Rust is like cancer for a steel shipping container. It continues to eat away at the surface until it leaves gaping, jagged holes. The only cure is to prevent it from happening in the first place, and that’s through proper maintenance.
This is really the only way to get the most out of your investment. It makes sense that you want to protect this large item that you spent a lot of money on, so it’s important to do all you can to reduce the prevalence of rust. Despite the fact that containers are made of heavy-duty steel, rust can and will still happen with neglect. This high-quality steel only slows down the advancement of rust.
Shipping container rust happens when it comes into prolonged contact with moisture. This is when oxidation sets in. If you don’t address dings, scrapes and dents right away, rust will set up shop in the areas of lost protective paint. Do your part by keeping water infiltration at bay and immediately fixing dents. This not only boosts the container’s appearance, it boosts its lifespan as well.
Here’s how you can prevent rust from occurring to your shipping container in Grand Rapids.
#1: Make Sure it Stays as Dry as Possible
Dry is the name of the game. If you do nothing else, keep water away from your unit. That’s because long-term exposure to water from trees or the ground will spread rust very quickly.
#2: Drape a Tarp Over It
Putting a thick plastic tarp over the container when you don’t need it is a good idea, especially if it rains or snows a lot where you live.
#3: Keep it Off the Direct Ground
Make sure you have some kind of foundation under your container, like railroad ties or concrete blocks. This will keep the bottom from contacting moisture, mud, dirt, gravel, grass, and sand. It will also deter bugs and encourage better air flow underneath. This makes it easier to dry out after rain.
#4: Gable the Roof
Your container could have small dents on the roof due to the stacking process during transport. Water can easily pool in those concave dents, creating rust. Inside the unit, put a 4×4 wood plank in the middle of the roof and push it into the ceiling using a jack so the water can roll right off.
#5: Pressure Wash the Unit Regularly
Mud and containers don’t mix. This is why you should use a hose or pressure washer to regular clean the container. Do this if you’re looking to give your container a new paint job, too.
#6: Remove Surface Rust
Surface rust is when it hasn’t gotten into the internal layer of the metal, which means it can still be treated. Holes will result if you don’t address surface rust immediately with a wire brush and damp cloth.
Contact Any Way You Want It Moving and Storage
Looking to buy a 20– or 40-foot shipping container in Grand Rapids? We offer many different grades with varying levels of rust. Get in touch for a free quote today.
