Container ventilation

[mjc55]

We have two containers on site.  1 for tools etc and one for clothes, furniture and books.

 

I was wondering if anyone with containers have come up with a solution to condensation issues.  No problems so far but that is because of the warmer temperatures I guess.  I am assuming that issues with condensation can occur over winter.

 

I have seen one option of venting on two opposite sides but can only get to the back and one side of the container as it is too close to the other one to get to the side.

 

Thanks

[marshian]

Based on my experience with containers (and box trailers) the condensation issue is driven by swings in temp and zero ventilation

 

My concern for tools and furniture clothes and books is even ventilated there is a risk that the ventilation is defeated by a large change in temp.

 

Before I insulated my single skin brick garage - big swings in temp would result in condensation on tools and cars/motorcycles.

 

200 mm of loft insulation fully plasterboarded and boarded loft area - SUDG Window and side door - plus insulated roller shutter door and I no longer see any issues when temperatures swing rapidly. In fact the garage is cool in summer and always 4-5 deg warmer than OAT in winter.

 

So I think I would insulate the sides and roof internally?  If they were long term keepers I'd have suggested spray foam for speed and cost but I'm guessing you want to use and then sell on so I think I'd use PIR and protect it with OSB - probably don't need a huge thickness to cover off all but the most extreme change.

[-rick-]

Insulation or alternatively if you have power, put a small dehumidifier in each? (drain via pipe to the exterior). Might not work too well if you don't keep the doors mostly closed.

[Oz07]

They all seem to have these little pvc boxes on now, with holes behind which vent them. You see them on containers in self storage places so they must be good. Have a google for them. Tbf some site containers have panel heaters in too. Might be worthwhile if you have elec. 

[Alan Ambrose]

I've also seen some kind of surface treatment to the inside roof - ah yeah, one is called Grafo-Therm. Don't know how well it works. Also Absorpoles. Think I would keep clothes in one of those airtight sacks you suck the air out of.

[Nick Laslett]

I use these for my storage container. 
 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264424304680#:~:text=They will not leak or,-lasting%2C effective moisture protection.

 

They have a few different sizes. 

 

 

The container has very tiny vents at the top on both sides at either end. As long as you don’t add any moisture, they will stabilise with the outside humidity levels. The worst thing you can do is spend a lot of time in the container, adding moisture through your breathing. 
 

Also put plenty of 20g silica packets in all the boxes. 
 

Edited September 30 by Nick Laslett