How to Prevent Condensation in Shipping Containers
Tuesday 2 May 2023
Updated: Tuesday 3 December 2024
Filed in: General
November 2024 - blog post 2 by Sally Shipp
Find out ways to keep your shipping container and its contents damp-free inside. From cheap and simple solutions to help with moisture control to the complete "belt and braces" approach that eliminates condensation completely.
Why is condensation in shipping containers a problem?
Excessive temperature
fluctuations inside closed metal containers causes condensation to form and unless is it left open to dry out, the moisture is trapped inside and will eventually drip from the ceiling, run down the walls and onto anything that is stored inside. This is worse in the winter when persistent cold weather prevents the container from drying out. Whether you need to think seriously about condensation prevention depends mostly upon what you are storing inside you shipping container. If it's household furniture, fabrics, soft furnishings, textiles, electrical goods, paper or card they will be particularly susceptible to retaining moisture from damp conditions and will eventually be damaged by mould and mildew. No one wants to open up their container to the sight and smell of damp cardboard boxes with soggy bottoms!
Lining and insulation
This combo is the only way to banish condensation completely and forever! It's effective as in maintaining a stable temperature inside the container, condensation can't form at all. Have you container lined and insulated and you'll never have to think about drippy ceilings and walls ever again. We offer three types of lining at Containers Direct, placed over 100mm Rockwall insulting material.- 9mm redwood finish ply lining - as well storage containers containing items such as furniture, fabric and paperwork, we recommend ply lining for container conversions such as offices, classrooms and garages. Lining and insulation also helps with moderating warmth and the passage of sound.
- OSB lining - a budget and environmentally friendly version using KronospanTM boards. If you're mindful of costs and want to reduce you carbon footprint, we recommend the DryBox storage container. . These are upcycled second hand shipping containers lined with sustainable timber - the cheapest and most environmentally friendly option. We hold them in stock, ready for dispatch. in the most popular sizes, but can line to order with other sizes.
- Melamine lining - wipe clean, recommended for container conversions such as site offices and catering units. Melamine lining is an hygienic alternative to ply in containers where food and drink is cooked, prepared or served.
- If you are considering a flat pack container, we now offer an insulated flat pack storage unit
Budget solutions to managing condensation
There a number of solutions to control condensation, depending on your budget and how important it is to keep your contents dry. If the container is used for building material for instance, or items are frequently taken in and out for the container, condensation shouldn't be too much of an issue. If you want to be on the safe side then think about investing in cheap solutions that will absorb some of the moisture once it has formed:Grafotherm
This is a textured coating that is simply sprayed onto the container ceiling. It helps insulate the ceiling which will slow down the formation of condensation and its capillary action also absorbs it. The textured surface speeds up evaporation of the moisture. While Grafotherm won't eliminate condensation completely, it does keep it under control.Absorpole
The Absorpole comes in the form of a solid plastic container filled with the desiccant Calcium Chloride, which is non toxic and highly absorbent. They are hung inside the container to absorb moisture as it forms and can hold 2 litres of water. For a 20ft shipping container two poles are recommended, and four for a 40ft shipping container. At just 35 per pole this is the cheapest option, although poles will be need replacing when full.The importance of ventilation in shipping containers
In addition to these simple methods, condensation can be managed by ventilating your container well. Don't leave it shut up for extended periods of time and think about having vents installed. From small ISO shipping vents to small, medium or large louvered vents fitted into your container, increasing the airflow inside is important to drying out.Request a Quick Quote!
Contact our sales team for your no obligation quote, including delivery!We have placed cookies on your browsing device to enable this website to function correctly.
Further usage of this website indicates you are happy for us to do this..
Find out about the cookies we have set and how we use them.
Further usage of this website indicates you are happy for us to do this..
Find out about the cookies we have set and how we use them.