated screen for protection against bugs.
Key Features:
- Vents are 12″ high and 6″ wide
- Screens are dense and made with perforated aluminum sheet
- Mounting products such as screws and other applications
Pros:
- The screen keeps out bugs and rodents
- Removes excessive condensation from windows
- Provides better air circulation even without wind
Cons:
- Won’t be able to attach to roof or ceiling
- May need more vents depending on the level of sun exposure
2. Solar RoofBlaster for Conex Containers
The solar roofblaster is specifically designed for Conex shipping containers and be powered by a 3W solar power panel. Most vents are plastic, which can easily break over time. The roofblaster is a metal vent that is made to last.
When cool air comes into the intake vents, it’ll flow out of the roofblaster vents.
Key Features:
- 8″ metal can roof vent
- Rated for 50,000 hours
- 39cfm fan and 2700 rpm
- 3W solar panel attached to the top
Pros:
- Design for durability
- Provides uniform air movement
- The fan removes excess heat for storage goods
Cons:
- The fan does not include an on and off switch or thermostat
3. Big Air 45 Louvered Gable Vent
For customers who have spent the time looking for side ventilation, the Big Air 45 is incredibly useful. It’s made of a laser-cut aluminum frame to prevent rush and is equipped with UV-resistant polypropylene. There’s also a bug screen to prevent insects from coming in.
This vent solves the issue of bugs flying in and excessive condensation.
Key Features:
- It uses a laser-cut aluminum frame
- 9″ x 14″ opening
- 45 square inch in a net free area
- Ideal for tropical weather such as wind and rain
Pros:
- The aluminum frame is rust-free
- UV resistant for direct sunlight
- All parts include and can be installed anywhere like a door or sides container
Cons:
- More pricey compared to others
4.Four Seasons Solar Powered Polycarbonate Vent
If you’re looking for roof ventilation designed for the country, check out the Four Seasons ventilation. It’s solar-powered with 10W and harnesses the sun’s energy to pull out water and heat while promoting air circulation.
Furthermore, it includes hundreds of openings that cool up to 500 square feet.
Key Features:
- Ten-year warranty
- Includes a 10W monocrystalline solar panel
- Quiet and brushless DC motor
Pros:
- Designed for roof application on containers
- Able to use under low light conditions
- It doesn’t require electrical wiring or other power hookups
Cons:
- More expensive than other ones
5.Shipping Container Vent OD Green
This shipping container vent is a small silicone ventilation designed to let cool air in. The product includes a gasket to prevent leaks, meaning no silicone is required. The dimensions are 2 5/8″ by 8 1/16.” They are relatively small and are great if you need ventilation in one specific space only.
Key Features:
- gasket included preventing leaks in containers
- weighs 3.19 ounces
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Easy to install
- Effective in cooling the container
Cons:
- Relatively small and made of plastic
- Requires a lot of vents for a 40 feet container
Conclusion
Adding a vent system is crucial to increase airflow to your shipping container home and protect the contents inside. Ultimately, a lack of ventilation will cause things to rot and ruin the condition of goods in containers.
As a result, it’ll cost you lots of money for repair and re-installing. It’s never worth leaving the circumstance to chance. We found that most vents are the solution to overheating and condensation buildup in shipping containers.
We also offered our list of ventilation recommendations, so you can find one that suits your circumstance. Professionals provide a great experience by supplying panels and parts and completing the installation process to help with your needs.
In addition to installing vents, you’ll need a dehumidifier and fans or a turbine to bring in some air to keep things cool, especially in warm climates. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments!
FAQs
What is the best way to ventilate a shipping container? ›
Placing vents onto your containers allows air to blow both in and out of your containers just by the wind. This is most commonly referred to as cross ventilation. You place vents on the side of your container so that wind blows into them. Then install vents on the opposite side of your container.
How much ventilation does a shipping container need? ›How many vents do you need to install? The standard vent size for a 20-foot container is a 4″x 4″ vent, and a 40-foot container would have vents 6″x 6″. You could also use several smaller vents if needed.
Should you vent a shipping container? ›Adding a vent system is crucial to increase airflow to your shipping container home and protect the contents inside. Ultimately, a lack of ventilation will cause things to rot and ruin the condition of goods in containers. As a result, it'll cost you lots of money for repair and re-installing.
How do you ventilate a shipping container for storage? ›Your options here include: Shipping container air vents. Vents operate best when installed on opposite sides of a container. This permits the wind to blow fresh, dry air into the unit while allowing hot air to exit through the air vent on the opposite wall, providing natural airflow and temperature reduction.
How long should you vent a container for? ›Prior to entering the container, vent using mechanical ventilation (blowing or extraction) for approximately 30 minutes depending on the nature of the goods and how the container is packed. little natural air movement around the container, or • tightly packed containers restricting natural airflow.
How do you make sure a container is airtight? ›DIY: How to make an airtight sealable container! - YouTube
How do you stop condensation in a shipping container? ›- Use the right storage containers.
