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.

 

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

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.

 

 

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.

Steel silo construction is widely applicable to both industry and agricultural uses. Whether storing grain or fly ash, steel silos — like all storage silos — must keep stored materials safe until they are needed for use. As with other silo designs and stored materials, steel silos are likewise susceptible to material flow issues, leaking or other failure and require regular, routine maintenance.

 

When it comes to maintaining your bolted steel silo, it's essential to check for corrosion and leaking issues. Over time, all steel silos are susceptible to corrosion. When evaluating your steel silo, it's important to check the amount of corrosion on the wall at the joints to identify potential leaking. Because moisture can accelerate corrosion, it's also important to examine the silo foundation or base for signs of stagnant, sitting water.

 

Leaking steel silo joints can also be caused by weak spots in the seam as a result of an aging gasket. The gasket, located between the flanges on bolted steel silos, tanks or vessels can become dry and brittle over time, allowing moisture in or stored material out. Temperature and pressure differential from pneumatic loading or negative pressure from dust collection systems can also compromise the integrity of the seam.

 

When you have corrosion and leaking issues present, it's essential to have the bolted seams professionally repaired. Following inspection, Marietta Silos' repair consists of caulking all the seams, both vertical and horizontal. Once the caulking has dried, a rubberized coating material is sprayed over the caulking at the joints. This resilient coating bonds directly to the steel to restore the efficacy of your storage silo. Unlike other coatings that act as a floating membrane, the rubberized coating withstands the normal fluctuations encountered at silo seams, protects against corrosion and withstands temperature and weather extremes. The repair process offered by Marietta Silos reduces or eliminates leaks in bolted panel seams.

 

This recent case study examines two corroded bolted steel silos that were in need of repair to avoid leaking and other failures. For this repair, the silos suffered from extreme corrosion and risked leaks due to a compromised gasket.

 

To learn more, be sure to check out our full library of silo videos on silo maintenance, inspection and repair on .