Shipping Container Repairs

In our last blog post, we discussed shipping container maintenance, sharing some preventative tactics that will keep your container in good working order. In this blog post, we’ll expand on that topic a bit further and get into some common problems we see in shipping containers and how to repair those problems.

Problem: Difficulty opening/Closing Doors

Perhaps the most common problem that can occur with shipping containers is difficulty opening or closing the doors. This can happen due to rust or because the container has shifted on the ground after being loaded with items or equipment.

How to Fix It:

If rusty hinges are the issue, we recommend using a lubricant such as WD-40. However, if you believe your container is sitting unevenly on the ground, the best way to address this issue is to use a level to check your flooring and then readjust blocking or add blocking beneath your container to make it more level.

To do this, you can use a high lift jack to lift one corner and then rearrange or add blocking in that spot. However, always use caution when doing this in case the jack were to slip.

Once you make blocking adjustments and ensure your container floor is level, the doors should open and close more easily.

Problem: Broken Door Seals

As noted above, door complications are one of the most common shipping container problems, especially if you are frequently opening and closing the doors. Aside from rust or your container shifting on the ground, another common door issue has to do with broken or damaged door seals.

How to Fix it:

Fortunately, door seals are another easy fix. You can purchase shipping container door seal kits online and replace them yourself in most cases.

Problem: Damaged Container Flooring

Shipping container flooring consists of plywood, which can be subject to breaking or rotting. Fortunately, it’s also easy to replace and you don’t typically have to replace the entire floor—only the broken or rotten section.

How to Fix It:

Flooring sections of shipping containers are attached directly to the crossmembers beneath the floor. However, you can remove the broken or bad flooring section and replace it with a new plywood piece which you will need to rivet or screw into place, depending on how your floor is attached. Also, make sure to use the same thickness of plywood so your floor stays level.

Problem: Holes In Your Shipping Container

Holes in the walls or roof of your shipping container can be a big problem, allowing in moisture and possibly pests. Holes typically develop due to rusting or physical damage to the container.

How to Fix It:

For a very small hole (less than 1 inch), you can simply cover it in silicone. For holes that are a little large, put silicone around the edges of the hole, then place a steel patch on top. Finally, place silicone over the patch to ensure it’s sealed and won’t rust.