Cleveland Xtras

Ply lining and insulating a shipping container are crucial steps in transforming it into a more comfortable and functional space. This process involves adding insulation materials to regulate temperature and lining the interior with plywood for a finished, polished look.  

Benefits of Ply Lining and Insulating a Shipping Container 

Temperature Control: Insulation helps maintain a stable internal temperature, keeping the container cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It reduces the need for heating and cooling, leading to lower energy consumption and costs. 

Condensation Prevention: Insulation and ply lining prevent condensation, especially in conjunction with Grafo-Therm, protecting the container’s contents and structure from moisture damage. Grafo-Therm is an anti-condensation treatment that absorbs excess moisture in the air and can be added to container ceilings and walls for an additional price. 

Noise Reduction: Insulation provides soundproofing, making the container quieter and more comfortable for a working environment. 

Improved Aesthetics: Ply lining gives the interior a clean, smooth finish, making it more appealing and suitable for various uses. It allows for easy customisation and decoration of the interior space. 

Enhanced Durability: Plywood lining adds an additional layer of protection, preventing the container walls from suffering any physical damage. 

Materials for Insulation and Ply Lining 

Insulation: As standard, we use 50mm Kingspan Style PIR Rigid Foam. 

Ply Lining: Typically, 9mm hardwood ply is used for lining. It is durable, strong and resistant to impact. 

We do recommend adding a vent to the unit when ply lining but this is not standard. 

Ply lining and insulating a shipping container provide significant benefits in terms of thermal regulation, moisture control, sound insulation, and aesthetics. These enhancements not only improve the functionality and comfort of the container but also contribute to its durability and market value. Whether for personal, commercial, or industrial use, investing in ply lining and insulation is a practical and beneficial upgrade for any shipping container. 

Adding electrics to a shipping container can greatly enhance its functionality, making it suitable for various applications such as offices, workshops, and more.  

Our CAD team can work with your requirements to plan and design the electrical layout including the placement of outlets, switches, lighting, and the main electrical panel. The following options are a general guide to the electrics that can be installed within various sizes of shipping container: 

• 10ft: 1 double socket, 1 led strip light, DB board, isolator
• 20ft: 1 double socket, 2 led strip light, DB board, isolator
• 40ft: 1 double socket, 4 led strip lights, DB Board, isolator 

Extra electrical features can be added on for an additional cost. This includes lighting fixtures, galvanised sockets, multiple sockets, and more. 

Benefits of Adding Electrics to a Shipping Container 

Versatile Applications: With electricity, a shipping container can be converted into an office, workshop, retail unit, or enhanced storage unit, demonstrating that it can be used for a wide range of purposes. 

Enhanced Functionality: Enables the use of electrical appliances, tools, and equipment, and provides access to lighting, heating, and cooling, significantly broadening the container's capabilities. 

Lighting: Proper lighting improves visibility and creates a productive working environment. A standard option is energy-efficient LED lighting to reduce power consumption. 

Optional Extras 

We can also install the following systems for an additional charge, or they can be fitted by the customer: 

Climate Control: Allows for the installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, creating a comfortable indoor environment regardless of external weather conditions. The ability to regulate temperature helps protect stored items from extreme heat or cold, which is particularly important for sensitive materials or goods. 

Security Systems: Allows for the installation of security cameras, alarm systems, and motion sensors to protect against theft and vandalism. 

Emergency Systems: Enables the installation of emergency lighting and other safety systems, enhancing the overall safety of the container. 

Installing electrics to a shipping container significantly enhances its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. With careful installation from our expert modifications team, you can have safe and efficient unit that meets your needs and increases the usability of the container.  

Adding a personnel door to a shipping container can greatly enhance its accessibility and usability, especially when converting it into a working space, office, or storage unit. The added functionality can make the container suitable for a wider range of applications, enhancing its versatility and appeal. 

Benefits of Adding a Personnel Door 

Improved Access: Personnel doors provide a convenient access point, allowing quick easy entry and exit without the need to open the large, heavy container doors. 

Safety: They can serve as an additional emergency exit, improving safety standards, especially in habitable or high-occupancy containers. 

Segmentation: Allows for the creation of separate sections within the container, each with its own access point, improving the functionality of the space. When being used for self storage purposes, dividing the unit into smaller rooms to rent out can greatly increase the profitability of the container. 

Security: Personnel doors can be fitted with secure locks, providing better control over who can access the container. They can enhance security by allowing only authorised personnel to enter, reducing the risk of theft or unauthorised access. 

Ventilation and Light: An extra door on a shipping container can increase the airflow and natural light available inside the unit, especially in conjunction with additional windows. 

Regulatory Requirements: For certain uses, installing a personnel door may be necessary to comply with building and safety regulations related to accessibility and emergency exits. 

Types of Personnel Doors 

Doors come in various sizes, designs, and materials, allowing for an element of customisation to match the intended use and specific needs and preferences. 

We have a range of doors available to install, on both the steel container walls and on partition walls inside the unit if these have been installed also. Fire exit doors with panic bars are also an option. 

In addition to personnel doors, we can offer roller shutter options in various configurations. If you require another set of cargo doors on the side of the container or wish to have the original ones relocated, this is also a service we can offer. 

The addition of a personnel door provides convenience, safety, and improved aesthetics, making it a valuable modification for many container projects. 

Work with our expert modifications team to plan and design the optimal location of the door(s) depending on your requirements.  

Adding windows to a shipping container can enhance its usability, especially when converting it into a working space, office, or other functional units. 

Windows are often installed in conjunction with personnel doors and other internal modifications to create a versatile and comfortable working environment. We use high-quality windows and materials to ensure durability and longevity. The windows are lockable from the inside and can come with anti-vandal shutters. 

