Q- Aren't shipping containers just hot ovens when they are used for homes or offices?
A- Absolutely not! Sure, if you don't know what you're doing and don't insulate. The reality is, that
the new Ceramic spray insulation is most effective when applied to metal. In fact, if you build a
home, office, emergency shelter or storage unitusing Ceramic Insulation paint (spray) the structure
will probably be more energy efficient than a conventional home.
Q- I see big stacks of shipping containers in many locations near us but I am having difficulty
buying any of them. Why?
A- Most people think that all stacks of shipping containers are surplus. That's not true. The shipping
companies keep reserves (inventory) so they will be immediately available for export shipments. So when
you see all the shipping containers that doesn't mean they are surplus or for sale. Usually they only sell
the very old containers to the public.
Q- Why are mobile homes and RV trailers being used at emergency locations like Katrina
instead of shipping container homes?
A- We have no idea. To us it is absolutely ridiculous also. A shipping container home is safer, stronger, lower
cost, and mobile.
Q- Some recommend the use of Insulation Paint for use on
container Homes, isn't the Ceramic Insulation too expensive for that type use?
A- No, it is actually less expensive than fiberglass or foam insulation. The basic cost of the
Ceramic Insulation Paint material is about $700 per 40' ISBU or C-BLOX unit. The paint is applied
to the exterior surface and allows more space inside the home if needed.
Q- Aren't Prefab homes and Emergency Homes lower priced when made in China?
A- No. The cost of shipping the container home to the U.S. adds too much expense so it
usually compensates for the added cost of American labor when the home is built in the U.S.
or Canada. In this situation, China is not a better option unless you buy Flat Pack containers
or large quantities of them.
Q- What about rust and corrosion? Won't a metal shipping container rust quite easily?
A- No. Most Shipping Containers are used for ocean shipping, humidity and
saltwater. A shipping container is a special, non corrosive Corten steel; then, when coated
with the Ceramic Insulation paint, it becomes virtually rust proof and also prevents mildew,
mold and is highly antiseptic.
Q- Who wants to live in a home that looks like a Cargo Container?
A- Most of the homes do not look like a Shipping Container. Most of these can be covered with any surface, Wood, stucco, vinyl siding, or anything. Second, the
Cargo Container look is also becoming a bit trendy and some prefer all or part of the home to
remain natural. ...it can be any look you want when finished.
Q- What cities would ever allow Shipping Container homes all over the neighborhoods?
A- Any intelligent Planning Commission will approve such homes and development. They are
already being accepted. The exterior
design can become any look you want. A conventional home design can be made of multiple
units for economy and super strength.Then the exterior looks very normal. So it doesn't
matter whether you use wood walls or ISBU walls, the exterior will be the same.
Q- I read that shipping container homes are Hurricane proof. Is that true?
A- Yes, either single units or multiple units connected, can withstand
100 MPH winds on a foundation, or 175 MPH winds when easily anchored with pylons. ...extremely
solid in Tornados or Hurricanes.
Q- Is it true shipping container Home is Earthquake proof?
A- Basically yes. Even in a direct hit, he structure my possibly roll around a little but certainly not
collapse. It would be the most perfect safety cocoon in an Earthquake. It would be at least 100 times
safer and stronger than a conventional housing structure. ...in any earthquake, I'de rather be in an
shipping container constructed home or office.
Q- Why promote Containers for home and office construction?
A- Shipping container modules are the most logical structure base for multiple reasons.
-Strongest structure. Stronger than wood, concrete, and even stronger than normal steel buildings.
-Lower cost per square foot than other base structures.
-They are truly Eco-Green structures: they are 85% recycled steel, and fully recyclable if demolished.
-Energy Efficiently because the metal is so cohesive to the Ceramic Insulation paints they are #1 in
energy efficiency.
-Their use reduces the extreme surplus of Shipping Containers being stored near our harbors, ports
beaches and even inland cities.