Native Environmental LLC

Silo Cleaning Services

Silo cleaning is the process of removing built-up materials, blockages, or residue from the inside of storage silos used in industries like agriculture, cement, food processing, mining, and manufacturing. Regular cleaning ensures safe storage, optimal material flow, and helps prevent contamination, spoilage, explosions, or structural damage.

🏗️ Why Silo Cleaning Is Important

1. Prevents Blockages & Material Flow Problems

2. Protects Against Structural Damage

3. Ensures Product Quality & Sanitation

4. Supports Accurate Inventory

5. Improves Safety & Compliance

🧹 Types of Silo Cleaning Methods

Method Description Best For
🔧 Mechanical Cleaning Uses tools like augers, brushes, or hammers to break up material Large chunks, crusted material
💨 Pneumatic Cleaning Air cannons or vibrators dislodge material Dry powders, light clogs
🔥 Hydroblasting High-pressure water jets clean walls Food-grade or sticky substances
🛠️ Whip Cleaning Systems Remote-controlled whip arms spin to knock material off walls Cement, fly ash, grain
🧍‍♂️ Manual Entry (Confined Space) Workers enter silo with PPE for direct cleaning Used as a last resort due to risk

⚠️ Safety Considerations

➡️ That’s why most facilities hire professional silo cleaning contractors with specialized equipment, training, and insurance.

🏭 Industries That Require Regular Silo Cleaning

📅 How Often Should Silos Be Cleaned?

How Often Do You Need To Replace A Silo?

Replacing an entire silo is a rare and major undertaking. Most well-maintained silos—especially those made of concrete, steel, or fiberglass—can last 30 to 50+ years, or even longer, depending on several key factors.

General Silo Lifespan by Material

Silo Material Expected Lifespan Notes
🧱 Concrete 40–60 years Very durable with proper maintenance
🔩 Steel (corrugated or smooth-wall) 25–50 years Prone to corrosion without protection
🧪 Fiberglass / Composite 20–40 years Lightweight and corrosion-resistant
🌾 Wood (rare today) 15–30 years Needs frequent maintenance; uncommon in modern use

⚠️ Signs a Silo Might Need Replacement

You don’t usually replace a silo on a schedule, but rather when structural or operational issues arise:

Structural Damage:

Functional Failure:

Safety Issues:

🔧 Alternatives to Full Replacement

Often, a silo can be repaired or retrofitted instead of replaced:

📅 When You Might Consider Full Replacement

You may want or need to replace a silo if:

💰 Silo Replacement Costs (Ballpark)

Type Typical Cost Range
Small farm grain silo (used) $5,000–$15,000
New steel grain silo (mid-size) $20,000–$70,000+
Large concrete commercial silo $100,000+
Liquid/fertilizer tanks (fiberglass/poly) $10,000–$50,000

Schedule Silo Cleaning Services For Your Facility in Arizona or New Mexico


Native AZ offers professional silo cleaning services in Arizona & New Mexico; with a sharp focus on the Phoenix Valley, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and more.