Common types of shipping container damage & repairs
Maintaining your shipping container is the best form of damage prevention, but occasionally damage will occur and you may need to carry out repairs on your container. Whether being used for transportation or something else, there are several common types of container damage that happen time and again.
These common problems will need to be repaired to ensure your shipping container functions well and remains in a good condition.
Rust
Shipping containers are particularly susceptible to rust caused by environmental damage. However, your container can even succumb to rust from small dents or damage, for example if a forklift chips the paint. If this happens, rust can develop under the paint, so it may not be visible immediately.
The most common areas for rust to appear on shipping containers are welds, seams, bottom parts of the doors, and container sides near the ground. To repair deep rust and holes on a shipping container, you’ll need to cut out these areas and weld a steel piece onto the container.
Damaged paint
When shipping containers are exposed to the sun and sea water, flaking paint can cause rust patches. However, this can often be easily removed with sandblasting, priming, and repainting. It’s important to use the correct paint for your container, ensuring it is both protected and looking fresh. Painting a shipping container is one of the best ways to maintain it and ensure longevity, whether you’re repairing it or simply giving it a freshen up.
Scratches and dents
With large items like shipping containers, it’s almost impossible to avoid minor scratches and dents. Thankfully, this type of damage is easy to repair. Small dents can be forced back into place with a hammer, while scratches will need to be sanded down and repainted to avoid excess corrosion. However, if dents are severe, they can cause issues with the roof or floor so may need to be professionally repaired or panels replaced.
Holes
Allowing holes to form in your shipping container can cause several significant problems. Holes enable water ingress, which can lead to corrosion, rust, and mould growth, eventually contributing to weakened structural integrity and potential damage to moisture-sensitive items.
Another problem with holes is that they can allow pests to enter the container, compromising the safety and strength of the container if they cause further damage. Depending on where your container is located, holes may also expose the unit’s contents to external contaminants and temperature changes, thus leading to compromised security and pressure imbalances for temperature-controlled environments.
As soon as you see a hole in your shipping container, it’s vital that you repair it quickly. It’s not always a simple job to repair holes, especially as you’ll often need an element of welding. In which case, it’s recommended that a professional carries out the repair work.
Malfunctioning doors
Container doors should be maintained regularly, as they are the most frequently used element of your shipping container. This also means they can be susceptible to malfunctions requiring remedial works. Door malfunctions can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical damage, worn or damaged seals, improper maintenance, rust and corrosion, and debris or obstructions.
Not only are door malfunctions bad for the longevity and integrity of your shipping container, but they can also compromise safety, with the unit more vulnerable to theft. Gaps in your damaged container doors can also become an entry for pests, expose the contents to temperature fluctuations, and compromise the container’s overall lifespan.
The repair of your container doors will depend on how the damage was caused. Rusted areas will need to be sandblasted and repainted, while physically damaged doors should have their hinges and locks straightened, lubricated and reinforced. Other repair works could include replacing worn seals and applying protective covers to prevent further damage. If your doors are very damaged or warped, it’s possible to have them completely replaced.
Broken locks
Broken locks can be the cause of many different problems for shipping containers. Obviously, damaged locks compromise the security of your container, making it an easy target for theft and unauthorised access. Broken locks can also invite water and moisture into the container, resulting in rust, corrosion, and damage to the contents.
Another problem with broken locks is that they can disrupt operational efficiency for containers used in shipping. Damage to locks can cause delays in loading, transportation, and unloading processes.
The repair of locks on a shipping container is simple – just need to replace them with new, secure locks. You could also consider installing additional security measures like electronic systems or more padlocks to enhance the security of your container.
Issues due to inadequate ventilation
Without proper maintenance, shipping containers can be susceptible to inadequate ventilation, leading to all kinds of damage. The vents in a shipping container are designed to allow air to flow through, without letting rain and other unwanted elements in. However, when these vents are not functioning properly, excessive humidity can build up, leading to mould and mildew growth on stored items, or degradation of food, textile, or electronics.
Ventilation problems can also lead to temperature extremes in the container, especially in hot climates. This can result in damage to temperature-sensitive goods. If your container’s vents are broken, or you do not have them, they can be easily installed or replaced.
Presence of mould
Mould can develop due to several issues, including rust, holes, or ventilation problems. When mould is present in your shipping container, it can degrade your goods, particularly if you’re carrying organic materials. This can cause health risks, unpleasant odours, and potentially cross-contamination.
In severe cases of mould, structural damage to flooring and insulation can occur. If this happens, you may need to completely replace contaminated elements of the container to stop the mould from spreading further. For mould, prevention is key, so it’s important that condensation prevention is a big part of your maintenance plan.
Rotting or damaged floors
Container floors can be particularly vulnerable to damage, since they experience excessive weight, pressure and scraping. Over time, container floors can become water damaged if the container is not fully watertight, but could also become dented and damaged from weight and heavy use.
Rotting or damaged floors can be easily replaced by removing the flooring section and installing a new piece of plywood. If you’re replacing your container floor, you need to ensure you install the same level of thickness to keep the floor level.
Can I repair my shipping container myself?
It’s completely possible to repair certain elements of your shipping container yourself, however extensive repairs or replacements may require more specialist skill sets. You should evaluate the repairs you need to undertake before deciding whether you can repair them yourself. Even if you think you are able to complete the repair, you may not have the right tools to do so, making it more cost-effective to hire a professional.
In any case, there are a number of factors to consider before you decide whether you want to repair the container yourself.
- Damage extent – Small repairs to fix rust, dents, and paint scuffs can usually be carried out with some basic tools and DIY skills. However, more significant structural repairs or modifications should be handled by a professional.
- Equipment – Once you understand the extent of the damage that needs repairing, you’ll need to think about the tools and equipment you have access to and whether you have everything you need to get started. Some repairs may require more specialist tools which might not be readily available, in which case it could be best to hire someone.
- Skills – Being made of steel, it’s likely your shipping container repair will need some form of welding, metal cutting, and metal fabrication. Before you start working on your unit, you should evaluate your skills and experience to assess whether you are capable of carrying out the repair works confidently and accurately.
- Safety – As large structures, it’s likely you’ll be working at height for some part of the repair, and you may also be using some heavy machinery. As such, you’ll need to ensure you have proper safety equipment and knowledge of safe working practices.
- Regulations – Before you start working on your container, you need to ensure you’re compliant with local regulations or building codes. These might be different in different locations, so be sure to look for regulations in your area.
Of course, carrying out the repairs to a shipping container yourself seems like an obvious option, but it may not always be the best choice. If you’re not sure exactly what you’re doing, it’s possible that you may cause even more damage or potentially make the work environment dangerous.
To ensure the repairs are carried out safely, we’d always advise seeking help from a professional with knowledge and experience in shipping container repairs. Hiring external experts to repair your container can save you both time and money, while ensuring structural integrity of your shipping container in the future.
The bottom line
Although they are designed to withstand harsh conditions, shipping containers still need a little TLC from time to time. Maintaining your shipping container regularly and carrying out necessary repairs can help to extend the life of your shipping container while also ensuring it fulfills its purpose, whether you’re using it in shipping, storage, or complex conversions.
If you have any questions about shipping container maintenance and repairs, get in touch with our team of professionals today.
