

Manholes: Benefits of a Well-Installed System
Coating manholes is a critical step in protecting underground infrastructure from chemical attack, I&I, and structural degradation. By forming a durable barrier, coatings enhance service life, simplify maintenance, and improve safety and compliance.
1. Corrosion Protection
-
High-performance coatings resist hydrogen sulfide, sewage acids, and chlorides that corrode concrete and steel.
-
Prevents pitting, spalling, and reinforcement corrosion that lead to costly repairs or collapse.
2. Structural Integrity & Crack Bridging
-
Flexible, high-build membranes bridge hairline cracks and minor substrate movement.
-
Maintains a monolithic barrier over shifting soils and thermal cycles, preventing progressive deterioration.
3. Infiltration/Inflow Control
-
Seamless coatings seal porous concrete and faulty joints, blocking groundwater infiltration.
-
Reduces inflow of stormwater and soil moisture, protecting downstream treatment capacity and reducing energy costs.
4. Odor and Gas Tightness
-
Specialized gas-resistant systems contain methane, hydrogen sulfide, and nuisance odors.
-
Tight seals at benching, walls, and covers safeguard worker health and nearby communities.
5. Hydraulic Efficiency & Surface Smoothness
-
Smooth coated surfaces minimize sediment buildup and flow resistance.
-
Enhances sewer hydraulic capacity and reduces solids deposition, extending cleaning intervals.
6. Maintenance & Inspection Efficiency
-
High-contrast finishes make inspections faster and easier.
-
Nonporous surfaces simplify cleaning and reduce labor for manual or robotic condition assessments.
7. Safety & Regulatory Compliance
-
Slip-resistant aggregates on benches and steps improve entry/exit safety in wet conditions.
-
Low-VOC, food-grade, or NSF-approved coatings help meet environmental and potable-water standards.
8. Lifecycle Cost Savings & Asset Management
-
Upfront coating investment delays full-depth rehabilitation or replacement by decades.
-
Predictable recoat cycles streamline budgeting and maximize return on capital assets.