Don’t be mistaken, a silage pit that is constructed at a price that is too good to be true, may be just that. An excessively cheap silage pit, although not an impossibility, is likely a substandard build. However, there are signs you can spot that can confirm if this is the case:

Questionable foundations

A silage pit that has not had its base prepared correctly, can be a sign of poor construction, hence the cheaper price. The signs you’d find are settling, cracking, and a buildup of water. This then manifests as wall instability, and spoilage. 

Weak walls

A weak wall is a telltale sign of a cheap, unprepared attempt at a silage pit. Although more noticeable in taller pits, if you notice little to no wall reinforcement, bulges, and cracks in the wall after the silage has been placed, or movement and or bowing, then this can indicate a poorly constructed silage pit. 

Questionable placement

The placement of the blocks is arguably the most important factor, as this determines the overall longevity and strength of your silage pit walls. If the blocks have gaps between them, or have misaligned joints, then this can cause air infiltration, leading to spoilage. 

Reinforcement inconsistency 

Most, if not all kinds of walls, need some degree of reinforcement, especially if they are working against a large weight/pressure like a silage pit would. If you have noticed no reinforcement measures being taken during the construction process, this is a red flag. Speaking to a structural engineer beforehand can determine whether reinforcement is needed or not.

Low- quality/bad sealing techniques.

If a cheap sealant is used to fill gaps in your wall, it can be observed through failure, peels and cracks in a fairly short amount of time. Again this can lead to air infiltration, so inspect this thoroughly.

Drainage issues

Drainage is something that can not be overlooked with a silage pit, otherwise, water will form in the pit itself, providing a fast track for mould to grow, and spoiling your pit. If you find large puddles in or around your silage pit, you most likely have inadequate drainage. 

Damage

Damage on your silage pit, depending on what caused it and when it happened, can be a clear indicator of a cheaply made silage pit. Damage can indicate subpar construction materials and techniques. These issues generally worsen over time if left unattended. 

How do concrete blocks make silage pits cheaper?

Concrete blocks, specifically interlocking concrete blocks, can contribute to a cheaper overall cost. This is due to factors such as durability, longevity, and ease of installation.

Starting with durability and longevity, these two elements are a natural part of the constitution of concrete. Concrete’s durability protects it from the pressure a full silage pit can produce, preventing movement. Its durability also grants it effective protection against the elements, as a result, if built correctly, the silage pit will last longer with fewer issues, mitigating the need for expensive repairs over time, saving on total costs.

Interlocking concrete blocks generally require heavy machinery to handle, allowing for them to be lifted, placed and connected safely. This may mean that you have fewer labourers on hand on the day of installation, which can reduce total costs. Although, this may vary depending on the scale of the project.

However, the hiring of equipment to place the blocks can affect the cost of the build, again, depending on the scale of the project. On the other hand, the manpower, time, and additional materials required to construct a silage pit with bricks for example, or non-interlocking concrete blocks, can also be a costly investment. 

The cost of interlocking concrete blocks you use can result in a cheaper overall build for your silage pit. Cost can vary between size and provider, so be sure to get a fair amount of quotes to understand your options first.

How much does a silage pit roughly cost?

It isn’t really possible to give a rough estimate, as the work needed to create silage pits can vary significantly based on critical factors. The only safe estimate to provide is that it can be anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of pounds. 

That being said, it’s important to know some of the factors that can add or reduce the cost of creating a silage pit. Which are:

• The size of the silage pit: The size of the pit is the first key factor that affects the price, naturally, a larger pit requires more work, and therefore demands a higher price.

• Where you are/environment: Your locality will affect the price you are quotes, simply based on the average rates in the area and the labour available. In addition, depending on where the pit is, it may need more than the average amount of groundwork to have a proper base for the silage pit, which will add to the cost. 

• Material: The way in which you build your wall affects the costs, as different processes and the quality of the material used in said processes will all vary in price. 

• Drainage: Depending on how your silage pit is built, drainage is required, which can add to the price of the pit.

• DIY options: There may be some things you can do yourself for your silage pit which can help to reduce the cost. But if you want experience, expertise, efficiency and equipment, using a contractor is a more costly but effective option. 

These are the general factors that contribute to the cost of a silage pit. Remember, it’s crucial to speak to multiple contractors who deal in silage pits, by doing this you can obtain quotes, compare prices and practices, and see whether this will benefit you or not. 

A silage pit can be a costly long-term investment into your farm, therefore it is important to have a quality silage pit that is made for a good price. This is a stark difference compared to a cheap silage pit. Yes, a cheap build can offer value for money, but it is very unlikely to include quality construction materials or practices. 

Concrete block solutions for silage pits