Fire resistance is a standard requirement all homes, including shipping container homes, must have. However, some homes like container homes are better than brick-and-mortar homes in terms of fire resistance and then some others.
How so? How come these steel box-derived homes fare better than your regular homes when it comes to preventing and minimizing damage from fire incidents?
Container Homes vs. Fires
The following characteristics of shipping container homes can convince people to check what’s the fuss with these homes.
Fire-Resistant Material
To start things off, the first reason why container homes are more fire-resistant is thanks to their corten steel construction. Because steel is non-combustible, it won’t burn quickly and won’t spread the flames if exposed to fire.
Now, compare that steel construction to conventional wooden or brick homes with more vulnerability to heat damage or burning. Sparks and embers that fall on the steel surface in the case of an external fire, such as a wildfire, won’t set the structure on fire.
Even though the container’s exterior is mostly fireproof, the steel walls allow strong heat from neighboring fires to slip inside the container home. The heat from a nearby major fire might seep through the steel and set flammable objects within the container on fire.
Container homes must therefore be placed carefully in open spaces, away from heat sources and flammable objects. Anything inside the container can be protected and the dangers from heat transfer are reduced with proper site placement.
Containing Internal Fires
Another aspect of shipping containers that helps in boosting protection against fire is their ability to contain internal fires. Since containers are airtight structures when closed, they can limit the available oxygen to a fire inside.
Without sufficient oxygen, a fire inside the container can run out of oxygen to burn, thus reducing the likelihood of it spreading to other parts of the structure or nearby areas.
In fact, modified shipping containers are used in some fire safety training programs and even as bushfire bunkers, demonstrating their ability to resist and contain fires.
Fire-Resistant Modifications
Steel offers a decent foundation for fire protection, but further changes can increase the fire resistance of shipping container homes.
For example, protective coatings or fireproof insulation might increase the container’s resistance even more.
Reflective paints can stop excessive heat buildup inside the container, while spray foam insulation or fire-retardant materials can assist in protecting the structure from intense heat.
Additionally, creative container home modifications can shield the steel façade from direct heat using cladding or fire-resistant panels.
Reducing Fire Impact in Wildfire Zones
Container homes are less prone to catching fire than conventional wood-frame homes because of their steel design, which blocks the sparks and embers frequently transported by the wind during a wildfire.
They are therefore a safer choice for areas that frequently see wildfires like California and other places on the West Coast.
Container homes are a better option for fire mitigation because of their fire-resistant exterior and adaptable fire safety systems, even though they’re not completely fireproof.
Insuring Fire Protection
Although containers are naturally resistant to fire, homeowners are encouraged to exercise additional caution. Covering anything inside the container in insurance packages can become a wise choice since heat transfer from adjacent fires can still harm anything inside.
Even more, you should fit ventilation systems to help minimize heat accumulation and ensure that any internal fires do not spread because of a lack of oxygen.
Fireproofing the Interior
Lastly, using fire-resistant materials to set up the container home’s furniture is the way to reduce the fire’s likelihood of becoming worse. Even while the steel shell might not catch fire, internal components like furniture or timber floors could.
Homeowners should replace or cover potentially dangerous materials that make up the majority of their belongings. For example, flooring in cargo containers may have poisonous or combustible substances.
Here, you can reduce the risk of fire incidents in your home by replacing these with fireproof materials, or at the very least, sealing them.
You can also make a container home’s interior just as fire-resistant as its steel exterior by selecting fire-retardant furnishings, drapes, and insulation.
Conclusions
With their inherent fire resistance that homeowners can improve with the best practices, shipping container homes can protect against fire and other fire-caused incidents. However, only by using Tradecorp’s robust, convertible shipping containers when homeowners can improve their homes’ protective capabilities. Fill out our quote forms and experience how Tradecorp’s 35 years of experience in the industry can solve all container-related problems you have!