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Secondary Containment & Tank Lining Systems for Ontario Facilities

The right tank lining and secondary containment system saves time and money by combating corrosion, contamination, and non-compliance before they start.

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Secondary Containment in short: Secondary containment is a coating and lining system applied inside and around storage tanks to contain leaks, resist the stored substance's chemistry, and protect the surrounding facility from contamination — required for chemical, wastewater, and food/potable water storage.

Challenges Addressed by Secondary Containment

Protection Needs

Proper tank containment protects both the tank's interior from corrosion and its contents from contamination. The lining must match the specific substance stored — chemicals, foodstuffs, or water — and be durable against those conditions.

Environmental Factors

Tanks face temperature fluctuations and exposure to corrosive elements, requiring coatings that withstand these stresses.

Compliance and Safety Standards

Meeting industry regulations is essential. Proper tank containment ensures compliance and safe, uncontaminated storage.

Zimcoat’s Solutions

High-Performance Linings

Products for potable water tanks, chemical storage, and everything in between.

Versatile Application

Applied as smooth coatings or heavy-duty build-up surfaces, suitable for new and old concrete and properly prepared steel.

Enhanced Durability and Safety

Linings that handle constant exposure to harsh conditions, reducing risk and extending tank life.

Repair and Maintenance

Quick, effective maintenance that minimizes downtime and keeps protection continuous.

Common Types of Tank Linings

Lining	Best For	Benefits	Trade-offs
Epoxy	Water tanks (potable and non-potable), steel tanks, concrete tanks, chemical tanks, high-temperature tanks, cargo tanks	Versatile, solvent-free, protects against corrosion	Slower curing; not very flexible; may blister with water vapour
Polyurea	Wastewater tanks, steel tanks, concrete tanks, chemical tanks	Quick drying, flexible, high tensile strength, solvent-free, moisture insensitive	Not vapour permeable; limited suitability for food storage
Polyurethane	Water tanks, steel tanks, concrete tanks, chemical tanks	Versatile, modifiable flexibility, solvent-free, faster return-to-service	Moisture sensitive during application; potential blistering

Frequently Asked Questions

Our chemical containment areas are corroded and delaminating. Is it too late to fix them?

It's rarely too late. Zimcoat rebuilds, repairs, and restores containment areas to like-new condition using repair materials and protective coatings suited to the chemicals involved.

What's the difference between epoxy and polyurethane, and where should each be used?

Epoxy suits heavy-duty industrial environments because of its durability and chemical resistance. Polyurethane is more flexible and better suited to areas with UV exposure and thermal cycling. We help you choose based on your specific conditions.

Expert Advice

Tank Linings and Containment Integrity

Fact: Tank linings must resist chemicals, high temperatures, and pressure to prevent leaks and contamination in industrial storage.

Warning Signs

Discoloration, blistering, or peeling of the tank lining
Frequent leaks or signs of corrosion on tank surfaces
Variations in the stored substance's quality or safety

What to Do

Inspect tank linings regularly for wear and corrosion
Use chemically resistant linings matched to the stored substance
Schedule timely reapplication to prevent costly leaks and contamination

Ready to Start Your Project?

Talk to a Zimcoat project manager about your facility — call, email, or send an RFQ.