Shipping containers and steel storage units are naturally sturdy and highly resistant to damage even when they are subject to changing weather, harsh temperatures, and other outdoor elements. However, proper upkeep is still required to keep them looking well maintained and in good working condition. The following are important maintenance tips to keep in mind so you can maximize the use of your steel containers and even prolong their life span for storage, shipping, and construction duties:
Cams, locks, and door hinges must be regularly lubricated to reduce friction strain. This also keeps rust away and allows mechanisms to work smoothly, especially those that are used very frequently like the doors and locks. Grease can be applied to your container's cams, while a lubricating spray will keep your locks and hinges working smoothly.
Container siting is also important. Siting means keeping the unit off the ground so that the base of the container is not directly sitting on ground surfaces. When containers lay flat directly on ground, the base is more likely to rust away. Placing your container on pine sleepers, garden pavers, and even car tires will prevent the base from rusting.
Steel shipping containers may be designed with stainless steel fittings, rot-proof floors, and sealed with high-specification paint to withstand the rigors of rough handling and overseas crossing—but they still need maintenance especially when not in use. The container should always be on a level surface, which is why siting tools must be kept even. This keeps doors and other moving parts in excellent working condition, since no pressure is put on the mechanisms.
Giving your shipping containers a fresh paint job is also one way to maintain their look, especially when the old paint job is starting to deteriorate. Refreshing your containers' paint job also helps retard rusting, especially when using high-grade paint that is designed specifically for shipping containers and stainless or high grade steel.
Buy only from trusted manufacturers and distributors to make sure your containers are in good condition before you even acquire ownership. Having high-quality steel storage containers in the first place eliminates the need for refurbishment and will make maintenance much easier. Choose a company that sells brand new, used, and prefabricated containers so you can have plenty of options to choose from and suit your exact needs, whether you need a container for business, storage, or for construction purposes.
About the Author:
This article is written by Karen Wentworth, consultant for Cleveland Containers, who specialize in offering shipping containers in UK. Cleveland Containers is one-stop shop for your entire container related needs whether buying or hiring is the right solution for your storage requirement. They also give their buyer a facility of providing a bespoke size container tailored to your specific requirements and can normally be delivered in 7 working days.
