Commercial water tanks can be constructed with various materials to meet the needs of the individual client, with concrete being amongst the most common. Is concrete safe for commercial water tanks and what are the benefits and possible disadvantages of concrete water tanks?
Brief Overview of Different Commercial Water Tank Materials
Depending on the purpose and scale of the construction of a commercial water tank, various materials may be used. Small water tanks used for single commercial properties such as retail shops can sometimes be made of fibreglass plastic or fibreglass, for example.
For large-scale commercial concrete tanks, however, more durable materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and concrete tend to be the most practical. Metal alloys, while certainly structurally sound, can be at risk of corrosion and tend to cost significantly more than concrete, which is why concrete tends to be extremely popular.
Advantages of Concrete Commercial Water Tanks
Why is concrete amongst the most common materials used for commercial water tanks? Below are a few of the key advantages that concrete has to offer:
- Unmatched durability and strength: the natural properties of concrete are such that after about 28 days, the chemical reactions between the cement, water, and aggregates form an incredibly strong bond that – all other things held equal – becomes stronger and stronger over time. This is essential for water storage tanks that can hold immense volumes and pressures of water, keeping the weight of the water secure inside whilst protecting the exterior from the elements.
- Fully customisable solutions for your needs: concrete can be formed in just about any way desired, meaning that designs can be as small or as large as needed to meet your individual capacity needs.
- Low maintenance, high efficiency: as mentioned, concrete tends to get stronger over time and requires little maintenance. This facilitates maintenance and ensures peak efficiency at all times. Potable water held in concrete tanks generally needs a sealant or liner which may require replacement over the years, but otherwise little maintenance is required.
- Eco-friendly and safe: as a completely natural material (or rather, compound of materials), concrete is non-toxic and inert, making it a sensible eco-friendly material for commercial water tanks.
- Versatile applications: concrete water tanks can be used for a wide array of different applications such as agricultural irrigation, fire protection, stormwater management, and much more.
Potential Disadvantages of Concrete Commercial Water Tanks
What should you be aware of before choosing concrete for your commercial water tank?
- Cracks & leaks: concrete, while strong, can nevertheless be prone to cracks and potential leaks due to poor construction, expansion or contraction, or from unstable ground/foundation.
- Leaching: lime can potentially leach into the water supply if no sealant or liner is used. This can be a major issue for potable water supplies.
- Weight & foundation considerations: as a heavy building material, concrete is somewhat constrained by its own weight when building large water tanks. Ensure that a solid foundation is laid and that the concrete is engineered appropriately for your needs.
- Bacterial growth: without sealant or a liner, concrete water tanks can be breeding grounds for algae and bacteria.
All of these disadvantages can be reduced by choosing a reputable commercial water tank installation company near you.
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