Dry Fertilizer Building Improvements and Renovations

Get More Years Out of Your Dry Fertilizer Storage Building

Well known in the construction arena for dry fertilizer storage buildings and liquid chemical warehouses, Marcus Construction has become the name that agribusiness leaders call when they have an aged dry fertilizer storage building that needs improvements. While we all like new, shiny things, there are multiple reasons building improvements are often the route agronomy managers and cooperative boards opt to explore. First, existing buildings often have other improvements that have occurred in recent years such as exterior replacements, and equipment improvements. Capitalizing on the depreciation of those costs are necessary to realize on your existing asset. Next is the downtime required to demolish and rebuild a dry fertilizer storage building and the costs associated with not having inventory for a season or more. And a leading factor is simply cost – if remodeling a portion of the building or updating other areas can get more years out of your dry fertilizer storage building, then the costs savings will be significant and shouldn’t be overlooked.

 

As mergers and consolidations continue with agribusiness retailers, many of these customers have come to rely on Marcus Construction’s expertise to tour their existing dry storage facilities and design-build the most cost-effective solution to exponentially expand the life span of several of their properties. By salvaging valuable parts of their existing structures, many agribusiness customers have renovated a handful of their dry fertilizer storage buildings with significant cost savings compared to building new.

 

Let’s take a closer look at a variety of the building improvement needs we have encountered in dry fertilizer storage buildings that have become outdated, damaged, or inefficient over the years and the solutions that Marcus has designed and constructed.

 

Improved Safety

Because of the corrosive nature of dry fertilizer, one of the most significant benefits of building improvements for dry fertilizer storage buildings is improved safety. Older bulk storage buildings may have outdated safety features, and they often do not meet the current safety codes and standards. By upgrading the storage building, agronomy retailers can ensure that their employees and assets have a safer environment.

 

One area where Marcus often sees an immediate need for safety improvements is on the catwalk and conveyor support beams. In older buildings, these are often made of steel and have corroded so badly that they are no longer safe to walk on. Marcus removes and disposes of these elements and then installs new two-sided catwalks, handrails, and supporting beams, all constructed of wood. A two-sided catwalk on our customers' conveyor system greatly improves employee safety for both maintenance and accessibility.

Increased Efficiency

Building improvements can also increase the efficiency of dry fertilizer storage buildings. The equipment that is required to perform the work continues to improve. From renovations of fertilizer loadout structures that house new dry fertilizer handling equipment to increased alley way space for machinery to move around, Marcus works through the changing needs of our clients to incorporate efficiencies they are looking to gain in tons per hour moved and plant mobility. 

 

In addition to bringing in new handling equipment, updating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing is often necessary. Existing lighting systems can be replaced to more energy-efficient options that can reduce energy consumption and utility costs along with meeting corporate carbon reduction goals.

 

Greater Durability

Fertilizer storage buildings are exposed to harsh weather conditions, including wind, rain, and snow. As a result, the building can become damaged over time, leading to costly repairs. By improving the bulk storage building's structure, such as replacing damaged roof panels, and repairing or replacing doors and windows, retailers can ensure that their building is more durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions while keeping their dry fertilizer products stored safely.

 

Some of the design-build solutions Marcus often sees is the need for a reroof and roof sheeting replacement. We come in and remove and replace the damaged shingles along with replacing plywood as needed on the eaves, roof, and dormers. While this sounds straightforward, this is a huge project as it exposes your product storage below to the elements during this construction phase, so our team moves quickly and efficiently keeping your assets in mind as we move.

Other improvements that increase the durability of our customers dry fertilizer storage buildings include removing areas of the floor that have been damaged over the years and pouring new concrete. And again, in this corrosive environment we recommend and often install stainless steel walk doors.

 

Enhanced Storage Capacity

Building improvements can also increase the storage capacity of the bulk storage building by maximizing the vertical space of the building and storing more fertilizer in the same footprint.

 

In these older buildings we usually see rodded bin walls that are deteriorating badly and are greatly increasing facility repair costs, product shrink, labor, and demurrage. Marcus’ solution to this problem is the design-build of new free-standing bin walls to stack product full height without the need for braces, rods or unwanted columns – making it an open and safe space that also supports the roof and conveyor system.

 

This solution not only increases storage capacity but also allows for better organization and management of the fertilizer inventory for our customers.

Improved Aesthetics

Finally, building improvements can improve the aesthetics of our customers dry fertilizer storage building. Bin gates, dormers and the end wall can take a beating over the years from moving product. Removing and disposing of existing siding and wood, then rebuilding and installing new sheeting and siding greatly improves the appearance of these buildings. A well-maintained building can enhance the lifespan significantly.

 

Is Your Dry Fertilizer Storage Building Bulging, Sagging, Moving or Aging In Other Ways?

Did any of the above concerns sound familiar with one of your bulk fertilizer storage buildings? Give us a call at 320-222-6616, we’d be happy to come walk your facility and make recommendations on ways you can improve your storage building.

 

View some of our dry fertilizer storage building improvement projects.