The Importance of Installing High Quality Dam Liners
Dam liners are essential for preventing water loss from reservoirs and ponds; however it is essential that high quality dam liners are purchased if a long term waterproof solution is required. Quality liner brands such as Canvacon offer exceptional waterproofing and have a considerably longer lifespan and rarely need to be repaired.
Quality dam liners are constructed from polyethylene which has been UV stabilized and coated to improve adhesion at seams. Low quality brands offer poor adhesion properties, resulting in leaks from the seams over time. Replacing or repairing leaking linings can be very expensive, in addition to being time consuming and inconvenient. A little extra investment in a high quality liner should keep repair costs to a minimal level.
Canvacon and other quality polyfabrics are coated with premium grade UV-stabilised polyethylene to ensure a permanent seal when they are hot air and hot wedge welded. These welding techniques cannot be completed onsite, although liners can be ordered from reputable suppliers with each seam permanently welded.
Creating a Waterproof Seal Onsite
Ideally pond and dam liners should be fitted in one continuous sheet, although the weight of the liner and the resources available may prevent this from being possible. A 4-man team can install sections of lining up to 3000 square meters and must join any seams between sections on-site to create a waterproof seal.
Canvacon and other high quality polyethylene plastic linings can be sealed onsite using double-sided adhesive tape, although factory hot wedge and hot air sealing creates a more permanent bond and is preferable for improved waterproofing.
The Importance of Preparation
It is essential that new water retention structures and excavations are properly planned to prevent headaches with the installation of liners. The area must be cleared of rocks, tree roots and any material which could damage the polyethylene liner.
Once the area is cleared and the liner is laid it must be covered with a layer of soil. It is important that the liner is protected from exposure to sunlight, as even UV stabilized liners can degrade over time. Typically a layer of 100mm to 200mm of soil is sufficient to protect the lining.
Suppliers of pond, dam and building liners can be consulted for advice on a new projects and can help contractors to anticipate problems with an installation. However, it is best to use a professional company to complete all but small scale one-man installations. An experienced team of fitters will ensure a fully waterproof seal is made and headaches with the installation can be prevented.
Expert Advice on Plastic Dam Liners and Building Lining
Polytex is an industry leader in the production of custom plastic dam liners for agriculture and industry. The company specialises in polyfabric welding techniques to ensure plastic dam liners are permanently sealed. Polytex uses Canvacon 5000E and 7000E polyfabrics for their robustness and can supply liners to order to suit all shapes and sizes of ponds, dams and reservoirs.
Polytex can supply lining membranes to order complete with installation instructions or expert lining installers can plan the project and complete the installation. High quality building lining is also supplied to order for large and small scale projects.
