# Secondary Containment Coatings in Toronto, ON | Toronto Elite Epoxy Flooring

URL: https://torontoeliteepoxyflooring.ca/secondary-containment-coatings/

![Secondary Containment Coatings in Toronto, Ontario](/images/misc/before-image-of-stained-chemical-damaged-industria.webp)

# Toronto Elite Epoxy Flooring: TSSA Tank Berm, Chemical Storage, and Spill Containment Coatings for Commercial & Industrial

Toronto Elite Epoxy Flooring

[/ →](/)

 installs novolac epoxy, vinyl ester, and polyurea secondary containment coatings for fuel storage tank berms, chemical storage room floors, transformer and electrical equipment containment pads, industrial drum storage areas, and hazardous material spill containment systems throughout Toronto, ON. Every secondary containment install is designed to the 110% containment volume requirement under Ontario Regulation 675/98 (Liquid Fuels) and the TSSA Technical Standards and Safety Authority guidelines for above-ground storage tank secondary containment, with chemical resistance validated for the specific fuel, chemical, or electrical fluid stored in the contained area.

Secondary containment coatings face failure demands entirely different from standard floor applications. Unlike standard floor coatings designed for splash resistance, containment systems must maintain liquid impermeability under static immersion conditions. A containment berm by definition sits full of liquid after a spill event. Standard epoxy applied to a moisture-vapour-emitting slab delaminates under hydrostatic backpressure when the berm fills, allowing the contained liquid to undermine the coating from below while the spill contacts the surface above. Vinyl ester systems, used in chemical plant secondary containment under NACE SP0892 and ASTM C722 standards, provide resistance to concentrated sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, solvents, and petroleum hydrocarbons under full immersion conditions where novolac epoxy would eventually fail. CCME Environmental Code of Practice for aboveground and underground storage tank systems requires impermeable secondary containment surfaces for petroleum and hazardous chemical storage in all Canadian provinces. Failure to maintain an intact containment coating leaves the owner liable for soil remediation costs that routinely exceed $50,000-$500,000 per contaminated site.

Secondary containment projects typically run 100-2,000 sq ft and complete in 1-3 days depending on size and edge detailing complexity. Pricing ranges from $10 to $18 per sq ft installed depending on chemical resistance specification, coating system selection, and compliance documentation required. Full TSSA and CCME compliance documentation is included with every project.

Toronto Elite Epoxy Flooring provides secondary containment coatings to Toronto, ON and surrounding Ontario cities, including Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York, Oakville, Burlington, Markham, Richmond Hill, Hamilton, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, and Oshawa.

Get Your Free Quote

[/contact/ →](/contact/)

 

Call (647) 797-3033

[tel:+16477973033 →](tel:+16477973033)

★★★★★

4.9 (150+ Google Reviews)

WSIB Certified

Same-Day Free Quotes

$2M Liability Coverage

2M+ sq ft installed

## Secondary Containment Coatings in Toronto

Toronto Elite Epoxy Flooring

[/ →](/)

 installs TSSA-compliant novolac epoxy, vinyl ester, and polyurea secondary containment coatings for fuel storage berms, chemical storage rooms, transformer pads, and industrial spill containment systems across Toronto and the GTA. Our immersion-rated containment systems meet Ontario Regulation 675/98, TSSA Technical Standards, and CCME Environmental Code of Practice requirements, with full compliance documentation included on every project.

### What Are Secondary Containment Coatings?

Secondary containment coatings are immersion-rated epoxy or vinyl ester systems applied to the floor and walls of containment berms, spill pads, and chemical storage areas to prevent petroleum or hazardous chemical contamination of the surrounding concrete and soil in a spill event. Unlike standard floor coatings designed for splash resistance, containment systems must maintain impermeability under static liquid immersion - the full berm load during a tank spill.

### What Does a Secondary Containment System Include?

-   ASTM F2170 moisture verification before application
-   CSP 3-5 diamond-ground or blast-cleaned surface preparation
-   Moisture-tolerant primer penetrant coat
-   Vinyl ester or novolac epoxy base coat (immersion rated)
-   Oil and chemical separator berm edge detailing
-   Wall-to-floor junction sealing
-   TSSA and CCME compliance documentation

### How Much Do Secondary Containment Coatings Cost in Toronto?

Secondary containment coatings run $10-$18 per sq ft installed in Toronto and the GTA, depending on the chemical resistance specification, coating system selected, and compliance documentation required. Most projects run 100-2,000 sq ft.

