We all know the unpleasant feeling of having to inspect damage to a building or vehicle and trying to determine if it rises to the level of needing to be replaced or if you’ll be able to make it work. The unfortunate reality for those in the agricultural world is that this is just a fact of life for owning a grain bin. Grain bins are tall, intentionally light as possible, and often constructed in areas of the country where the landscape is flatter and the winds are higher. So the question becomes, when do you repair a grain bin and when do you replace one?
Tips to Determine Repair or Replace Damaged Grain Bins
After a heavy windstorm, check the exterior of your grain bin. You will want to make sure the walls are not bent or bowed, but straight up and down and that the eave is parallel to the ground. Also, be sure to make sure the bin is sitting squarely on its foundation and not pushed to either side.
Next, you will want to check the sealant around the bin’s foundation. If it’s damaged, it’s possible the anchors or wall sheets have failed. You can use this time to also look for broken, missing, or corroded anchor plates and bolts.
If the bin doesn’t appear to have any external damage and is sitting properly on its foundation, you can move into the bin to look around the interior. Make sure the door is still squared up, check the interior walls for damage, and from the inside you can also see if any of the roof sheets have been warped. Also make sure that all the wind rings and stiffeners are in place.
In many cases, you will be able to determine what can be repaired and what needs to be replaced. However, if you are ever uncertain, have questions, or are in need of new or updated grain storage, grain handling, or grain drying, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.