Container House Air Tightness

The air permeability of container houses can be improved through reasonable design and maintenance, but attention should be paid to ventilation issues caused by material hazards and structural defects. Its air permeability is influenced by multiple factors such as materials, structure, design, and usage and maintenance. The specific analysis is as follows:

I. Material Selection Directly Affects the Foundation of Air Permeability

The wall material of a container house is the core factor determining its air permeability. If flammable sandwich materials such as polystyrene and polyurethane foam are used, not only are there fire safety hazards, but their sealing properties can also hinder air circulation, resulting in a stuffy indoor environment. Although rock wool boards and fireproof cotton (Class A fire resistance) that meet fire safety standards can enhance safety, if not paired with air-permeable designs, they may still affect ventilation due to the material's density. In addition, a composite structure of fireproof gypsum board + moisture-proof film for the inner layer can achieve basic air permeability through the microporous structure between materials, but it is necessary to ensure that there are no gaps during construction to avoid excessive sealing that hinders air exchange.

II. Structural Design Should Balance Ventilation and Functionality

1. Space Layout Optimization: When expanding functional areas through split-level design and splicing combinations, ventilation channels need to be reserved. For example, stacking up and down can create natural convection, and leaving an aisle or courtyard on the ground floor can enhance air circulation. When splicing combinations are used, avoid complete enclosure and retain doors, windows, or ventilation openings to create a cross-ventilation effect.
2. Synergy between Lighting and Ventilation: Installing large floor-to-ceiling windows and roof skylights not only improves lighting but also utilizes the thermal pressure principle to promote air rise and create natural ventilation. For example, a café in Mogan Mountain uses sandwich panels with aluminum foil reflective layers, combined with adjustable sunshade roofs and bottom ventilation slots, to achieve an air-permeable effect of 'comfort without air conditioning'.
3. Avoid Structural Defects: If the cutting and welding cuts are not polished or the anti-corrosion treatment is not in place, rusting in the later stage may damage the integrity of the wall, leading to air leakage through gaps or structural deformation, indirectly affecting air permeability.

III. Usage and Maintenance Are Key to Ensuring Air Permeability

1. Regularly Check Sealing Properties: The sealant around doors and windows, the joints of the container body, and the roof gutters need to be replaced every 5-7 years to avoid air leakage or water infiltration caused by aging and cracking. At the same time, clean the leaves on the roof to prevent water accumulation from corroding the steel plate and maintain the air-permeable performance of the structure.
2. Prevent Internal Condensation: When the temperature difference is too large, condensation water is prone to form on the bare steel plate walls, which not only damages the wall but also reduces air quality. It is necessary to keep the indoor environment dry and air-permeable through methods such as wall and roof insulation layers + vapor barriers, installing exhaust fans or high windows, etc.
3. Reasonably Use Auxiliary Equipment: In container houses with strong airtightness, fresh air systems or air purifiers can be used in combination to force air circulation and compensate for the lack of natural ventilation.