2 New Options To Solve Condensation & Heat Issues in Your Shipping Container!

Robert Goodman
2 New Options To Solve Condensation & Heat Issues in Your Shipping Container!

BigAir Louvered Container Vents (sizes: 30, 45 & 60), come with a marking guide to make cutting a hole as easy as possible! Rivets and self-tapping screws are also included (we recommend using rivets). A minimum of two vents are required per container for temperature & moisture control in temperate climates.

Four vents per container are suggested in tropical climates. For HAZMAT ventilation, two vents installed high and two vents installed low is suggested. Customer's responsibility to ensure OSHA compliance when storing hazardous materials.

Eliminate moisture and excess heat with our state-of-the-art computer-modeled design. Made with highly durable Polypropylene and Aluminum, the BigAir will never rust! The variables inside a shipping container are always changing. When the combination of those variables creates an environment prone to humidity, condensation will happen. The above-mentioned variables include, but are not limited to the following: Humidity, Interior temperature, Exterior temperature, Wind direction, Wind speed, Foundation, Adequate airflow under the container, Direct sunlight to roof, Direct sunlight to walls/doors, Type of contents stored, The volume of contents stored inside, Color of container, Specifically the roof, and Number of stock vents in the container

Why Stock Shipping Containers Fail for Storage and How to Fix It

Channing McCorriston, The Container Guy, breaks down one of the biggest problems with using shipping containers for storage.

Shipping containers are strong and secure, but they are not designed with proper ventilation for stored goods.

If you are storing vehicles, tools, inventory, or personal belongings, ventilation is not optional.

The Problem with Stock Container Vents

Most people assume containers already have vents.

They do, but they are not designed for airflow.

Stock vents are only meant to:

  • Relieve internal pressure

  • Prevent panel warping from heat expansion

  • Equalize temperature changes

They do not provide meaningful airflow.

What Happens Without Proper Ventilation

Without ventilation, containers experience:

  • Extreme heat buildup

  • Condensation accumulation

  • Moisture damage

  • Rust formation

  • Mold growth

Real world examples:

  • Candles and chocolate melting in summer

  • Tools and steel components rusting

  • Restored vehicles developing frame corrosion over winter

A sealed container becomes a moisture trap.

The BigAir Vent Solution

To solve this, BigAir vents were developed specifically for container ventilation.

Available models:

  • BigAir 30

  • BigAir 45

  • BigAir 60

Each model serves a different application depending on airflow needs and installation space.

Choosing the Right Size

BigAir 45

  • Standard option

  • Requires a 9 inch by 14 inch opening

  • Ideal for most 20 and 40 foot containers

BigAir 30

  • Smaller opening

  • Less invasive cut

  • Good for customers concerned about large wall openings

BigAir 60

  • Higher airflow capacity

  • Suitable when fewer vent locations are available

  • Ideal for containers positioned side by side

Proper Vent Placement

For best airflow with two vents:

  • Install one vent high

  • Install one vent low

  • Place them on opposite corners

This creates natural cross ventilation.

Lower vent draws in cool air.
Upper vent allows warm moist air to escape.

Installation Overview

All BigAir vents install the same way.

Basic steps:

  1. Tape included paper template to container wall

  2. Ensure alignment on outside corrugations

  3. Mark cut lines

  4. Cut opening

  5. Insert vent flange

  6. Secure with rivets or self tapping screws

  7. Apply silicone sealant

Always cut on outside corrugations.
Inside corrugations will not provide proper flange support.

Waterproofing and Drainage

Each vent includes:

  • Built in drain holes

  • Interior water channeling design

These features allow any moisture entering the vent to drain back out.

For extra protection:

  • Apply silicone along top edge

  • Seal rivets

  • Seal interior edges if desired

This ensures long term water resistance.

Bug Screen Option

BigAir vents are available with integrated bug screens.

Features:

  • Mesh similar to residential window screen

  • Prevents insects and small critters

  • Maintains airflow

This is especially useful for rural and long term storage setups.

Why Ventilation Is Cheap Insurance

Installing proper ventilation:

  • Protects vehicles

  • Prevents tool rust

  • Preserves stored inventory

  • Reduces interior humidity

  • Extends container lifespan

Ventilation is one of the most cost effective upgrades you can make to a storage container.

Additional Security Upgrade

In addition to ventilation, high security lock boxes are available to protect against theft and unauthorized access.

Security and ventilation work together to create a complete storage solution.

Key Takeaways from The Container Guy

  • Stock container vents are not true ventilation

  • Heat and condensation cause serious long term damage

  • BigAir vents provide effective airflow

  • Install one high and one low for best results

  • Always cut on outside corrugations

  • Use templates and seal properly

  • Ventilation is the cheapest protection for stored valuables