Pros and cons of repurposing storage containers

Repurposing shipping containers entails transforming these enormous steel boxes—once made to carry cargo across land and sea—into new constructions or applications that go beyond their original intent.  Previously, they were not considered very important, but not anymore. Because of their strong, durable structures are reused for various creative and useful purposes, such as housing, building offices, temporary book fairs, restaurants, coffee shops, greenhouses, and food trucks.

Repurposing shipping containers has both advantages and disadvantages. It is cost-effective and eco-friendly, but it also has the disadvantage of being rusty. This article will explore the pros and cons of repurposing shipping containers. 

Pros of repurposing shipping container

Undoubtedly, many advantages of shipping containers need to be mentioned. Let's explore some reasons why these containers have become so popular: 

Less cost: Repurposing storage containers is affordable, making it a good choice for people who can afford a new house. For temporary offices, container homes, libraries, and food trucks, you can repurpose these containers as it will save money on labor and material. 

Flexibility and adaptability: You can repurpose used shipping containers for everything from building homes to setting up temporary shops. Many different types and sizes of containers can be used for purposes such as retail storage, fancy restaurants, emergency hospitals, and book fairs. No matter the project, you can utilize various containers, including flat racks, high cubes, double doors, open tops, or side-top containers.

Durability: Shipping containers are made of good steel, which allows them to withstand all the difficulties during their ocean journeys. They can also survive in difficult weather conditions. Apart from this, they are lightweight compared to concrete buildings. Their structural integrity ensures durability and resilience.

Eco-friendly: Recycling or repurposing storage containers is exceptionally eco-friendly. It reuses steel containers and reduces the use of cement, producing CO2 and reducing the environmental carbon footprint. Used shipping containers are the best way to save the environment, as they reuse the containers rather than utilizing new ones. 

Portability and mobility: Container houses are lighter than cement or concrete houses made of brick. They can be easily transported from one place to another. This benefits businesses that need to relocate on an interval basis, such as temporary book fairs or homes for short staycations. There are many pros and cons to shipping container homes, but the advantage of portability cannot be overlooked by any other disadvantage. 

Saves time: Repurposing storage containers is the perfect alternative to constructing full-fledged houses with cement and bricks. It takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks to prepare a house rather than 2 or 3 months to prepare a constructed house. 

Cons of the repurposing shipping container: 

Repurposing shipping containers, the growing trend of architectural types, is undoubtedly handy, but it also has disadvantages. Let's explore the disadvantages of repurposing shipping containers: 

Risk of rusting: Corrosion on shipping containers is their biggest disadvantage. The reaction of water, oxygen, and steel can cause rust or corrosion, so you must check these container homes carefully. Corten steel is corrosion-resistant and can stay intact for six months to one year, but the containers were already used, they have used their capability of being anti-resistant, so they would not be that efficient. The problem of rusting will increase in places with heavy rainfall, while dry regions with high temperatures will decrease the chances of corrosion. 

Temperature regulation: Shipping containers are made of steel, and steel absorbs heat and cold, keeping temperatures extremes that are unsuitable for normal humans to survive. This causes insulation challenges. So, if you have a container house or office, you must invest heavily in insulation to maintain the temperatures. You can also install an HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) to regulate the temperatures. 

Health risks: To meet international import and export standards, it is crucial to identify which shipping containers have been legally exposed to various pesticides. Repurposing storage containers can result in hazardous exposure. To be safe, a container's wooden floor must be removed, and the interior surface of the container should be covered with bare metal and coated with non-toxic paint. These actions should be completed before renovating the old container.

Design restriction: Containers are adaptable, but there are still some creative limitations to the design the customer wants. If you want a specific house design, there are better choices than containers. Some zoning laws also do not allow certain modifications. Land use and property rights in various places are regulated by zoning rules. Local governments created these regulations to designate boundaries for residential, commercial, industrial, and other purposes and guarantee orderly growth. Additionally, only some appreciate the aesthetic of containers; some people are not drawn to this design style.

Modification and maintenance costs: Shipping storage containers are not very expensive initially, but converting them into rooms, adding windows, doors, plumbing work, electric appliances, and insulation to maintain the temperature costs a very large amount of money. Apart from this, as the containers are not corrosion-resistant, they must be maintained regularly by polishing them or adding a metal layer. 

Legal permissions: Repurposing shipping containers is new to the market, so getting permission from local governmental authorities is a task worth considering. The zoning laws that govern the structure must also be adhered to prevent legal problems. 

Considering the advantages and disadvantages of repurposing storage containers, you can creatively use them. They can be advantageous if practices such as adding insulation for temperature control, applying metal coatings to prevent corrosion, and maintaining proper documentation are used to minimize their drawbacks.

LOTUS Containers is one of the leading manufacturers in the shipping container industry. They also sell used containers, which you can buy and use to build your desired infrastructure.