Great Britain

Switch From Single Skin to Bunded Oil Tanks

Some insurance companies no longer cover damages caused by leaks from single skin oil tanks. Learn more about bunded oil tanks and make the switch with Kingspan

Bunded and Single Skin Oil Tanks?

Bunded oil tanks have two protective layers: the inner tank holds the oil, while the outer "bund" captures any leaks. This dual-layer design reduces the risk of environmental contamination and costly clean-up.

  • Enhanced Safety: The secondary containment layer provides extra security against leaks, safeguarding your property and the environment.
  • Compliance: Bunded tanks meet the highest regulatory requirements, ensuring your installation adheres to local and national laws.
  • Insurance-Friendly: With many insurers refusing to cover single-skin tanks, bunded tanks can help you maintain comprehensive coverage.
  • Durability: Designed to withstand the elements, bunded tanks offer a longer lifespan and more robust protection than single-skin tanks.

What are the Differences Between

Bunded and Single Skin Oil Tanks?

Both tanks store oil, but differ in construction:

  • Single Skin Tanks: Built with one layer, offering minimal leak protection.
  • Bunded Tanks: Designed with an extra outer layer, creating a secure containment area for leaks.

To determine if your tank is bunded, look for the presence of a second outer layer surrounding the main tank. You can also check the tank’s documentation, consult with a professional to confirm its design, or – if you purchased with Kingspan – view our EcoSafe brochure.

In the UK and Ireland, oil storage is subject to strict regulations to prevent environmental damage and ensure public safety. While these regulations apply to all tanks, single-skin tanks may require more extensive installation work to ensure compliance.

Single skin oil tanks are subject to more stringent controls due to their higher risk of leaks. In many areas, single skin tanks may no longer meet regulatory standards, particularly for larger capacities or sensitive locations. Compliance often requires additional safety measures, such as bunded structures around the tank.

Bunded oil tanks are typically required in many regions, particularly for tanks with a capacity over 2,500 litres or for installations near water sources. They must comply with specific construction and installation standards to ensure effective leak prevention and environmental protection.

witching to a bunded oil tank is not just about compliance—it's about protecting your property, the environment, and your peace of mind. With increasing regulations and the potential for insurance issues with single skin tanks, making the switch now with Kingspan can save you from future headaches.

Learn how homeowners dealt with the aftermath of an oil tank leak and secured their property by upgrading to a bunded oil tank with Kingspan. Read our case study here to see how the switch provided lasting protection and peace of mind.

Help protect the environment and think long-term!

Protect your world

Safeguard the environment with EcoSafe tanks:

  • Reduce the risk of oil leaks with a bunded tank
  • Secure against overfilling with Kingspan Spillstop
  • Install HVO-Ready tanks for low carbon liquid fuels


Contact Us

For more information on how we can help you with your project, get in touch with us

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