Hurricane season is quickly approaching – and reports indicate we can expect at least a dozen storms this season. For our fellow Florida businesses and residents, it is time to prepare. Shipping containers offer a way to protect your business this hurricane season that maybe you hadn’t previously thought about.
As you read on to learn more about how modified shipping containers can protect your company this hurricane season, keep in mind that M1 Containers is Florida’s expert in custom shipping container buildings designed for both residential and commercial purposes. Our modified shipping container buildings bring all the strength of cargo containers at sea to your latest project.
Cargo containers are designed to hold tens of thousands of pounds. Due to the strength of the steel cargo containers, you may want to know- can container homes withstand hurricanes? The answer is yes. Our buildings are not only durable and cost-effective, but they are also built to withstand the harsh weather conditions experienced in Florida, including hurricanes.
Hurricanes have the potential to create 150+ mph winds, so a shipping container can be a great way to protect your belongings during a storm. In fact, shipping containers are often used around the world for temporary shelters following natural disasters.
Wind speeds for hurricanes can range from a Category 1 storm with 74 mile per hour (mph) winds to the dreaded Category 5, with 157 mph or high wind speeds. Surprisingly despite the gusting wind, it is actually storm surges, power outages, and fallen trees that can all impact the integrity of your shipping container more than high winds will. The impact from flying debris may shatter windows and destroy exterior features.
That's because shipping containers are constructed to be able to withstand the harsh marine environment -- wind, waves, and yes, even hurricanes -- while protecting the cargo they hold. As the base structure for modified shipping container structures, or container storage, this resiliency is part of the foundation of every shipping container. Should the frame of your container receive damage and require major repairs. Rest assured M1 Containers offers expert repair and restoration services for aging or damaged containers.
Wind load by shipping container size
Here are some general ratings for shipping containers based on wind load calculated by finding wind pressure, coefficient drag, force and area. Please note these numbers are not to be used for exact calculations. Please consult a licensed Engineer who can calculate according to specifics, including geographical location.
- 20-foot steel shipping container: 150 mph
- 40-foot steel shipping container: 140 mph
- 40-foot steel high cube shipping container: 130 mph
Even without securing a shipping container down, it can generally withstand high winds and storms. If unsecured and standing alone, containers can handle up to 130 mph winds. When fastened to a proper foundation (as we recommend), our steel cargo containers can withstand wind speeds of up to 175mph. Our team of experts at M1 Containers can help you determine if a foundation is needed for your container structure.
Another important consideration in building structures that can withstand hurricanes is the roof. Because shipping containers are designed to be stackable, the cargo containers’ roofs are able to withstand heavy rain and winds – and even also heavy amounts of snowfall in geographical areas where that is a concern.
How can Shipping Container Structures help businesses ahead of hurricane season?
Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, with many areas of the state being hit by severe storms every year. Because of this, Florida has some of the strictest building codes in the country, particularly in areas that are prone to hurricanes. These codes are in place to ensure that buildings can withstand the high winds, heavy rain, and flooding that often accompany these storms.
At M1 Containers, we are well-versed in Florida building codes. All our shipping containers are constructed to meet or exceed these standards – especially when designed to become a container structure such as an office building, workforce housing, classroom, restaurant or more. M1 Containers use high-quality materials, including heavy-duty steel, to construct our modified shipping container structures, ensuring they can withstand wind speeds of up to 180 mph.
M1 Containers' buildings are not only built to withstand hurricanes, but they are also customizable. We work with businesses to create buildings that meet your specific needs and design preferences while still meeting all of the requirements of Florida's building codes. Our designs – in ready-made modified storage containers and our custom modified containers – incorporate features such as windows, doors, and custom paint jobs to make your buildings unique and stand out.
In conclusion, M1 Containers' shipping container buildings are an excellent option for businesses looking for a durable and cost-effective solution that can withstand hurricanes in Florida. The company's buildings are constructed to meet or exceed Florida's strict building codes, and they are designed to withstand high winds, heavy rain, and flooding. With their customizable designs, M1 Containers can create buildings that meet the specific needs and design preferences of businesses while still meeting all of the necessary requirements.