Why Grain Bins Fail in the Midwest

Grain Bin Failure in the Midwest Grain bins are a vital part of every grain farm. Without a safe place to store grain, farmers would not be able to make any profit for all the hard work that they do throughout the year. Though it is often overlooked, regular grain bin maintenance is very important. If not cared for properly, a grain bin will start to develop problems that could jeopardize the content stored within. Some major grain bin problems may not only endanger the grain stored in the bins, but also the lives of those working in and around the bin. Save yourself millions of dollars by learning why and how to ensure that your grain bins do not suffer from foundation or equipment failure.

The first part of the grain bin that must be taken care of is the foundation. If there is a problem with the concrete foundation that the grain bin rests on, there will most likely be a problem with the rest of the grain bin as well. Many foundation problems have to do with the ground underneath the foundation. If the soil is too sandy, too wet, or not properly compacted, it may cause the foundation and the structure on the foundation (in this case, the grain bin) to start settling. To prevent this problem, make sure that the people constructing your grain bin are qualified, and consider having a soil expert have the soil tested before construction is begun. If you do notice problems with the foundation under your grain bin, contact Quad County Ag right away. We offer grain bin jacking to help repair and stabilize your grain bin foundations.

Factors of Grain Bin Failure in the Midwest

The weather is one of the major factors of failing grain bins in the Midwestern states. The Midwest states deal with all sorts of harsh weather in nearly every season. Some of the most common types of weather that can be detrimental to grain bins include:

High Winds: Strong winds can batter against partially filled bins. If the bins are already structurally damaged, the windy conditions may cause them to start falling apart. Severe storm winds may blow debris into bins, causing them to become dented or pushing in the roofs.
Ice: Ice buildup in the cracks and crevices of a grain bin can be extremely harmful. If water seeps into the cracks and then freezes, the expansion of the water will cause the cracks to become larger, turning them into major problems. Frost collecting on the vents can also cause a buildup of pressure in the bin, possibly even leading to blow the roof off of the bin.
Moisture: If wet conditions have caused the harvest to be abnormally wet, it may overload the dryer. Because wet grain is so much heavier than dry grain, many bins are not equipped to handle it or to unload it. Wet weather can also cause issues in the foundation of the grain bin.

In addition to some of the more standard harsh weather conditions of the Midwest, there is also the concern of a catastrophic event. Major catastrophes such as storms, earthquakes, bin fires, etc. can put stress on the bin. Anytime something like this happens, the bin should be examined for damage by a professional.

Preventing Grain Bin Failure with the Right Grain Bins

Grain Bin Failure and Repair Solutions in the Midwest Grain bins may all look similar on the outside, but it is important that you have the right bin for your farm's needs. There are different styles of bins used for holding different kind of materials; and for use with different applications, loading methods, and unloading methods. If the bin is not correctly suited for the job, it may end up developing a tear, leak, or completely collapsing.

Once the right type of bin for the job is determined, the construction process can begin. As mentioned before, the first step is making sure that the ground is solid enough to support the bin. Next, a good foundation needs to be laid. This can be done using the concrete services from Quad County Ag. The last step is constructing the actual grain bin. Every detail must be carefully considered, since even a small mistake could lead to failure later on. Quad County has a team of professionals that can put up both smaller farm grain bins and commercial grain bins. Once the grain bin is installed, it must be cared for regularly. This is where our millwright services come in handy.

If you are in need of grain bin construction, concrete services, millwright services, or bin jacking in the Midwest, contact us here at Quad County Ag, LLC. right away.