Now that the warmer weather is here, it is time to think about how to keep your shipping container cool in the summer. Containers are just like cars when they are out in the sun all day. When you step inside, a stifling blast of hot and humid air hits you, and sometimes, it gets so hot that the wheel and seat burn you when you touch them. That is the same for your container without the proper measures.
Shipping containers are made of metal, which is great conductor of heat. If you are living in a container, using it as an office, or storing your products inside that are susceptible to heat, then you need to keep your container cool.
There are plenty of ways to cool off your container when the temperature gets into the high 20s, 30s, and 40s. Here are just a few options to consider when you’re ordering your container.
Ventilation
Ventilation is an important feature to add onto your container no matter what time of the year it is. For summer though, proper ventilation will air out your unit so it isn't stifling when you open the door, and it will keep everything dry. So, if you are storing items that are more susceptible to heat, such as wooden furniture, collector items, antiques, electronics and other household items, they will be damaged without proper airflow. There are several ventilation options you can choose from depending on what you need. I have summarized three here for you.
Louvered Gable Vent
Louvered Gable Vent’s help with the airflow within a container. It is a passive ventilation system that uses the natural pressure in the atmosphere to let air in and out of the structure. And, since it is summer, getting a vent with a bug screen is a must. Most vents come with that option.
Exhaust Vent
Skylight Vent
A skylight vent keeps your container cool while offering natural light within your container. This is a great option for containers that don’t have electric lighting.
Insulation
Insulating your container is important any time of the year, but it is especially important in the summer to help control the container’s temperature and humidity. Whether you’re using your container for storage or you’re living in it, you need to maintain the right kind of environment to keep your container dry.
There are various ways to insulate your container, such as blanket insulation, loose-fit insulation, or expanded foam insulation, but the one that we highly recommend for your container is spray foam. The most common spray foam our customers order to reduce condensation is 2” thick spray foam for the walls and 1” for the ceiling.
Spray foam is very flexible and can be applied to both external and internal walls, as well as underneath to prevent ground moisture from seeping in. Spray foam is a bit more expensive than the other options, but it is worth it because it combats condensation.
Color of the container
Another option for cooling your container is painting the roof a light color. The sun is more attracted to dark colors--just think about the time you wore a black shirt on a hot day. It works the same with containers. A container painted red, green or black will be hotter than one painted white, light grey or another light colour.
At The Container Guy, we modify shipping containers to fit any project you need, including paint jobs. Click here to see the type of paint jobs we have done.
Further options to keep your container cool
- Another form of “ventilation” is cross ventilated windows, which is installing windows on either side of the container. One window will let the air in while the other lets it out. The Container Guy has various window styles that you can choose from. Pick the best option for you and your container.
- Increase airflow by rearranging your items onto shelves or clean pallets. We have many shelving options for you on The Container Guy's website. Pick the one that suits you best.
- Store your items six feet away from each other to allow more airflow between items.
- Place your container in the shade and out of direct sunlight.