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Silos are unique structures, and waterproofing coatings are not created equal. Silo coatings like floating membranes and roofing tar are some of the cheapest to acquire. However, they are also the most likely to fail during the normal use of a metal or concrete silo. Membranes are easily punctured during routine loading and unloading or even through heavy foot traffic. Roofing tar, on the other hand, cannot tolerate foot traffic. Tar also naturally softens by the sun, allowing stored material to stick into the surface and create buildup that is extremely difficult to remove. In cold weather, tar solidifies and can easily crack and allow moisture to penetrate the silo and jeopardize stored material. Sprayed polyurethane coatings similarly do not tolerate foot traffic, are easily punctured and are sensitive to humidity.
The most effective, monolithic barrier against moisture is a rubberized coating that bonds directly to various surfaces to repair cracks and seal penetrations, laps and fasteners. Rubberized coatings have a high elasticity coefficient that moves with silo vibration caused by roof-mounted equipment or loading and unloading.
Our rubber coating reduces costly reapplications of surface protectants and can be applied to many surfaces. As a silo roof coating, our rubber coating can fix both metal silo roofs and concrete silo roofs. In addition, our silo roof-top coating has the flexibility to maintain its integrity through the changing seasons, protect against oxidation, humidity and corrosive environments while resisting alkali, salts, abrasions and fumes.
Rubber Roof-Top Coating Works On:
- Metal buildings and roofs
- Built-up roof (BUR) membranes
- Grain silos and bins
- Silo exterior walls
- Single-ply roofs
- Urethane foam roofs
- Steel bolted joints
- Concrete silo roofs
Additional Benefits of Rubberized Silo Coatings:
- Not a floating membrane
- Offers excellent adhesion to aluminum, galvanized steel, painted surfaces, modified bitumen, steel joints and many other surfaces
- Excellent in sealing cracks, laps, fasteners and roof surface penetrations
- Available in all 50 states and a variety of colors
Our roof-top silo coating method is a proven industrial roof coating system that keeps elements out and stored materials dry. Request a quote from us today.
Proper material flow in silos is important for more than just production schedules. Issues with material flow can cause increased stress on silo walls that may go beyond what the silo was designed to withstand. Not only does this cause cracking, spalling and possible wall separation, it can also lead to structural failure.
Silos that were initially designed with internal reinforcement sometimes face cracking or delamination of the concrete. When this is seen on the silo exterior, it is important to schedule a silo inspection as soon as possible. Such damages are often caused by overstressing of the horizontal reinforcing as a result of material flow issues.
What is silo post-tensioning?
Tension is a critical component in silo repair. If the silo is still structurally sound, certain damages caused by failing interior steel reinforcement can be repaired by post-tensioning. Post-tensioning silo repair uses high-strength post-tensioning strands that are placed around the exterior of the silo. These tensioned bands essential take over the structural support of the original internal steel by keeping walls sturdy against additional stress caused by asymmetric flow.
During this restoration process, a qualified engineer uses factors such as silo size, stored material weight and how the silo is used to determine tension specifications necessary specifications for wall reinforcement. After the strands are properly tensioned through a hydraulic process, steel lock couplers are positioned and tightened. Once completed, the tensioning assures that the silo can be safely used. Once the silo is restored through post-tensioning, it can then be returned to its actual load capacity.
Request a silo repair quote by scheduling your inspection today.
View our video, How Often Should I Have My Silo Inspected, or view our full library of videos on silo inspection, silo maintenance, and silo restoration on 
Finding a Long-Term Silo Roof Coating
Silo roof coatings protect both stored materials and the silo itself. Silos experience roof movement cycling and heavy vibration during loading and unloading. This constant movement makes it important to ensure that your silo coating can move with the structure. One of the most common coatings selected by facilities is a membrane coating. While these can be made from rubbers or urethanes, they have several limitations that result in higher long-term expenses.
- Membrane roofs are not designed for any foot traffic as they are easily torn or punctured.
- Ultraviolet light and heat dry out membranes, leaving them brittle.
- Regular frosts and thaws can lead to cracking.
- A short life span necessitates frequent replacements.
- Membranes 'float' above the surface, allowing moisture to spread under the coating and cause unseen damage.
When looking for a silo roof-top coating, high elasticity, direct bond coating products, and resistance to foot traffic provide the greatest ROI with minimal maintenance. Our environmentally-friendly roof-top silo coating adheres directly to the silo surface with a rubberized bond that moves with the silo surface during vibration from loading and unloading and vibrating equipment. This prevents chipping of the roof-top and silo coating and ensures a water-tight seal. In addition, we cover all cracks, holes, equipment attachment points, and penetrations during application to ensure water tightness of your silo.
We start with a base coat that adheres directly to the roofing surface and acts as a filler for small imperfections that could lead to moisture penetration and result in roof failure. We then use a rubberized top coat, which adds durability, resistance to foot traffic, and UV protection. The unique coating can be used on both concrete surfaces and steel.
Take steps today to implement our proven industrial roof coating system. Request a quote from us today.
