Posted by Nana Hinsley on Thu, Dec 15, 2011 @ 05:34 PM
Question: Which is the better choice when it comes to HDPE or PVC for use as a liner?
Answer: This is quite a question that I believe could be argued both ways. The one factor that tips the scales in the favor of HDPE (in my opinion) is the negative effect PVC has on the environment. PVC and its disposal poses substantial environmental and human health hazzards. In fact in European nations, certain uses of PVC have been eliminated for environmental reasons. When PVC is produced, it releases toxic by-products during its creation. Large quantities of hazardous organochlorine by-products are formed and released into the environment. Components of PVC can affect feedstock and build up in the tissue of living things. To learn more about PVC's environmental effects, visit websites on the internet.
As far as PVC liners go- they are used because it is a highly flexible, cost-effective waterproofing geomembrane. It is highly flexible and redily conforms to the surface it comes in contact with.
HDPE gains my respect because it is a very strong, long lasting liner that can be recycled. It has high chemical resistant qualities that protect the environment from toxic spills when used in that capacity. It is cost effective, and perhaps the most cost effective liner for large projects. HDPE comes in a wide range of thicknesses and sizes.