Choosing a film for waterproofing: LDPE, PVC, EPDM, or EVA?

Before building a pond there is a question: what material should be used to build it. Let's analyze the main types of waterproofing films for the construction of the ponds: polyethylene, PVC, butyl rubber, and EVA films

LDPE polyethylene for waterproofing

Polyethylene films have already found their place in the market of polymers for a long time. This is due to the price of polyethylene - such films are an order of magnitude cheaper than their competitors. Usually, high-quality LDPE, such as metallocene, is used for waterproofing.

Properties of polyethylene film for waterproofing

• The film does not rot or decompose because bacteria cannot "process" LDPE.
• A wide choice of thicknesses: the small thickness allows the material to be used in inconvenient places, while thicker films can be used as more framing.
• Polyethylene film is an affordable material to protect buildings from moisture.

The main disadvantage of polyethylene is considered to be low strength. For this reason, conventional polyethylene film for waterproofing is used together with other means of protection against moisture.

NPF "Shar" produces professional polyethylene film for waterproofing OCEAN with special additives. The film is high-strength, puncture-resistant, heat-resistant, frost-resistant. Service life - at least 20 years.

PVC polyvinyl chloride for waterproofing

PVC film is used in the construction of artificial ponds and other ponds with no natural cleaning mechanisms. PVC protects the soil from erosion, maintains the shape of the pond, and simplifies cleaning.

Properties of PVC film for waterproofing

• increased durability;
• exceptional elasticity;
• waterproof;
• superior performance;
• laying technology;
• easy handling;
• long service life (up to 20 years);
• repairability;
• sustainability.

EPDM butyl rubber for waterproofing

Butyl rubber film for the pond has an international name EPDM-membrane. This material is already recognized as the most effective for waterproofing.

Properties of butyl rubber for waterproofing

• non-toxic, does not harm the pond ecosystem, and does not deteriorate from high and low temperatures; 
• high degree of elasticity; allows easy tolerance of ground movements and natural bottom shrinkage;
• elastic properties of butyl rubber are retained even at low temperatures, so you can build a pond in the winter;
• not susceptible to UV light.

The main disadvantage of butyl rubber film is its high cost.

EVA-film for waterproofing 

Thanks to the unique combination of strength, elasticity, puncture resistance, frost resistance (down to - 80 degrees C), EVA copolymer film is durable and ideal for swimming pools and ponds. It is easy to lay on the terrain and is not destroyed by plant roots. 

Properties of EVA-film for waterproofing

• at least 20 years service life;
• rubbery (EVA);
• high-strength;
• frostproof (-80°С);
• resistant to piercing and cracking;
• perfectly laid on the relief;
• not destroyed by plant roots.

What film for waterproofing to choose?

Based on these characteristics, we can make the following rating of films for waterproofing on the price-quality ratio:

1. EVA films
2. EPDM membrane
3. PVC
4. Polyethylene

Pond waterproofing films from NPF "Shar"

NPF "Shar" produces 2 types of films: EVA film VODYANOY and polyethylene film OCEAN.

VODYANOY film is an ideal geomembrane for ponds. It maintains its integrity under loads created by sharp, piercing objects: edges of stones, hardened concrete, rebar ends, unevenness of the ground, etc.

OCEAN film is made of high-quality polyethylene with special additives. This film is used in landscape design for the arrangement of artificial ponds (pools, ponds, etc.) and in construction for waterproofing basements, foundations, etc.

Comparative table of physical and mechanical properties of coatings,

used for the arrangement of artificial reservoirs

Data are given for materials of the same thickness.

Heat transfer coefficient at 200C 0.380 W/m* K (SI system)

For PE with ρ=0.923 g/cm3