The Versatility of Fiberglass Tanks Make Them Ideal for Commercial Fire Protection Systems
Based on decades of experience storing hazardous and combustible liquids, fire prevention system designers may easily choose fiberglass water tanks installed located above or below grade.
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Municipalities and facility owners are looking for ways to better manage their water resources as concerns about water shortages develop in many regions of the United States.
Mechanical and fire protection engineers around the country are looking for safe, cost-effective storage alternatives to keep thousands of gallons of water for fire suppression systems.
Thousands of retail, government and commercial filling stations across North America have employed fiberglass underground storage tanks to properly store motor fuels and other petroleum products in the past. Most clients will only accept tanks that fulfill third-party listing requirements and have an established track record of reliability in the petroleum business. Based on decades of experience storing hazardous and combustible liquids, fire prevention system designers may easily choose a fiberglass water tank located above or below grade.
When it comes to materials of construction for water storage tanks, specifying engineers often have limited options. Choosing the right water tank is a significant long-term investment.
Material considerations
Fiberglass, whether utilized in above-ground or underground water tank applications, provides a whole spectrum of performance benefits that a tank designer would seek: a strong structural design that is also lightweight, quick to install, corrosion-resistant, and reasonably priced compared to other choices.
Fiber-reinforced thermoset resin composites (fiberglass or FRP) have been utilized in extremely corrosive conditions for decades as a material, not only for storage tanks but also for piping and handling equipment like ducts and exhaust stacks.
Fiberglass underground tanks are built for H-20 loading conditions as one measure of their structural strength, making them ideal for placement in parking lots and high-traffic areas.
- Fiberglass water tanks have a long history of being used in applications that need watertight design integrity, such as the storage of motor fuels. When it comes to fire protection water storage, leak-free performance is critical.
- Because expensive heavy-lifting equipment is rarely required, the lightweight nature of fiberglass reduces installation procedures and costs. When tank installation sites are difficult to reach, this is also a factor to consider.
- Large capacity tanks, up to 60,000 gal., are factory-manufactured goods that give superior quality control methods as compared to creating a tank on-site, which is subject to fluctuating weather conditions and production regulations.
- A dual-purpose fiberglass tank can be created, with a frequent example being a fire protection backup that also serves as a source of drinkable water. For potable purposes, a fiberglass tank with a National Sanitation Foundation listing can be supplied.
Conclusion
Fiberglass water tanks, both aboveground and subterranean, are a tried and true option for fire protection. Increasingly stringent fire standards typically mandate that firefighters have specialized standby water supplies to augment or replace a primary water supply that is either unreliable or too far away. New insurance regulations are also increasing the demand for a dedicated, dependable source of water for firefighting purposes.
Only trustworthy, watertight, corrosion-resistant, and structurally robust vessels should be utilized in these applications, especially in the case of subterranean tanks where leaks may go undetected.
Choosing a low-quality tank might be dangerous if the water supply isn’t there when you need it. You can get in touch with GSC Tanks for the best fiberglass water tanks.
Water storage tanks have a variety of benefits and incorporating them on your property is a wise choice. However, taking time to do your homework pays big dividends in ensuring your chosen water tank can meet the unique challenges on your property.
Types of Rainwater Tanks
1. Poly (polyethylene)
2. Fibreglass
3. Concrete
4. Metal
Are all these water tanks created equal? We'll leave it up to you to decide in this comparison below.
Poly Rainwater Tanks
Advantages:
Come in many different sizes, shapes, colours, combinations and with multiple connection possibilities. They can go either above or below ground
Lightweight making them easier to transport, position or move according to necessity. No heavy equipment necessary.
Lightweight doesn’t mean weak. Quality poly water tanks are built to withstand harsh climate conditions and resist UV damage.
Adaptable and easy to relocate.
Built as a one-piece construction, meaning there are no seams to cause weak points.
100% resistant to rust and corrosion.
Resists algae growth.
Are the 2nd cheapest after metal. But poly is more cost-effective as it outlasts metal.
Faster, easier, and cheaper installation. In fact, out of all water tank materials, poly is the easiest to install.
Non-porous.
Poly water tanks don’t leach any chemicals or lime that may impart a taste in the water or damage the material through pores on the walls of the tank.
Built using non-toxic, high quality, food grade polyethylene. Also built in compliance to AS/NZS 4020 that involves testing of products for use in contact with drinking water.
Less prone to cracking compared to fibreglass or concrete.
Disadvantages:
At the end of their life-cycle (known to be more than 30 years), proper recycling is necessary.
