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What ?? Black plastic sheeting that is Fire Retardant?  Why would anyone want it, and what advantages does it offer me? What makes the GPS Black Plastic Sheeting any different than what I can get at the home improvement stores? Why is it important to use during Halloween?

First, polyethylene is highly combustible in its natural form, and makes what Fire Marshal's deem a "VERY EXCITING FIRE" once it is on fire.  Because polyethylene is made from oil and natural gas based compounds, it is highly flammable, and burns at very hot temperatures. 

Polyethylene is used everywhere.  If you keep your eyes open, you will see it every day- on construction sites, in homes and offices, black plastic at haunted houses, flea markets, warehouses are full of it, packing supplies are made from it, toys, auto parts, most foreign cars (just threw that in for giggles!), anyway you get the picture.  Poly makes a fire burn much hotter and faster, and is an accelerant.  This causes people to get hurt, and unfortunately, in numerous cases every year, people lose their lives because of plastic sheeting or other types of plastics. This is why FR plastic is important for Halloween. If people have a candle or a lighter, you don't want the plastic catching fire. It's important to buy an FR plastic that is cerified as Fire Retardant. There are I am sure you can all remember hearing of fires in night clubs, where  plastic caught fire, and many people were trapped.  This is avoidable, and with some education, people can make choices that keep these tragedies from happening.

Through chemistry, the plastic industry has been able to make most polyethylene, regardless of form (even most foreign cars) using plastic that is deemed "Fire Retardant".  First, let's get an idea what this term means.  Making a highly combustible material, like polyethylene, Fire Retardant (FR) means that we take away its ability to contribute significantly as a fuel source in a fire.  This can be done at various levels and there are countless tests available today to help certify the levels of just how FR these products have become.  Some of the most popular are the NFPA 701, ASTM E-84, UL-94, California Fire Marshal Title 19, just to name a few.

To simplify this, additive packages are added to the resins used to make polyethylene products causing the finished product to be fire retardant. 

Today, we are able to engineer the additive levels so that the products can pass the FR tests needed for most applications and industries.  A  few applications for FR polyethylene that did not even exist as little as a decade ago are such things as: Black Polyethylene Sheeting (Black Plastic Sheeting) for haunted houses, Housewraps, Vapor Retarders, Construction Tarps, Enclosure Films, Abatement Plastics, Automotive interior parts, FR tapes, Airplane Covers, Military Applications Galore, Temporary Shelters, Humanitarian Aid,  Cargo Covers, Surface Protection Films, Pallet Covers, Heat Shrink Wrap, Theatrical Plastics used on stages, Dog show plastics, Industrial Plastic Sheeting, Spray booths, and the list goes on and on.

The reason for the increased popularity in FR polyethylene over such a short period of time is that the increase in fire safety is so substantial, and the cost difference is so small that it just makes sense.  When fires strike, and they strike often, using FR products of any type keep the loss of property to a minimum, and more importantly the loss of life and injury as small as possible.  More and more specifications are calling for FR products, and this is a great thing for all of us.  After all, when was the last time you checked to find out if that housewrap they used to build the walls of your house was Fire Retardant?  Please watch for future posts on this subject, because this hot topic is just heating up.

