In today’s modern age, shipping containers are no longer just used for the transportation of goods—they can also be transformed into innovative houses with style.
As with traditional-style homes, shipping container homes can be customized with various features to fit your lifestyle. This includes modern replacement windows that improve air circulation while allowing more natural light into your living space.
There’s no way around it: the nature of these properties really does make choosing the right windows extra important. In this blog, we’ll discuss all you need to know about shipping container homes in Ontario and the importance of high-quality shipping container window installation.
What Is a Shipping Container Home?
Shipping container homes are constructed from old steel containers typically used for moving goods across borders. They are small enough to fit on trucks and trains and can be loaded onto ships to transport products across the globe.
Eventually, shipping containers get recycled or stored away for other uses such as building homes. They can be stacked on each other to create additional space and can withstand extreme weather conditions when installed on a strong foundation.
Most importantly, shipping containers can be equipped with versatile components to increase their energy efficiency and save utility costs—this includes windows.
Cost of a Shipping Container Home
An empty shipping container can be purchased for around $5,000, but the cost of an actual functioning container home can be anywhere from $25,000 to $500,000—much of this is tied into furnishing and the value of the land.
The exact costs of these furnishings will also depend on several factors, such as the installation of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC units. It will also factor in the labour costs of cutting the shipping container doors as well as the window frames.
How Windows Benefit a Container Home
Whether you’re building a residential or commercial property, shipping containers are a great choice to meet your living or working needs. However, in order for it to be a functioning property, you need to ensure yours is properly insulated by equipping it with the right windows and doors.
Because these steel containers are hollow, it means it can be difficult to regulate temperatures inside during summer and winter. The solution is to install windows strategically within your living or working space. This will help improve your home’s insulation capabilities, allow more natural light to flow in, and increase ventilation inside the container.
Installing shipping container windows also increases your home’s curb appeal and overall resale value. These adjustments need to be planned to be carefully executed, so make sure you have the right tools and materials prepared.
Materials Used for Shipping Container Windows
Windows made to fit shipping containers can be made from a variety of materials and types of glass, each with its pros and cons. Some options include:
Insulated Glass
An insulated glass window is made from two or three panes of glass, each separated by an extremely thin layer filled with air or argon gas. These substances have insulation properties that better regulate heat.
Dual-pane windows are more cost effective, while triple-pane windows offer the best energy-efficiency. When compared to single-pane windows, adding additional panes helps keep hot air in and cold air out so your HVAC systems are less strained. Insulated glass is also good for reducing noise pollution.
Vacuum-insulated glass is also an option, in which a vacuum-sealed layer replaces the aforementioned air or gas.
Fibreglass
This window material is extremely popular due to its overall performance, especially as it pertains to energy efficiency.
Fibreglass is made from fibre-reinforced resins, meaning you can install a less bulky window frame without compromising durability. This makes it ideal for shipping container properties, as it can easily withstand harsh climate conditions.
Plexiglass
This kind of glass is actually synthetic glass. However, it’s another popular material used in shipping container windows because of its impact-resistant properties. It’s considered more durable than traditional glass as it is essentially shatterproof. It’s also incredibly lightweight and flexible enough to be shaped into various forms.
Obscure and Tinted Glass
Installing tinted glass in your shipping container can help block harmful UV rays. Meanwhile, obscure glass lets a bit of light in but is not transparent enough to compromise your privacy.
Choosing the Best Windows for Shipping Containers
Similar to choosing windows for a traditional home, the types of windows you install into a container home will ultimately come down to personal preference. Here are some of the best options to elevate your living space:
Sliding Windows
Shipping containers often have sliding windows built into the container wall. Those looking for extra large windows will appreciate these, as not needing to open outward means they are more space-efficient.
Fixed Windows
Fixed windows do not open or close. Their main purpose is to let the natural light in, but are also quite safe given they cannot be opened without being broken. A low profile fixed window would be best suited for a container home.
Casement Windows
This type of window is hinged on one side and opens outward like a door. While they are not the most space-efficient offering, casement windows offer excellent ventilation—something that is likely to be appreciated by shipping container homeowners.
Awning Windows
These are similar to casement windows, except the hinge is at the top and they open outward from the bottom. Awning windows offer excellent ventilation and can be left open during rainy weather as the window acts like an awning, hence the name.
Specialty Windows
Those looking to upgrade their shipping container home may opt for specialty windows. Specialty shape windows offer nearly unlimited options for customization, adding personality to any type of home in which they are installed!
Professional Shipping Container Window Installation
Knowing all about container homes and their windows is great, but finding where to get them is even more important—Clera Windows + Doors is the answer!
We provide comprehensive window replacement and installation services to Ontario homeowners, offering a wide variety of high-quality products at affordable prices. We take care of everything from designing and manufacturing to installation and maintenance. No project is out of our scope, and that includes ones as unique as shipping container windows.
For more information about our services or to get a free home estimate, call us today!
