Re-painted Silo for Tarmac

When Tarmac came to Norris Contracting with a silo painting query, they were able to utilise their experience to advise on the most practical solution and carry out the works in a speedy turnaround. 

Tarmac is a leading UK supplier of construction and building materials, with over 150 years of industry experience and over 80 sites.  

Having employed the services of Norris Contracting many times over the years, Philip, Project Manager for the West Midlands at Tarmac, knew who to get in touch with when they had an awkward silo painting job to carry out. 

Solving silo painting challenges.

The silo in question was being stored on its side at their site in Derby. Tarmac wanted to bring the silo back into use at their Colwick depot in Nottingham, but first, they wanted it repainted. 

They asked Norris Contracting to carry out this work while the silo was still lying on its side, and here’s where expertise kicked in. Norris Contracting always listens to the needs of its customers, but is equally ready to step in and advise on the best way of working, particularly when it will be more economical and practical in the long run.

Choosing the Most Efficient Painting Approach.

John from Norris Contracting spoke to Philip to explain that the works would be better carried out once the silo was upright and on its legs, in its new location. Although this would initially seem less economical, due to the need for height platforms, the reward would be seen in time and effort saved. Having the silo in situ would allow for a more thorough inspection of the condition before work began and would prevent a delay while one side was prepared, painted and left to dry, before the other side could be started. The suggestion would lead to the best outcome for the client, and Philip quickly agreed.

The Importance of Silo Painting in Preventative Maintenance

Silo painting is an essential part of silo maintenance. Norris Contracting recommends repainting a silo around every ten years in order to maximise longevity. Repainting additionally gives the chance for a full inspection of the silo for any other repairs and upkeep needed. 

Norris Contracting are experienced in the hand-preparation of a silo for repainting, occasionally employing grit-blasting as an alternative preparation method. Once prepared, the silo will be repainted using a two-pack epoxy, which consists of a good quality primer undercoat and top coat.

Selecting the Right Paint System for Industrial Silos.

In this case, Tarmac not only wanted the silo to be in good repair for being put back into use, they also wanted it to look smart, requesting a particular shade of green in line with their existing cladding colour. To achieve this, Norris Contracting consulted with Hempel Paints, a paint manufacturer they have worked with for many years. Their knowledge and production of marine coatings make them the experts in protecting steelwork in aggressive environments, where the steel could be corroded.

Hempel was able to provide a coating system at the correct specification for the project and in the shade of green requested by the customer. 

Efficient On-Site Silo Painting with Minimal Disruption.

Once the silo was in place at Colwick, Norris Contracting were ready and waiting to deliver speedy results. Knowing that lorry movement around the site would need to be restricted while they were working, they ensured the job was completed in under a week to minimise disruption. They were able to work swiftly but safely due to many of their employees holding the IPAF Plus qualification. This allows them to work safely from a hydraulic, mobile work platform. Although not a legal requirement, Norris holds a strong belief that their staff should be safe in the workplace. The qualification also trains the holder to perform a safe rescue from the ground in the event of equipment failure. 

With the silo in place and now protected for the future, all that was left was to paint the handrails yellow for additional safety and hand over to a satisfied customer!

Discover more and talk to Norris Contracting.

If you want to learn more about improving the lifespan and efficiency of your silo, read our Top-Tips for Silo Maintenance here. 

We love working in silos (sorry, we had to get it in somewhere)! Our friendly team is always happy to discuss your silo maintenance and painting needs. Get in touch today to find out more.