AS FAMILIES prepare for the upcoming fire season, water tanks can help put out spot fires, ember attacks and shield people from radiant heat.
Terry Miller realises the importance of good water storage systems and his concrete tank walls have enough density to be fire proof.
“Water is our most important resource, and we cannot have too much of it,” he said.
“By setting up a petrol-powered generator and pumping water up onto the house directly, via a reverse water sprinkler system, homes can be kept cool and wet.”
Terry, who owns Terry Miller Concrete Tanks, has been in the concrete tank building business for more than 25 years.
Terry’s tanks are built in three sizes, 50,000, 105,000 and 120,000 litres either with a silo roof, concrete top or open top tanks.
He said in the event of a fire, a large tank (120,000 litres) could protect a person’s home and property.
“The tanks will not blow away or fall apart, and this is particularly important in areas where there is high wind, or in fire-prone districts,” he said.
“If need be, the tank can be used as protection to keep cool from flames and radiant heat.”
The tanks Terry builds are kept cool, clean and algae-free because they have five-inch walls and a six-inch base, and are poured with strong 40 megapascals (MPa) concrete not 25 or 30mpa.
“We also use plasticiser to keep up the strength in the tanks instead of water,” he said.
“After 28 days’ curing, the strength of the concrete will be between 48 and 52mpa.”
The tanks are made on site and poured individually, coming out white, which Terry said is a sign of the strength in the tanks.
“The walls of the tank are vibrated all around to ensure that there are no air bubbles and that the concrete is compacted down,” he said.
“Concrete water tanks built correctly will last a lifetime.”
For more information on Terry Miller’s products and services or to purchase a tank please phone Terry for a quote on 1800 267 696 or visit www.tmct.com.au.
