Shipping Container Roof System: Create More Usable Space on Your Property
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
Shipping containers are becoming increasingly popular across various industries. You can use them as the core building structures and modify them per your needs. One of the most popular ways to increase your utility is by adding a roof over the space between two standing containers.
A shipping container roof system is quick and easy to install. These container cover buildings are popular for storage spaces, workshops, offices, mobile emergency response centers, or covers for heavy equipment, materials, tools, and vehicles.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of using a container roof kit to create a more functional space.
The 5 Best Roofing Kits on the Market
There are many different types of roofing kits and service providers available, so it's important to do your research before buying. Here are five of the best available to help you narrow down your search:
Shield Roof Solutions offers container roofing kits made from American steel with a 20-year guarantee. Fast and convenient to install, these roofing kits are easy to construct, disassemble, transport, and re-assemble quickly for your convenience. The standard kits are 20 feet long. You can also combine them for more coverage.
Source: https://shieldup.co/standard-kits/roof-kits-2
These kits are compatible with 20-foot and 40-foot containers and attach to the container pinpoints. The roofing kit models available include roof models, carport and awning models, and podroof awnings models. The price of roofing kits ranges $5,500 to $13,000, based on the strength and utility of the shipping container roofs.
Western Shelter Systems manufactures its roofing kits in the USA from American steel. These roofing kits offer a 20-year warranty. The standard kits are 20 feet long and rated 70 MPH, 25 PSF load, and exposure C.
Source: https://westernshelter.com/container-roofs
Western Shelter Systems offers two roofing kit models, Gable 20 (20'x20' usable area) and Gable 40 (40'x20' usable area), with additional options to double the usable area. The Gable 20 costs $16,571.43 ($29,533.77 with additional options) and Gable 40 costs $29,680.14 ($55,790.35 with additional options). These prices are subject to freight and steel costs.
Storage and Canopy roofing kits contain a Q215 type galvanized steel structure and ultra-resistant PVC fabric canopy. You can install them with any support structure and don't necessarily need cargo containers.
Source: https://storageandcanopy.com/product/roof-top-canopy-20w-20l-6-5hft
Shipping container roof sizes vary from 20’ to 60’ width, 20’ to 80’ length, and 6.5’ to 15’ height. Depending on the size of the shipping container roof, these kits can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $27,000.
Curvco Steel Structure offers a variety of 100% American-made roofing kits ranging from 20' to 80' in width. These affordable, do-it-yourself designs come complete with a 40-year warranty. The site prep costs for Curvco roofing kits are low because of the one-size nut and bolt construction.
Source: http://www.curvcosteelbuildings.com/shipping-container-roof
Curvco roofing kits also offer customization options for various commercial and industrial applications. Customization options and accessories include extended wall panels, turbine vents, front and back walls, double slider doors, and window frames.
SteelMaster Building Systems roofing kits use 22 gauge industrial-strength, commercial-grade steel panels for durability. Compared to fabric covers that tear easily and traditional roofing that requires consistent maintenance and replacement, container roof sets have minimal maintenance costs.
Source: https://www.steelmasterusa.com/commercial-buildings/shipping-container-covers-roofs
SteelMaster roofing kits are customizable to meet the customers’ requirements, from a dirt-floor covered space to a secure storage facility. These kits are some of the most budget-friendly building alternatives available in the American market.
Industry Applications of Shipping Container Roofs
These include:
Construction
You can easily create a container garage for story heavy equipment and materials by installing a roof between two shipping containers. These kits are ideal for construction environments as they provide portable, functional, and secure storage that can move from one job site to the next.
The garage-like application of shipping roofing kits is also gaining popularity for durable, flexible, and cost-effective commercial garage spaces.
Source: https://blog.mobilemodularcontainers.com/shipping-container-garage
Agriculture
Shipping container roofs are popular in the agriculture industry because they offer secure industrial storage solutions. These can be quickly erected for the harvest season to store the produce. Shipping containers have numerous benefits compared to traditional or wooden sheds.
Emergency Services
As shipping container roofs are quick to install, durable, and easy to transport from one location to another, they are a perfect solution for emergency services. Responders can use container roofing kits to set up response centers to carry out their operations quickly in crises.
Things to Consider Before Selecting a Shipping Container Roof Kit
When looking for roofing kits for your shipping container, there are a few important factors to consider.
Customizing a Shipping Container Roof Project
Some of the most popular customization options include the length of the roof kit, flooring (for example, simple dirt floor or concrete floor), and accessories.
You can also customize the size of shipping container roofs per your requirements. The majority of the roofing kits available in the market measure 20' in length. However, you can select smaller or larger roofing kits to meet your requirements without compromising on budget.
Cost-Effectiveness of Shipping Container Roof Kit
Compared to traditional construction methods, shipping container rooftop kits provide a more economical choice. They allow you to save on materials, construction, and maintenance.
Unlike fabric covers, steel covers are strong, durable, and less susceptible to wear and tear. This requires minimal maintenance, making them a more cost-effective alternative to the traditional fabric or wood-paneled roofs.
These commercial metal roof systems can be permanent. You can also easily dismantle them and move them to the following job site.
Placement of Shipping Container Roof Kit
You can mount the roofing kits on either the internal edges (inside mount) or external edges (outside mount) of the containers.
The outside mounts offer coverage, protection, and storage on top of the containers. The inside mounts are cheaper as the roofs are narrower and utilize less material.
Laying Foundation for Shipping Container Roof Project
Because cargo containers function as the base for roofing kits, you do not need much time or effort to lay a foundation. However, you should ensure that the ground is level and free of debris, rocks, and trees.
Uneven ground can lead to the building leaning to one side, failing to provide a uniform base for the roof kit.
Maintenance of Shipping Container Roofs
You need to follow a few simple tips to maintain your shipping container roofs:
- Procure containers from a reputable source.
- Do not modify the existing roof of a shipping container while installing container rooftop kits. Doing this may compromise the structural integrity of the shipping container.
- Do not put weight on container roofs. The edges and corners of shipping containers are the reinforced points that provide structural integrity. Putting additional weight on the container roof can lead to flexing.
- Remove water, snow, or any other elements from the roofs. Long-term exposure to accumulated elements may lead to rust, mold, or moisture intrusion.
- Remove any dirt, debris, or rust from the container roof. A failure to do so can further damage the container roof and compromise its structural integrity.
Conclusion
Shipping container roof systems are a convenient, speed, and cost-effective way to use existing shipping containers and utilize the unused space between them to create functional and secure storage solutions.
These roofing kits are durable, convenient, and easy to transport from one location to another, making them a preferred solution for secure industrial storage solutions across multiple industries.
Mobile Modular Portable Storage is the leading supplier of high-quality storage containers, offices, and combo containers. Call us at 866-535-5549 or request a quote to learn more about our container solutions.
FAQs
Are Shipping Container Roof Kits Expensive?
No, container roof sets are incredibly cost-effective, helping you save on materials, construction, and regular maintenance.
Are Container Roof Kits Difficult to Install?
Container rooftop kits are easy, convenient, and quick to install. You can easily attach (or detach) the steel panels from container edges for quick assembly or disassembly.