How Hot Do Shipping Containers Get?

And what can you do about it.

Generally, all shipping containers that are made of steel get extremely hot.

Shipping containers can experience extreme temperature variations depending on their location and external conditions. For instance, in Costa Rica, we have recorded temperatures as high as 120°F on the roofs and side panels of containers during the hottest part of the day. These measurements were taken in a relatively cool mountain valley. Given that temperatures tend to be much higher in coastal regions, containers located at the beach likely experience even greater heat buildup.

To illustrate how different modifications can affect the internal temperature of a container, I will provide a link at the end of this document to a video demonstrating four different conditions for shipping containers in Costa Rica. The first container, with standard, unmodified walls, reached an internal temperature of 115°F. The second container, which was insulated in the ceiling, recorded a lower temperature of 95°F. The third container, though uninsulated, had a roof to reflect sunlight, and the temperature measured 99°F. The last example, a refrigerated container (Reefer) with 3 inches of insulation, maintained the coolest temperature at 85°F.

There are several effective strategies for keeping a shipping container cool in Costa Rica’s climate:

  1. Shade: Position the container in a shaded area to minimize direct exposure to the sun.
  2. Roofing: Install a separate roof above the container to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption.
  3. Reflective Paint: Use a high solar reflective (RV) paint on the container roof, even if additional roofing is present, to further reduce heat.
  4. Insulation: Insulate the interior walls using traditional insulation or spray foam for better temperature control.
  5. Cross Ventilation: Build windows on all sides to allow for cross-breezes, enhancing natural ventilation.
  6. Extractor Fans: Install extractor fans to expel hot air and improve air circulation.
  7. Air Conditioning: Finally, for more extreme conditions, installing an air conditioning unit is a straightforward and effective solution.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce internal temperatures and make a shipping container home more comfortable in tropical climates.