## Key Benefits of Secondary Containment Epoxy Systems

We design secondary containment epoxy systems for industrial reliability, environmental compliance, and chemical durability. Each system uses industrial-grade materials that protect concrete, reduce environmental liability, and satisfy regulatory requirements across Ontario’s industrial sectors.

### Environmental and Regulatory Compliance in Toronto

We engineer our containment coatings to meet both provincial and federal containment standards, including **Ontario Regulation 675/98** and **Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)** guidelines. These standards govern spill control and storage containment for manufacturing and chemical handling sites across Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, and the GTA.

Our containment designs incorporate **110% spill volume capacity verification** and **oil or chemical separator berm detailing**, ensuring compliance with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s secondary containment expectations under the **CCME Environmental Code of Practice**. By following the **NACE SP0892** lining standard, we maintain surface preparation and application quality that supports regulatory audits and environmental reporting.

To help facility operators demonstrate due diligence, we document installation parameters including substrate moisture readings, coating thickness measurements, and system cure times. This verification supports TSSA inspection readiness and aligns with ISO 14001 environmental management recordkeeping requirements.

### Chemical and Impact Resistance

Our industrial epoxy containment systems resist strong acids, caustics, and hydrocarbons that degrade concrete in spill events. Formulated to **ASTM C722** chemical-resistant mortar performance criteria, these coatings reduce concrete permeability and maintain adhesion under thermal cycling and mechanical vibration.

In concentrated acid and solvent handling zones, **vinyl ester coatings** perform significantly better than novolac epoxy under full immersion. Their dense polymer crosslinks provide sustained resistance to sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and halogenated solvents in tank farms, mixing pits, and chemical transfer areas where a berm fills completely during a spill event.

Impact resistance matters for long-term maintenance efficiency. Our commercial-grade materials absorb equipment shock without fracturing the substrate, protecting assets such as pumps and neutralisation basins from wear that would eventually compromise containment integrity.

### Longevity Under Continuous Chemical Exposure

Our multi-layer containment systems combine a primer, immersion-rated mid-coat, and wear-resistant topcoat. This configuration supports forklift and chemical transport cart traffic while minimising reapplication downtime. Bond strength between the immersion-rated liner and CSP 3-5 prepared concrete exceeds 300 psi pull-off strength, maintaining integrity under continuous chemical exposure.

A properly installed vinyl ester containment system lasts **10-20 years** depending on chemical contact frequency, UV exposure, and inspection maintenance. Annual berm edge and junction inspection is recommended. Properly maintained containment coatings also preserve the facility owner’s position under the Ontario Environmental Protection Act - a failed containment coating that allows soil contamination can result in remediation liability exceeding $500,000 per site.

## Critical Installation Steps and Surface Preparation

Every secondary containment epoxy system depends on careful assessment, precise surface preparation, and controlled installation. The hydrostatic pressure failure mode - coating delaminating when the berm fills from below - requires a higher standard of substrate prep than standard floor coating applications.

### Containment Volume Assessment and System Specification

We begin every project with an on-site assessment to evaluate the substrate, containment layout, stored substance profile, and regulatory exposure. Moisture readings, chemical compatibility verification, and volume calculations guide the design. This stage ensures the system meets **Ontario Reg 675/98** and **TSSA** requirements for containment capacity and spill management documentation.

Our team analyses spill volumes to confirm **110% containment capacity** by calculating wall height, containment footprint, and internal slope geometry. We specify coating thickness and primer type to align with **NACE SP0892** standards. Clients receive a written scope summarising resin system selection, basecoat thickness, and curing schedule before any work begins.

### Concrete Repair and Chemical-Resistant Joint Treatment

Proper concrete repair establishes a reliable foundation for immersion-rated epoxy adhesion. We test compressive strength and remove failed coatings or hollow spots before filling voids. Structural cracks and cold joints receive flexible sealants or epoxy injections rated under **ASTM C722** for chemical-resistant mortars - the same standard that governs the containment coating itself.

