If you have a shipping container that you use either as an office space, for storage, or for another creative purpose, then you likely already know that shipping containers are extremely weather resistant. In fact, they are designed to keep their contents protected from everything, including the sun, wind, rain, and snow.
However, depending on what you use your shipping container for and how much time you intend to spend inside it during the winter, you may consider taking extra measures to keep it as warm as possible.
After all, even though snow and ice may be kept out, chilling temperatures will surely penetrate those bare metal walls. Even numerous space heaters may not do the trick all on their own.
To continue enjoying the use of your shipping container through the winter months, the key is to find ways to keep frigid temperatures out and the heat in. To do that, there are a number of steps to make sure the temperature inside your shipping container stays comfortable.
What are the best ways to ensure your shipping container stays warm this winter?
Nobody wants to work outside in the middle of winter with almost no protection from the biting cold, but that is what it may feel like inside your shipping container if you do not proactively prepare it for the winter.
Fortunately, it does not take much to implement measures that will keep you warm in your shipping container (even during the coldest parts of the winter), but following a few key steps can make a huge difference:
1. Insulate your container
Shipping containers can get quite hot in the summer and cold in the winter because it is easy for heat to move through the steel structure. However, insulation will help maintain the inside temperature of the container and prevent it from being susceptible to the outside elements. Since shipping container walls have shallow depths and limited space, you may have to build out the walls to create enough space to install the insulation.
There are a number of different types of insulation to choose from when insulating your shipping container for the winter. Spray foam is perhaps the easiest method, as it can be sprayed directly onto the interior and exterior walls of the container. You may also want to consider wool, cotton-based, or cork insulation.
2. Use double-glazed windows
Does your shipping container have windows, or are you thinking of adding some in the near future? If so, consider installing double-glazed windows, as they are energy efficient.
With standard windows, it is fairly easy for heat to escape through the glass. Double-glazed windows, however, are much more effective at trapping heat inside during the winter so that you can stay warm.
3. Seal the doors and windows
Shipping containers are generally designed to be airtight. However, if you have modified your shipping container by adding things like windows or new doors, it is possible for new gaps to be formed.
Warm air can escape through these gaps, and cold air can get in through them. Therefore, it is important to inspect your external doors and windows to see if you have any such gaps, and make sure that you seal them well. You can use silicone caulk for this purpose.
4. Close doors to unused rooms
If you have separated your shipping container into different rooms, during the winter, it is crucial to close the doors to any unused rooms; otherwise, the warm air inside your home will flow to all accessible rooms.
If you block this airflow by closing doors, the warm air will remain in the part of the container you are primarily using.
5. Trap heat with curtains
Even during the winter months, daytime sunshine may bring some warmth. If you have a window on your shipping container, it would be great to let the sunshine in during the day for this reason.
However, if you have curtains, make sure you close them after the sun sets so that you can trap the heat that gets in during the day. For even more effective heat-trapping, consider investing in insulated winter curtains designed to minimize the heat that gets out.
6. Choose the right flooring
It is common for people to install wooden flooring in shipping containers when converting them into livable or usable spaces. However, wooden floors can make you feel cold during the winter.
While it may not be feasible to completely redo the flooring in your shipping container, you can cover your floors with thick rugs during the winter to improve the heat retention of the space. The added benefit is that these rugs will feel more comfortable under your feet!
How Secure Container Solutions Can Help You Find the Perfect Shipping Container This Winter
If you do not have a shipping container yet, but have been considering purchasing one to convert into an office or an additional living space, Secure Container Solutions can help you find one that will meet your needs.
We have a constant stock of both new and used ISO shipping containers in a variety of sizes that are available to buy or to rent. Our shipping container units are all cleaned, painted, and well-maintained, and they are also easy to modify and customize to suit whatever project you intend to use them for.
Our shipping containers are also optimal for meeting various storage needs that you may have, as they are durable and resistant to weather of all types. Plus, all of our shipping containers are equipped with high-security lock boxes that will help you keep anything you store inside safe and protected at all times.
Our team of experienced creative consultants and container engineers would be happy to help you come up with comprehensive storage solutions today!
For more information about our shipping container options or to learn about how to buy or rent one of these containers from us, call Secure Container Solutions at 647-560-2745 or contact us here.
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