Research studies have shown that properly sealed grain bins provide numerous benefits. When a metal grain bin is properly sealed water can be kept from seeping in and causing fungus to form. Sealing also enables the effective fumigation of bugs and insects and provides the right atmosphere for pest control purposes in general. A properly sealed bin is certainly more resistant to being infested with insects and rodents. Also, when the base is properly sealed rust is prevented from taking hold and causing further deterioration.
Benefits of Sealing a Grain Bin
- Keep out Water
- Eliminate Fungus
- Keep Out Rodents and Insects
- Improved Fumigation and Atmosphere Control
- Inhibit further corrosion and deterioration
For many years now, U.S. grain elevators have had one fumigation failure after another using steel bins, all because they were not adequately sealed. This is in fact the main cause of unsuccessful fumigations. Bolted steel bins have so many joints and holes that they are especially problematic. Because of this manufacturers in the U.S. don’t usually offer bins with joints in the wall panels and/or other openings in the base, sidewall and/or roof. Furthermore aeration mechanisms such as drying fans, conveyors and sidewall doors are simply not designed to keep out insects and are very difficult to adequately seal.
Research has determined that the headspace should not be completely sealed in steel bins except for when its being fumigated or having a controlled atmosphere treatment. Otherwise there could be storage damage due to condensation unless the grain manager properly monitors the grain inside. However there should be a way to purchase the kind of bins that have a sealed or “sealable” base and sidewalls for grain elevators in the U.S. They should design steel bin roofs to keep out insects while allowing fresh air to circulate through the headspace, but quickly able to be sealed for bin treatments.
Despite all these grain bin sealing benefits, the manufacturers of grain bins in the U.S. don’t always provide seal kits as standard equipment. Furthermore not every manufacturer has adequate kits with the ability to seal the openings and bin joints to a level of tightness that will keep in phosphine gas, and keep out water and pests.
Metal grain bins have always been difficult to waterproof. It has been practically impossible to find a waterproofing product that will do the job for longer than one season. There have been many products sold on the market, but hardly any of them actually waterproof these bins for any length of time.
Even when bins are sealed with most products the metal or concrete foundations are prone to being damaged by the cumulative effects of ongoing use and weather. Grain bins are flexible and expand and contract when filled and emptied, which causes the brittle tar seals to crack and chip. These cracks and chips allow moisture to seep through, paving the way for rust and corrosion, allowing in insects and a ton of other problems to occur.
The Sani-Tred Solution
Permanently bond, waterproof, and seal Grain Bin surfaces for about half the cost of silicone caulk! Sani-Tred provides an industrial quality flexible base seal, which permanently bonds to and seals all grain bin surfaces yet expands and contracts with temperature changes & fill cycles. Our grain bin sealant product is endorsed by the world’s largest grain bin manufacturers including Brock/Butler for their new commercial bins. To find out more call 1-866-784-3308 or visit https://sanitred.com/grainbin-silo-waterproofing/