Join Two Containers

Joining two shipping containers together to form a container house can be a cost-effective and sustainable solution for building a home. When joining two containers together, it is important to consider factors such as the climate, the location of the containers, and the intended use of the space.

As a general guide you can join containers together as well as stack containers to form a greater area. This is particularly good for container homes where more room is necessary to allow for a family residence or business. You can go wide and you can go up with shipping containers.

With a shipping container you can add another container relatively easily compared to a traditional build. The structure of a shipping container is strong and rarely needs additional load bearing support. Joining two or more containers together is simple as welding two together. Read on….

You may like to read more of our Container Living articles, just click the link.

Ways To Join Two Containers

There are several ways to join shipping containers together for a container house, including:

1. Welding: This is the most common and secure method of joining containers, but it requires professional equipment and expertise.
2. Bolting: This method involves drilling holes through the walls of the containers and bolting them together. This is a less secure method than welding, but it is easier to undo if you need to move or modify the structure later.
3. Using a specialized connection system: Some companies manufacture and sell specialized connectors that can be used to join containers together. These can include brackets, clamps, and interlocking channels.
4. Using a steel frame: Another option is to build a steel frame to connect the containers and then secure the frame to the containers.

It’s important to consult with a professional builder or engineer before making any structural changes to shipping containers, to ensure that your container house is safe and structurally sound.

How will I seal two shipping containers for my container house?

There are several ways to seal the join between two shipping containers for a container house, including:

1. Weatherstripping: This method involves applying a weatherstripping sealant to the join between the containers to prevent air and water infiltration. This can be done using foam tape, silicone sealant, or other types of weatherstripping materials.
2. Flashing: This method involves installing metal flashing over the join between the containers to create a watertight seal. The flashing can be sealed with caulk or sealant to prevent leaks.
3. Insulation: Insulation can be added between the containers at the join to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. This can be done with insulation boards, spray foam insulation, or other types of insulation materials.
4. Using specialized connection system: Some companies manufacture and sell specialized connectors for sealing the join between the containers, these can include gaskets, seals, and interlocking channels.

It’s important to consult with a professional builder or engineer before making any structural changes to shipping containers, to ensure that your container house is safe, energy efficient and weatherproof.

What is better weatherstripping or flashing?

Both weatherstripping and flashing can be effective methods for sealing the joins between shipping containers in a container home, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Weatherstripping is a relatively inexpensive option that is easy to install and can be used to seal small gaps and cracks. It can also be used to seal around doors and windows. However, weatherstripping alone may not be sufficient to create a completely weatherproof seal between the containers, especially in areas with heavy rain or snow.

Flashing, on the other hand, is a more robust option that is specifically designed to keep water out. It is typically made of metal and is installed over the join between the containers. It is also a more durable option than weatherstripping and can last for many years. However, it can be more difficult to install and may require professional help.

Ultimately, the best option for sealing the joins between shipping containers in a container home will depend on factors such as the climate, the location of the containers, and the intended use of the space. It may be wise to consult with a professional builder or engineer to determine the best approach for your specific situation.

What is the best way to fix one container to the top of another for my container home?

There are several ways to fix one shipping container to the top of another for a container home, including:

1. Welding: This is the most common and secure method of fixing containers together. It involves welding the top container to the bottom container at multiple points along the walls, roof and the base. This is a permanent solution and requires professional equipment and expertise.
2. Bolting: This method involves drilling holes through the walls of the top container and bolting it to the bottom container. This is a less secure method than welding but it is easier to undo if you need to move or modify the structure later.
3. Using a specialized connection system: Some companies manufacture and sell specialized connectors that can be used to fix containers together. These can include brackets, clamps, and interlocking channels.
4. Using a steel frame: Another option is to build a steel frame to connect the top container to the bottom container and then secure the frame to the containers.

Regardless of which method you choose, it is important to consult with a professional builder or engineer before making any structural changes to shipping containers, to ensure that your container home is safe, structurally sound and meet local building codes.

Should weld joins be sealed with primer?

Welds on shipping containers may not necessarily require primer before being sealed, but it’s important to clean and prepare the surfaces before sealing. Welds should be cleaned of any debris, paint, rust and oil. This can be done using a wire brush, sandpaper or a chemical cleaner.

Applying primer to welds before sealing is not a typical step but it can be beneficial in certain situations. Primer is typically used to improve adhesion, protect against corrosion and provide a uniform surface for the sealant to adhere to. If the containers are exposed to harsh weather conditions or high humidity, applying a primer can help to ensure that the sealant adheres properly and lasts longer.

It’s important to use sealant that is specifically designed for use with metal surfaces, such as silicone or polyurethane sealant. These types of sealant are more flexible and able to withstand the movement of the containers.

In summary, it’s not a must but it’s a good idea to clean and prepare the surfaces before sealing and using a primer specially designed for metal surfaces can enhance the adhesion and durability of the sealant. It’s always recommended to consult with a professional builder or engineer to determine the best approach for your specific situation.

Conclusion

Joining two shipping containers together to form a container house can be a cost-effective and sustainable solution for building a home. Containers are durable, readily available, and easy to transport, which makes them an ideal building material for a variety of structures.

When joining two containers together, it is important to consider factors such as the climate, the location of the containers, and the intended use of the space. Proper sealing and weatherproofing is critical to ensure that the container house is energy efficient and protected from the elements. The use of weatherstripping, flashing, insulation, and specialized connection systems can help to create a tight seal between the containers and keep the interior of the house comfortable year-round.

It’s also important to keep in mind that joining two containers together can create structural and load-bearing challenges. It is important to consult with a professional builder or engineer to ensure that the container house is safe, structurally sound, and meets local building codes.

Additionally, depending on the zoning laws and building codes in your area, you may need to obtain permits and meet specific requirements for building a container home.

Overall, container homes can be a great solution for affordable housing, but it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges and to work with a professional to ensure that the container house is safe and comfortable to live in.