Welding a container home structure: what to check

Welding holds a container home together, from the openings and reinforcement to the joints between boxes. The quality of the welds decides how the house performs over decades.

Weld types

Fillet welds and seam welds are the common types. Each needs the right size and penetration, as set by the engineer.

Preparation

Clean the steel, remove paint and rust at the weld, and fit the parts tightly. Poor fit-up causes weak welds.

Inspection

Check the welds for cracks, porosity and undercut. Many offices want a record of the welding inspection.

Joints between boxes

When boxes are joined, the connections must carry the loads and seal against water. Use the corner castings and the approved fixings.

Protect the welds

Once the welds are checked, prime and paint them the same day to stop rust. The rust and paint guide explains the steps.

The structure follows the design in the UnedPod configurator, so share the final layout with your welder and engineer.