EPA Compliant | Chemical Resistant | Flexible Membranes
Secondary Containment Coatings
Protect containment areas from chemical spills, leaks, and environmental damage. Flexible, chemical-resistant coatings that meet EPA requirements.
What Is Secondary Containment?
Secondary containment is the backup system that catches spills, leaks, and overflows from primary storage tanks and vessels. EPA regulations require secondary containment for hazardous materials to prevent soil and groundwater contamination.
Containment areas are typically constructed from concrete — but concrete alone is porous and susceptible to chemical attack. Without proper protection, chemicals penetrate the concrete, degrading its structural integrity and creating pathways for environmental contamination.
Belzona containment coatings create an impermeable barrier that resists a broad range of chemicals, bridges cracks from thermal movement, and provides long-term protection for concrete containment structures.
Signs Your Containment Needs Attention
Containment failures lead to environmental incidents, regulatory fines, and costly remediation. Watch for these warning signs:
Cracked Concrete
Cracks from settlement, thermal movement, or chemical attack allow spills to penetrate and contaminate soil
Spalling and Deterioration
Surface degradation from chemical exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, or reinforcement corrosion
Coating Failure
Peeling, blistering, or delaminating coatings that no longer provide chemical resistance
Staining and Discoloration
Evidence of chemical penetration into unprotected or inadequately protected concrete
Standing Liquid
Water or chemicals pooling in low spots, accelerating concrete degradation
Failed Inspections
Regulatory findings or audit observations requiring containment repairs or upgrades
The Belzona Solution
Belzona containment coatings provide complete protection for concrete bunds, sumps, trenches, and containment areas. The system includes concrete repair materials and chemical-resistant coatings that work together as a complete solution.
For flexibility: Belzona 4361 (Magma CR4) is a flexible membrane with elongation up to 20x standard coatings — bridging cracks and accommodating thermal movement critical for outdoor containment areas subject to temperature swings.
For chemical resistance: Belzona coatings resist a broad range of acids, alkalis, solvents, and fuels. We match the coating to your specific chemicals and exposure conditions.
All Belzona containment coatings are cold-applied by brush, roller, or spray. No hot work. No VOC concerns with many products. Fast return to service minimizes operational disruption.
Why Belzona Containment Coatings?
- +Flexible membranes — up to 20x elongation vs. standard
- +Chemical resistant — acids, alkalis, solvents, fuels
- +EPA compliant — meets containment requirements
- +Cold-applied — no hot work or special equipment
- +Complete system — repair and protect in one application
- +Long service life — 10+ years typical
The Application Process
A typical containment coating project takes 2-5 days depending on size and condition. Here is the process:
Surface Preparation
Clean concrete by pressure washing, abrasive blasting, or mechanical preparation. Remove contaminants, loose material, and failed coatings.
Repair Damaged Concrete
Fill cracks, spalls, and damaged areas with Belzona concrete repair materials. Rebuild deteriorated surfaces to proper profile.
Apply Containment Coating
Apply Belzona containment coating by brush, roller, or spray. Multiple coats as needed for chemical resistance and film thickness.
Cure and Return to Service
Allow cure per product specifications. Most coatings ready for light service in 24 hours, full chemical resistance in 7 days.
Coating selection depends on your specific chemicals, exposure conditions, and substrate. We help you select the right system for your containment area. Call (425) 610-4902 to discuss your project.
Proven Chemical Resistance
Belzona containment coatings resist the aggressive chemicals that destroy conventional coatings. Here are some of the chemicals rated "Excellent" for long-term immersion:
Acids
- ✓Sulfuric acid (up to 80%)
- ✓Hydrochloric acid (37%)
- ✓Phosphoric acid (15%)
- ✓Citric acid (30%)
- ✓Lactic acid (2%)
Alkalis and Salts
- ✓Sodium hydroxide (50%)
- ✓Potassium hydroxide (20%)
- ✓Ammonia (10%)
- ✓Calcium hypochlorite
- ✓Ferric chloride
Fuels and Solvents
- ✓Diesel oil
- ✓Gasoline (ethanol-free)
- ✓Kerosene
- ✓Toluene
- ✓Xylene
Chemical resistance varies by product and concentration. Contact us with your specific chemicals for verification — we can check compatibility before you specify.
