When it comes to cement silo maintenance, experts recommend professional cleaning by a concrete chipping company every three months or so. But, is that the only time your silos require some TLC? Of course not. Just as with any important equipment or resource your company relies on, a bit of maintenance work is sometimes necessary in between regular checks and tune-ups. Here, the General Chipping team has laid out some simple steps your crew can take to assess your cement storage silos on the regular — and address potential problem areas before they become something worse.
Incorporate Inspections into Your Day-to-Day Operations
Yes, daily silo inspections might be yet another thing on your company’s expansive to-do list. The good news is, they don’t take much time at all. Make it a point to carry out a quick walk-through among your silos at the start of your shift. (If possible, enlist help from team members you trust, to avoid such inspections becoming a time burden.) While you’re out there, look for leaking product, cracks or corrosion that might allow moisture inside and even issues such as loose screws or shaky foundations that could lead to collapse. Don’t forget to give your vents and fans a quick once-over to ensure everything is doing its job. If you do spot a potential issue, make note so your team can address it later on.
Make Minor Repairs When You Spot Issues
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times — carrying out smaller repair work when you notice trouble is the best way to ward off more extensive (and costly) repairs and replacements. Set aside a day each week or two to address worries spotted during those inspections. Tighten screws, treat areas that look to be forming rust and patch up any cracked or corroded spots that might put your silo’s airtight nature in question. Luckily, such work shouldn’t take too much time out of your busy day.
Know When it’s Time to Call in the Pros
Of course, there comes a time when DIY repair work simply isn’t enough. If cracks along your walls or liners lead you to believe your silo might be under stress, for instance, it’s probably time to call in a professional engineer to assess the situation. Yes, such work will cost more than if a team member were to tackle it, but it’s well worth the investment. Remember, work in and around your silos can be incredibly dangerous. When handled improperly, it could at minimum lead to lost material and a damaged silo. And, in the worst-case scenario? It could mean devastating injuries or loss of life.
Don’t forget to keep other larger maintenance work, such as three-month silo cleaning services, front and center, too. If you’re overdue for a cleaning, have questions about the above cement silo maintenance tips — or have another question altogether — feel free to reach out to General Chipping. Our pros are always happy to help!
