Gluing EPDM pond liner - this is how it works

Gluing EPDM pond liner - this is how it works

Differences between PVC and EPDM

In very many cases, the choice will fall on a PVC film - simply because it is the most widespread and is also predominantly used in the professional field by landscaping farmers. However, in terms of its properties, EPDM film is superior to PVC film in a number of ways:

  • highly flexible even at very low temperatures
  • higher UV and ozone stability
  • higher elasticity (up to over 300%)
  • highest environmental and fish compatibility of all films
  • no plasticizers, therefore does not become brittle and does not contain any toxic substances
  • very long service life (up to 40 or 50 years)
  • mostly 20 years guarantee
  • large tarpaulins possible, therefore quick installation

also read

  • Gluing PVC pond liner - this is how it works
  • Laying pond liner: why the temperature is crucial
  • Gluing pond liner - how does it work?

So there is a lot to be said for EPDM foil. It is also the ideal solution for ponds with fish stocks or for swimming ponds.

Gluing EPDM

In very many cases, you do not have to glue EPDM foil at all. Seamless laying is possible up to an area size of 930 m². This is made possible by particularly large tarpaulins that can be used. Roll widths of up to 15 m are often not uncommon in retail, too, and the lengths of the tracks are then up to 61 m.

If you do have to glue the film or weld individual strips, this is done with EPDM film using a seam tape . Both sides of the overlap (at least 15 cm wide) are first prepared.

Then the tape is inserted and the edges are pressed together. This is relatively easy and problem-free. As an alternative to this standard solution, a special adhesive can also be used, which is used less often in practice.

Preparation of the adhesive surfaces

The preparation of the adhesive surfaces is very important in this case. If this is not done carefully, the connection will suffer.

The surface must be pretreated with a primer and a scratch sponge. This makes the surface ready for the adhesive.

Tips

In most cases you will be able to save yourself gluing by simply using a large enough piece of a large sheet.