When you’re working with tank waterproofing, the weather is more than just something to keep an eye on. Climate directly affects how well your waterproofing holds up over time. From sealants to coatings and liners, how they perform day to day depends heavily on the conditions around them. Heat, humidity, cold snaps or constant dampness can all influence how waterproof your system is and how long it lasts.

Understanding how climate impacts your tank helps stop small problems becoming bigger ones. Getting ahead of issues like expanding seals in summer or cracks forming during a cold snap means fewer headaches down the line. It also helps in choosing the best waterproofing options—what works in one region might wear down much faster in another. Knowing what suits your tank’s environment best can save time, money and stress.

Seasonal Changes and Tank Waterproofing

Not every season treats a tank the same. Hot months expand materials, cold ones make them shrink. And that back-and-forth takes a toll. The trick is staying ahead of weather swings and preparing your tank for what’s coming.

During the warmer months, high temperatures can soften certain coatings. Constant exposure to the sun may cause blistering or cracking in sealants not rated for heat. When summer stretches out long, it’s easy for expansion gaps to open up around seams or access points.

Winter brings a different challenge. Materials contract when the temperature drops. That shrinkage can lead to rigid liners losing grip or pulling away from tank walls. It can also cause small cracks to widen, letting moisture find its way in.

To get your tank through the seasons in better shape, focus on steps like:

– Inspecting sealants before seasonal changes and replacing ones that are brittle or flaking

– Using UV-resistant coatings if the tank is in direct sunlight

– Choosing flexible sealants that maintain grip as they expand and contract

– Clearing drainage paths before wet months to prevent pooling

– Planning tank cleanouts during milder seasons to reduce delays

For example, a facility in a hot climate used a thick rubber liner not rated for extreme heat. By the end of summer, the liner had warped, opening up gaps where water seeped behind it. With a heat-resistant material, that could have been avoided.

Seasons are part of the deal with tanks. Getting ahead of them means your waterproofing works better for longer.

Impact of Humidity and Rainfall

Heavy rain and high humidity can turn tank waterproofing into a big challenge. Water finds its way into even the smallest openings and stays there longer in wet conditions, which causes materials to break down faster. In regions with year-round humidity or frequent rainfall, you need different waterproofing solutions than tanks in drier zones.

Moisture shows up everywhere. In wet conditions, seams, weld joints and inspection hatches can become weak points. Without proper waterproofing built for that environment, tanks face problems with corrosion, mould or peeling liners. Humidity can even quietly affect the inside of your tank depending on ventilation and usage.

So, if your tank sits in a spot that gets a lot of rain or stays damp most of the year, you’ll want waterproofing materials that continue working when they’re always surrounded by moisture, not just when the odd storm rolls through.

Here’s what holds up better in wet conditions:

– Waterproofing with moisture-resistant backings or adhesives

– Liners that stay flexible and grippy in high humidity

– Coatings that block water from soaking into surface pores

– Built-in drainage at the tank base to prevent water build-up

– Topcoats that slow down the growth of algae, mildew and spores

If left alone, damp conditions do more than damage materials—they create a long-term mess. Smart planning means your waterproofing works well beyond the install day and holds up through soggy seasons.

Dealing with Temperature Extremes

Tanks that sit outdoors endure everything the weather throws at them. When temperatures swing wide—scorching heat by day and freezing temps by night—it puts stress on waterproofing systems. Materials stretch and shrink, back and forth, which wears them down.

If your location sees winter nights near freezing and summer days in the high 30s, that thermal stress hits hard. What starts out as microcracks in a liner or minor blistering in sealant could lead to major failures two or three seasons down the track.

Here’s what performs better in locations where temperatures don’t stay steady:

– Flexible polyurea or bitumen-based coatings instead of rigid ones

– Liners that stretch and return to shape without tearing

– Sealants that retain flexibility between 10°C and 40°C

– Design elements that allow for safe material movement

– Darker coatings only when they’re tested for UV durability

Frequent checks after extreme weather events help catch early warning signs too. A tank that passes inspection one month may not pass the next if it’s gone through a storm or heatwave. Look closely at joins, entry points and curved areas where stress tends to build up.

