Container Cover Roofs

Container Cover Roofs

Cost effective solutions for roofing systems, storage & warehouses.

Shipping Container Roofing Kits Have You Covered

Convert your existing shipping containers into functional and secure storage or working area by adding a SteelMaster shipping container cover.

SteelMaster provides an economical solution for a variety of needs by adding a roof between two shipping containers, also known as Conex boxes, sea cans, or ISO containers, with our innovative steel container cover kits.


One Roofing System, Many Applications

Shipping Container Warehouse

Shipping Container Warehouse

Good for commercial and industrial applications

Shipping Container Storage

Shipping Container Storage

Versatile, durable, affordable storage

Shipping Container Garage

Shipping Container Garage

Add extra storage to your garage.

Learn More

Shipping Container Barn

Shipping Container Barn

Perfect for bulk & ag storage

The Ultimate Guide to Container Covers

The Ultimate Guide to Container Covers

Check out real-life SteelMaster projects & learn more about:

  • The features and benefits of arch-style container covers
  • Step-by-step arch construction
  • Technical specs & certifications

Shipping Container Cover Roof Projects

See container cover structures from a few of our many satisfied customers.

 

Why Use Container Covers & How They Work

A container cover is a prefab roofing system attached to one or multiple shipping containers to create storage space that shelters property and people. 

Originally invented by SteelMaster as a solution for storing bulk items in a cost-efficient manner, container covers combine shipping containers with prefabricated steel roofing to create storage structures that can be used for a variety of purposes. 

Container covers have become one of the preferred storage solutions for commercial and industrial uses for several reasons:

      ✔ Easy, quick, and cost-effective to construct with a small crew

      ✔ Potential for expandable storage 

      ✔ Good for bulk items or equipment storage

      ✔ Can be disassembled and reassembled in different locations

To create a shipping container cover shed, all you need are shipping containers, and a SteelMaster kit.

steel arch roof mounted on two red shipping containers with solid rear steel endwall and a boat inside of the structure

Container covers ready to ship

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“We needed something that would comply with hurricane standards and be acceptable for the airport, to provide a nice airy secure space to do our work. Your solution was the best one for the space that we had without requiring us to relocate to another place.”
Shaen T., Hawaii

Container Cover Configurations

Most of the container covers we sell are custom designed to meet unique usage, environmental regulation, and code requirements. These are the main ways they differ.

Open-Ended Container Roof Structure

Open-Ended Container Roof Structure

  • Two shipping containers with no endwalls
  • Most common container cover configuration
  • Typically found on construction sites or other working areas
Partially-Enclosed Container Roof Structure

Partially-Enclosed Container Roof Structure

  • Common for bulk storage
  • Allows large equipment to drive inside and easily maneuver throughout the structure
  • Another container can be moved against the back of the structure to create a partial endwall
Fully Enclosed Container Roof Structure

Fully Enclosed Container Roof Structure

  • Prefabricated steel endwalls on both ends can be used for a more conventional building appearance
  • Offers added security/protection for items inside of structure
  • Can add garage door or other openings needed to endwalls

Mounting Your Container Cover Roof

Roofs can be attached to either the inside edges or outside edges of the two containers, referred to as “inside mounts” and “outside mounts.” For the largest industrial-scale projects builders can also mount a roof on top of stacks of two shipping containers.

Outside Mount Roof

Outside Mount Roof

  • Ideal for adding endwalls & enclosing space
  • Roof completely covers the containers
  • Clears water from the roof
  • Allows for extra dry storage on top of conex boxes
Inside Mount Roof

Inside Mount Roof

  • Typically cheaper depending on configuration
  • Covers only space between shipping containers
  • Ideal for creating a covered workspace between units
  • Makes the roof narrower & more cost-effective

How To Design & Build Your Container Cover

The SteelMaster team has decades of experience helping customers both plan and design their container cover buildings through consultations with our experienced project managers.

Before you get started on your container cover project, it is helpful to do some planning to understand the construction so that the roof system fits your exact needs. 

1. Determine size & container arrangement

The most common container cover buildings use between two and four shipping containers. Because your containers will act as walls for the building, this decision will also impact the final size.

We recommend shipping container buildings to start at 20 feet wide and go up to 50 feet wide.

The width of your structure will depend on how far apart you place the containers from each other. You must also decide whether or not you want to mount the arches on the inside or outside of the container.

2. Get state-stamped blueprints

SteelMaster provides blueprints reviewed by an in-house professional engineer to make sure a building meets or exceeds building codes in your area. Whether it’s needed for permitting or not, getting wet-stamped blueprints that clearly lay out your building’s design, profile, and structure is critical to the design process.

3. Arrange shipping containers

Now that you know the exact details of your building, it’s time to prepare for construction. Start by placing the shipping containers in the desired location and take final measurements.