Crawl Space Vapor Barriers...Your Questions Answered

• What are crawl space vapor barriers? A crawl space vapor barrier is a specific type of plastic sheeting/ membrane that works to prevent the infiltration of water vapor from passing through to the surface above.
• Crawl Space Vapor Barriers key considerations:  Permeability of water vapor, tensile strength of the film, and puncture resistance. All three matter to do the right job.
• Is thickness the only thing to consider when selecting a crawl space vapor barrier? Absolutely NOT! To truly prevent water vapor from passing through the plastic sheeting/ vapor retarder, it must be high-quality plastic  sheeting that is not made from recylcled plastic. This plastic is called "virgin plastic" or "engineered plastic". Next you want to get a "Class I Vapor Retarder". This means that the plastic sheeting/ liner has been tested in a laboratory for ensure that a maximum of 0.1 perms of moisture to pass through. 
• Does "Tensile Strength" matter? YES! Will the liner resist gettingpunctured during installation? Tensile strength is measured in pounds (force) per inch, and is tested by applying stress to the material that simulates some of the loads a vapor retarder will face during installation. If the liner gets punctured it's compromised.
• Does "Puncture Resistance" matter? Puncture resistance addresses how well the vapor retarder material withstands impact with blunt objects. Vapor retarders are subjected to impact by a rounded falling dart, which is intended to roughly simulate some of the hazards of construction.
• Class A, B or C..what is that?  These classifications have to do with the permeability, tensile strength and puncture resistance. 
  • Class A - Maximum of 0.1 perms, minimum 45 lb/in tensile strength, 2200 grams puncture resistance.
  • Class B - Maximum of 0.1 perms, minimum 30 lb/in tensile strength, 1700 grams puncture resistance.
  • Class C - Maximum of 0.1 perms, minimum 13.6 lb/in tensile strength, 475 grams puncture resistance. 
• How to Choose a crawl spce vapor barrier thickness.  We recommend that you consider more than just the thickness of a crawl space liner when making your decision. Remember, the key ingredients for a properly functioning crawl space liner is- Permeability,  Tensile Strength and Puncture Resistance.
  
  
   

   

Mil Thicknesses:  4 mil vs 6 mil.  3 mil vs 4 mil...are we splitting hairs?

When it comes to selecting plastic sheeting for various applications, understanding mil thickness is crucial. Mil, short for millimeter, is a unit of measurement used to express the thickness of plastic sheeting. Each mil represents one-thousandth of an inch or 0.001 inches. While the differences between 3 mil, 4 mil, and 6 mil may seem small, they can have a significant impact on the sheeting's strength, durability, and suitability for different tasks. I

A "mil" is a measurement that equals one-thousandth of an inch, or 0.001 inch. Most human hair is one-thousandth of inch, or 0.001 inch = 1 mil. There are 1000 mils in an inch.  To convert inches to mils, multiply the inch value by 1000.   As you increase the mils from 1 to 2 to 3 and so on, the thickness goes up or increases.  The bigger the mil "usually" the stronger the plastic sheeting. There are exceptions to this.

When you add string or scrim as it is called to the plastic a 6 mil string reinforced plastic sheeting film is stronger than a regular 6 mil plastic sheeting film.

                                How do you know if you need a 3mil film, a 6 mil film and so on?

Check this chart out....Or you may call us and we will assess your situation and make suggestions.

Heavy Duty Plastic Sheeting- what is it? It first boils down to what job will the plastic sheeting be required to perform? A six mil reinforced film can be considered "heavy duty" when it is used to cover a desk to keep it clear of dust. That same "heavy duty sheet" would not be strong enough to line a land fill.  Understanding the strength and thickness of the film, it's composition and additives and chemical make-up as well as the job it has to perform will help determine if a film is fit for the job at hand. It is critical that the film not only be assessed on it's mil thickness.  For example, if the film is in the sun, it needs UV protection additives to maintain its strength.

DIY Home/Office Painting projects...Drop Cloth or Plastic Sheeting?

Should you buy plastic sheeting or drop cloths for a painting project? 

A few questions need to be answered first:

1. Is this a one time weekend job, and then the work is done?
2. Are you a neat, seasoned painter who will barely drop a spec of paint? Or are you a novice, and paint could be falling?
   

Weekend Painting Job

If you goal is to knock out this painting job and be done with it, then consider plastic sheeting. You can get self-adhesive plastic sheeting that will stick to floors, carpets,  and counters and then be easily removed and thrown aaway.

If you see more painting in your future, then canvas or plastic drop cloths are something you can fold up and use again. It just depends if you want the ease of tossing the plastic when you are finished, or waiting for the paint to dry on the drop cloths.  Additionally, do the math for a roll of plastic sheeting and drop cloths and see what you think.