In containment zones, we install **oil and chemical separator berm details** to manage spills and prevent lateral migration into adjacent floor areas. All repairs are finished flush to ensure even film thickness during final coating application. Brampton chemical facilities and Vaughan industrial plants with existing berms typically require this repair phase before any recoat work.

### Diamond Grinding and Surface Profiling (CSP 3-5)

We refine the surface by diamond grinding to achieve the correct mechanical profile - CSP 3-5 for secondary containment, higher than the CSP 3 standard used for regular floor coatings. This elevated profile requirement exists because containment coatings experience hydrostatic backpressure from below that regular floor coatings never face. Higher profile equals higher mechanical bond strength equals containment integrity under immersion.

Our crew operates HEPA-filtered, dust-controlled grinding machines that meet jobsite safety and cleanliness standards. After grinding, we conduct **ASTM F2170 in-situ moisture vapour testing** to confirm vapour emission rates are below 3 lb/1,000 sq ft/24 hr. High vapour emission is the most common cause of containment coating failure - the moisture pressure from below delaminates the coating when the berm fills.

## Epoxy Flooring Options for Containment Solutions

We design containment flooring that matches the specific chemical resistance requirement to the correct resin chemistry. Specifying the wrong system - novolac where vinyl ester is needed - produces a containment system that passes initial inspection but fails during the first significant spill event.

### Industrial-Grade Novolac and Vinyl Ester Systems

Our industrial containment systems are built to meet **Ontario Regulation 675/98** and **TSSA secondary containment** guidelines. We use **ASTM C722 chemical-resistant mortars** and dense industrial resins that resist fuels, acids, and alkalis under full immersion.

**Novolac epoxy** is the correct system for petroleum product containment - fuel storage berms, transformer dielectric fluid pads, and waste oil sump areas where the chemical profile is petroleum-based. **Vinyl ester** is required when concentrated acids, strong caustics, or aggressive solvents are the stored substance - the higher crosslink density and different resin chemistry of vinyl ester provides sustained immersion resistance where novolac would eventually soften. Mississauga and Etobicoke chemical manufacturing facilities with mixed chemical storage areas may require both systems within the same containment footprint depending on which areas face which substances.

| Feature | Specification |
| --- | --- |
| Chemical Resistance Standard | ASTM C722 Compliant |
| Regulatory Compliance | Ontario Reg 675/98, TSSA, CCME |
| Spill Capacity | 110% Verified |
| Lining Standard | NACE SP0892 |
| Liability Coverage | WSIB-Certified, $2M |

### Polyurea Spray Systems for Rapid Return to Service

When operational downtime is the primary constraint, polyurea spray containment systems provide a rapid return-to-service option. Polyurea reaches mechanical service in 2-4 hours and full containment service in 24 hours - significantly faster than epoxy systems requiring 5-7 days for full chemical immersion cure.

Polyurea also provides excellent crack-bridging capability for containment areas with existing joint movement or substrate cracking that would challenge rigid epoxy systems. The 300-400% elongation of polyurea accommodates substrate movement without delaminating at crack locations. This property is particularly valuable in Hamilton industrial facilities with older concrete containment structures where complete crack repair before coating is not always feasible.

### Decorative Safety Markings and Zone Demarcation

Functional containment performance is the priority, but visibility and organisation within containment areas supports operational control and maintenance planning. Using safety-coded colour systems, we create visually distinct spill zones, drainage routes, and equipment boundary markings.

Safety lines and colour-coded demarcations are applied into the final coating layer. These markings identify walkways, drain flow paths, and equipment staging zones without compromising chemical resistance. We match demarcation colours to Ontario occupational safety colour coding standards for industrial environments.

## Application Areas Across Industrial Sectors

We apply secondary containment coatings across a wide range of industrial environments where petroleum, chemical, or hazardous material storage creates regulatory and environmental liability exposure.

### Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Plants

We install containment systems in plants that handle chemicals, fuels, and wastewater. These coatings provide seamless protection that meets **110% spill volume capacity verification** and resists acids, caustics, and petroleum products under full immersion. Automotive, aerospace, food processing, and electronics manufacturing plants all require containment systems for their chemical storage and transfer areas.

Our team incorporates **oil and chemical separator berm detailing** into design layouts to maintain containment integrity and prevent cross-contamination between zones. Properly applied containment linings extend containment structure service life by 10-15 years under continuous service compared to uncoated concrete that begins absorbing chemical contamination from the first spill event.

