Frequently Asked Questions About Tank Coatings

Steel and metal tanks are used for a variety of reasons. These tanks may hold gas or propane that is used to power or heat a home or building. The tanks can hold water. They can hold chemicals. Or the tanks can be used to transport any of these items. If you have a tank that is used to hold or transport water, food, chemicals or other materials, you may have heard about tank coatings. However, if you aren't familiar with this term, you likely have many questions about it. Here are a few frequently asked questions about tank coatings.

What is a Tank Coating?

A tank coating is a protective material added to the exterior, interior or both parts of the tank, to help protect the metal. There are different materials used to coat a metal tank including polyurethane, epoxy, rubber and polymer. The material that is best for your tank varies based on many factors. Some of these factors include the size of the tank, the expected lifespan of the tank, the weather elements the tank is exposed to, what materials you plan on storing in the tank and your budget.

What Are the Benefits to Tank Coatings?

There are many reasons why you should consider coating your tank. Learning about these benefits will help you decide if it is ideal for you. Here are a few of the top benefits to coating a tank.

  1. A coating protects your tank from corrosion. Humidity, rain and temperatures can all cause the exterior of your metal tank to rust or corrode over time. An exterior coating can help coat the metal so that this doesn't happen.
  2. A coating helps to prevent leaks. If your metal tank develops a crack, the item stored in your tank can leak out. This can cause you to lose water, or worse can cause a chemical spill. An interior or exterior coating helps to prevent this from happening, as it is another layer the material would need to seep through. Additionally, if your tank is already cracked, a coating can help seal these cracks.
  3. A coating helps to control maintenance costs. Maintaining metal can be costly. You have to remove rust, corrosion and seal it. Coating it helps to control these maintenance costs, as the coating needs less maintenance. If you are looking to minimize your tank maintenance, a tank coating can be a great way to go about doing so.

Are Tank Coatings Good Forever?

If you are looking into tank coatings, the last question you may have is whether tank coatings are good forever. Unfortunately, they are not. Your tank coating may need to be repaired or your tank may need to be recoated. The lifespan of a coating varies based on many factors, including what material the coating is made from, what materials have been stored in the tank, how well-maintained the tank and coating are and what weather elements the coated tank is exposed to. However, a coated tank will often give off signs that repairs or re-coating are needed. Some of the signs that a tank needs to examined include:

  • Brittleness of the coating
  • Signs of the item being stored leaking out
  • Swelling of the tank walls
  • Softening of the tank walls
  • Visible cracks
  • Discoloration on the tank walls
  • Corners or sides of a square or rectangular tank looking uneven

Talking with the installation company about the lifespan of the tank coating and looking out for these signs will help you determine when your tank coating may need to be repaired or replaced.

Deciding whether or not to have a tank coated can be a difficult decision. However, getting answers to the questions you have will help you make an informed and educated decision as to whether it is something you should consider for your tank. Contact companies like RSR Industrial Coatings Inc for more information.


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