Whether you are a homeowner living on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, a contractor building infrastructure in the Halifax Regional Municipality or a business owner with operations in Central Canada, reliable, secure and weather resistant storage solutions are a necessity, not just a convenience. Storage lockers and storage containers from 7ft to 20ft have exploded in popularity in Canada because they are strong, flexible and can have reliable security arrangements. They have been designed for the specific purpose of not just maintaining your valuables, but also for withstanding unfavourably outlined environmental conditions, along with potential theft or damage. We will breach the topic of the metals that are used to build storage lockers and metal storage containers in Canada, also enlighten the design features that allow for extended durability, as well as the security features that are available for storage container owners in Canada.

Why Canadians Are Choosing Lockers and Containers for Secure Storage

From commercial downtown space in Toronto, to rural properties in Cape Breton, Canadians are adopting portable storage containers for personal, industrial and commercial purposes. With sizing flexibility, especially between  7ft to 20ft long, portable storage containers are particularly suitable for situations such as:

• Equipment and tool storage for tradespeople
• Short-term business inventory overflow
• Seasonal household items
• Agricultural supplies
• Sporting and recreational equipment
• Renovation supplies
• On-site office or document storage

The convenience of portable storage containers offers a commitment-free environment for both personal and business decisions, plus their durability against weathering and vandalism makes them that much more attractive in Canada’s unpredictable climate.

Built to Last: What Metals Are Used in Storage Lockers?

The most defining aspect of these containers is their heavy buildings core and the types of metal used:

1. Corten Steel (Weathering Steel)

This is the construction gold standard for shipping and storage containers. Also referred to as CORTEN steel, which is an alloy made for high corrosion resistance. This material is highly effective against coastal corrosion, particularly salt air and high humidity, as commonly found in Nova Scotia, where blusters of salt air are normal and metal can corrode overnight.

Key properties of corten steel:

• Forms a self healing protective rust layer which mitigates long term corrosion.
• Has very limited (if any) maintenance.
• Is engineered for outdoor, marine and industrial applications.
• Has longevity of over 25 years with minimal care.

Corten steel’s strength makes it structurally resilient as the exterior walls, roof and door panels of containers.

2. Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel is another metal commonly used especially in lighter duty or modified containers. Galvanized steel is steel that has been coated with zinc which acts as a passive corrosion protection layer, however, is less corrosion resistant than corten steel.

Best uses:

• Interior shelving (needs to be reinforced).
• Secondary doors (or partition walls).
• Locker-style units in areas that are more urban or sheltered by trees and man-made infrastructure.

The cost of galvanized steel, relative to its rust resistance, is advantageous, even though it will not last as long in coastal or very moist environments.

3. Aluminum (Selective Interior Use)

Aluminum is applied to particular container modifications such as interior paneling, vents and light shelving. It’s rust-proof by nature, but not structurally strong like steel. It’s usually applied when weight reduction is of primary concern e.g. mobile containers or stacked units.

Built for Canadian Climates: Durability Features

Canada’s diverse climate demands serious durability from storage units especially in provinces like Nova Scotia where strong winds, heavy snowfall and salty coastal air are common.

Structural Features That Boost Durability:

When you choose a container made of the right materials and features, you’re not just buying space, you’re buying long-term protection.

Keeping Your Property Safe from Theft and Vandalism

Durability is just one side of the equation. For rural users and urban users all over Canada, security is just as important, particularly in response to the increase in equipment theft and property crime, as well as trespassing or unauthorized access to temporary job sites or lots.

Standard Security Features:

1. Heavy-Duty Door Systems
   • Dual door with steel rods
   • Multi-point locking systems
   • Internal locking bar options
2. Padlock Boxes (Lock Shrouds)
   • Shield your padlocks against bolt-cutters or grinders
   • Usually welded to the door for tamper resistance
3. High-Security Padlocks
   • Disc-locks, shrouded padlocks or keyed-alike systems
   • Anti-drilling and anti-picking features
4. Internal Locking Cages or Compartments
   • Add an additional layer of security from inside
   • Great for separating valuable items from general items

Security on Portable Storage: A Growing Priority in Canada

As demand for portable storage lockers increases in Canada, especially from construction companies, seasonal businesses and property managers, security features are becoming more important in the selection and customization of storage units.  