Self-adhesive plastic sheeting stays put, and can withstand yourstiletto heels if your painting party is black tie! You can relax when the dog knock over the paint can. Some people save the remains of the roll, and use it at the next red wine party where the buffallo wings are also taking flight.  It is clear and easy to use.

If you have granite/ marble or any type surface countertop, you may adhere the countertop plastic to protect the surface.

As for covering the furniture, flexible plastic sheeting is a great light-weight choice! 

Not sure what to use? Give us a call. We are ready to help!

What Thickness Of Plastic Sheeting Should You Use For Your Project?

What is thicker? 4 mil or 6 mil plastic sheeting? When measuring plastic sheeting the higher the numerical value the thicker the plastic/poly.  Therefore, 6 mil is thicker than 5 mil, 4 mil and so on. Does thickener mean it’s stronger? If neither thickness of plastic has any additive or string reinforcement, thicker is stronger depending on the application.

Which plastic sheeting is STRONGER? 

A 6 mil virgin polyethylene sheet of plastic, or a 6 mil string reinforced virgin polyethylene sheet of plastic? Both films are relatively the same thickness, but the plastic with the nylon string running through it is stronger. String reinforced plastic sheeting is tear resistant and thus can stand up to wind and the elements better.

What is engineered plastic that is string reinforced?

Depending on the manufacturer, high quality polyethylene plastic is laminated together with  a layer of string reinforcement.

Not Sure What Thickness You Need For Your Project?

1. What is the plastic sheeting protecting?
2. For what period of time and under what conditions must the plastic hold up? Sun, wind, heat, chemicals, etc.
3. See the chart below or just ask. We are here for you. Call 760 597 9298 or press the button below from your cell phone. 
   

Common Uses For Different Thickness of Plastic Sheeting

Heavy Duty Plastic Sheeting:

Heavy Duty Plastic Sheeting- what is it? It first boils down to what job will the plastic sheeting be required to perform? A six mil reinforced film can be considered "heavy duty" when it is used to cover a desk to keep it clear of dust. That same "heavy duty sheet" would not be strong enough to line a landfill.  Understanding the strength and thickness of the film, its composition and additives and chemical make-up as well as the job it has to perform will help determine if a film is fit for the job at hand. It is critical that the film not only be assessed on its mil thickness.  For example, if the film is in the sun, it needs UV protection additives to maintain its strength.

We love talking about plastic sheeting and how to use it. Please give us a ring if you have any questions.

866 597 9298.  Thanks!

How Long  Does Black Plastic Sheeting Last?

The average lifespan of black plastic sheeting in full sun can vary depending on various factors, including the quality of the plastic, its thickness, the intensity of sunlight, and local environmental conditions. However, as a general guideline:

1. Low-Quality Thin Plastic: Low-quality, constuction grade thin black plastic sheeting, such as standard polyethylene plastic, may last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years when exposed to direct sunlight. These materials are more susceptible to UV radiation damage and can become brittle and deteriorate relatively quickly.

2. High-Quality Plastic with UV Inhibitors:

   Sure. Here is a comparison of virgin grade polyethylene black plastic sheeting and construction grade plastic sheeting in full sun:

   Feature	Virgin Grade Polyethylene	Construction Grade Polyethylene
   Material	Made from virgin polyethylene, which is a high-quality plastic that is more resistant to UV degradation	Made from recycled polyethylene, which is less expensive but not as resistant to UV degradation
   Thickness	Typically 6 mil or thicker	Typically 4 mil or thinner
   Weight	Typically 1.5 oz/yd² or heavier	Typically 1 oz/yd² or lighter
   UV resistance	More resistant to UV degradation	Less resistant to UV degradation
   Durability	More durable and longer-lasting	Less durable and shorter-lasting
   Price	More expensive	Less expensive

    drive_spreadsheetExport to Sheets

   In terms of full sun, virgin grade polyethylene black plastic sheeting is the better choice. It is more resistant to UV degradation and will last longer than construction grade plastic sheeting. 

   Black plastic sheeting that is specifically designed with UV inhibitors can last significantly longer, often up to 5 to 20 years or more when exposed to full sun. The UV inhibitors help protect the material from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, making it more resistant to degradation, cracking, and brittleness.

