The benefits of steel oil tanks for domestic heating oil

Installing steel oil tanks rather than plastic might be ‘the right way to go’ for you, and in this edition of our blog we’ll explain why.

What is steel?

It may seem like a ridiculous question to ask. Surely everyone in the modern world knows what steel is? Well, yes, maybe they do... But what is it about steel that means it is used time and again for incredibly important applications in our lives – from huge construction projects such as building infrastructure and uses such as ships to small ‘home’ uses such as domestic oil tanks and teaspoons? 

For a start, it is worth a quick reminder of what steel actually is, rather than just throwing the word around in quite a nebulous way. Steel is an alloy of carbon and iron which boasts improved strength and fracture resistance when compared to other forms of iron. Raw iron itself, would you believe, is actually a naturally quite weak material, but when alloyed with those carbonic elements to produce steel, you end up with a metallic material which has vastly improved strength. 

The strength of steel in oil tanks

One of the primary reasons for the use of steel as material in the construction of oil tanks is its strength. 

Steel oil tanks are durable and resilient, and can resist extreme weather (which is one of the main challenges an outside oil tank will face). Steel is capable of withstanding corrosion, and the extended lifespan this gives it makes it perfect for oil tanks, which need to have a relatively long life. Oil tanks made of steel are also more secure than oil storage tanks made of plastic. Steel is far harder to puncture, pierce or drill through for thieves to siphon your oil off from. 

The simple physicality of steel oil tanks also means that they are far harder to move than tanks made from more synthetic materials. They’re far heavier, for a start, so they are much more difficult for any potential thieves to ‘make off with’. Most obviously, steel is a metal – and metal makes much more noise when touched or tapped, so it will make a louder sound if interfered with, and this in itself might be enough to put potential thieves off.  

Although it’s not impossible that you will be the victim of crime if you install a steel oil tank rather than a plastic one, the likelihood is reduced quite drastically. 

The versatility of steel oil tanks

Tanks made of steel are really versatile – and they are actually suited to just about any situation. You can install them above ground or below ground, dependent on your specific needs and capabilities. If your tank needs to be sited outdoors, then steel will ensure you get a long life out of it. Steel tanks tend to also be available in sizes that are larger than plastic tanks.

The upkeep of steel oil tanks 

To be vigilant against corrosion, older steel tanks do require some TLC. It’s worth painting them once a year to guard against it. Steel tanks are much more versatile than plastic tanks, as these are more likely to suffer environmental damage of some kind due to the material they are made from being prone to weakening by sunlight and excess heat. Plastic will also, over extended periods of time, absorb some of the properties of the material that is stored within them.

Here at Tanks R Us we are more than happy to guide you through the process of choosing your plastic or steel oil storage tank, to ensure that you get absolutely the right sort of tank for you - the one that is most appropriately meet your exact needs. This may mean bunded or double skin oil tanks, or any of the other steel tanks we have on offer, including our own range of steel oil tanks manufactured on site at Tanks R Us!

There are many other editions of our blog which may answer any further queries you may have while you are pondering your choice, and you can also browse the rest of our website to see the many different types, sizes and shapes of tank we have available. If you would still like to speak to a member of our team then please don’t hesitate to get in touch!