The demand for steel roofs on water silos in the Netherlands is increasing rapidly. According to Bas van der Elst of silo manufacturer Hendic, this development reflects a structural shift in the market rather than a temporary trend.
"Growers are increasingly opting for the security of steel instead of traditional covers," he says. "This is largely driven by safety considerations, but also by stricter requirements from insurers and authorities."
Van der Elst explains that structural reliability is a key factor behind the growing interest. "It is all about constructional certainty. A steel roof can withstand significant snow and wind loads, much more than a traditional cover. However, certification is often the decisive factor. At Hendic, we include the steel roof in the structural calculations and CE certification of the entire silo. That is a crucial difference compared to PVC covers."
© Hendic
Why has CE certification become so important?
The importance of CE certification has increased, particularly in export markets. "In Germany and other countries, many municipalities will not grant a permit without structural calculations that comply with local standards," Van der Elst explains. "Insurers are also increasingly requiring that the silo is assessed and certified as a single unit. A steel roof effectively turns a silo into a solid building rather than a basin with a sheet over it. That provides growers with both legal certainty and operational peace of mind."
Is safety besides construction also a factor?
In addition to structural strength, on-site safety plays a role. "With a steel roof, a silo is fully enclosed. We equip them with a lockable access hatch, so the silo can literally be locked. Compared to a tensioned cover, that represents a significant improvement in yard safety."
© Hendic
Does this mean the end of the familiar PVC coverings?
According to Van der Elst, steel roofs do not signal the end of PVC-based systems. "The various systems we offer, from simple tensioned covers to floating covers and domes, have proven their value and remain highly functional in most situations. However, for growers dealing with strict building regulations or extreme weather conditions, a steel roof currently offers the greatest added value."
© Hendic (gn)
For more information:
Bas van der Elst
Hendic b.v.
[email protected]
https://www.hendic.nl/