It's essential to note that these estimates are general guidelines, and actual lifespan can vary based on the specific product, local climate conditions, and how well the plastic is maintained. Additionally, factors like the angle and intensity of sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and exposure to other environmental stressors can also influence the longevity of black plastic sheeting in full sun.

Let us help: 

Why buy plastic sheeting on line when you can go to a big box store?

People often wonder how an entire company can be built around selling plastic sheeting. After all, does it really matter what plastic one uses? Most homeowners will go to the big box store, grab some plastic off the shelf and return home to do their project. In many cases the poly sheeting from the big box store is ample for a simple job around the house. But when and why do people look to other types of polyethylene sheeting?

Certain Applications Require Certain Plastics

Fire Retardant Plastic Sheeting

There are times when the plastic sheeting that is selected can make or break a job. Take aerospace, ship building, the Navy and any other job that is required to use a fire retardant or fire rated plastic. When work is done for certain types of industry, flame retardant plastic is a must. Additionally, the plastic sheeting that is used must provide the documentation to prove it has passed certain independent fire tests.  Another place where FR plastic must be used in for public venues such as haunted houses. History has shown us the fatal results that have occurred when a haunted house went up in a blaze in part because the black plastic that was used added to the fuel source.

Anti-Static Poly Sheeting

The telecommunications industry is a prime example of an industry that cannot afford to have a spark ignite the plastic that is covering equipment for what ever reason. They need static dissipation and ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection. Static charges can be problematic if not addressed.

Vapor Retarding/ Vapor Barrier

Most people never think about why commercial builders insist upon using vapor barriers that pass stringent requirements of ASTME-1745 Class A,B,& C. These builders and the architects that spec the plastic are on the hook should water vapor seep up though the flooring ruining thousands of square footage of flooring because an inferior liner that has not been tested to the ASTME-1745 let the moisture through. The same thing goes for apartment building, or a home builder who needs to insure that radon does not poison the occupants of a home or apartment. Yes one roll of plastic sheeting may LOOK the same as another, but if you get out a microscope you will see that the structure of the cells in the plastic are vastly different. Certain basement and crawl space companies will use these tested plastic for their jobs. As a home owner it is important to ask to see the certifications to insure you are not getting an inferior liner that will disintegrate under you home without you ever knowing it.

Greenhouse Plastic

The saying "you get what you pay for" has never been more true when you compare a 6 mil greenhouse cover to a heavy duty greenhouse cover like SolaWrap Greenhouse film. The price difference is there but the 6 mil film may last up to 4 years if it doesn't get destroyed by hail, snow load and wind.  SolaWrap™ (bubble greenhouse film) is the UV resistant plastic greenhouse cover that is transparent, energy saving, greenhouse film that has revolutionized the greenhouse industry. It has a 10 year U.V. warranty against UV degradation, and R value of 1.7 and too many qualities to list here. Visit the SolaWrap page to learn how putting up the greenhouse cover once and forgetting about it for year and years to come may be worth it over the long haul.   

Food Grade Compliant & Fish Safe Liners

The aquaponics and hydroponics industry looks to inure the plastic liners they use won't kill their fish, plants or shrimp or leach chemicals into the system. You aren't going to find this specialized liner just anywhere. Ultra Scrim FGC is used for applications that require a food grade liner; Farms that want organic certification and  Aquaponics, hydroponics, food facilities. This liner meets ASTM D-5199 and certifies that it will do what it claim to provide.

Construction Plastic Sheeting

The construction world is another place that looks for the plastic sheeting to do what it claims it will do. For example there are times when jobs benefit from having self-adhesive covering that stick to the surface they are protecting until the job is finished, and then can be removed without a trace of adhesive. Surfaces that uses self-adhesive films are floors, carpeting, windows, counters, tubs and cabinets. Nobody wants to ruin a brand new marble floor or newly installed tub or window with debris or paint. Self-adhesive films are easy to use making the job move along nicely.