Belzona vs. Traditional Containment Coatings
Compare Belzona flexible containment coatings to conventional epoxy and polyurethane systems:
| Property | Standard Epoxy | Polyurethane | Belzona Flexible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexibility / Elongation | Rigid — cracks | Moderate | Up to 20x standard (bridges cracks) |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Limited | Excellent (broad range) |
| Crack Bridging | No | Limited | Yes (dynamic cracks) |
| UV Resistance | Poor — chalks | Good | Good (outdoor rated) |
| Temperature Range | Moderate | Moderate | -40°F to 140°F (continuous) |
| Application | Brush/Roller/Spray | Spray (usually) | Brush/Roller/Spray |
Elongation
20x
vs. standard coatings
Service Life
10+ years
typical outdoor exposure
Return to Service
24-48 hrs
light foot traffic
Products for Secondary Containment
Complete containment protection — from concrete repair to chemical-resistant coatings:
Belzona 4361 (Magma CR4)
Flexible, chemical-resistant membrane for containment areas. Bridges cracks, accommodates thermal movement, and resists a broad range of chemicals. Ideal for outdoor bunds and tank farms.
Belzona 4311 (Magma CR1)
Chemical-resistant coating for concrete and steel. Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and solvents. Use where flexibility is less critical than maximum chemical resistance.
Belzona 4111 (Magma-Quartz)
Concrete repair composite for rebuilding damaged areas before coating. Fills spalls, cracks, and deterioration. Also used for drainage slopes and secondary containment repairs.
Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade)
Two-coat epoxy system for sumps, trenches, and areas subject to continuous immersion or ponding. Excellent chemical resistance for collected spill containment.
Belzona 4141 (Magma-Build)
Two-component epoxy for concrete repair and resurfacing. Rebuilds damaged concrete surfaces and provides a smooth substrate for containment coatings.
Belzona 4131 (Magma-Screed)
Two-component chemical-resistant screed for leveling and resurfacing. Creates drainage slopes and smooth surfaces in containment areas prior to coating.
Not sure which products you need? Call (425) 610-4902 — we will help you select the right system for your chemicals and conditions.
Project Gallery
Secondary containment projects completed in the Pacific Northwest using Belzona coatings.
Chemical Storage Containment
Flexible membrane protecting concrete bund around chemical storage tanks.
Tank Farm Containment
Chemical-resistant coating system for outdoor tank farm with multiple storage vessels.
Industries Using Containment Coatings
Chemical Processing
Tank farms, loading areas, process containment, and chemical storage bunds requiring broad chemical resistance.
Oil and Gas
Fuel storage, lubricant containment, and refinery secondary containment for hydrocarbons and process chemicals.
Food and Beverage
Chemical storage for cleaning and sanitation chemicals, ammonia containment, and processing area protection.
Water and Wastewater
Chemical feed containment, chlorine storage, and treatment chemical storage areas at water and wastewater facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Belzona will resist my chemicals?
Belzona maintains extensive chemical resistance data for all containment products. Contact us with your specific chemicals, concentrations, and exposure conditions — we can verify compatibility and recommend the right coating system.
Will the coating crack when the concrete moves?
Belzona 4361 is specifically designed to accommodate concrete movement. With elongation up to 20x standard coatings, the flexible membrane bridges dynamic cracks from thermal expansion, settlement, and vibration — unlike rigid epoxy coatings that crack and fail.
Does Belzona meet EPA secondary containment requirements?
Yes. Belzona containment coatings are used to meet EPA 40 CFR requirements for secondary containment. The coatings provide an impermeable barrier that prevents chemical migration into soil and groundwater. Contact us for documentation for your specific application.
How long does the coating last?
Belzona containment coatings typically provide 10+ years of service in outdoor exposure. Service life depends on chemical exposure, UV exposure, and mechanical wear. Many installations are still performing after 15-20 years.
Can we apply the coating ourselves?
Yes. Belzona containment coatings are designed for application by maintenance personnel with proper training. We provide product training and technical support. Surface preparation is critical — we can guide your team through the complete process.
Need Containment Protection?
Describe your containment challenge and we will recommend the right Belzona system. Chemical resistance verification, product training, and technical support throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Northern Idaho.
Belzona Technology Northwest is the exclusive authorized Belzona distributor for Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Northern Idaho. Secondary containment coatings, concrete repair products, and technical support for industrial facilities throughout the Pacific Northwest.