However, plastic water tanks can have a new life as something else, not necessarily water storage.
High fire risk – It is important to note that most tanks including poly tanks risk failure in a fire, just as any building, pump or pipework would, unless they are in a fire break zone. If your tank out survives your building, what good was the tank?
Related topic:
Top 4 Poly Water Tank Problems and the Solutions You Need to Understand Now
Fibreglass Water Tanks
Advantages:
Available in multiple sizes and work both above and below ground.
Non-porous, just like poly water tanks.
Fibreglass doesn’t corrode, but some parts may be prone to localized corrosion.
Easy to install compared to concrete water tanks.
Resistant to chemicals, something that fibreglass has in common with poly.
Disadvantages:
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Allows more light penetration which increases the likelihood of algae growth.
Requires an external UV-resistant gelcoat. If this coating is damaged, it can reduce the life of the tank.
Fibreglass is a very rigid material. This has both an advantage and a disadvantage. Whereas fibreglass can manage water pressure well, overtime its rigid and inflexible nature may give way to brittleness, leading to leaks and cracks.
This is in stark contrast to flexible poly tanks which can adapt/expand to water volume and bounce back to shape – literally – with impact.
Fibreglass water tanks are hand-crafted, requiring pieces to be connected, forming seams (unlike poly water tanks which are built as a one-piece vessel, eliminating seams).
The seams in fibreglass tanks can get damaged or separated over time, weakening the overall structure of the tank and predisposing it to leaks.
Because fibreglass water tanks are hand-crafted, there is always the possibility for human error during production. In other words, the process is highly dependent on individual skill, which may result in some inconsistencies across tanks.
Concrete Water Tanks
Advantages:
Concrete tanks can be built above or below ground, available in different sizes and capacities, pre-cast and transported to the site or built on-site.
Long-lasting.
Have maximum strength due to reinforced steel in the concrete.
Concrete itself doesn’t rust. Unfortunately, the reinforcing mesh does. More on this below.
Excellent insulating properties keeping water or liquids cooler.
Disadvantages:
Concrete water tank construction is energy-intensive making them more expensive to build and requiring more people and heavy equipment during installation.
Concrete water tanks are heavy and thus, difficult to move around. If you’re planning to incorporate some changes on your property, your plan must be reworked in consideration of the concrete tank.
Concrete water tanks are extremely porous.
Newly constructed concrete tanks may impart taste in the water or leach lime. Lime increases the pH in water. When pH reaches alkaline level, water in the tank may be prone to developing toxic algae.
Concrete can develop pores, which is a great place for bacteria to thrive in. You can have a concrete tank sealed to reduce this possibility, but that’s an additional expense!
Concrete tanks can easily develop cracks and leaks.
You may think cracks in concrete are fairly easy to repair with applications of waterproof paint, membrane or resin. However, these applications do not prevent future cracking at all.
Furthermore, hairline cracks on the surface of a concrete tank might not seem like much, but these cracks actually extend through the entire breadth of the tank.
With cracks, water in the tank can find their way through deeper layers of the concrete, causing further damage. Overtime, the reinforcing mesh can rust and be eventually exposed and rot.
Repairing cracks involve emptying a concrete tank and the application of a plastic liner in worst case scenarios. Note that plastic liners are quite expensive.
So, before opting for a concrete water tank, consider all the expenses: installation, protection, repair, and even removal when it’s past its lifetime or relocation when you need to incorporate changes on your property.
Metal Water Tanks
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Galvanised steel is coated with zinc for protection against corrosion. They're also sold with food-grade polyethylene liners to prevent the zinc from mixing with the liquid contents, consequently giving water a metallic taste. Overtime, the liner could break and need repair. You need to be more cautious when cleaning this type of tank so as not to damage the lining.
In contrast, stainless steel water tanks are protected from corrosion but are much more expensive than galvanised steel.
An important note to make for both galvanised and stainless steel is that their screws,
rivets and soldered joints may not be rust-resistant.
Corrugated steel tanks cannot be placed underground.
Moving the tanks once they are in place is difficult.
Ground work before installation can be costly and involves extensive preparation when compared to other tank types.
Less impact resistant, unlike poly, which can bounce back to shape with impact.
Related article:
Why Rotational Moulding of Poly Water Tanks is a Big Deal
Water Tanks Cost Guide and Pricing Guide
Take these key differences into consideration when making your decision about which water tank suits your needs best. We’d love to answer any questions you have about available options, so contact us today.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published on February 20, 2017 and has been revamped and updated for the purpose of accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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