Many have already fallen in love with the idea of home containers because of their affordability and several benefits. Homes built from shipping containers are cheaper, efficient, durable, and eco-friendly than conventional homes. Some even claim that shipping containers are best for suites, pop-up stores, and industrial spaces.
But, with all the incredible features they offer, is it safe to live in shipping containers? Families are occupying container homes, are these safe for children?
Are Home Containers Safe?
It takes a lot of adjustments in living inside a shipping container. You have a lot of considerations to weigh, whether it is suitable for your needs. Durability, efficiency, and affordability is nothing if you are not comfortable living inside a container home.
One of the advantages of shipping container houses is its longevity. Yet, are there aspects we have to consider when you plan on living at home containers for a longer time?
Harmful Chemicals in Shipping Containers
The most common safety issue for shipping containers is the harmful chemicals applied to them. Some concerns were raised about the substances in safety containers. The wooden floors are treated with heavy and hazardous pesticides to protect the shipped goods during transportation. Meanwhile, some containers are coated with paint that contains harmful chemicals.
Thus, we have to address the issue of second-hand shipping containers. When you purchase a second-hand container, then the harmful chemicals are there. What can you do about this? First, you need to inquire from the original manufacturer whether the container is treated with toxic chemicals. There is an identification number on the container to track the manufacturer.
With the circumstance, you can remove the original flooring and replace it with a new one. Moreover, you can remove the paint coating or encapsulate it with another coat. After this, the best and adequate solution is to spray foam insulation to protect yourself and your family from the toxic chemicals.
But, if you are worried about these harmful chemicals, you can purchase prefabricated homes from China manufacturer. These manufacturers offer new shipping containers, and you can specifically order the manufacturer not to treat the floors or coat the container with hazardous paints.
The only drawback of using a new shipping container is it will increase the expense. Moreover, it will diminish your purpose of eco-friendliness.
Home Shipping Containers are Disaster-Proof
The next thing people would like to know is whether home containers are disaster-proof. We always see on the news about how natural disasters quickly ruin conventional homes, but shipping containers are entirely intact.
The truth is, shipping containers are mainly designed to withstand cargo loads up to 26 tons. Thus, it is not a surprise when they can withstand natural disasters. There are claims that prove home containers are hurricane-resistant and flood-proof because of the anchors and foundations of the shipping containers.
Secured Home Containers
Some future home container owners plan to use it as a cabin and place it in the wilderness. Thus, they want to know how secured home containers are, especially when they will leave it for months. Can someone break inside it?
Well, first, you have to think about the original function of shipping containers. They are designed airtight and impenetrable storage containers to transport goods. It has been proven since then that shipping containers are a secure storage facility. But, when some parts of the structures are removed for modification purposes, the security level lessens.
The security of shipping container homes is the same as in conventional homes. Thus, if you want to use it as a cabin, you have to maintain the original structure of the container. You can have windows or doors behind the original container. This way, you can still securely lock and seal the container door.
Develop a Perfect Insulation System
Home containers are extremely hot during the summer and extremely cold in the winter season. Of course, to make them livable and safe for the homeowners, a perfect insulation system should be installed. There are several options to consider when choosing the right insulation system for your home container.
One of the significant concerns in installing an insulation system is the depth of the walls. The insulation system might take up considerable space. Some recommend the spray foam insulation as it is the easiest method to insulate a container home. But, if you think the other insulation options are suitable for your needs, then go for it!
Conclusion
Shipping containers are safe to live in. They provide a high level of security. Home containers are safe from natural disasters and human infringement. It is essential to understand this aspect of home containers to help you determine whether they provide the things you need. Most importantly, if they are safe and livable for the family.
