Storage tanks are made for various purposes and come in many classifications. Depending on the type of material stored and the industry using them, storage tanks have various designs and roof types. So, what are the different storage tank roof types?
Storage tanks are vital storage containers for liquids, gasses, and solids across many industries. Understanding their significance, we delve into the diverse types of tank roofs, exploring their specific applications and advantages.
Join us as we explain how several roof types are tailored to meet the unique needs of different storage scenarios, ensuring optimal performance and safety in industrial storage operations.

What is Storage Tank ?
A storage tank is an artificial container used for storing purposes. The use of storage tanks for liquids, gasses, or solids is essential for various industries, including water treatment, natural resources, pulp and paper, chemical, industrial production, etc.
Depending on their application and function, storage tanks fabrication can involve a variety of designs, materials, sizes, and shapes.
Choosing the right tank manufacturer is crucial for industries that store volatile liquids. Improperly manufactured storage tanks can pose serious risks. That’s why selecting a reliable and experienced manufacturer can help prevent a dangerous outcome.
Savannah Tank is a premier manufacturer of custom storage tanks, and we pride ourselves on our reputation for exceptional quality. Our team designs and manufactures high-quality tanks that meet ASME, API, and AWS codes, so you can rest assured that you will receive the best product delivered on time.
Some types of storage tank roofs used by different industries are:
- Fixed storage tank roofs
- Open top storage tank roofs
- Bolted/removable top storage tank roofs
- Floating storage tank roofs
Fixed storage tank roofs
Fixed roof tanks are simple storage options for significant volumes of liquid or petroleum-based chemicals. The roof type design of fixed storage tanks may be conical, dished, or flat. The roof includes utility holes, gauge hatches, float gauges, sample wells, and other accessible elements.
Fixed roof tanks are manufactured mainly with stainless steel, but many are also made out of carbon steel. We can fully weld fixed roof storage tanks to ensure that they are vapor- and liquid-tight.
Industrial storage tanks typically have a breather valve, which helps maintain a controlled pressure level when there are slight variations in temperature, barometric pressure, or liquid level.
In order to avoid overpressurization or under pressurization during the filling or emptying process, which could cause damage, fixed roof storage tanks are also outfitted with air and vapor valves.
Depending on your specific industry’s needs, our customization options also include agitator bridges and mounted flanges or hinged access doors and hatches.

Conical roof top
Conical or cone roof top tanks are the most versatile and widely used among various sectors. Designed as low-pressure fixed tanks, conical roof top types are suitable for storing products such as:
- Chemicals
- Petrochemicals
- Petroleum
- Food products
- Water
Dished roof top
Another type of storage tank roof top design we can manufacture is the dished roof top– a roof top resembling the shape of a dish head. Dished roof top storage tanks are used for storing liquids at higher pressures.
Flat roof top
Flat roof storage tanks are generally used for liquid containment and offer a simple solution for holding a wide variety of fluids including chemicals, petrochemicals, and water. When combined with an OSHA-approved ladder and handrail, flat top tanks are the safest option for workers who need to walk on the tank roof to perform maintenance or inspections.
Open top storage tank roofs
We also manufacture open top storage tanks, which are essentially tanks without a roof. These tanks are highly versatile and are suited for a range of applications, including storage, dipping, and mixing. They are particularly effective for substances like water that do not need extra protection from environmental factors, especially sunlight.
Open top roof storage tanks are constructed similarly to cone roof tanks but lack the fixed roof. This design allows for easy access and makes them adaptable to various needs and client specifications. This design allows for easy access and effective handling of the stored materials.

Bolted/removable top storage tank roofs
We can manufacture larger storage tanks designed for easy assembly, transport, and relocation using bolted construction. These tanks are built with steel plates and feature a bolted or removable top, which allows for straightforward disassembly and reassembly.
The construction involves rolled steel panels connected with bolts, making the tanks versatile for storing both liquids and dry bulk materials. This method ensures that the tanks can be easily transported and reconfigured as needed.
Floating storage tanks roofs
Floating roof storage tanks are cylindrical tanks equipped with a roof that floats directly on the surface of the stored liquid. The key feature of these tanks is the floating roof, which moves up and down with the liquid level.
To maintain separation between the air and the stored liquid, there is usually an annular area with a sealed duct between the walls and the roof.
Floating roof storage tanks are typically constructed with a spherical-shaped floating roof made of steel or concrete.

Conclusion
The tank roofs mentioned above represent the most common types used in storage tank fabrication, ranging from various fixed roof types to open-top roof designs. Each type is tailored to meet the specific needs of various industries.
If you are interested in a storage tank suitable for your specific needs, our team is ready and dedicated to assist you and provide a tailored solution.