FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
Q- Aren't shipping containers just hot ovens when they are used for homes or offices?
A- Absolutely not! Sure, if you don't know what you're doing and don't insulate them properly, they can be. We begin our projects by using ceramic spray insulation which protects our units from corrosion and adding and extra layer from our steel panel to the inside unit. Once the unit is fully spayed, our steel stud framing process begins, follow by conduit run for all electrical and plumbing setup, and as this process is completed, we add the layers of spray foam to the unit in order to achieve a therm and temperature controllable area. In fact, if you build a home, office, emergency shelter or storage unit using Spray foam, the structure will probably be more energy efficient than a conventional bat insulated home.
Q- Why are mobile homes and RV trailers being used at emergency locations like Katrina instead of AVANTE modular homes?
A- We have no idea. But our homes would be a great solution. An AVANTE home is safer, stronger, lower cost, and mobile. AVANTE emergency homes and shelters should be a primary housing solution for a disaster location.
Q- Your website recommends the use of the NASA type Ceramic Insulation Paint for use on AVANTE Homes. Isn't the Ceramic Insulation too expensive for that use?
A- No, it is actually less expensive than fiberglass or foam insulation. The basic cost of the Ceramic Insulation Paint material is about $700 per 40' AVANTE or C-BLOX unit. The paint is applied to the exterior surface and allows more space inside the home if needed.
Q- What about rust and corrosion? Won't a metal shipping container rust quite easily?
A- No. Remember, an AVANTE home is made from a shipping container used for ocean shipping, humidity and saltwater. A shipping container is made from a special, non-corrosive Corten steel; then, when coated with the Ceramic Insulation paint, it becomes virtually rust proof and also prevents mildew, mould and is highly antiseptic.
Q- Who wants to live in a home that looks like a Cargo Container?
A- Most of the homes do not look like a Shipping Container. AVANTE is only the super-structure shell. It can be covered with any surface, wood, stucco, vinyl siding, or anything. However, the cargo container look is becoming a bit trendy and some prefer all or part of the home to remain natural. The beauty is that your home can have any look you want when finished.
Q- Which cities would ever allow Shipping Container homes in their neighbourhoods?
A- Any intelligent Planning Commission will approve such homes and development. They are already being accepted. An AVANTE is already designed to meet any building codes. The exterior design can become any look you want. A conventional home design can be made of multiple AVANTE units for economy and super strength. It doesn't matter whether you use wood walls or AVANTE walls, the exterior will be the same. With some education by AVANTE Developments, these homes will be readily received in all Canadian cities and towns for many reasons.
Q- Are AVANTE homes tall enough to comply with building codes?
A- Building codes usually require 8' ceilings. An AVANTE is 8.6' tall internally. If you want a higher ceiling you can buy HC containers which are about 12" taller than the standard AVANTE. So yes, the standard AVANTE is even taller than necessary and we can even do 16 ft height or higher.
Q- I read that an AVANTE Home is hurricane proof. Is that true?
A- Yes, AVANTE Homes, either single units or multiple units connected, can withstand
100 MPH winds on a foundation, or 175 MPH winds when easily anchored with pylons. They are extremely solid in tornados or hurricanes.
Q- Is it true an AVANTE Home is earthquake proof?
A- Basically yes. Even in a direct hit, the structure my possibly roll around a little but certainly not collapse. It would be the most perfect safety cocoon in an earthquake. It would be at least 100 times safer and stronger than a conventional housing structure.
Q- Why promote the use of AVANTE in home and office construction?
A- AVANTE shipping container modules are the most logical structure base for multiple reasons. They are the strongest structure; stronger than wood, concrete, and even stronger than normal steel buildings. They also have a lower cost per square foot than other base structure. They are truly Eco-Green structures, made of 85% recycled steel, and fully recyclable if demolished. They are energy efficient; because the metal is so cohesive to the Ceramic Insulation paints they are #1 in energy efficiency. Finally, their use reduces the extreme surplus of Shipping Containers being stored near our harbours, ports beaches and even inland cities.
Q- I recently bought a Tuff Shed at Home Depot. Now I see you recommend using AVANTE for storage sheds. Why?
A- Tuff Sheds are very strong and economical, BUT, for the same price you can have an AVANTE shed, easily add the outer wood panels, windows and small roof. Even if you pay for the modifications the cost will be the same; the look will be the same, but your AVANTE Shed will be 100 time stronger and theft proof.