ARMORTHANE
CASE STUDY: SILO WATERPROOFING
An Example of How ArmorThane’s
Polyurea Coatings Excel at Providing Silo Waterproofing Protection
PROJECT OVERVIEW
A client with a business centered around silos was in need of a better replacement for their existing bitumen waterproofing. Water had begun ingressing into their silo to see substantial product losses, which then also led to corrosion of the lower level sheets. Now damaged and in need of replacement, they decided to search for a more reliable waterproofing technology that would be capable of meeting their operational demands. For this, the client sought ArmorThane’s assistance knowing our broad scope expertise and full-service capabilities make us the perfect partner. After reviewing their request we suggested opting for one of our specialty polyurea waterproofing formulations to create a more robust and longer-lasting seal than what bitumen can provide. The client trusted our recommendation, and we swiftly worked to complete their installation.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The process of applying their new silo waterproofing can be broken down into four main steps:
STEP 1: REPAIRS AND
REPLACEMENTS
Before being able to apply a new polyurea coatings system the silo first had to be repaired. The old corroded sheets were replaced with new galvanized steel, and the concrete plinth was prepared using high-pressure water jetting; but it’s important to note that the moisture introduced by water jetting is non-problematic for the subsequent application of polyurea, as the project and formulation specifications allow the waterproofing material to bond to a damp surface.
STEP 2: SUBSTRATE
PREPARATION
Substrate preparation is critical for a successful installation but there are instances where little to no action is required before a surface is ready for application. This project was one such example, as the new galvanized steel sheets meant there was no need for abrasive blasting or a bonding bridge and only a short rinse was employed. However, to address concerns about the polyurea membrane shifting its position, we chose to apply a polyurethane sealant at the interface between the metal sheets and the supporting plinth. Lastly, the final surface preparation step was to use roofing torches to dry the area before placing a final layer of sealant to further improve adhesion.
STEP 3: APPLICATION
With the substrate prepared all that was left to do was to apply their new polyurea waterproofing system. For this project, we recommended using EnviroThane, our most wear-resistant material that features exceptional abrasion resistance as well as high tensile strength and elongation. More importantly for this project, EnviroThane can be applied to damp surfaces and in cold temperatures; considering this project was completed in the winter months, these properties were a huge advantage. After using high-pressure spray equipment to deftly apply two uniform layers, the job was nearly done, and the coatings themselves took it from there.
STEP 4: CURING
AND DRYING
Once the polyurea formed on the surface of the silo’s base, it subsequently began curing within several minutes of being applied. The full curing time varies based on the formulation, local temperatures, ventilation, and countless other factors, but with polyurea having one of the fastest curing times out of any commercially available coating technology, they enjoyed a more rapid return to service than by any other means.
THE RESULTS
After the curing process was complete and the silo returned to operation, our client was quick to inform us of his exceeded expectations, and soon placed a second order to seal another silo base. So with one innovative technology and an industry-leading partner, they were able to save time and money while also making their jobs as easy as people.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It’s both easy and effective to seal a silo with a waterproofing technology like polyurea, which takes place in three main steps: The first step is to prepare the substrate, which can involve replacing surface materials or making chemical and mechanical modifications to the surface. Then with the substrate ready the second step is to apply the protective coatings, and the third step happens automatically once the mixture has reacted and begun to cure. The final result is a waterproof and watertight silo with additional strength and protection.
For any silo, one of the best waterproofing methods is undoubtedly polyurea, a high-performance spray elastomer technology used to protect surfaces in numerous contexts. That’s because polyurea forms a waterproof and watertight membrane that keeps surfaces safe from water damage while simultaneously providing broad scope protection from myriad chemical and mechanical risk factors.
The major drawback to polyurea coatings, whether for silo waterproofing or something else entirely, is that polyurea has what’s known as a short pot life. In other words, polyurea cures so quickly that there’s only a narrow window of opportunity to correct for any mistakes, so applicators must work quickly and precisely to capitalize on polyurea’s performance potential.
IN CONCLUSION
This case study serves as a representative example of how a polyurea coatings system can serve as a high-performance waterproofing technology for silos, and more generally, the efficacy of polyurea technology as a broad scope waterproofing method. By partnering with ArmorThane, you have full access to the world’s one-stop shop for everything polyurea and polyurethane, including innovative formulations manufactured in-house, a network of ArmorThane-certified applicators and businesses, and lifetime technical support. If you want to see the same results enjoyed by our client in this case study, contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help protect your silo and its contents with only the best in waterproofing coatings.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TYLER GLECKLER
I am a chemist with a specialization in nanotechnology and applied materials chemistry. My work has focused on the characterization of optoelectronic materials, namely including semiconductor nanocrystals.