4. Attach baseplates

In order to attach the roof to the shipping containers, you’ll use the provided steel base connector to mount on either the inside or outside edge of the top of the shipping container. How the plate is attached is up to the customer, but most weld the plate after consulting a local engineer.

5. Assemble roof arches on ground

Each arch uses one size nut and bolt and should be assembled individually on the ground before being lifted into place.

6. Bolt arches to baseplate

Lift each arch into place and bolt to the steel baseplate. Tighten nuts and bolts once all the arches are in place to complete the container cover roof.

Custom Container Cover Options

From easy to advanced, we provide options in configuring a container cover building that fits an industry need.

Customization Options Open Ended Structure Fully Enclosed Container Building
Endwalls None needed. If it’s acting as equipment storage, keeping the ends open is an option Can be customized to include any type of entryway that fits underneath the roof and can be aesthetically upgraded
Accessories None needed. With no endwalls, you won’t require optional add-ons to complete the building Steel endwalls, doors, and skylights are common options for enclosed structures
Doors None needed Can meet any door requirements, including man and/or garage doors
I priced it out with three different companies and [SteelMaster was] the quickest response and the best price for what we were looking for.
Joel M., Alaska
Pricing & Size Options For Container Covers

Pricing & Size Options For Container Covers

The cost of a steel shipping container cover building ranges between as low as $12 up to around $25 depending on the endwalls and other accessories chosen with sizes that typically range between 20’ and 50’ wide.

All steel container covers use steel gauges that range between 22 gauge and 14 gauge, depending on the structural needs of the roof.

The length of your container cover building depends on the number of containers you use, how long they are, and the way you are arranging them.

Shipping containers mostly range in size between, 20′ and 40′ long with a standard height of 8’ 6”, and will determine the length and final height of your container roof building.

The final container building size and square footage are a combination of the length of your containers with your desired width of the roof between them.

The smallest container cover building width we’d suggest is 20′ with the largest spanning 50′ wide.

SteelMaster can go as wide as 50’ in some cases but these buildings are custom designed per the request of our customers.

SteelMaster’s container cover structures can be wider than 50′; however, SteelMaster is happy to offer custom sizes for customers who have needs for structures larger than 50’ wide to ensure your area’s load requirements are met.

 

Small Container Covers

Small Container Covers

  • 2 containers
  • 20′ – 25’ wide 
  • 7 – 9′ roof, plus height of containers

Any container cover roof that spans less than 25’ is considered to be a small roofing application. You can typically get by with lighter gauges of steel because of the relatively small width of the roof.

Medium Container Covers 

Medium Container Covers 

  • 2 – 4 containers
  • 30’ – 35’ wide 
  • 11’ to 12’ roof, plus height of containers

For additional storage, you may need to use several container covers to add more length and/or widen the building. This is an ideal solution for businesses that need larger and more durable storage buildings.

Large Container Covers

Large Container Covers

  • 4 – 8 containers
  • 40’ – 50’ wide 
  • 14’ to 18’ roof, plus height of containers

The largest container-cover buildings can use multiple shipping containers to provide more length and/or stack containers on top of each other to create buildings suitable for large-scale commercial storage. 

Shipping Container Building FAQs

Are container cover roofs expensive?

The short answer is no. More specifically, with the money saved on construction, maintenance costs, and using our team of experts to design your building, a container roof becomes one of the most economical building choices on the market.

Our projects and prices range from just supplying the prefabricated corrugated steel panels and connector plates to designing and delivering commercial-scale warehousing solutions.

What are the available sizes for shipping container buildings?

The smallest container cover building width we’d suggest is 20′ with the largest spanning 50′ wide.  Keep in mind container cover building dimensions can be anywhere in between these sizes and in certain geographies, larger models may be available.

How difficult is it to install container roofs?

Shipping container roof systems are designed to be as simple to erect as they are to use. Kits are made of pre-cut steel panels that only use one type of nut and bolt.

Can I use a shipping container roof structure as a shed?

If your shipping container shed design is 20′ to 50′ wide, you can absolutely use your building as a shed! Building a shipping container shed has several benefits, including:

  • Durability
  • Low maintenance
  • Self-supporting roof (no beams or trusses)
  • Functional and secure storage

What’s a container cover building?

A container cover building installs a roof between two existing shipping containers and converts wasted space into a functional building.

What are container cover roofs used for?

Popular for industrial, commercial or construction applications, container covers are one of the most versatile and affordable building options available. Applications include but certainly aren’t limited to:

  • Storage buildings
  • Garages
  • Onsite heavy equipment cover
  • Workshops
  • Barns
  • Offices
  • Sheds

How can I customize my project?

We work directly with our clients to design and engineer custom container buildings. From the space between the containers to the parts and accessories you want, each container cover we sell is designed only for our customers. Our team allows you to keep it simple with a dirt floor or go large with a secure storage facility.

Get Inspired

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