Silos are incredibly formidable storage containers that are widely used. They’re often associated with the agriculture industry, but they can most certainly be made use of in other industries or businesses. However, despite its general strength and bearing, it’s still prone to deteriorating and wear and tear as time passes.
Silos Are Bound to Have Concerns
When silo issues come up, naturally, whatever’s been stored in them is also bound to have quality issues. This is why any concerns should be addressed immediately. Accidents cannot be prevented, but certain issues can. Aside from that, its very structure and even structures, equipment, and people nearby could also end up in troublesome situations.
Since degradation is inevitable with silos as the years pass, there will be risks that come with it. Risks include failure of the roof and/or structure, leaks, debris falling, and even fire or explosions.
Silo Maintenance Matters
It’s important for a silo to undergo routine maintenance and inspections, too. Professionals should only be called in every two or so years, barring other factors that can switch up frequency. This way, its operation can keep pushing on safely. Material buildup, cone issues, wall cracking, and multiple issues with the roof are some of the most common ones. It’s best to nip possible issues in the bud through regular inspections and maintenance of the silo in its entirety.
There are plenty of things that can be examined without immediately calling on professionals first. In-house inspections can do just as well, as long as the right things are checked up on, such as:
The Silo Roof
One of the crucial parts of any structure is the roof. The silo is no different. Issues can start from the roof’s coating on top: peeling or cracking are signs that shouldn’t be ignored. However, the real problem comes with water penetration.
When there are roof issues, many people will blame leaking. To begin with, the contents being affected by the leak will lead to costly damage beyond the structure itself. But sometimes, pooling water is as big a problem as leaks. For example, pooling rainwater that goes unaddressed can also lead to roof deterioration.
Excess water where it shouldn’t affect the metal components of the silo, like roof beams, leading to corrosion.
The Silo’s Outside Surface
Needless to say, the exterior of the silo needs to get checked on for quality as well. Despite usually being made out of concrete, wear and tear can develop on silos as time passes. This can include the likes of cracks anywhere from the walls to the foundation. These cracks can signify the concrete starting to delaminate (break up into layers). Delamination is particularly dangerous for silo walls since it can mean imminent collapse.
Conclusion
Regularly inspecting the components of a silo is a key part of its maintenance. The formidable storage containers will experience wear and tear over time. In-house maintenance should include checking on the likes of the roof and its outside surface. Now that you know more about silo component inspections, make sure to work only with a reputable silo inspection team.
Need help with silo construction and engineering in South Hutchinson, KS? Reach out to Borton today! We’ve done over 6,000 projects throughout the years, from silo inspection and repair to bulk material conveying.
