Shipping containers house are steel boxes designed to withstand the harshest of conditions on the seven seas. While this means they're certainly built to last, it isn't exactly clear how long this is supposed to be. Haulage companies tend to depreciate their containers over 10-12 years, but this is by no means their maximum lifespan. When maintained properly and used either for storage or as a modified building, shipping containers can last in excess of 35 years. Whether you're planning to use a container for construction site storage, extra space in a school, or simply to stash away your excess possessions, here are five simple steps to prolong the life of your shipping container house. MADE TO LAST… Rustproofing – Shipping containers are made out of Corten steel (also known as "weathering steel") which is specifically designed to withstand prolonged exposure to saltwater. Having said this, this type of steel is not invincible. If the surface of your container is damaged, then it’s possible for rust to develop, which can potentially lead to long-term structural problems. To avoid this, be sure to conduct regular checks for rust on the external walls and corners. If you notice any rust, sandblast it down to the unaffected metal, then seal and apply a rust-resistance paint. Clear the roof – Shipping containers are designed to be stacked on top of each other. Almost all of the weight is born through the corner posts of a container, making the roof relatively weak in comparison. Unless your container has been specifically modified to hold weight on its roof, we'd advised keeping it clear to avoid any long-term damage. Mount your container on a foundation – If you keep your container on a field, it's a good idea to place it on top of a concrete foundation. Not only will this help to keep it secure, but it will also decrease the chance of moisture seeping into its base and causing rust. Keep dry and well-ventilated – As we've mentioned before, "container rain" can cause damage to both the structure and contents of a container. To make sure this doesn't happen, keep your container well-ventilated and dry, using desiccants where possible. Lubricate moving parts – It might sound basic, but keeping the moving parts of your container well-lubricated will help keep rust at bay. Concentrate on the container doors, as well as any other hinges.

A prefabricated home, also known as a prefab, is any house constructed off-site and shipped to the building site to be fully assembled. There, contractors can complete any finishing touches and connect the home to plumbing, electrical and gas utilities. Technically, all shipping container homes can be classified as prefabricated homes, since most of the manufacturing is done off-site and assembly is done on-site. Of course, not all prefab homes are anything like a shipping container home. Far from it! To start, a custom prefabricated house doesn’t need to look prefab or ‘modular’ at all. The distinct design aesthetics of a shipping container home set it apart from traditional homes, while a custom prefab home can be built in almost any architectural style imaginable. But that’s not all. There are other distinct advantages to customizing your home from the ground up rather than starting from shipping containers. 1. Cost-effectiveness Compared to a stick-built home, there’s no doubt that building a shipping container home will see you save a ton of money in terms of the overall cost. It’s a relatively simple project and the majority of the costs are related to interior work. However, custom prefabricated homes are also more affordable than traditional homes, and they can offer significant cost savings in other areas like energy. 2. Eco-Friendliness Prefabricated homes are built with more energy-efficient materials and designed to be better insulated and sealed. Shipping containers, by nature, aren’t built to be energy-efficient or well-insulated. They require expensive modifications on-site to be efficient. 3. Quality of Materials and Construction Echoing the advantage above, Topindus custom prefabricated homes are built to the highest quality standards using top-notch building materials. They comply fully with any municipal by-laws and provincial building codes. Overall, even the smallest prefabricated home is much more durable than one built from shipping containers. 4. Renovation Shipping container homes are adapted, not built, as a living space. They’re missing a lot of the structural elements and fixtures of a traditional home. This makes renovation a lot more difficult. With a prefabricated home that mirrors traditional home designs, this won’t be a problem. Is a Prefab Home Right For You? Building a shipping container is a cost-effective and innovative solution, and it’s certainly something that appeals to some people. But a custom, factory-built home will always offer greater freedom to design a house that perfectly meets your needs.