Picture a metal tank on a cold morning. As the sun hits, that metal expands. If the liner inside can’t move with it, it starts disconnecting at the edges. By the time the temperature drops again, tiny tears might already be letting moisture sneak in. Flexible solutions make a big difference in places where the temperature never stays put.

Choosing Climate-Appropriate Waterproofing Materials

Not all waterproofing products are built the same, especially once you factor in climate. A material that performs well in dry heat may fail when it’s exposed to damp, coastal air or winter frost. Choosing the right solution is less about following the label and more about knowing your local weather patterns.

In hot, dry locations, surface temps climb quickly and stay high. You need materials that stay strong without softening or cracking. UV exposure is another stress point, so go with finishes that won’t chalk, fade or peel after months under strong sunlight.

In colder areas, the focus should shift to flexibility and elasticity. Stiff patterns crack faster in winter when the seal tightens and settles. Softer components allow room for surfaces to shift and move without separating.

In rainy or coastal zones, moisture needs special attention. Waterproofing should work even if the tank is surrounded by standing water. Look for additives that fight algae and high-bond liners that stay stuck through seasons of saturation.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Hot and Dry

– UV-stable polyurea coatings

– Light-coloured finishes to deflect heat

– Liners with flexibility to adapt to thermal movement

2. Cold and Frost-Prone

– Rubber-based membranes that move with temp swings

– Sealants that won’t go brittle in low temps

– Breathable top layers to reduce condensation

3. High Rainfall or Coastal Areas

– Cement-based layers with water-repellent additives

– Sealants and adhesives that hold firm through saturation

– Algae-resistant protective coatings for longer life

It’s often not the installation day that shows a fault. Weaknesses appear with time after harsh weather patterns or when seasons don’t follow their usual pattern. Think about the worst-case weather and plan for that. Protective overkill is often better than costly replacement.

Keeping Your Waterproofing Working Over Time

Waterproofing isn’t something you can install once and forget. Like every part of your tank, it needs a bit of upkeep. Coatings wear down, liners shift, sealants age and the sun does its part too.

One of the better ways to keep waterproofing in good shape is by making upkeep part of your schedule. Inspect the tank at least twice a year—after the height of summer and before the colder season sets in. Keep an eye out for patches, cracks, odd water use patterns or damp marks near seams.

Here are a few key tasks to include in your care plan:

– Check liners and coatings for sagging, peeling or wear

– Test seal points around hatches, pipe entries and base areas

– Scrub off algae, mould or dirt traps—they hold water against surfaces

– Watch for corrosion, especially in older metal tanks

– Take notes to track wear patterns and repeat damage over time

Even small cracks or lifted edges can become expensive problems if ignored. If you catch issues early, patches and touch-ups may be all that’s needed to avoid full repairs. And stay current with weather trends. A summer that’s more humid than usual may change the type of wear you face going into the next season.

Some tanks do fine for years without a hitch—until one wild storm brings stress it was never built for. If your waterproofing is older or hasn’t been checked in a while, now’s the time to reassess if it still suits current conditions.

Protect Your Tanks With the Right Strategy

Climate does more than just steer which waterproofing approach works best. It slowly breaks down systems layer by layer over the years. Whether you’re dealing with dry heat, soaking humidity, strong winds or frost, every shift in weather has a long-term impact on your tank.

Picking materials meant for your conditions is a strong start. But even better is watching how your tank behaves across different seasons. If the same areas are constantly showing wear or damage shows up faster after summer ends, it could mean something in your waterproofing plan is off.

Tanks offer clues when something’s going wrong. Small leaks, changes in water levels or coating dullness are worth investigating. Taking regular notes, making smart product choices and planning around your climate all help push back costly repairs.

Pay attention to what your tank deals with on a daily basis. Matching your waterproofing setup to your climate gives it a better chance to stay strong, reliable and sealed for years to come.

When it comes to protecting your tanks against the forces of nature, a comprehensive approach that considers your specific climate conditions makes a world of difference. For expert guidance on tank waterproofing that suits your local environment, reach out to ATM Tanks. Our team can help you choose the right materials and methods to keep your tanks secure and operating efficiently year-round.