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

General Storage

General Storage

Versatile, durable, affordable storage

Warehouses

Warehouses

Good for commercial and industrial applications

Garages

Garages

Add extra storage to your garage.

Learn More

Barns

Barns

Perfect for bulk & ag storage

Equipment Storage

Equipment Storage

Expandable and portable for job-site equipment.

Sheds

Sheds

Small but mighty 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 container covers
  • Step-by-step arch construction
  • Technical specs & certifications
Pricing & Size Options For Container Covers

Pricing & Size Options For Container Covers

Typically, the cost of a steel shipping container cover building ranges between as low as $12 to $25 per sqft 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.


Pricing & Size Options

Typically, the cost of adding a steel roof ranges between as low as $12 to $25 per sqft depending on the endwalls chosen, the steel gauge needed for structural integrity (between 22 and 14 gauge) and other accessories or options selected.

Sizes can vary greatly with most between 20′ and 50′ wide. Narrower or wider buildings are available but may require additional engineering considerations.

Small

Small

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

Any 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

Medium

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

For additional storage, you may need to use several containers 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

Large

  • 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. 

 

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. 

These 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.

 

Customer Projects

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

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

Configuring Your Roof

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

Open-Ended Structure

Open-Ended Structure

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

Partially-Enclosed 

  • 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

Fully Enclosed

  • 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

Container Roof Mounting Options

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

Outside Mount

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

Inside Mount

  • Typically cheaper (narrower) depending on configuration
  • Covers only space between shipping containers
  • Ideal for creating a covered workspace between units

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

Most container roofs span across two and four shipping containers that range between 20 and 40 feet long. Because your containers will act as walls for the building, this decision will also impact the final size.

We recommend these buildings start at 20 feet wide and go up to 50 feet wide. Wider roof spans are available but may require custom engineering to meet load requirements.

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 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.

Configuration Options

From easy to complex, we provide configuration options that fit the needs of any industry.

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

The length of your container cover building depends on the number of containers you use, their size, and how you arrange 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.

 

Shipping Container Building FAQs

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. Place your containers, attach a base plate for the roof, assemble arches on the ground, and lift and bolt them into place.

What are the size limits?

The smallest roof width we’d suggest is 20′ with the largest spanning 50′ wide. However, SteelMaster can design smaller buildings using only one container or more expansive buildings beyond 50′ wide depending on your geography, engineering load requirements, and budget.

What’s a container cover building?

A container cover building uses shipping containers as support with a steel roof spanning between them to create a sheltered storage or work area.

How can I customize my project?

A container cover building is versatile and can be an ideal solution for many applications. Our team will talk you through the basics, plus additional options to customize your building, including:

  • Container placement
  • Roof size
  • Endwall configuration
  • Mounting configuration
  • Interior and accessories

Can a steel roof create a container barn, shed, or farm building?

Yes! The durability of a steel roof makes it ideal for agricultural buildings like container barns and sheds. The heavy-duty steel combined with a metal shipping container protects against harsh weather and ensures agricultural goods and equipment remain dry and secure.

Get Inspired

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