USA Silo Services provides thorough inspections of concrete and steel silos to assess structural condition, identify potential issues, and support maintenance and restoration planning. Each inspection is performed by experienced professionals using a consistent, methodical approach backed by decades of field experience to help identify issues early, reduce risk, and prevent costly structural failures.
Inspection scope and depth vary based on your structure, access conditions, and operational needs. We offer multiple levels of inspection to match your requirements.
Much of the damage in concrete silos is preventable with regular inspection and maintenance. Third-party inspections provide an objective assessment and help identify issues early, before they become serious concerns.
If your silo hasn’t been inspected recently or shows signs of deterioration, scheduling an inspection is a critical first step.
Choose the inspection level that matches your structure, access conditions, and operational needs.
A visual inspection of accessible areas to identify obvious signs of wear, damage, or deterioration. Best for routine checks and low-risk structures
A more detailed inspection that includes interior access and a closer evaluation of structural and operational conditions. Recommended for aging or moderately complex structures
Includes all Level 1 procedures, with additional testing and interior evaluation.
A complete, in-depth inspection designed to fully assess structural integrity and identify critical risks, performed by a senior silo design engineer. Ideal for high-risk structures or pre-restoration planning
Includes Level 1 and Level 2 procedures, with expanded access and detailed engineering evaluation.
A.I. Supplemental Inspection is available as an add-on to each inspection level.
All inspections begin with a detailed visual assessment of accessible areas. Our team evaluates structural components, identifies visible signs of wear or deterioration, and documents overall condition as the foundation of the inspection process.
A.I. Supplemental Inspection is available as an add-on to enhance analysis and support more detailed evaluation. By applying advanced image analysis and data processing, this method helps identify potential issues that may not be easily detected during a standard visual inspection.
Marietta Silos utilizes a mobile inspection trailer equipped with specialized tools and testing equipment to support on-site inspection. This allows our team to perform detailed evaluations efficiently while maintaining safety and minimizing disruption to operations.
Our inspections focus on the structural areas most susceptible to wear, deterioration, and failure.
A strong foundation is essential to overall structural stability. Cracking and erosion around the foundation are often visible during general inspection when above grade, while issues such as settlement require closer evaluation by a qualified professional.
Silo walls are subjected to significant horizontal and vertical stress throughout their service life. These forces can lead to horizontal, vertical, or diagonal cracking, as well as offset joints in stave construction. Cracking may indicate deeper issues such as delamination, which can compromise structural integrity and increase the risk of failure if not addressed.
Discharge cones are frequently a primary point of failure and require close inspection for wear, weld condition, and structural integrity. Floors, shelves, and tunnels are also critical areas, particularly where steel and concrete meet. These interfaces can trap moisture, allow movement, and lead to material leaks or structural deterioration.
Silo roofs are exposed to both environmental and operational stress. Overfilling, vibration, loading conditions, and material buildup can all contribute to structural strain. Without proper maintenance, these factors can lead to roof sagging, compromised structural components, and an increased risk of failure.
Silo inspections assess structural integrity, detect cracks, corrosion, or foundation issues, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Regular inspections prevent costly failures and ensure safe operations.
Professional silo inspections are recommended at two- to five-year intervals, though annual inspections might be necessary for silos subjected to extreme use, aging silos, or those that face high-stress.
Inspections are conducted by certified engineers or specialized silo service companies such as Marietta Silos or USA Silo Service.
OSHA mandates inspections for confined spaces and structural safety. Proper silo inspection ensures compliance and worker safety.
A professional silo inspection evaluates the walls, roof, foundation, and internal systems for cracks, corrosion, moisture, or material buildup. Inspectors provide a detailed report with recommendations for repairs, maintenance, or reinforcement to ensure safety and compliance.
Cracks can result from foundation settling, temperature fluctuations, overloading, moisture infiltration, or improper construction. Early detection through regular inspections prevents structural failure and costly repairs.
A silo is structurally sound if inspections show no significant cracks, corrosion, wall bulging, or foundation issues, and if it meets engineering load and safety standards. Professional silo inspectors use visual assessments, testing, and sometimes drones or non-destructive methods.
Foundation inspections include checking for settling, cracks, moisture damage, and soil stability. Engineers may use level measurements, ground-penetrating radar, or load testing to ensure the silo remains stable.
Warning signs include large cracks, wall bulging, leaning, rusting steel panels, foundation movement, or unusual noises. Immediate action is required to prevent collapse or operational hazards.
Drone inspection is part of an AI Supplemental Inspection service that uses automation and artificial intelligence to deliver precise analytics and enable digital twin 3D modeling of silo structures. This technology allows businesses to automate silo inspection management, track damage detection, and streamline budgeting and risk mitigation. The AI Supplemental Inspection add-on is available at all three inspection levels offered by Marietta Silos and USA Silo Service.
Request a silo inspection to identify potential issues early, evaluate structural condition, and plan for maintenance or restoration. Our team provides thorough assessments to help you protect your structure, improve performance, and avoid costly repairs.
If you have a project you would like us to assist with, contact us directly or complete the form below to get started.
