26/06/2023
How to Hide Your Oil Tank
Domestic oil tanks are an essential part of many households, providing a reliable source of heating fuel. However, their appearance may not always align with homeowners’ aesthetic vision for their properties. If you find yourself on the search for a more visually appealing outdoor space, you’re in the right place! This guide will demonstrate various creative and practical solutions that allow you to camouflage your oil tank while maintaining safety, such as keeping all structures 760mm away from your tank. So, let’s find out how to disguise your oil tank.
1. Fencing
You need to ensure the fence allows sufficient airflow and access for maintenance and inspections.
Opt for a design that complements your property’s aesthetics while following safety regulations.
You can use wooden panels, bamboo or reed to hide your oil tank; all three options can be bought readily made, for a reasonable price.
If you are enclosing your oil tank with a fence, make sure you you leave a space for a gate, or an opening, so you can still get into your tank.
Installing a fence or screening around your oil tank is the cheapest, quickest and easiest way to hide your oil tank.
2. Landscaping
Use strategic landscaping to blend the oil tank with its surroundings. You can plant shrubs, hedges, or tall grasses around the tank to create a natural camouflage between your tank and garden. Both plastic oil tanks and metal oil tanks are easily hidden by landscaping due to their green colour.
Ensure that the vegetation does not obstruct access to the tank, vents, or gauges.
Leave enough space for maintenance and deliveries.
You can grow flowers and plants up a trellis or screen; add hanging plants or baskets to match your disguise to the rest of your garden.
This method can take longer, but it is the most subtle, natural way to camouflage your oil tank.
3. Walls
Construct a dedicated enclosure around the oil tank or even a roof, to provide a more substantial disguise.
Use non-combustible materials, such as brick, stone, or metal, to ensure fire safety. Follow local regulations and guidelines regarding fire-resistant materials.
Ensure the enclosure allows proper ventilation and has removable panels or access points for maintenance, inspections, and deliveries.
4. Decorative Covers
Explore decorative covers specifically designed for oil tanks. These covers are often made of weather-resistant materials and come in various designs to complement your property. Covers can range from full opaque covers, to Camouflage netting.
Ensure the cover is easy to remove for maintenance purposes and does not obstruct access to gauges, vents, or safety equipment.
This method is also one of the cheaper ones, quick and easy. This is the best temporary quick fix if you need your oil tank covered immediately.
Need Help With Your Oil Tank?
Our expert team at Oil Tank Change can assist you with innovative solutions to any Oil Tank issues you may have. Contact us for personalised advice and professional services to keep your home looking great while ensuring efficient heating.
5. Paint
You can paint your oil tank if you want a more creative option. You will need to use equipment suitable for an external tank, such as painting primer and weatherproof paint.
The best paint is an exterior acrylic house or elastomeric paint. This is because they are more flexible and allow the tank to expand without chipping or tearing the paint.
6. Underground Tanks
Consider installing an underground oil tank. This option completely conceals the tank from view while utilising the existing space on your property.
Underground tanks require professional installation, and compliance with regulations regarding depth, materials, and safety features is crucial. Remember to label the location of the underground tank appropriately for easy identification.
7. Other Options
You can install a garden shed around your oil tank; however, it needs to be a large shed due to regulations. Oil tanks must be around 1.8m away from a shed; therefore, if you have a smaller garden, there may be better options for you.
If you are going to cover your oil tank, you need to make sure that you:
- Maintain proper ventilation around the tank to prevent the accumulation of hazardous fumes.
- Ensure easy access for maintenance, inspections, and deliveries.
- Use non-combustible materials and follow fire safety regulations.
- Clearly label the location of the tank for safety and emergency purposes.
- Ensure all fencing, landscaping, and cladding is at least 760 mm away from your oil tank to stay in line with Domestic Oil Tank Regulations.
We recommend chatting with a professional if you need help with how to disguise your oil tank safely. For your queries about Oil Tanks, call us today on 01638 781710