Benefits of Adding Windows to a Shipping Container 

Natural Light: Windows allow natural sunlight to enter the container, making the interior brighter and reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Natural light reduces the need for electric lighting, which can lower energy consumption. 

Ventilation: Windows can provide fresh air, improving indoor air quality and reducing stuffiness. Proper ventilation helps regulate the temperature inside the container, making it more comfortable, especially in warmer times. 

Visibility: They allow for an outside view, which can be crucial for certain applications like kiosks, offices or working spaces. Windows offer a connection to the outside world, providing views and access to the surrounding environment.  

Installing windows in a shipping container significantly enhances its functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. It transforms a basic container into a more versatile space, suitable for a wide range of applications from offices to workshops and studios. With the added benefits of natural light, ventilation, and improved usability, windows are a valuable addition to any container modification project. 

Adding racking to a shipping container is a great way to optimise storage space, improve organisation, and enhance the usability of the container for various applications. The addition of shelving inside a unit promotes the efficient storage of a wide range of contents including boxes, tools, machinery, documents, sports equipment and much more. Quick fit light duty racking or heavy-duty racking can be installed depending on the customer’s needs. 

Benefits of Adding Racking to a Shipping Container 

Increased Storage Capacity: Racking systems allow you to make use of the container's vertical space, significantly increasing the amount of usable storage area. By organising items vertically, you can store more within the same footprint, maximising the container’s capacity. 

Organisation: Shelving helps categorise and organise items, making it easier to locate and retrieve them quickly. It keeps the container tidy by providing designated spaces for different items, reducing clutter and disorganisation. 

Inventory Management: Facilitates better inventory management, as items can be categorised and stored systematically. Racks make it easier to locate and retrieve desired items, saving time and effort. 

Enhanced Safety: Properly installed racking systems provide stable and secure storage, reducing the risk of items falling and causing injury. Vertical shelving reduces the need for bending, lifting, and other strenuous activities, promoting worker safety. Racking is attached to the container to minimise movement during transportation. 

Why Install Racking in a Shipping Container? 

Adding racking to a shipping container offers numerous benefits, making it a practical solution for optimising storage space and improving the organisation of stock.  

By choosing the right type of racking system and ensuring proper maintenance, you can create an efficient, safe storage solution tailored to your specific needs. 

Organised and accessible storage can streamline workflows, improving productivity and efficiency. It is a valuable investment for various applications, from personal storage to commercial use. 

Repainting a shipping container can greatly enhance its appearance, extend its lifespan, and protect it from environmental damage. At Cleveland Containers, we undergo a thorough preparation and application process, using high quality paint to ensure an excellent finish. 

Benefits of Repainting a Shipping Container 

Weatherproofing: A fresh coat of paint acts as a barrier to reduce the risk of rust and corrosion and prevent fading and deterioration of the metal. A well-painted container is more resistant to wear and tear, extending its usable life.  

Enhanced Appearance: Repainting gives the container a clean, new look, improving its visual appeal. A freshly painted container is more attractive to potential buyers or renters, potentially increasing its market value. 

Customisation: You can choose colours and designs that suit your preferences, brand, or specific requirements, making the container stand out or blend in as needed. Custom paint jobs can include logos, brand colours, or other identifying marks, making the container a mobile advertisement or easily identifiable asset. 

Preparation for Repainting 

Before painting the container, our modifications team will clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, debris, and any grease or oil spots.  

A wire brush or scraper is used to remove loose rust and the surface is sanded to create a smooth and clean base.  

Repainting Process 

We use high-quality, self-priming marine-grade paint designed for metal surfaces. Multiple application methods can be used – a paint sprayer provides a smooth and even finish, especially for large surfaces and for smaller areas or detailed work, brushes and rollers can be used. 

A minimum of two coats are applied and we recommend hi build vinyl for a top-quality finish. Sufficient drying time is given between coats and after the final coat. 

Customers should inspect the container regularly for signs of wear or damage and touch up the paint as needed and keep the container clean to maintain the paint's appearance and effectiveness. 

Repainting a shipping container offers numerous benefits, from protecting against rust and improving aesthetics to enhancing its value and usability. Regular maintenance and repainting can extend the container's lifespan and provide opportunities for customisation and branding. Whether for personal use, business, or resale, repainting is a valuable investment in the container's longevity and functionality. 

Grafo-Therm is a textured coating used to control condensation and improve thermal insulation inside shipping containers. A standard Grafo-Therm treatment is applied to the ceiling only. If requested, our modifications team can apply the treatment to all the internal walls too for an extra charge due to the increased time and materials used. 

What is Grafo-Therm? 

Grafo-Therm is a water-based anti-condensation coating that consists of millions of micropores. These micropores absorb moisture when condensation occurs and release it slowly when conditions change, preventing the formation of water droplets. 

Benefits of Using Grafo-Therm: 

Condensation Control: Grafo-Therm absorbs and stores moisture within its micropores, reducing the likelihood of condensation forming inside the container. By preventing condensation droplets, it helps protect goods stored in the container from water damage. 

Thermal Insulation: The coating helps to moderate temperature fluctuations inside the container, providing a more stable environment for stored items. Grafo-Therm has insulating properties that reduce heat transfer, keeping the interior cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather. 

Corrosion Protection: By controlling condensation, Grafo-Therm helps prevent corrosion on the metal surfaces of the container, extending its lifespan. Using Grafo-Therm can significantly enhance the internal environment of a shipping container, making it more suitable for storing sensitive items and reducing maintenance costs associated with condensation and corrosion. Containers can also be treated with Grafo-Therm prior to being installed with ply lining.