### Fuel Storage Berms and Transformer Pads

TSSA-regulated fuel storage berms are the most common secondary containment application in the GTA’s industrial and commercial sectors. Above-ground storage tank (AST) berms must be coated with an impermeable system that meets the 110% volume requirement under Ontario Reg 675/98. We provide the system specification, installation, and compliance documentation package required for TSSA inspection.

Transformer pad containment for dielectric fluid requires a petroleum-resistant coating with UV stability for outdoor installations and sufficient flexibility for Ontario freeze-thaw cycling. Novolac epoxy with elastomeric topcoat or polyurea systems are appropriate for this application depending on the thermal cycling profile and return-to-service timeline.

### Commercial and Institutional Environments

Hospitals, research centres, universities, and utilities across Toronto require secondary containment for chemical storage rooms, generator fuel tanks, and laboratory chemical storage areas. These environments combine regulatory requirements with aesthetic standards - our coatings maintain cleanable, semi-gloss surfaces that support sanitation requirements alongside chemical resistance.

Each project includes precise thickness verification, WSIB-certified installation records, and full compliance documentation. For organisations operating under combined food, pharmaceutical, or environmental regulations, we provide documentation packages structured to satisfy multiple regulatory frameworks from a single installation.

## Related Questions Toronto Facility Managers Ask

### What is the most common failure mode in secondary containment coatings and how is it prevented?

Hydrostatic backpressure delamination - the coating lifts from below when the berm fills because moisture vapour pressure in the concrete slab exceeds the coating bond strength. It is the most preventable failure mode and the most commonly overlooked. Prevention requires three things: ASTM F2170 moisture testing before application to confirm vapour emission is within tolerance, a moisture-tolerant primer formulated to bond under residual moisture conditions, and CSP 3-5 surface profile to maximise mechanical bond strength. Facilities that have had containment coatings delaminate after a spill event almost always had one or more of these three steps skipped or done to an insufficient standard.

### Why does a TSSA inspection sometimes fail a containment system that looks intact?

TSSA inspectors assess containment integrity beyond visual appearance. They check that the coating is the correct chemistry for the stored substance, that the berm geometry provides the required 110% volume, that wall-to-floor junctions are properly sealed without gaps or voids, and that the installation documentation confirms the system was applied correctly. A visually intact coating of the wrong chemistry - standard floor epoxy instead of immersion-rated novolac - will fail TSSA inspection even with no visible defects because it is not rated for the immersion conditions of a real spill event.

### Can an active Brampton or Mississauga industrial facility install secondary containment coatings without shutting down the contained area?

It depends on the size of the containment area and whether the stored substance can be temporarily relocated. Small fuel tank berms (under 500 sq ft) can typically be drained, cleaned, and recoated in a 48-72 hour window while tanks are temporarily emptied. Larger chemical storage room floors may require section-by-section phasing. We coordinate the warm-up, drying, and installation schedule with the facility’s operational constraints and provide a written phase plan before work begins. The compliance documentation is updated to reflect any phased installation sequence.

### What documentation does a Vaughan or Etobicoke industrial facility need to demonstrate secondary containment compliance to inspectors?

The minimum documentation package includes: the product technical data sheet confirming the coating system is rated for the stored substance under immersion conditions, the installation record confirming surface profile achieved, moisture test results, coating thickness measurements per coat, and cure time documentation. For TSSA-regulated fuel storage: the TSSA-compliant system specification and the 110% volume capacity verification calculation. For facilities under Ontario Environmental Protection Act oversight: records showing the containment surface has been maintained in compliance with Ontario Reg 675/98 and the CCME Environmental Code of Practice. We provide all of these as a standard documentation package at project handover.

### What is the typical remediation cost exposure if a containment coating fails and allows soil contamination?

Soil contamination from a containment failure in Ontario is governed by the Ontario Environmental Protection Act and the Records of Site Condition (RSC) requirements. Remediation costs depend on the extent of contamination, the substance involved, and whether the site triggers a mandatory RSC filing. For petroleum contamination from a fuel storage berm failure, remediation costs in the GTA typically range from $50,000 for a small contained spill to over $500,000 for contamination that has migrated into the water table. This cost exposure is the financial context for why the $10-$18/sq ft cost of a properly specified containment coating is a risk mitigation expenditure, not just a maintenance cost.