Portable storage lockers can be either mobile or semi-mobile, therefore, they can be vulnerable to unauthorized access or theft, especially if the storage locker is on-site at a construction site, farm or event area. Nevertheless, modern containers are manufactured and modified with certain threats to security in mind. 

Common Security Challenges for Portable Storage:

•  Ease of access to thieves if not locked correctly or monitored
•  Typically a remote location with little visibility and police services
•  No power source on-site for a traditional alarm system
•  Tools, equipment, valuables left unattended for an overnight or multi-day stretch 

To mitigate those issues, owners and users across Canada are upgrading to advanced and portable security solutions tailored specifically to their use case.   

Key Security Solutions for Portable Storage Units:

1. Mobile Surveillance Cameras
   • Battery-powered or solar-powered options
   • Can send motion alerts through mobile apps
   • Some offer night vision with two-way audio
2. Tamper-Resistant Hardware
   • New lock boxes welded onto the doors
   • Added security with reinforced hinges and doors to prevent a crow-bar entry
   • Inside locking systems are less visible when viewed from the outside
3. Smart Lock Systems with Geo-Tracking
   • Ideal for businesses managing many units on construction projects at multiple sites
   • Allows to control who has access remotely through additional tracking
   • Ability to lock/unlock the container through a mobile phone or other digital access codes
4. Anchor Kits and Ground Locks
   • Anchoring down the container to a concrete pad or ground plate
   • This prevents any unauthorized moving or tipping of the container
5. Internal Compartments for High-Value Items
   • Sub-divide the container to protect specific tools or equipment
   • Adds an extra layer of deterrence
6. Motion-Triggered Flood Lights
   • When the system detects movement around the container, it floods the area with light.
   • These systems can be solar powered or wired to run off a nearby power source.
   • This provides an element of safety for workers who may access the container at night.

Pro Tip for Nova Scotia Owners:

When placing portable storage in a rural location or along the coast, it might be a while for law enforcement to arrive for a break-in or trespassing attempt. Due to this possible delay, it would be wise to have a more layered protection plan in place. Layering security involves the use of physical deterrents (barriers and locks) and digital monitoring aids (smart alerts and cameras) to create a multi-faceted system of minimizing theft risk. For short-term location installations (e.g., boat yard or Christmas tree stand), temporary fencing around your containers can provide another security measure.

Optional Security Enhancements and Modern Modifications

If you utilize a container for tools, inventory or equipment that could be considered high-value items, you should take a step to upgrade it with the latest available security technology.

Popular Add-Ons in Canada:

• Smart Locks and Keypads:
  Allow remote access control via smartphone apps and retain the history of individuals who accessed the unit.
• Motion-activated Lighting
  LED and Solar-powered lights can increase visibility and deter trespassers.
• Surveillance Cameras
  Compact, all-in-one units that save video and store it to the cloud or save locally to SD cards. Perfect for remote trailers or a job-site setup.
• Alarm Systems
  Door sensors, vibration alarms and sirens that automatically trigger when tampered with.
• GPS Tracking Units
  Especially good for mobile units or high-risk items, GPS tracking will ensure recovery in the case of a theft.

Climate Considerations Across Canada

Different regions demand different modifications:

No matter where you’re located, you can tailor your container to meet climatic and security needs.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

A few simple habits can assist with extending the life of your locker or container:

• Look at the seals and gaskets every 6 months
• Ensure vents are clear and functional as the surplus moisture inside the unit can produce an internal condensation issue
• Repaint exposed or worn exteriors every 5–7 years as an added rust preventative and general maintenance
• Lubricate the locks and hinges in cooler weather
• Install Moisture traps in the event of textile, newspaper or electronic storage

With a little care, your container should last for a long time—even in the harshest Canadian conditions.

Final Thoughts: 

If you’re storing snowmobiles, managing a seasonal business or maintaining valuable equipment, we offer 7ft to 20ft storage lockers and containers that provide unrivaled protection, flexibility and peace of mind.  These storage units are not simple steel boxes, they are intelligent, customizable tools that make accommodations for the geographic, climatic and security concerns present in Canada. If you are a property owner in Nova Scotia who has experienced issues with the weather and maintains a remote property, a modified high-quality container is going to be a long term investment for you.  When deciding on a storage locker, don’t consider price alone. Look at the build materials, individual customization features and security upgrades available to meet your unique needs. It’s completely worth every dollar to know that even in a remote environment, your items are secure and your container will hold firm for years to come.