When it comes to maintaining above ground tanks, waterproofing is one of those things that can’t be left to chance. It’s easy to overlook because everything might look fine on the surface, but tank waterproofing plays a big role in keeping your system safe, functional and in good shape over the long run.
Waterproofing helps stop unwanted water movement both into and out of the tank which can affect operation, water quality and even cause structural damage. Done properly, it acts like a barrier that protects the tank from inside and out, especially when your tank is exposed to different weather or used for tougher jobs like storing fuel, chemicals, or large amounts of pressurised water.
Preventing Leaks And Water Damage
Leaks are tricky. They often start small and go unnoticed until they’ve caused a much bigger problem. The right waterproofing helps stop these before they get that far. When a tank is properly sealed, it prevents water from seeping out as well as unwanted water from creeping in.
Here’s what properly applied waterproofing helps defend against:
– Drainage of stored liquids due to cracks or poorly sealed joints
– Entry of rainwater or groundwater into the tank that could contaminate contents
– Moisture build-up that leads to mildew or rotting around and under the tank
– Interior and exterior damage that weakens the tank over time
Think of a cracked roof with no sealant during a storm. Water finds the smallest gap and before you know it, it’s collecting where it shouldn’t. The same goes for a tank. A hairline crack may let water in or out, and that adds up over time. Not all leaks are dramatic. Sometimes they move slowly but still create major damage. Having solid waterproofing helps avoid expensive fixes down the track.
Protecting Tank Integrity
Even if your tank looks fine on the outside, it might be weakening from the inside. Waterproofing gives an extra layer of protection that helps support the tank’s structure. This matters more for tanks made of materials like concrete or metal since moisture exposure can lead to corrosion or cracking over time.
These signs might mean your tank’s starting to wear down:
– Fine cracks along joints or small patches of rust
– Soft or spongy areas near the bottom of the tank
– Flaking or peeling along the surface
– Discolouration around edges, base, or weld points
Once signs like these appear, the tank’s already under more stress than it should be. Exposure to moisture that’s left unchecked eats away at your tank from the inside. Waterproofing acts like a protective shield and lowers the amount of water getting through. If your tank needs to maintain a certain pressure or temperature, a stable and well-sealed structure is even more important.
Rushing through waterproofing or skipping it altogether might not cause an issue today, but over time it causes the whole system to wear down much faster. Investing in strong protection now means fewer headaches later.
Enhancing Durability And Longevity
A tank with good waterproofing lasts longer and works harder without problems. Moisture damage can do more than just stain or erode surfaces. It can shorten the life of your system. Since tanks require major investment to replace, their lifespan matters.
Here’s how waterproofing makes tanks more durable over the long run. It protects from things like harsh sun, mineral build-up, temperature shifts, and damp exposure. Without proper sealing, these forces gradually break down coatings and linings. Over time, small issues grow into bigger ones like leaks, cracks or rust patches.
Good waterproofing tackles the issue at the source, preventing all that pressure on weak spots. This means:
– Fewer major repairs
– Less unexpected downtime
– More stable tank performance
– Fewer emergencies and budget blow-outs
Tanks that sit outdoors all year round, especially in hotter or wetter climates, deal with expanding and shrinking materials constantly. That back-and-forth movement weakens joints and seams. A strong waterproof coating helps everything stay together, no matter the conditions.
And the money side makes just as much sense. If you stretch out your tank’s lifespan, you’re getting more from your original spend. A well-protected tank might last years longer without needing resurfacing or costly replacement parts. That’s why investing in waterproofing is less about fixing a problem and more about avoiding one altogether.
Choosing The Right Waterproofing Materials
Not all tanks are built the same. Different sizes, materials and purposes mean different waterproofing needs. Using the wrong material can lead to early failure even if everything looks good at the start.
Here are some of the most used tank waterproofing materials:
1. Epoxy coatings – A solid fit for metal tanks. They create a strong anti-corrosion seal and hold up to a variety of liquids.
2. Polyurethane membranes – Flexible and sturdy. These are great if your tank goes through temperature changes often.
3. Bitumen-based sealants – Common with concrete tanks. They’re long lasting and resist pressure from water movement.
4. Cementitious compounds – Best for internal tank linings. They block water while still allowing surfaces to breathe.
5. Polyurea coatings – Frequently used in commercial or high-volume set-ups where quick curing is needed.
Make sure the material suits the tank’s job and location. A tank used for drinking water needs a food-safe material, while one storing harsh liquids needs something chemically resistant. Local climate also affects things. Coastal tanks face more daily moisture, while inland tanks cope with heat and cold patterns. Matching the coating to both the setup and environment is key to long-term results.
Take time to choose the right method instead of going with the one that looks easiest. Fit-for-purpose waterproofing stays effective longer and saves trouble at every stage.
Ensuring Regular Maintenance And Repairs
Once your tank is waterproofed, keeping it that way means more than just ticking a box. Waterproofing only works well if it’s supported by regular checks and touch-ups. Even the best coating can fail if scratches, cracks or bubbling go unnoticed.
Make inspections a regular part of your tank care routine. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
– Bubbling or peeling coating
– Small cracks forming at seams or edges
– Spongy spots when you walk near the tank base
– Changes in surface colour or texture
If something looks a bit off, acting sooner usually means smaller and cheaper repairs. Letting issues build up often leads to disruptions or having to replace parts instead of patching them.
Don’t forget about the area around the tank. Shade structures, footings and drains can affect how water flows or sits. These all change the pressure a tank experiences, so adding them to regular checks helps a lot.
Periodic pressure checks also help pick up waterproofing issues that aren’t easy to see. High-use or large tanks benefit from routine testing to make sure the waterproofing still holds. Even if the tank isn’t being used constantly, damage can still creep in slowly from weather or age.
Think of waterproofing more like keeping a roof sealed or caring for a car’s paint. It needs consistent care if it’s going to perform well year after year.
Why Year-Round Waterproofing Pays Off
Waterproofing your tank works best when it becomes part of your long-term approach. Instead of waiting for signs of breakdown, it’s smarter and cheaper to keep your protection in great shape throughout the year.
Over time, most problems begin from small gaps where moisture enters or escapes. These small gaps often go unnoticed until they create far more serious situations. Whether your tank runs daily or sits idle for long periods, a strong waterproof barrier cuts down the risk of leaks, rust, or system failure.
Looking toward the hotter months, well-done waterproofing helps regulate internal tank temperature better and keeps external weather from impacting what’s inside. Constant exposure to fluctuating temperatures can undo weaker seals faster, so going into summer with a well-maintained tank is a simple win.
Even spending a few minutes each month checking for surface changes or clearing out debris around the tank pays off. Prevention spares you from emergency call-outs, messy clean-ups and replacement costs. Good waterproofing saves time and keeps your system working as expected, season after season.
Stay ahead of potential issues and keep your tank in top shape with reliable tank waterproofing from ATM Tanks. With the right sealing method and regular maintenance, your tank will stay protected, work better for longer and help you avoid unexpected repairs. Let ATM Tanks take care of everything with a tailored solution that suits your setup.
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