How to maintain and maintain container houses in daily life?

Container houses(steel structure core)have simple daily maintenance requirements—focus on anti-corrosion,waterproofing,structural inspection and system upkeep;regular routine checks and timely minor repairs can extend their service life by 20+years,and the maintenance work is low-cost and easy to operate,suitable for all usage scenarios(dormitories,homestays,offices,residences).Below is a clear,actionable daily maintenance guide,divided into routine daily checks(weekly/monthly),regular deep maintenance(quarterly/annual)and scenario-specific maintenance tips:

1.Routine Daily&Monthly Maintenance(Simple,Daily Operable)

Focus on surface inspection and small problem troubleshooting,no professional skills required,finish in 10-20 minutes each time.

Exterior&Steel Structure:Check for scratch,peeling anti-corrosion paint and rust spots(especially door/window frames,base,roof edges);wipe off surface dust,rain stains or dirt with a soft cloth and clean water(avoid corrosive detergents).

Waterproof&Sealing:Inspect roof,wall joints,door/window sealing strips for cracking,falling off or water seepage(mark seepage points immediately);clear leaves,sundries on the roof to prevent water accumulation.

Doors,Windows&Hardware:Lubricate door hinges,window latches and locks with silicone oil(1-2 times a month)to avoid jamming;check screen nets for holes and repair/replace in time(anti-mosquito,dustproof).

Water&Electricity System:Check power sockets,switches for looseness or heating;ensure the leakage protection switch is functional(test once a month);check water pipes for water leakage,and wipe off condensation on pipe surfaces to prevent mold.

2.Quarterly&Annual Deep Maintenance(Focus on Core Durability)

Quarterly(3 months)for targeted repairs;annual(12 months)for overall deep upkeep,a small amount of professional operation(can be done by ordinary handymen).

Quarterly Maintenance

Repair minor damage:Touch up peeling anti-corrosion paint/rust spots with matching paint;re-seal cracked sealing strips/roof joints with neutral silicone sealant(key for waterproofing).

Clean ventilation systems:Disassemble and clean exhaust fan filters,air conditioning air outlets(if equipped)to avoid dust blockage and poor ventilation.

Check floor&base:Ensure the concrete pier base is not loose/subsided;wipe the ground with a dry cloth in humid areas to prevent moisture accumulation and floor deformation.

Annual Deep Maintenance

Full anti-corrosion treatment:Sand off small rust spots on the steel frame with sandpaper,then spray anti-rust primer+topcoat(focus on hidden parts:under the base,inside wall corners,roof steel beams).

Waterproof overall inspection:Repaint the roof waterproof roll with waterproof coating(if aging);check all water pipe joints and replace aging gaskets/pipes in time.

Structural&system inspection:Check if the steel frame,splicing/stacking connection parts are loose(tighten bolts if needed);test the whole water/electricity system,replace aging wires,sockets or power distribution box components.

Interior maintenance:Repaint peeling wall latex paint;repair scratched floor tiles/plywood;clean the moisture-proof membrane under the floor(for severe humid areas).

3.Key Maintenance for Easy-Fault Parts(Focus on High-Risk Points)

These parts are prone to damage due to long-term use/weather erosion,prioritize inspection and maintenance:

Base&Bottom Frame:The most rust-prone part(contact with ground moisture);keep the ground around the base dry,clear weeds and stagnant water in time,and add a moisture-proof mat if necessary.

Roof&Wall Joints:The main water seepage points;avoid placing heavy objects on the roof,and re-seal with sealant once cracks are found.

Water&Electricity Wet Areas:Kitchen/washroom water pipes and wiring;ensure all waterproof layers are intact,and use waterproof sockets/switches(replace immediately if water enters).

Sealing Strips:Aging/falling off will cause wind leakage and heat loss;replace with new rubber sealing strips every 2-3 years(low cost,easy operation).

4.Scenario-Specific Maintenance Tips

Adjust maintenance frequency and focus according to usage environment—targeted upkeep for different scenarios:

Coastal/Humid Areas:High salt spray and moisture;shorten anti-corrosion painting cycle(once every 6 months),install more ventilation fans,and place desiccant in the room.

Cold/High-Altitude Areas:Freezing and heavy snow;clear snow on the roof in time(avoid overload);wrap water pipes with thermal insulation cotton to prevent freezing and cracking.

Construction Site Dormitories/High-Flow Use:Frequent wear and tear;increase weekly inspection frequency,repair door/window hardware and paint scratches in time.

Rural Homestays/Residential Use:Long-term continuous use;focus on interior comfort maintenance(wall,floor,furniture)while doing the basic steel structure/waterproof upkeep.

5.Basic Maintenance Taboos(Avoid Secondary Damage)

Do not use acid/alkali corrosive cleaners to wipe the steel exterior(will damage anti-corrosion paint).

Do not drill holes randomly on the steel frame/walls(easy to damage the load-bearing structure and cause water seepage).

Do not overload the roof/floor(standard container house floor load-bearing is 200kg/㎡,avoid placing heavy machinery).

Do not block ventilation outlets/exhaust fans(will cause indoor condensation and mold).

Core Summary

The daily maintenance of container houses follows the principle of"prevention first,timely repair"—the core work is anti-corrosion and waterproofing for the steel structure,plus regular checks of water,electricity and hardware systems.Routine maintenance is low-cost(only paint,sealant,lubricating oil and other small materials are needed),and even non-professionals can complete most of the work.As long as the maintenance is in place,a container house can maintain a good use state for more than 30 years,greatly reducing the later replacement and renovation costs.

References

GB/T 7714:Pinilla-Melo J, Aira-Zunzunegui J R, La Ferla G, et al. Design of a Shipping Container-Based Home: Structural, Thermal, and Acoustic Conditioning[J]. Buildings, 2025, 15(17): 3127.

MLA:Pinilla-Melo, Javier, et al. "Design of a Shipping Container-Based Home: Structural, Thermal, and Acoustic Conditioning." Buildings 15.17 (2025): 3127.

APA:Pinilla-Melo, J., Aira-Zunzunegui, J. R., La Ferla, G., de la Prida, D., & Navacerrada, M. Á. (2025). Design of a Shipping Container-Based Home: Structural, Thermal, and Acoustic Conditioning. Buildings, 15(17), 3127.