Building a Roof Between Two Shipping Containers

The project: Building a pitched roof between two 40ft shipping containers

Our customer; a couple working on establishing a smallholding for their retirement, wanted to create a roofed space between two 40-foot shipping containers. The area underneath would serve as a storage space, shelter for animals and a dry parking space for vehicles. and a base for The roof itself would be used to mount solar panels to generate renewable energy, and to collect rainwater. 

Their situation came with some unique challenges: the structure needed to be durable but non-permanent due to planning restrictions. Any change of use of the smallholding could mean potentially having to move and having to dismantle the building entirely, and the council would be inspecting the site in five years’ timeHence both the building restrictions and the potential for having to relocate meant that welding was not an option, so they searched for a different solution.

The problem: Attaching a metal roof without welding

The couple faced several hurdles:

• Planning restrictions: The strict planning permission requires the site to potentially be vacated and restored in 5 years, which hopefully won’t be the case. However, as a result, the couple sought a roof attachment solution that could be easily dismantled if necessary.
  
  
• Load-bearing requirements: The roof needed to support solar panels while ensuring water runoff for rainwater harvesting. As the metal roof is very large it also required an attachment solution that was exceptionally sturdy to ensure stability and safety.
  
  
• Non-permanent solution: They needed a method that avoided welding or drilling into the containers. There were several reasons: to not damage the containers which decreases their value, to avoid compromising the containers’ structural integrity, and also to make sure the structure could be taken apart more easily in the future. 

The couple researched many potential solutions but they realised that most off-the-shelf container roofing kits were either too far away, not suitable for their needs or were not good enough quality. This led them to  further research until they found Domino Clamps.

The solution: Domino Clamps for a secure, flexible container roof construction

When the couple found Domino Clamps they consulted with a local fabricator, who reviewed the clamps and confirmed they were an ideal solution for securely attaching the large metal roof to the shipping containers without welding or drilling. 

The contractor then proceeded to complete the design of the dual pitched roof, planning ten points of contact with the containers where elements of the structure would bolt to the Domino Clamps.  . 

The design made use of two queen post triangular trusses, one at each end of the structure. Four Domino Clamps attached four queen posts for the roof, with a raised tie beam to allow larger vehicles in and out of the structure. Another four Domino Clamps attached to the external four corners of the containers support the bottom edge of the gable end trussed rafters, and the final two clamps attached the bottom of the rear wall. 

 

 Construction of the container roof (see bottom of this article for more photo footage)

The build: Step-by-step roof construction

The construction process involved three main phases:

1. Planning and container placement
   Before starting the roof installation, the couple carefully positioned the containers on concrete pads to ensure the space between them was perfectly aligned. This precision was crucial for fitting the support beams and ensuring everything lined up perfectly.
   
   
2. Attaching Domino Clamps and support beams
   The end trusses were installed and fixed to the 40ft containers using the Domino Clamps. These were held in place with a crane while the ridge and rafters were added for frame to become self-supporting.Thje some temporary scaffolding was put in place so the crew could install the purlins and covering.  All this was done with just mechanical fixings and went up in a single day.
   
   
3. Installing the roofing material
   The metal roof sheets were installed over the purlins, creating a sturdy and weather-resistant structure. The couple added guttering to facilitate rainwater harvesting.

The couple described several key advantages of using Domino Clamps. They appreciated the simplicity of the clamps, noting that "you attach them, tighten them, and you are done!"

“Simplicity. You attach them, tighten them, and you are done!”

For their planning restrictions, the Domino Clamps were ideal because they provided a sturdy but non-permanent solution that could even be removed without leaving marks or damage. Additionally, they highlighted the excellent value for money, as the clamps were a cost-effective alternative to more invasive or permanent methods. If need be, the entire structure can be dismantled and moved or sold to another owner if necessary. 

The result:
A durable shipping container roof for a container barn

The completed structure is a durable, barn-like space that perfectly meets the couple’s needs. It provides storage, shelter for animals, and a base for solar panels. Thanks to Domino Clamps, the build is secure, weatherproof, and fully compliant with the local council’s requirements.

The couple’s contractor was impressed with the quality of the clamps, and the couple appreciated how easy they were to use as Clive said: "I attached the Domino Clamps myself, and I’m fascinated by how well they work."

The finished container roof over the two shipping containers (see bottom of this article for more photo footage)

Conclusion

For their first container-based construction project, the couple did an absolutely impressive job creating a durable and functional roof between two shipping containers. They overcame challenges like planning restrictions and the need for a removable yet sturdy structure.

They designed a roof that is secure, customised, and removable without compromising the containers' integrity. Their project demonstrates that thoughtful planning, professional input from their local contractor, as well as the right container accessories were all key to achieving such a remarkable outcome—a result clearly visible in the photos.

 

When we asked the couple to describe Domino Clamps
in three words, they said “Value for money.”

As the couple looks forward to spending their retirement planting crops and caring for animals, we wish them the best of luck in their new venture and a wonderful, fulfilling retirement.

 

See the construction process:
Preparing the site for the two 40ft shipping containers

Delivery of the shipping containers to the site

Both containers are in place and ready for the container roof to be added

Constructing the roof between the two shipping containers

Adding the metal roofing material

 

The result: A big container roof between two shipping containers

 

For more inspiration and guidance, we recommend you to explore our other resources, or feel free to email us or leave a comment below this article.

• Check our article with several shipping container roof ideas, canopies, pergolas, awnings and more.
  
  
• Have a look at our other case studies here to see how customers are using Domino Clamps.