- Use a dehumidifier.
- Use desiccants.
- Install insulation.
- Improve ventilation.
Shipping Containers Can Get Very Hot Inside
One study conducted by engineers at Xerox found that, when shipping containers are traveling via either the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean, temperatures can drop as low as -21 degrees Fahrenheit and reach as high as 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Small Valuables. ...
- Hazardous Substances. ...
- Food & Other Perishable Goods. ...
- Plants, Soil, Animals and Seeds. ...
- Ammunition.
Condensation in shipping containers and storage containers can occur due to poor ventilation or storing damp or wet goods. If not rectified, this can cause damage to goods stored in the container in future, even if the damp goods have been removed.
Do shipping containers suffer from condensation? ›
Many shipping containers, and indeed storage containers used for the long-term storage or transportation of goods and cargo, suffer from container damp and moisture problems including condensation – commonly known as container rain or cargo sweat.
How do you get air flow in a shipping container? ›Install a wall-mounted fan.
If you need something more powerful, a wall-mounted fan may be a good option. Like whirlybirds, they draw stale air out of the container and allow fresh air to flow in. Wall-mounted fans are also a great option if you're planning on stacking shipping containers.
Ventilation. The most cost-effective and simplest way to prevent condensation is with ventilation. If you have air circulating through your shipping container, this will reduce or prevent condensation. It equalizes the air temperature in both the inside and the outside.
What happens when you don't properly vent a storage tank? ›If these polyethylene tanks do not have a tank vent and are, therefore, not vented properly, they too will collapse. This does not only happen in transfer tank scenarios. There are many applications in which actual bulk storage tanks have collapsed due to the creation of a vacuum in the plumbing system.
Should you ever heat a closed container? ›Never heat any mixture or solution that evolves vapors in a closed system unless you have taken into account the pressure that will be produced as a result.
Is glass or plastic airtight containers better? ›For better food safety, opt for glass. The right glass containers are freezer and refrigerator safe, meaning they won't release any harsh chemicals or break if frozen. Some glass storage containers are also leakproof, which offers a tight seal to prevent spills or food from going bad.
Is a Ziploc bag considered an airtight container? ›A ziploc bag is airtight, yet scents from inside the bag will still permeate the plastic over time.
Can mold form in an airtight container? ›Fungus thrives under humid conditions and condensation can occur inside containers if proper preservation methods aren't implemented. If moisture begins to seep into your storage box, everything inside will become susceptible to mould.
What absorbs moisture in a container? ›Desiccants are products that absorb excess water from the air, effectively reducing the dew point inside the container. Shipping companies often place desiccants inside a shipping container to reduce moisture that results from products, packaging, or temperature fluctuations. Desiccants come in a variety of forms.
How long can water sit in sealed container? ›Commercially packaged water can be stored for about 5 years; home filled stored water should be changed annually. Stored water will go flat but can be aerated prior to consumption by pouring it between two containers a few times.
How do I keep my storage containers from staining? ›
Forte recommends spraying a light coating of cooking oil on the inside of your container to create a layer between the food and the plastic. This will help keep your container stain-free, even when you store the most transferrable of foods (*cough* tomato sauce *cough*).
Should you insulate the inside or outside of a shipping container? ›You don't want to lose any of the precious square footage in your shipping container home, so insulating the outside might be the best option. If you're considering spray foam for the outside of your shipping container home, then you're probably also wondering if the foam would need a protective shell.
What is the most most common problem in refrigerated shipping containers? ›Most common Problem in refrigerated shipping containers – Leakage.
Do I need to insulate the floor of my shipping container? ›Insulating a shipping container home
Not only do they reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but lower utility bills, too. Shipping containers need insulation to make them livable. They bake in hot climates and freeze in cool climates because heat moves easily through steel.
No, you can't. Self-storage containers are not suitable for living in and no operators hire them out for this purpose.
How do you reduce the heat in a shipping container? ›- Install shipping container vents. ...
- Get a heat-proof roof. ...
- Install insulation. ...
- Get air conditioning. ...
- Use a dehumidifier. ...
- Keep the doors shut. ...
- Position the shipping container in the shade. ...
- Contact Secure Container.
Most containers sink quite rapidly to the ocean floor once they hit the water. But depending on their contents, they may stay afloat for days or even weeks before sliding beneath the surface. This process can take even longer for refrigerated containers on account of their buoyant insulation.
What do most people forget when packing? ›- Phone charger… This is first on the list for a reason — because it's SO easy to forget! ...
- 2. … and laptop charger. ...
- Laptop. ...
- Luggage tags and locks. ...
- First-aid kit. ...
- Prescription medication. ...
- Glasses and contact lenses. ...
- Umbrella and raincoat.
There is a lot more steel in a shipping container than you actually need for a building; that's so they can be stacked full nine high and get tossed around the ocean and thrown on trucks and trains. It's really being wasted when it's put into a house.
