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The next thing you will need to consider is insulation.
You are already aware that steel shipping containers can get very warm inside especially during the summer, so insulation would be your next factor to consider in the designing and planning stage of your container home.
What many don’t realize is that cold temperatures can also be particularly magnified inside a shipping container home, so proper insulation is necessary whether your location has warmer or colder temperatures. Insulation for shipping container units can start with a closed-cell foam layer applied to the inner and outer walls of the entire structure. This simple layer of protection will keep out most problems with heat, cold, precipitation, and other elements.
If you live in an area with a warmer climate or particularly long, hot summer months, you would want to consider applying reflective paint on the outside of your shipping container home. Reflective paint bounces off much of the sun’s rays and the heat, and can help in keeping the temperature inside cooler. Ceramic-based spray paints for the home interior can also help insulate versus hot temperatures while preventing the formation of mold, rust, or mildew. Many shipping container home designers also recommend SuperTherm.
Shipping containers can withstand up to 175 mile-per-hour winds, making them excellent housing options for areas that are prone to storms or hurricanes. However, hearing that howling wind and strong rains while you are inside can be quite a frightening experience. When you discuss insulation with your designer and contractor, do not limit those talks to temperature isolation. Soundproofing your shipping container from the noise outside is equally important.
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