The document discusses maintenance of grain bin roofs. It describes different types of roof coverings and decking materials used for grain bins. It then outlines four common types of damage seen on bin roofs: concrete damage, loss of coating, sediment on hard-to-access areas, and corrosion. For each type of damage, it provides details on the necessary repair work. The document also discusses options for roof replacement or repair, including single-ply and liquid-applied membranes.

1. Grain Bin Roof Maintenance
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There are many types of roof coverings and waterproofing
materials used on grain storage bins.
• Metal roof coverings.
• Conventional asphalt built-up roofs.
• Single-ply membranes.
• Coatings.
• Spray polyurethane foam.
Not all bin tops have the same structural decking. Deck types
such as metal, concrete plank, poured concrete, and lightweight
cellular concretes are commonly used. The type of decking at
your facility will determine the roofing material options that
should be used for repair or replacement.
Following are four typical conditions found on bin roofs and
a description of activities needed to repair and improve the
performance of these assets.
Concrete Damage
The roof coating in this photo is
a liquid-applied acrylic set in a
polyester reinforcement. Areas of
coating wore away and exposed
the concrete decking to the
elements. This preventable failure
exposed the product inside the
bins to rain, insects, and birds. It
also created a safety hazard. In this
example, the area should have the
perimeter edge rebuilt and sealed. The
deteriorated coating should be peeled back and new product
installed to level and then waterproof the roof area.
Roofing Materials and
Processes
Typical DamageToday’s grain bins are larger, taller, and more complex than ever
before. Maintaining bin roofs to prevent water infiltration and
grain damage is vital to the grain processing industry. Facility
owners must stay current with roof maintenance and the latest
roofing materials.

2. 2Questions about maintaining or replacing your grain bin roof?
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D. C. Taylor Co. accepts no liability for the content of this
document, or for the consequences of any actions taken on
the basis of the information provided.
© 2014 D. C. Taylor Co. All rights reserved. 80.004
Loss of Coating
This is a close-up photo of a non-reinforced spread-on coating. It
has had water infiltrate between it and the concrete decking. Left
unattended and unrepaired, it deteriorated the material below.
Clean and patch areas like this before there is moisture intrusion.
Sediment on Hard-to-Access Areas
Even though areas like this are very difficult to safely work on,
they still need maintenance and can lead to costly internal
problems if not kept watertight. Dirt and sediment sitting on
a roof at this elevation indicates deflection or settling of the
roof. If an area starts allowing water into the bins, it should
be immediately sealed before causing more damage and loss.
Moisture allowed to enter the system leads to adhesive loss. Loss
of adhesion at this elevation may lead to premature failure and
possible blow off.
Corrosion
Long-term moisture infiltration into a concrete deck results in
structural damage. When moisture becomes trapped under a roof
waterproofing system, freeze-thaw cycles can be very destructive.
Besides the obvious expense of structural repairs, damage like this
can undermine the safety of the building.
If roofs are too deteriorated, repairs may not be cost effective and
replacement should be planned.
Single-Ply
One solution is to have a lightweight thermoplastic membrane adhered. At the facility
in this photo, single-ply roofing covers both the bins as well as the upper trip floor roof.
The smoothness of the membrane does not allow vegetation to grow or other debris to
build up on the surface. This type of roof can be very slippery in wet or icy conditions,
though, if employees have to travel over the surface.
Liquid-applied
Not all bin tops are acceptable for single-ply membrane designs – often due to bolt-
mounted equipment that does not meet conventional roof flashing specifications. This
application uses a liquid-applied polyester resin, which when combined with polyester
fleece forms a reinforced monolithic waterproofing and roofing membrane. The system
also provides a granular texture on the surface of the roof that reduces the slip issues of
smooth-surfaced waterproofing.
Roof Replacement
A good contractor can provide:
• The safety needed to work at these heights.
• Help sorting through your options.
• Technical services such as inspections and general preventive maintenance.
• Your project team with assistance and advice to prolong the life of your roof and protect the inventories inside.
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