Will My Shipping Container Be Wind and Watertight?

When you're considering a shipping container for storage, transport, or a creative project, ensuring it's wind and watertight is crucial. At USA Containers, this isn't just a feature—it's a standard. Their used and new (one-trip) shipping containers are designed to keep your contents safe from the elements, providing peace of mind whether you're storing tools, inventory, or personal belongings.

Why Do I Need a Wind and Watertight Container?

Ensuring your shipping container is wind and watertight is essential for protecting your belongings from the elements. With USA Containers, you can trust that their containers are built to the highest standards, offering durability, security, and peace of mind. Wind and watertight containers are suitable for a wide variety of applications.

• On-Site Storage: Ideal for storing tools, equipment, or inventory securely.

• Residential Use: Perfect for decluttering your home or storing seasonal items.

• Shipping Goods: Reliable for transporting goods domestically or internationally.

• Creative Projects: Transform into offices, pop-up shops, or even homes.

What Does "Wind and Watertight" Mean?

A wind and watertight (WWT) container is constructed to prevent air and water from entering, safeguarding your items from weather-related damage. Several key design features make your shipping container wind and watertight:

• Seamless Construction: Welded seams and joints create a tight seal, eliminating potential entry points for water and air.

• Sealed Doors: Doors are equipped with rubber gaskets that compress when closed, forming a watertight barrier.

• Durable Materials: Constructed from heavy-duty COR-TEN steel, these containers resist corrosion and withstand harsh weather conditions.

These features collectively ensure that the container remains impervious to wind and water, making them suitable for various applications, from on-site storage to overseas shipping.

How Will I Know if My Shipping Container is Wind and Watertight?

Here's how to inspect your container like a pro:

1. Step Inside and Close the Doors

Start by stepping inside the container and closing the doors completely. You’re checking for light leaks, which can be a quick indicator of compromised seals or pinholes in the structure.

• Look for streaks of daylight coming through the roof, corners, or seams. Even a tiny pinhole can allow water or dust to seep in.

• It helps to do this in full daylight and bring a flashlight with you—once you're inside with the doors closed, turn off the light and look around carefully.

2. Inspect the Door Seals

The doors are the most common entry point for air and moisture, so give them a thorough once-over.

• Rubber gaskets around the doors should be pliable and free of cracks or dry rot. If the rubber is brittle or peeling away, the seal is likely compromised.

• Check for gaps when the doors are closed. They should close snugly and securely, with the locking rods engaging smoothly.

• Make sure the gasket is continuous, with no chunks missing or pulled loose from the steel.

USA Containers delivers containers with intact gaskets, but the gaskets themselves are not part of the wind and watertight warranty. If you’d like to replace your gaskets, they are available as an accessory from USA Containers.

3. Check for Rust and Corrosion

Surface rust is no big deal. But if you see deep corrosion, pitting, or flaking steel, that’s a warning sign.

• Focus on the roof, which tends to take the most abuse from the elements. Look for any soft spots, bubbling paint, or sagging areas.

• Check the container corners and weld lines, especially on older units.

• Look along the bottom rails and flooring near the doors—these areas often collect moisture and can show signs of water intrusion.

USA Containers sells containers made of COR-TEN steel, which naturally resists corrosion better than standard metal. Still, a regular inspection helps identify any area that might be compromised.

4. Look at the Floor

Most shipping containers have marine-grade plywood flooring that's designed to handle heavy loads and harsh conditions. Still, flooring can tell you a lot about whether a container is or has been watertight.

• Check for water stains, delamination, or signs of mold. These can indicate past leaks.

• Look for any soft spots—you can gently press or tap with your boot to check for give.

• A solid, dry, odor-free floor is a great sign.

Replacing the floor in a shipping container is an easy way to extend its life and improve usability, especially if the original marine-grad plywood has suffered from moisture damage, rot, or heavy wear. Shipping container floors sit on steel cross beams, so once the old wood is removed, new marine-grade plywood—or even steel or epoxy-coated panels—can be installed directly onto the existing frame.

5. Inspect the Roof (If You Can Safely Access It)

If possible—and only if it’s safe to do so—get a look at the roof.

• A shipping container’s roof can be a weak point if it’s had items stacked on it or taken a hit from a falling branch, heavy equipment, or crane mishap.

• Look for dents or pooling water, which can lead to corrosion over time.

• Check for weld repairs—a few are fine, especially if done professionally, but sloppy work or patch jobs may not hold up to the elements.

6. Perform a Hose Test

• Grab a hose and spray down the exterior—especially around the door seals and seams.

• Then step inside and look for any signs of moisture creeping in.

• It’s a simple but effective way to confirm the container will hold up to rain.

Knowing how to inspect and maintain your shipping container gives your belongings protection from the elements, season after season.

Why Should I Choose USA Containers?

USA Containers is a trusted provider of high-quality shipping containers across the United States. Their commitment to quality is evident in several ways:

• Lifetime Warranty: Every container comes with a lifetime wind and watertight warranty, ensuring long-term protection for your investment.

• Customer Support: Their team is available to provide maintenance tips, troubleshooting, and expert advice, ensuring you get the most out of your container. 

• Extensive Delivery Network: USA Containers delivers to 48 of the 50 states (not Alaska or Hawaii, sorry!) and across Canada.

Whether you're looking to buy or rent, the experience team at USA Containers is ready to assist you in finding the perfect solution for your needs.

Fill out the form below for a free shipping container quote from USA Containers: