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Jumpform silo construction is a newer construction method that has been used for the last 30 to 40 years. While it is a more economical solution to silo construction, the end result is also one of the strongest construction types available.
The system relies on a Jumpform machine, or rig, consisting of a form and scaffolding system. This reusable silo framework is set up in just a few days. The system is available in a variety of diameter sizes, from 10' to 65'. Once the desired diameter is selected, the system is assembled on site. Once in place, reinforcement steel is set, quality control is checked, and the inside form is created. Concrete is then poured into this frame in a slow, controlled process in 4' tall intervals until the desired height is reached.
The ability to ensure the quality of the reinforcement steel placement and equipment before pouring the concrete directly results in a high-quality concrete silo. Once completed, the silo will retain a grid-like pattern on the exterior where the form had been in place.
What makes Jumpform silo construction so economical? In addition to the reusable frame, the incremental schedule, rather than the continuous schedule used in Slipform construction, reduces costs by approximately 20%.
Additional benefits:
- The construction process is not adversely affected by weather events. Since the silo is constructed in 4' segments, it is easy to halt construction and pick up where it left off.
- The incremental process also allows staggered delivery of construction materials. This keeps the construction area smaller.
To learn the step-by-step Jumpform process and to understand its efficiencies, watch our Jumpform silo video.
Check out our full library of silo inspection videos on silo maintenance, inspection and repair on 
for more information.
for more information.Time, weather and usage are all contributors to the degradation of silo structures. How often you keep your silo topped off and what kind of material you store can also impact how your silo performs. To keep your silo utilization high and your production goals on target, it's just as important to prevent material flow issues and compaction as it is to address visible damage like cracks, spalling or rust. It's important to observe your silo or storage dome frequently for signs of damage or changes in performance. This helps ensure you catch warning signs early on to address issues before they reach a critical level. However, an in-house silo inspection, cleaning, or repair should never replace professional services. Doing so increases safety risks and can lead to missed or exacerbated issues that may result in structural failure, possible environmental damage, injury, or loss of life.
When it comes to the proper intervals for silo inspections, best practices recommend professional inspections at two- to five-year intervals to help identify any issues that could lead to silo failure. Silo inspections should include examining the main aspects known to be potential areas of failure. These inspections should consist of the foundations, walls, cones, discharge configuration, floors, shelves, tunnels, and roofs.
Experienced silo inspectors or silo engineers can only identify many serious issues during an in-depth examination of silos that are empty and free from material buildup. Therefore, when combined with silo cleaning, however, a professional silo inspection can thoroughly examine the inside of the silo structure, including roof beams and beam pockets, cones, floors, shelves and tunnels for signs of wear or damage.
Sticking to a regular silo inspection schedule with a trusted professional silo inspection company pays for itself. Thorough inspection and silo maintenance, you increase the useful life of your silo, reduce unplanned downtime, and uphold production goals. What's more, the lack of silo maintenance is a leading cause of silo failure.
View our video, How Often Should I Have My Silo Inspected, or view our full library of videos on silo inspection, silo maintenance, and silo restoration on .
.Finding a Long-Term Silo Roof Coating
Silo roof coatings protect both stored materials and the silo itself. Silos experience roof movement cycling and heavy vibration during loading and unloading. This constant movement makes it important to ensure that your silo coating can move with the structure. One of the most common coatings selected by facilities is a membrane coating. While these can be made from rubbers or urethanes, they have several limitations that result in higher long-term expenses.
- Membrane roofs are not designed for any foot traffic as they are easily torn or punctured.
- Ultraviolet light and heat dry out membranes, leaving them brittle.
- Regular frosts and thaws can lead to cracking.
- A short life span necessitates frequent replacements.
- Membranes 'float' above the surface, allowing moisture to spread under the coating and cause unseen damage.
When looking for a silo roof-top coating, high elasticity, direct bond coating products, and resistance to foot traffic provide the greatest ROI with minimal maintenance. Our environmentally-friendly roof-top silo coating adheres directly to the silo surface with a rubberized bond that moves with the silo surface during vibration from loading and unloading and vibrating equipment. This prevents chipping of the roof-top and silo coating and ensures a water-tight seal. In addition, we cover all cracks, holes, equipment attachment points, and penetrations during application to ensure water tightness of your silo.
We start with a base coat that adheres directly to the roofing surface and acts as a filler for small imperfections that could lead to moisture penetration and result in roof failure. We then use a rubberized top coat, which adds durability, resistance to foot traffic, and UV protection. The unique coating can be used on both concrete surfaces and steel.
Take steps today to implement our proven industrial roof coating system. Request a quote from us today.
