Lining a Shipping Container: a simple how-to , a draft checklist

[ToughButterCup]

What are friends for?  They are the ones who come to your gate, ostensibly for a natter, and say

"Well, yer not going to want to hear this, but......"

Yes, I haven't lined my containers ... yet. Oh that most important little word. YET. And now's the time to prepare for winter. John's (my mate) absolutely right. I have to line it

Off to the BM, and bought myself £81 quids worth of pure joy. And on the way back fell to wondering what to stick between the ply  and the container, if anything at all. Bitpipe I remember bought a DampStick. And on his recommendation I bought one.... haven't used it yet.

I've bought some 5.5mm ply and some 2 by 2.

I've researched the issue on Tinternet (YooChube)  here, here and here  (the last of these YT vids is eye-opening for me anyway) and on Goooooogle and this article seems to be the most objective one of all. Lining it with mud is one option, I understand. Hmmm, that's got potential hasn't it?

But there's nothing about lining a container for OUR needs. So, with luck I feel a checklist coming on. Anyone got any ideas, tips, please?

[PeterW]

Insulation... cheap and cheerful EPS will do to stop the condensation.

Also worth ventilating them if possible - I know one used as a store that has two tiny PC fans and in one end and a grille in the door, fans are powered by a £10 solar panel and works fine. 

[Ferdinand]

Buy a refrigerated container or a secondhand Portakabin, then you don't need to Line it as it is already insulated, and in the case of the site office will already have electric wiring and other facilities.

Ferdinand

[ToughButterCup]

Ah, yeah, forgot that... I've got a spare fan or two and a seventeenth hand solar panel...Thanks!

[Nickfromwales]

Check it thoroughly for any holes in the roof / sides prior to any lining work. Super bright light ( at night ), inside the container, with a plus one outside looking for any failure points. 

Nothing worse than lining over a leak and then having to peel back the layers looking for it. 

[ToughButterCup]

Brilliant. Just like being back in the Army.  Check your OP for light...... and an excuse to go and buy those LED floods.... excellent...

[Temp]

Steel isn't vapour permeable. Once insulated the inside wall of the container will be cold so perhaps make sure there is a vapour barrier on the inside?

[ToughButterCup]

Ok. Next question... cheapest brand of vapour barrier

Ian

[Bitpipe]

I posted a long thread on ebuild which can be summarised as glue 50mm eps to the roof with low expansion foam to prevent 'cold roof rain'.

 

Ive been through about 3 damp sticks in the year so suggest you buy them in bulk as its a bit cheaper.