Transparent Pricing

## Secondary Containment Pricing

Chemical resistance specification and compliance documentation package affect final price.

Starting From

$10 – $18

per sq ft

Get Exact Quote

[/contact/ →](/contact/)

Why Choose Us

## Why GTA Customers Choose Toronto Elite Epoxy Flooring for Secondary Containment

### Vinyl Ester Where Novolac Isn't Enough

We specify vinyl ester over novolac for concentrated acid, solvent, and aggressive chemical containment. Novolac handles petroleum and mild chemicals well - vinyl ester under NACE SP0892 is the correct system when the stored substance would eventually defeat novolac under full immersion.

### Hydrostatic Backpressure Design

Standard floor epoxy delaminates when a berm fills because hydrostatic pressure from below exceeds the coating bond. We spec moisture-tolerant primers and immersion-rated systems designed for the backpressure condition that occurs in every real containment event.

### 110% Volume Verification in Writing

We confirm containment capacity by calculating wall height, floor area, and internal geometry against the largest stored vessel, and provide that verification document with the compliance package - not just a verbal assurance.

### Ontario Reg 675/98 & TSSA Docs Included

Every project includes the compliance documentation required for TSSA inspection and Ontario Environmental Protection Act audit readiness. The paperwork is standard, not an add-on.

Our Process

## How Secondary Containment Works

01

### Containment Volume & Chemical Assessment

We review stored substance profile, container volumes, drainage layout, and applicable regulations (Ontario Reg 675/98, TSSA, CCME) before specifying between novolac, vinyl ester, or polyurea systems.

02

### CSP 3-5 Prep & Moisture Testing

Diamond grinding or shot blasting to CSP 3-5 profile, ASTM F2170 moisture vapour testing below 3 lb/1,000 sq ft/24 hr, and crack treatment with ASTM C722 chemical-resistant mortar before any primer.

03

### Immersion-Rated System Application

Moisture-tolerant primer penetrant, novolac or vinyl ester base coat, oil and chemical separator berm edge detailing, wall-to-floor junction sealing, and UV-resistant topcoat.

04

### Volume Verification & Compliance Documentation

110% containment capacity confirmation by geometry calculation, Ontario Reg 675/98, TSSA, and CCME compliance documentation, and chemical resistance data sheets provided at handover.

## Ready for a Free On-Site Assessment?

Same-day quotes across the GTA. WSIB-certified, $2M liability on every project.

(647) 797-3033

[tel:+16477973033 →](tel:+16477973033)

 

Get Free Quote

[/contact/ →](/contact/)

Testimonials

## What Customers Say About Our Secondary Containment

★★★★★

4.9 out of 5, 150+ Google reviews

★★★★★

"Chemical storage facility in Brampton - we store concentrated sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide and had a previous epoxy coating fail under immersion after 18 months. Toronto Elite specified a vinyl ester system rather than standard novolac, which is what we needed for the chemical profile we have. They confirmed the 110% containment capacity calculation, documented everything for our environmental compliance file, and the coating has held through two full simulated spill tests. First time a contractor has actually understood what secondary containment requires."

Frank D.

Brampton

★★★★★

"Fuel storage berms in Mississauga - TSSA inspection flagged our existing coating as non-compliant. Toronto Elite replaced the system with a TSSA-compliant novolac coating, provided all the documentation we needed for the re-inspection, and confirmed the 110% volume requirement was met. The inspector reviewed the compliance package and cleared us without any further issues. The whole project was done in two days with no interruption to our fuel operations."

Lorraine M.

Mississauga

★★★★★

"Transformer pad and oil containment in Vaughan. The concern was both dielectric fluid containment and resistance to the cleaning solvents used during transformer maintenance. Toronto Elite knew the chemical compatibility question immediately and specified the correct system. The berm-to-floor junction detailing is clean and the coating has shown no signs of lifting after 14 months of service including one actual minor spill event that the containment held correctly."

Raymond T.

