The concept of a prefab container home is becoming more appealing as its manufacturers continue to find ways to make it more livable to potential homeowners.
One way to improve such livability is to extend the longevity of container homes. While they can last from 25 to 50 years or more, with the best practices, they can last even longer.
Also Read: Guide and Steps for Building Container Homes for Everyone
How to Extend Prefab Container Home Lifespan
Since keeping your prefab container home long-lasting is a good investment for your future family, you can reduce the likelihood of buying another home in the meantime.
Without further ado, here’s the recommended guide to extend your container home’s lifespan!
Proper Foundation and Site Preparation
Even before setting up your container house, you must ensure it has a solid and stable foundation to extend its lifespan.
While shipping containers-based buildings can bear heavy loads, their durability depends on the surface they sit on.
As such, a poor foundation can cause uneven settling, rust, and damage to the home’s structural integrity.
For that reason, confirm that your home’s foundation site is level and free from excessive moisture. A sloped site can cause water to pool near the home’s foundation and accelerate rusting.
To strengthen the home’s foundation, use concrete blocks or piers to elevate it off the ground. A raised platform made from pressure-treated wood or a concrete foundation will prevent direct contact with soil.
Additionally, improve the site’s drainage system by sloping the land or installing drainage pipes to discharge excessive water.
Prevention from Water Excess
While prefab container houses from trusted vendors like Tradecorp are waterproof by design, the additional foundation may not.
As a result, you can start by applying a high-quality protective coating or paint to the home’s exterior.
Even though the home is waterproof from the get-go, it does not hurt to add some additional protection.
Marine-grade paint or rust-resistant primers will help to seal the home’s steel construction from the elements.
Next, check for potential rust and water accumulation in the home’s foundation, especially around seams and corners.
Address any rust patches promptly by sanding down the affected area and applying a rust converter and a fresh coat of paint.
Furthermore, set up things like vapor barriers, interior drainage, sump pumps, and dehumidifiers in the foundation to make it just as waterproof as your home above.
Insulation and Ventilation
Much like in any home, proper insulation and ventilation are key to making your prefab container home livable even for decades.
As a result, choose high-quality insulation materials, such as spray foam, rigid foam board, or cotton-based insulation when you buy your prefab container house.
Then, ask the vendor to install ridge vents, soffit vents, or mechanical ventilation systems, which are especially important in areas with high humidity.
As an added measure, using a dehumidifier inside the container home can help control moisture levels and prevent mold and mildew growth.
Structural Reinforcements
While prefab container homes’ design is inspired by shipping containers to withstand harsh conditions, their structural integrity can be compromised if they’re not properly set up.
To do so, ask your prefab container house vendor to reinforce the place with steel beams or other structural materials to prevent sagging or warping over time.
Meanwhile, don’t overload the home with excessive weight from your furniture since even prefab container houses also have a certain weight threshold.
Lastly, ensure that all seams, joints, and any cut areas are properly sealed with weatherproof sealants or welding to prevent moisture from seeping inside.
Pest Control
Pests such as rodents, insects, and birds can cause significant damage to any structure, even your prefab container home.
For example, rodents may chew through insulation, wiring, or other materials, while insects can invade wood panels or other parts of the structure.
To keep pests at bay, ensure all gaps and cracks are sealed properly, and consider installing screens on vents and windows.
If you find any pest infestation that threatens your container house, call pest extermination services to find experts who can clean your home thoroughly.
Protecting the Roof
Being the roof that protects from weather patterns, a prefab container home’s roof exposure to sun, rain, and snow can lead to rust, deterioration, and leaks.
When setting up the home, apply some coating material on the roof to reduce exposure to the elements and regulate temperature by reducing heat gain in the summer months.
Additionally, inspect the roof regularly for any signs of damage, such as leaks, cracks, or rust. Then, repair them at once to reduce long-term damage.
You can also add overhangs or awnings to protect the roof from direct exposure to rain and sun and extend its lifespan and ability to protect your home.
Consider Climate and Location
The environment where your prefab container house is located plays a significant role in its longevity.
Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, saltwater exposure (in coastal areas), or extreme heat, can accelerate wear and tear.
If your container home is located in a coastal region, consider applying additional anti-corrosion treatments to protect against saltwater exposure.
Meanwhile, in areas with extreme temperatures, it’s crucial to choose the right insulation and ventilation to mitigate temperature fluctuations.
Additionally, consider installing shading devices like pergolas or awnings to protect the exterior from the sun’s heat.
Also Read: Factors That Can Impact Luxury Container Home Prices
Conclusion
If you follow these steps when buying your prefab container home and maintaining it after the purchase, you can be sure that your home can last decades like other regular homes. However, you need the best container home vendor to find such a longstanding container home. Tradecorp is ready to help you find the best convertible shipping container as the foundation for your new home! With over 35 years of history of helping industries from various niches, Tradecorp is the go-to place if you need to build something from shipping containers.
