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There are many different kinds of rubber pond liners. Not only are there different types of plastics to choose from, there are thickness options, size options, the option to bury or not bury your liner, the choice of doing it yourself or to hire someone to install the liner for you…need I go on? Finding the right rubber pond liner is going to be an important step when it comes to the longevity of your pond, so please consider a few things when you make the decision.
Pond Lining Material
Who knew picking pond lining material was going to be like picking material for your new couch cover? To some of us, that means time consuming. To most of us, that means, foreign language!
Rubber pond lining comes in a variety of different types of plastics. The key is to figure out what plastic does what, taking a look at the needs of your pond, and choosing which pond liner that is best for your situation.
Reinforced Pond Liner
Reinforced pond liners come in different types of rubber (such as reinforced polyethylene or reinforced polypropylene). The important thing to remember about a reinforced pond liner is that they are more light weight, more durable, more tear resistant, and typically less expensive liner than an unreinforced liner.
If installed and exposed to the sun, this can be a problem. They will not last as long if out in the open. If your pond is in the sun and you still want a reinforced liner you can bury the liner to prevent over exposure to the sun. Be aware; if you have sloping edges to your pond it can be hard to keep the liner buried.
PVC For Your Pond?
PVC is a plastic that is being used in many different industries. One of the nice things about PVC is that it has a great stretch to it. This makes PVC good for pond liners because the stretch reduces chances of cracks and adapts well to quick, dramatic changes in the weather.
PVC liner can be rolled and packaged easily which is always a plus when getting something shipped to you for your diy project. This liner is ideal for small landscape ponds and wildlife ponds. Panels of it can be heat welded together to make a sealed piece of PVC liner as big or small as your needs are.
Epdm Pond Liners
Epdm pond liners are a very popular choice. They are very versatile and won’t hold you back when you are choosing a shape and size for your pond. Epdm pond liners are also very flexible. They can still stretch in temperatures from -40 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. So whether you live in a place of extreme weather changes or you live in a consistently warm or cold area, you won’t have to worry about this liner turning brittle and cracking over time.
These liners are very resistant to the damaging effects of UV rays and other harmful environmental conditions. You don’t need to expect any major upholding issues with these liners. They will last for a long time, which is not only a perk when it comes to maintenance issues, but it is a nice perk when it comes to the safety of the wildlife that live in and around your pond.
If you are planning on breading any fish in your pond, be aware that epdm may be toxic at times. Epdm is ideal for both small and large landscape ponds.
Butyl Pond Liners….Best Of All?
Some people may argue that butyl pond liners are the best pond liner to use. I can’t say whether it’s the best, but I can say that it definitely seems to be one of the most versatile pond liners around. Butyl rubber liners are both stretchy and flexible which will help, in turn, to make the liner conducive to whatever type of terrain you want to place your pond.
Butyl liners are also resistant to UV rays and are sustainable; they are good for all types of ponds from your backyard water garden to a wildlife reserve pond. This rubber pond liner is non toxic so you have no need to worry about any negative effects distressing the environment you put your pond. This is a great option for your pond if you are looking for something that will last a long time and leave you with little to worry about.
HDPE, Strong and Resistant
HDPE pond liners are a good choice when you have a demanding and arduous environment. These types of liners are often used by landfill or waste water treatment companies because of their chemical resistant characteristics.
Even for a less intense situations, like your backyard pond, they are very reliable. They are strong and resistant to cracking. They will do well in extreme weather. They prevent any harmful substance from seeping in to contaminate your pond. These pond liners are also very affective on almost any terrain. So if you are looking for something durable for anything from a simple pond liner to a waste water treatment lagoon, this lining can do the job for you.
To Choose a Rubber Pond Liner
Take the information you have gathered, look at your needs, and see what will work best for you. Remember the importance of choosing the right rubber pond liner. If you choose something that isn’t right for the surroundings of your pond, you are going to only enjoy the pond for a short time before you are spending a lot of time and money on repairs that could have been prevented with a little bit of research.
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