Outdoor Tank Winter Preparation Tips

Outdoor Tank Winter Preparation Tips

Winter weather brings unique challenges for facilities with outside tanks, such as water tanks, heated fuel oil tanks, asphalt tanks, and food processing tanks. The frigid winter temperatures often increase the risk for tank damage and emergency repairs. But this can be avoided if you prepare properly.

Insulation is a big part of winter preparation to avoid tank contents getting too cold and reducing energy costs for heating outdoor tanks. Syneffex™ coatings offer easy solutions for insulating tanks with a spray-on application that doesn’t need any exterior covering. They also prevent corrosion and are resistant to moisture and ice formation.

The great thing about our patented insulation technology is that it’s durable enough to stand up to any type of harsh weather. Our coatings are also true insulators, meaning they reduce direct heat conduction in any direction, so they can be used to keep fuel oil tanks warmer in the winter to lower heating energy costs, insulate asphalt tanks to keep the product at the needed consistency, as well as keep methanol storage tanks cooler in the summer to reduce evaporation.

With winter on the doorstep, there are some things you can do now before the really cold temperatures arrive to prepare tanks for winter and reduce the chance of any damage or need for urgent repairs.

Tips for Preparing Outside Tanks for Winter

  1. Inspect Exterior of Concrete Tanks for Cracks

Even small cracks in concrete tanks can allow in moisture and once that moisture freezes, it expands and can cause more severe damage. Repairing cracks before temperatures below freezing hit can greatly reduce the risk of a potential rupture.

  1. Check for Corrosion/CUI

If you’re using an insulation like fiberglass, foam, or mineral wool on your tank, there’s a good chance that you may have Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI), which occurs when moisture is trapped between the exterior tank wall and the insulation. Winter can make things worse by keeping moisture trapped longer.

It’s best to remove the old insulation, wire brush any rust and treat with a rust neutralizer, then apply Syneffex™ thermal insulation coatings to re-insulate the tank with a much better, corrosion resistant, and longer-lasting solution.

  1. Use Heating Elements Where Needed

If you have water storage tanks that risk freezing during the colder months, you’ll want to install heating elements or “heat traces” to prevent freezing. Insulation coatings can be used over heating elements with a water-proof exterior on them.

  1. Do an Insulation Review

Do your energy costs skyrocket in the winter when you’re working to keep outdoor tanks warm? Autumn is the perfect time to evaluate what you’re currently using and look for an insulation that can reduce your costs. Syneffex™ gives you complimentary specifications that provide you with a recommendation and quote based upon your tank dimensions, average exterior winter temperatures, and the desired internal temperature of the tank.

  1. Check & Tune Up all Systems

If a valve or overflow pipe malfunctions in the winter, it can be more difficult doing a repair in subzero weather. When the weather is still mild, check all valves, controls, pipes, alarms, and liquid level indicators to ensure all are in good working condition and ready for the colder temperatures.

Looking for Effective Tank Insulation that Weathers Any Storm?

Syneffex™ thermal insulation coatings are engineered to work well in any season and in the harshest weather. Contact us today to get a quote for tank insulation before the cold temperatures arrive. Call us at 800-858-3176 or Request a Specification online.

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