Container Condensation Can Damage Your Valuable Contents
Moisture that accumulates on the interior of a shipping container during storage is known as condensation. Condensation happens in a shipping container when the walls of the container become cooler than the dew point inside the container. Condensation or added moisture inside your shipping container can damage your valuable contents being stored inside.
What Causes Condensation?
The most common cause of condensation inside your shipping container is the fluctuation in temperature outside the container with the temperature inside the container.
- As stated earlier, the container walls become cooler than the dew point inside the container causing condensation or “container sweat.” When there is enough moisture on the ceiling of your container it will cause droplets to fall, known as “container rain.”
- When the contents inside the container contain water, this will increase the possibility of condensation. For example, wooden pallets hold and release moisture if they are not dehydrated. Other items that can hold moisture are books, furniture, and mattresses. All household items commonly stored inside shipping containers.
- Lack of ventilation can also cause condensation. With no air flow, the temperature inside and outside the container can never equalize.
- High humidity causes condensation. Different parts of the country typically have higher humidity levels. We are located in Illinois and our humidity can fluctuate drastically in a few short hours.
How to Prevent Condensation?
- Ventilation! Container Vents and solar-powered fans and they do not require a power source!
- If possible, leave your container doors open as often as possible.
- Insulation can help keep the inside warmer than the dew point.
- A dehumidifier or air conditioners will keep condensation out, however, they need a power source.
- Plastic or Metal Shelving rather than wood shelving.
- The usage of salt crystals, baking soda, charcoal, and rice will absorb moisture.
Untreated Condensation
If you do not try to prevent condensation, your shipping container will become wet inside with high levels of humidity.
- This can ruin the contents you are storing by warping and absorbing the added moisture.
- The container will start to warp and corrode.
- Your container and its contents will also grow mold and smell musty or moldy.
Condensation will not only damage the contents inside the container but also the container itself. This is a monetary loss of not only the container but the valuable contents you are storing inside. It is important to monitor your container and stop condensation to avoid significant losses.
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