Vaughan

## Secondary Containment FAQs

### What coating is used for secondary containment berms?

Secondary containment requires immersion-rated coatings - not just splash-resistant floor coatings. Vinyl ester systems (used under NACE SP0892 and ASTM C722 for chemical plant containment) provide resistance to concentrated acids, solvents, and petroleum under full immersion. Novolac epoxy is used for petroleum and mild chemical containment. Standard 100% solid epoxy is not rated for static liquid immersion and will eventually fail under the hydrostatic backpressure of a full containment event.

### What chemical resistance profile is required for secondary containment coatings?

The correct coating system depends entirely on the stored substance. Petroleum and fuel containment: novolac epoxy with immersion rating is sufficient. Concentrated acids (sulphuric, hydrochloric, nitric), caustics (sodium hydroxide), and solvents: vinyl ester systems rated under ASTM C722 are required - novolac eventually fails under prolonged immersion in these chemicals. Dielectric fluid (transformer oil) and glycol containment: novolac epoxy is adequate. We review your specific stored substances and specify the correct system for the full immersion scenario, not the typical spill scenario.

### How do Toronto's freeze-thaw cycles affect secondary containment coating selection?

Toronto's climate subjects outdoor containment berms and pads to intense freeze-thaw expansion, de-icing salt exposure, and thermal cycling from seasonal temperature swings. These conditions demand flexible epoxy or polyurea hybrid systems that retain adhesion over micro-cracks and prevent chloride intrusion into the concrete substrate. For outdoor fuel storage berms and transformer pads in Etobicoke and Hamilton industrial areas, we specify systems with elastomeric properties and adjust coating thickness - often exceeding 60 mils total build - where thermal shock from hot-wash or steam cleaning also occurs. Indoor containment areas are less affected by freeze-thaw but still require moisture-tolerant primers given Ontario's seasonal humidity variation.

### What surface preparation is required before secondary containment coatings?

Secondary containment applications require CSP 3-5 surface profile achieved through mechanical diamond grinding or shot blasting - higher than standard floor coating requirements because the coating must withstand hydrostatic immersion pressure. ASTM F2170 in-situ moisture vapour testing must confirm relative humidity below 75% and vapour emission below 3 lb/1,000 sq ft/24 hr before primer application. High moisture vapour emission is what causes delamination when a containment berm fills - the pressure from below exceeds the coating bond strength. Cracks and cold joints receive ASTM C722 chemical-resistant mortar treatment before any coating layer is applied.

### What are typical cure times and return-to-service windows for containment coatings?

Standard novolac epoxy containment systems reach light foot traffic service in 24 hours and full chemical immersion resistance in 5-7 days at 20°C - the containment area should not be put into active service before full chemical cure. Vinyl ester systems follow similar timelines. Fast-set polyurea spray systems return to mechanical service in 2-4 hours but still require full cure before liquid immersion service. We install low-VOC systems in active facilities to reduce odour during installation and maintain compliance with Ontario air quality standards. Cure timeline documentation is included in the compliance package.

### What is the regulatory requirement for secondary containment in Ontario?

Ontario Regulation 675/98 (Liquid Fuels) and TSSA Technical Standards require secondary containment for above-ground storage tanks with minimum 110% of the largest tank volume. CCME Environmental Code of Practice requires impermeable secondary containment surfaces for petroleum and hazardous chemical storage. NACE SP0892 sets the lining installation standard for containment systems. Failure to maintain an intact containment coating leaves the property owner liable for soil contamination remediation under the Ontario Environmental Protection Act - remediation costs routinely exceed $50,000-$500,000 per contaminated site.

### How much does secondary containment coating cost in Toronto?

Secondary containment coatings run $10-$18 per sq ft installed in Toronto and the GTA, depending on the chemical resistance specification, coating system (novolac vs vinyl ester), and compliance documentation package. Most containment projects run 100-2,000 sq ft and complete in 1-3 days. TSSA and CCME compliance documentation is included with every project.

### Can secondary containment coating be applied to an existing concrete berm?

Yes, provided the existing concrete is structurally sound, adequately cured (minimum 28 days for new berms), and free of cracks wider than 0.3 mm. Existing berms with delaminated or failed coatings require full removal to bare concrete before recoating. ASTM F2170 moisture vapour testing is performed before any containment coating application - high vapour emission causes delamination under hydrostatic backpressure when the berm fills.

