Six Ways to Prepare Your Storage Container for Cooler Weather
As fall arrives, you may find yourself contemplating how to prepare your container for colder weather. If you’re the owner of one of these versatile units, you might want to ensure it remains comfortable and functional, whether you’re using it as a makeshift office, a hunting stand, or simply as extra storage for temperature-sensitive items.
In colder months, maintaining a stable climate inside your container can be crucial for preserving your belongings. Perhaps you need to keep sensitive equipment at a specific temperature or simply want to create a cozy workspace away from the chill. No matter your needs, there are effective strategies to enhance your container’s insulation and prepare your container for colder weather.
Here are six detailed solutions to help you properly outfit your portable storage container for the harsh conditions of winter:
Preparing for Cooler Weather
- Invest in Electrical Heat. Perhaps the most obvious way to prep a cargo container for colder weather is by investing in a heating unit to distribute warm air throughout the enclosed area. This can be accomplished through something temporary. portable space heater or permanent custom heating unit, for example. Both solutions will rely on the shelter’s electricity for power. Only the latter will require a contractor to cut the system an opening.
- Channel Solar Energy. A more natural way to raise the temperature of a steel shipping container is through solar heating. By channeling energy directly from the sun, you can warm the space while simultaneously conserving on cost, energy, and electricity. Because solar heating is 100% clean, it also produces less pollution than any other available solution.
- Weather-strip All Windows and Doors. Many custom storage containers are modified with several doors and windows that allow large amounts of air to leak in. While this might not prove a problem in warmer months, it can drastically diminish one’s comfort in colder climates. One way to resolve this issue is by weather-stripping the edges of each opening. Weather-stripping will not only prevent any cold air from coming in. What it will do is stop hot air from escaping, saving an individual on unnecessary expenditures. To find out which weather-stripping works best for you, consult your local hardware shop today.
- Insulate the Walls. Another way to prep your container for colder weather is to keep the cold from creeping in. This can be accomplished by outfitting a container with a thick layer of insulation. Insulation will act as a barrier against outside elements while maintaining a cozy, constant climate inside. Some steel shipping containers don’t already come with insulation. If this is the case, you will need to either install this element yourself or find someone who can. When searching for the right materials, consider your skill level. Is this your first time preparing your container for the cold? You might want to start with something easy, such as fiberglass or spray foam. If it’s not, then you may be ready to tackle a more complicated medium like batts or blankets.
- Cover the Floors. Just as walls often call for internal insulation, the floors of a container will also require some kind of covering. A colorful rug would work in an office or a hunting shelter. If the structure is serving as a barn or kennel, cover the floors with straw or hay. Either solution will help keep the ground warm while retaining any preexisting heat.
- Set Up a Heat Lamp. Containers acting as animal shelters will likely require an additional heat source to keep their inhabitants happy. Heat lamps are an easy way to generate this energy quickly. However, there is a downside to this item’s rapid results. Since these lights get extremely hot, extremely fast, they can cause inside elements to catch fire. As a result, heat lamps require careful care to ensure there are no unfortunate accidents. When searching for the right light for your container, read up on the recommended wattage and accessories in advance.
Your Choice in Custom Containers
Do any of these solutions to prepare your container for colder weather interest you? We can help make them happen! At USA-Containers, LLC we are committed to customizing every container to each client’s liking. We’ll add windows, doors, shelves, shutters, heating, cooling, and electrical, as asked. For additional information on our custom designs, check out our past projects, or Contact Us.
