▽ +09.00Liquid-applied & linings
Epoxy tank linings
A continuous, smooth epoxy lining for water tanks, using products certified for drinking-water contact.
What it is and how it works
Epoxy tank linings are hard resin coats applied to the inner faces of concrete tanks after repair and levelling, forming a smooth, impermeable lining that is easy to clean.
For drinking-water tanks only epoxies approved for potable-water contact (e.g. WRAS or NSF/ANSI/CAN 61) are used, applied and cured as the approval requires before washing, disinfection and filling.
- Family
- Liquid-applied & linings
- Used in
- Water tank waterproofing
- Build-up
- 5 layers
Where it fits — and where it does not
A good fit for
- Drinking-water tanks, with approved grades
- Underground and roof tanks
- Process and food tanks, as the product approval allows
Not a fit, or needs a check
- Damp or contaminated concrete without a moisture-tolerant primer
- Tanks with active leaks, before injection and repair
- Structures with movement or live cracks: a rigid lining cracks
- Drinking-water service without an approval
Application pages
Advantages and limitations
Every system has strengths and limits; the right choice starts from the site conditions.
Advantages
- A smooth, hygienic, easy-to-clean surface
- Chemical and abrasion resistance
- A strong bond to prepared concrete
Limitations
- Rigid: does not bridge moving cracks
- Confined-space work: ventilation and safety procedures needed
- Needs full cure before filling
System build-up
Top to bottom. Final thicknesses and materials follow the approved specification and the product TDS.
System build-up5 layers
Epoxy tank linings
Select a layer to see what it does.
Finish coatCore layer
A second epoxy coat that completes the specified thickness and gives a smooth surface.
First coatCore layer
A continuous epoxy coat over walls, floor and soffit, as specified.
Primer
Bonds the lining to the prepared concrete.
Repair and levelling mortar
Fills honeycombing and voids before lining.
Where needed
Tank concrete
Mechanically prepared, and as dry as the product requires.
Preparation and application
Surface preparation
- Tank emptied, cleaned and dried
- Laitance removed by grinding or blasting
- Honeycombing, tie holes and cracks repaired; leaks injected
- Coves formed at wall-floor junctions with repair mortar
- Ventilation and confined-space permits
Application sequence
Repair and levelling
Repair and levelling mortar where the surface is rough.
Primer
A penetrating epoxy primer.
First coat
By roller or spray to the specified thickness.
Second coat
In a contrasting colour to make coverage easy to check.
Cure and inspection
Cure time per the TDS, then continuity and thickness checks.
Washing and disinfection
Before filling, as the approval and the authority require.
General educational content; final values and requirements follow the manufacturer’s TDS and the approved project specification.
Checks and common mistakes
Quality checks
- Surface preparation and moisture recorded
- Dry-film thickness readings
- Continuity (holiday) test (ASTM D4787)
- Cure time respected before filling
- The potable-water approval on file
Common mistakes
- Coating over active leaks
- Poor ventilation: slow cure, trapped solvent and a safety risk
- Filling before full cure
- Using a product not approved for drinking water
Common questions
Is epoxy safe for drinking water?
Only products approved for potable-water contact, applied and cured as approved.
Epoxy or cementitious for tanks?
Cementitious systems tolerate damp and resist water pressure; epoxy gives a smooth, hygienic finish. The specification sets one or a combination.
Manufacturers
Our documented relationship with each manufacturer; the specification sets the product.
- Fosroc (Saint-Gobain)Approved applicator · Materials we have used
Technical data for this system
Next step
Considering this system for your project?
Send drawings or site photos; our engineers review the case and propose the right specification.