### What is the difference between secondary containment and spill containment flooring?

Secondary containment refers to a dedicated berm or containment structure around a storage tank or chemical storage area, designed to hold 110% of the tank volume in a spill event. Spill containment flooring refers to the floor surface of a chemical storage room or drum storage area that must be impermeable to prevent ground contamination from routine drips and small spills. Both require immersion-rated coatings - the difference is the berm geometry vs flat floor geometry and the volume calculation method.

### How long do secondary containment coatings last?

A properly installed vinyl ester or novolac containment coating lasts 10-20 years depending on chemical exposure frequency, UV exposure for outdoor installations, and maintenance inspection frequency. Annual inspection of berm edges, penetrations, and wall-to-floor junctions is recommended to catch early delamination before it compromises containment integrity. Recoat cycles at 8-12 years maintain compliance and containment integrity.

## Related Services

![Industrial Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, Ontario](/images/features/mississauga-industrial-warehouse-with-heavy-duty-f.webp)

### Industrial Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, Ontario

Heavy-duty industrial epoxy flooring for manufacturing plants, warehouses, food processing facilities, chemical storage areas, and automotive service operations in Toronto and the GTA. 80-100 mil broadcast systems rated for Class 1-3 forklift traffic, 12,000+ lb point loads, and chemical spill environments. Pricing from $3 per sq ft for open-plan warehouse epoxy to $18 per sq ft for novolac chemical-resistant systems. WSIB-certified, $2M liability, full compliance documentation.

[Industrial Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, Ontario →](/industrial-epoxy-flooring/)

![Laboratory Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, Ontario](/images/misc/pharmacy-lab-with-zero-voc-seamless-sanitary-epoxy.webp)

### Laboratory Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, Ontario

Novolac chemical-resistant epoxy floor systems for research labs, university facilities, clinical labs, and industrial testing environments in the GTA. Resistant to concentrated acids, bases, solvents, and reagents at laboratory grade. Pricing runs $10-$18 per sq ft installed. WSIB-certified crews with $2M liability and full compliance documentation on every project.

[Laboratory Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, Ontario →](/laboratory-epoxy-flooring/)

![Wash Bay & Washdown Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, Ontario](/images/features/mississauga-industrial-warehouse-with-heavy-duty-f.webp)

### Wash Bay & Washdown Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, Ontario

High-pressure washdown-rated polyurea and urethane cement floor systems for truck wash bays, fleet maintenance facilities, food plant washdown areas, and industrial cleaning stations in the GTA. Resistant to hot water, pressure washing, alkaline degreasers, and petroleum products. Pricing runs $7-$12 per sq ft installed. WSIB-certified with $2M liability on every project.

[Wash Bay & Washdown Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, Ontario →](/wash-bay-epoxy-flooring/)

![Warehouse Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, ON](/images/hero/large-gta-warehouse-with-grey-high-build-epoxy-flo.webp)

### Warehouse Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, ON

Forklift-rated 100% solid epoxy systems with shot-blast prep, chemical-resistant topcoat, and integrated line marking for GTA distribution centres and logistics hubs. Pricing runs $3-$7 per sq ft installed; large warehouse floors complete in off-hours weekend windows with WSIB-certified crews. WSIB-certified crews, liability, and full compliance documentation on every commercial project.

[Warehouse Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, ON →](/warehouse-epoxy-flooring/)

![Commercial Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, Ontario](/images/features/gta-commercial-warehouse-with-grey-epoxy-floor-and.webp)

### Commercial Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, Ontario

Commercial epoxy flooring systems for retail, restaurant, office, healthcare, and institutional facilities in Toronto and the GTA. CFIA-compliant commercial kitchen coatings, institutional medical floors, ESD conductive systems, and high-traffic retail showroom epoxy. Pricing from $3 per sq ft for commercial warehouse epoxy to $20 per sq ft for pharmaceutical cleanroom systems. WSIB-certified, $2M liability, compliance documentation on every project.

[Commercial Epoxy Flooring in Toronto, Ontario →](/commercial-epoxy-flooring/)

![](/images/hero/toronto-garage-floor-with-high-gloss-metallic-epox.webp)

## Ready to Book Secondary Containment?

Same-day free on-site assessment. WSIB-certified, $2M liability on every project.

Get Your Free Quote

[/contact/ →](/contact/)

 

Call (647) 797-3033

[tel:+16477973033 →](tel:+16477973033)

Warranty WSIB certified Free same-day quotes