Is it time to upgrade your pond or dam? Or are you about to start building? If so, we can’t recommend EPDM dam liners more. The type of liner you choose is more important than you might think; a poor quality one can lead to cracks, leaks, and expensive maintenance and repairs. You’ll find yourself having to reline your water body down the line, which is a big job. You want a dam liner that outlives you, not the other way around.
Property owners are turning to EPDM liners as an alternative to HDPE and PVC options. The Rollgum EPDM dam liner is extremely high quality and built to last. Being Spanish-manufactured, it’s built with longevity in mind and is designed to last a lifetime.
In this blog, we’re looking at Rollgum liners in more detail and why they’re a great choice for your pond or dam.
The Advantages of EPDM Dam Liners
EPDM is a durable and very flexible kind of synthetic rubber. Ponds and dams need a barrier that stops the water from leaking into the soil below. Liners also help with improving the water condition and make the cleaning and maintenance of a water body a lot easier.
What other benefits do they provide?
1. Unmatched Durability
More than 70 years ago, one of the earliest EPDM liners was placed in a Spanish dam. And remarkably, it’s still going strong today. This is the kind of reliability and durability you simply won’t get from HDPE and PVC.
Rollgum EPDM liners are known for their ability to stand the test of time. To further this even more, they come with a 20-year guarantee, so you have peace of mind. Under proper conditions you can expect this liner to last for over 50 years and you won’t need to worry about it cracking or splitting. And this is the case even when it’s exposed to intense sun and cold weather!
EPDM vs. HDPE: HDPE is known to crack when the temperature changes from summer to winter, especially when it’s very hot and then extremely cold. But, EPDM stays flexible and tough year-round.
EPDM vs. PVC: PVC tends to get brittle over time with sun exposure, but EPDM stays flexible and strong for decades.
Pictured: Rollgum EPDM liner installed in VIC, Australia
2. Supreme Flexibility and Easy Installation
Rollgum stretches up to 400%, even at -40°C, thanks to EPDM’s natural rubber elasticity. This flexibility lets you easily manipulate the membrane to easily fit into irregular shapes or sloped dam surfaces.
Unlike rigid HDPE or brittle PVC, an EPDM liner can still be stretched and adjusted years after it’s been installed too. Cracking or damage to this liner is nothing to worry about. Its flexible design makes installation quicker and easier, saving both time and labour costs.
EPDM vs. HDPE: HDPE needs complex welding to join sheets, and this is a labour-intensive process that tends to fail over time. However, Rollgum liners rely on adhesive seams or mechanical fastening. This is a much quicker and more reliable solution.
EPDM vs. PVC: During the installation process, PVC is stiff and not flexible, unlike EPDM that moulds to any terrain without creasing or cracking.
3. Resistance to UV and Ozone Damage
EPDM liners are very resistant to UV rays and ozone. Whereas a lot of synthetic liners suffer from cracks and tears after being weakened by prolonged UV exposure.
Rollgum EPDM liners stay stable and secure in temperatures from -40°C to +150°C and unlike plastic liners, won’t lose their quality in the sun or crack in the cold. You also won’t experience any fading or brittleness, even in harsh climates.
EPDM vs. HDPE: Although HDPE provides some UV resistance, it can’t match the long-term durability of EPDM under direct sun exposure.
EPDM vs. PVC: PVC is very prone to UV damage and ozone exposure, while EPDM stays flexible, intact, and secure.
4. Environmentally Safe
EPDM is a good eco-friendly choice of dam liners because it’s sustainable, especially in comparison to HDPE and PVC liners. Being made of recycled materials in the first place means you can easily recycle it if necessary later down the line.
EPDM is also chemically inert, which means it won’t release harmful substances into the water. If your water body has aquatic life living in it or if it’s a water source to wildlife, this is very important.
EPDM vs. HDPE: While HDPE is recyclable, it needs more energy to manufacture and isn’t as stable in aquatic environments.
EPDM vs. PVC: PVC is known for being one of the more toxic plastics, especially when it’s exposed to heat or disposed of incorrectly. EPDM completely avoids these risks.
5. Long-Term Cost Efficiency
You’ll find that most of the time EPDM liners are more expensive than alternatives like PVC. However, it becomes cost-effective over time because you’ll end up paying less for maintenance and repairs with a lifespan that can exceed 50 years. While Rollgum comes with a 20-year guarantee, its true value lies in its ability to keep performing long after other liners have failed or been replaced.
EPDM vs. HDPE: HDPE might be cheaper upfront, but issues like welding failures, punctures, and brittleness drive up repair and replacement costs over time.
EPDM vs. PVC: PVC liners usually need replacing within 10-15 years, especially in areas with high sun exposure or cold climates. EPDM proves to be the much smarter, longer-lasting investment.
6. Superior Puncture Resistance (and Easy Repairs)
Although unlikely to get a puncture in the EPDM dam liner, it’s a very easy repair. Although it’s a highly resistant material, tears and punctures can still occur. Luckily, our useful repair kit has everything you need to help you solve the issue quickly and effectively. For a helpful how-to guide, watch this video.
EPDM vs. HDPE: While HDPE may be strong, its rigidity makes it more susceptible to cracking on sharp or uneven surfaces, whereas EPDM offers greater flexibility.
EPDM vs. PVC: EPDM stays intact under pressure. But PVC’s brittleness makes it more vulnerable to tearing, particularly as it ages.
Pictured: Rollgum EPDM liner installed in VIC, Australia
7. Looks Great in Natural Settings
You’ll achieve a natural looking appearance with Rollgum’s matte black finish. Unlike HDPE and PVC liners, which can develop ridges, air pockets, and reflect sunlight unattractively, EPDM blends effortlessly into the landscape. The smooth surface ensures that there are no folds or ridges.
EPDM vs. HDPE: HDPE liners also often contain visible seams, folds, and air pockets that detract from the beauty of your dam or pond. They have a reflective, plastic look that is easily noticed, so they don’t look quite right with the rest of nature.
EPDM vs. PVC: PVC liners wrinkle easily and are very stiff, creating the look of an uneven surface. As time goes on, their reflective surface fades and looks less natural.
Final Thoughts: Why EPDM is the Top Choice for Your Dam Liner
If you need a dam liner, EPDM is the best choice. Unlike HDPE and PVC, EPDM has a lot of benefits and is the most reliable choice in the long term. From environmental benefits to easy installation, UV resistance, and durability, it’s a great option that will look at home in natural surroundings.
To find out more about EPDM dam liners and to decide on the best one for your needs, contact us today.