Pop-up homes have soared in popularity in recent years – and for good reason! Our units can offer a stylish, budget-friendly and sustainable living space for you and your family. Recycling an unused unit is a fantastic way to lower your carbon footprint and save money on housing costs. Bespoke conversion services allow you to customise a shipping container to your exact requirements and design your perfect living space.
Deciding whether to attach a roof when you buy a container is down to your personal preferences and budget. Leaving your unit without a roof may save you money upfront, but there are several long-term benefits of installing a roof. With that in mind, here is everything you should know about attaching a roof to your unit.
Benefits of installing a roof
The biggest benefit of installing a roof on your unit is that it will make your property more energy-efficient and should lower your monthly energy bills. Hot air rises and this means that most heat in your home is lost through the top of your property. A roof will provide additional insulation and help to prevent heat from escaping out of your home. This, in turn, should reduce your energy usage and slash the cost of your utility bills.
How to choose the best roofing style
There are several different roofing styles to choose from, each with various pros and cons. You should weigh up the options carefully and select the best roofing style based on your preferences and budget. Here are some of the most popular roof styles to consider:
- Flat – Standard units already come with a flat roof and this may be adequate for some people. Leaving a flat roof may be the most affordable option, but it can make your roof susceptible to water pooling which may cause damage to your unit in the long run.
- Shed – A shed roof is a sloped roof design that is cheap and easy to build. This roofing style is popular because it provides the ideal location for solar panels which can lead to further energy savings.
- Gable – A gable roof is what most people envisage when they image a traditional roof on a house. It features a triangle design that provides excellent water drainage and additional roof space.
Attaching a roof
The methods used to attach a roof to a unit will depend on the type of roof that you choose. Shed and gable roofs will require assistance from a professional installation company and specialist structural engineer. To install a shed roof, right-angled steel plates are welded across both sides of the unit. Wooden beams are then attached to steel plates and trusses are screwed into this beam. Finally, steel bars are installed to provide support and complete the roof’s structure.
Maintaining your roof
Your roof is subject to pressure from the elements and debris. It is essential that you take proper care of your roof to increase its lifespan and avoid costly repairs in the future. Firstly, you should protect the structural integrity of your container by avoiding putting too much weight on your roof. You should also remove water, debris and surface rust from your roof and inspect the area regularly for signs of damage. Completing basic maintenance tasks will help to keep your roof in the best possible condition.
Get in touch for more info
Installing a roof on your storage box can be a great way to reduce your energy usage and save money on your energy bills. If you are considering roofing your unit, then you should contact a specialist engineer for advice. They will be able to help you select the right roof style and advise you of the load-bearing requirements needed for your roof. We are experts in everything to do with shipping containers with over 40 years of knowledge and experience in the container hire, sale and conversion industry, and are available to answer any questions. Give us a call to find out more about attaching a roof, or for general information about shipping containers.