What are the four materials that you should never use for storage containers? ›So, never put anything in a storage unit that could ignite or explode. This can include ammunition, old paint, paint thinner, alcohol, fireworks, gasoline and other fuels.
Do shipping containers ever leak? ›
As hundreds of millions of shipping containers criss-cross the oceans on a yearly basis, not all of them make it to their final destination. Hundreds, or even thousands, of cargo containers become lost at sea in the process, and the contents of their containers spill out into the ocean.
How do you increase air pressure in a container? ›- You could add more molecules. ...
- You could increase the temperature. ...
- You could decrease the size of the container, this would force the molecules into a smaller area and therefore increase the number of collisions that take place.
- Pairs of bricks, cinder blocks.
- heavy duty paving slabs or cement blocks.
- 4×4, 8×8, railroad ties are common supports used.
- Close or Open Your Register.
- Try a 2 Degree Offset.
- Check Filters for Cleanliness.
- Install Window Coverings to Prevent Heat.
- Avoid Placing Electronic Equipment Near Thermostat.
- Check for Drafts.
- Adjust Ceiling Fans.
- Prevent Airflow Restrictions.
- Storage container vents: Adding two shipping container vents at each end will provide enough airflow to keep contents dry. ...
- Air conditioning: AC can certainly do the trick. ...
- Exhaust fans: You can check into adding exhaust fans that are typically available in sizes of 10 to 36 inches.
Install a wall-mounted fan.
If you need something more powerful, a wall-mounted fan may be a good option. Like whirlybirds, they draw stale air out of the container and allow fresh air to flow in. Wall-mounted fans are also a great option if you're planning on stacking shipping containers.
Another effective way of preventing condensation is to line your container with 50mm of polystyrene and then finish it with melamine. Although lining your container is an effective way of reducing condensation, you may still need to get a dehumidifier in order to balance out the temperature in the container.
How do you make a shipping container not sweat? ›Ventilation. The most cost-effective and simplest way to prevent condensation is with ventilation. If you have air circulating through your shipping container, this will reduce or prevent condensation. It equalizes the air temperature in both the inside and the outside.
What is the temperature inside a shipping container? ›Shipping Containers Can Get Very Hot Inside
One study conducted by engineers at Xerox found that, when shipping containers are traveling via either the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean, temperatures can drop as low as -21 degrees Fahrenheit and reach as high as 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Containers may have a built-in generator, or they may have one externally located. The floor of the refrigerated container has a “T-floor” to allow for airflow under the cargo. Cold air blows from the refrigeration unit through the vents at the bottom of the reefer and all the way to the back doors.
How do you increase air pressure in a container? ›
- You could add more molecules. ...
- You could increase the temperature. ...
- You could decrease the size of the container, this would force the molecules into a smaller area and therefore increase the number of collisions that take place.
- Pairs of bricks, cinder blocks.
- heavy duty paving slabs or cement blocks.
- 4×4, 8×8, railroad ties are common supports used.
- Close or Open Your Register.
- Try a 2 Degree Offset.
- Check Filters for Cleanliness.
- Install Window Coverings to Prevent Heat.
- Avoid Placing Electronic Equipment Near Thermostat.
- Check for Drafts.
- Adjust Ceiling Fans.
- Prevent Airflow Restrictions.
Desiccants are products that absorb excess water from the air, effectively reducing the dew point inside the container. Shipping companies often place desiccants inside a shipping container to reduce moisture that results from products, packaging, or temperature fluctuations. Desiccants come in a variety of forms.
Should you insulate the inside or outside of a shipping container? ›You don't want to lose any of the precious square footage in your shipping container home, so insulating the outside might be the best option. If you're considering spray foam for the outside of your shipping container home, then you're probably also wondering if the foam would need a protective shell.
What can you not store in a shipping container? ›...
Items You Can't Store
- Animals.
- Plants.
- Frozen or refrigerated food.
- Produce.
- Gasoline.
- Batteries.
- Lighter fluid.
- Pool chemicals.
Transforming the container from a steel box into a usable structure requires thinking outside of the box, and insulating the shipping container floor with InSoFast insulation panels is an easy step you can take to facilitate temperature control, improve air quality, and even moderate the noise of heavy footsteps.
How do you smell proof a container? ›- AIRTIGHT JARS. It's important to keep your stash in an airtight container like our jars. ...
- SEALED BAGS. If you don't have an airtight container or jar, in a pinch, use a sealed bag. ...
- BAKING SODA. ...
- CHARCOAL. ...
- COFFEE BEANS OR GROUNDS. ...
- TEA. ...
- INCENSE. ...
- GEL-BASED ODOR ABSORBERS.
Spray foam is applied to a thickness of 1 inch and can be applied directly to Container walls, ceiling, and even the underside of a Shipping Container. Fiberglass batt insulation is installed in between the studs of interior framed walls after a layer of spray foam has been applied.