Storage Tank Roof Types Explained: Fixed, Floating & Open Roof Designs

Choosing the right roof style for a storage tank affects far more than appearance—it shapes performance, safety, and long-term operating costs. At Savannah Tank, we guide customers through these decisions every day. Our team supports companies across the U.S. with custom-engineered tanks built in our Georgia facility and, now, through our expanded manufacturing capabilities in India.

In this guide, we break down the most common Storage Tank Roof Types—fixed, floating, and open—and explain where each design excels.

Fixed Roof Storage Tanks: Strength, Versatility & Cost-Effective Performance

When used for low-pressure or atmospheric applications, fixed-roof tanks continue to be one of the most commonly utilized choices. Engineers at Savannah Tanks manufacture fixed-roof tanks from carbon steel, stainless steel, and specialty alloys, allowing them to accommodate a variety of industries (e.g., chemical processing, water treatment).

Advantages to Using Fixed Roof Tanks

• The ability to store a wide range of liquids, including both hazardous and corrosive liquids.

• Sufficiently strong structural integrity which makes routine maintenance very simple.

• The ability to be installed with insulation, heat tracing, or internal components.

• Cost-effective for many applications.

A cone roof storage tank provides additional drainage and durability, especially in outdoor installations with heavy rain or snow loads. Although our engineers will evaluate factors such as loading conditions, venting needs, and corrosion factors to determine whether or not a cone-roof design is the best fit for your specific processes, we will always keep your needs and the application of your tank in mind when designing the roof.

Floating Roof Tanks: Reducing Vapor Loss & Increasing Safety

Companies that store volatile, high-vapor-pressure products often choose floating roof designs. These tanks use a buoyant deck that rises and falls with the liquid level, minimizing vapor space and reducing emissions.

Why Choose a Floating Roof?

• Reduces evaporation and waste product loss

• Improves safety of storage of flammable/explosive products

• Decreases environmental and regulatory compliance liability

Our design and engineering team esnures to assure the floating roofs are created to very tight tolerances, utilize a quality seal, and are intended for long service life.

Open Top Tanks: Simple, Accessible & Ideal for Water Treatment

Open roof designs fit applications where vapor control is not required. Operators prefer the easy access these tanks provide for mixers, aeration equipment, and frequent internal inspections.

Open roof tank advantages include the following:

- Ease of use with minimal maintenance and service time

- Reduced capital costs compared to other options

- Well-suited for storing non-volatile liquids

We custom-manufacture high-quality stainless steel storage tanks designed specifically for highly corrosive settings, plus we also offer assistance to help maximize the tank's lifespan by providing detailed specifications on which materials will be used to build the tank.

Built for Performance—Manufactured in Georgia and Now in India

Whether you need a fixed, floating, or open top design, Savannah Tank delivers solutions engineered for your exact application. We provide proactive design support, ASME-certified fabrication, rigorous inspection, and on-time delivery—every project, every time. With manufacturing operations in Georgia and now in India, we support your schedule and supply chain with even greater efficiency.

Start Your Next Tank Project with Confidence

If you’re evaluating Storage Tank Roof Types for an upcoming project, our engineering team is ready to help you make the right decision.

Contact Savannah Tank today to discuss your requirements and receive a detailed, customized quote.