Beyond the Build

Construction Trends

400,000 Gallons

Several months ago, we set fuel tanks on one of our projects. While words can describe the process, this time lapse does it best:

Like most building contractors, we’ve found that starting things right with an eye on quality always ends up with the best results. In this case, constant monitoring was also key in beginning, which started with the manufacturer.

A few key elements we learned along the way to ensure quality:

  • Tanks actually sit pressurized at manufacturer’s facility for about a year before shipping, where they are monitored for leaks. They are checked before leaving, upon arrival and until installed.
  • Tanks are double-walled. The space between walls is called the interstitial space, and it is also pressurized and monitored from top-mounted ports.
  • Once the tanks are in place, four measurements are being taken throughout the backfill process to determine any deflection. All measurements are taken by the same tech.
  • If a dimension falls out of range, the tank is either deemed flawed or installed incorrectly and most likely will have to be replaced. Deflecting tanks equal leaks.

Quality control has always been top of mind for us, but I was impressed at the science these folks had made out of anticipating any potential problems and delivering a safe concept for their customer. I’ve said many times that in business, there is only one chance to get it right the first time, and this meticulous approach helps shore things up.

Merrill Stewart Jr.

Merrill Stewart is Founder and CEO of The Stewart/Perry Company, a commercial building contractor based in Birmingham.