Other types of Polyethylene Sheeting

If you would like to learn more about all the ways engineered plastic sheeting can make the world a cleaner and safer place click here. Each heading will divulge things you may have never considered when buying a roll of plastic!

Do you know the difference between polyethylene sheeting , poly film and/or plastic sheeting? Of course you do- Polyethylene sheeting is another name for poly film, plastic sheeting, poly liner, "visqueen", plastic film, containment plastic, vapor barrier, geomembrane, green house plastic, and plastic film. Polyethylene or polythene is the most common plastic. As of 2017, over 100 million tons of polyethylene resins are produced annually, accounting for 34% of the total plastics market. Its primary use is in packaging(plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes, containers including bottles, etc.). Many kinds of polyethylene are known, with most having the chemical formula (C₂H₄)_n.

There are a variety of names that boil down to the main component polyethylene.
Let's take a look at some of the varying product terms and their functions all that are made from polyethylene.

Heavy Duty Plastic Sheeting

What do we mean when we say, "Heavy Duty Plastic Sheeting" or heavy duty poly sheeting?  The dictionary defines "heavy duty" as, "made to withstand hard use or wear" and "made to withstand great strain or use".  When Global Plastic Sheeting refers to "heavy duty plastic sheeting", we are referring to a plastic sheeting product that is made to withstand hard use or great strain based on the application the plastic sheeting was designed for.  Therein lies the difference.  A plastic liner is not heavy duty in every application it is presented with.  A liner/ film is heavy duty when the plastic was engineered specifically for an application and the film is capable of doing the job it was designed for. It will stay strong, and protect what it was employed to protect.

Another liner/ film that falls into the category of "heavy duty plastic" is a liner called, HDPE.  HDPE stands for high density polyethylene.  This plastic which is also called a "geomembrane" is engineered with a specially formulated polyethylene resin.  It contains approximately 97.5% polyethylene, 2.5% carbon black and trace amounts of antioxidants and heat stabilizers; no other additives, fillers or extenders are used.  What you get is a film that has excellent chemical resistance, very low permeability- high tensile strength and more.  This liner stands up to UV radiation and can survive outside in harsh conditions.  Now that is heavy duty!

Containment plastic must be heavy duty as well to do its job correctly. What is contaiment plastic?  It is plastic that is used to cover the object that needs covering.  Take scaffolding.  You have seen where it is covered in plastic- that is a specialty plastic called heat shrink wrap.  This engineered plastic is made to shrink when heat is applied to tightly cover the building, boat, or object it is protecting. Pictured below is the Mars Rover protected by our specialty heat shrink wrap called, GPS Anti-stiati Fire Retardant Heat Shrink Wrap.

Greenhouse covers- are they also made from polyethylene plastic YES! Can greenhouse plastic be heavy duty? Absolutely.  Take SolaWrap greenhouse covering film.  This bubble wrap looking plastic will last 10 years in the harshest of environment.  It is made to withstand heavy snow loads, high winds, sun, heat, rain- you name it...and it won't yellow or degrade. Other greenhouse covers made from 6 mil polyethylene will only last a few year. And while they will get the job done for a time period, they are not as heavy duty as Solawrap. 

Polyethylene sheeting under concrete slab

Under-slab vapor retarders play a very important role in retarding moisture from coming up through the concrete and into the structure. Today most experts feel very strongly that engineered films designed specifically for use as vapor retarders should be used as vapor retarders.  These products are made from 100% virgin resins, and have excellent quality control.  Most are tested to a standard called the ASTM E1745, which is the standard for vapor retarders in contact with soil or granular fill used under concrete slabs.  These materials are engineered not to decay in this type of application, whereas most construction grade poly will begin breaking down almost immediately and will have lost most of its structural integrity within 2 years.  How many times have you dug up plastic sheeting in your life that is just destroyed from being buried in the ground?  I know this is a bit off subject here, but the principles are even more important when dealing with vapor retarders for hardwood flooring, which is considered a critical application for vapor retarders.

Vapor Retarders for under the home or in the crawl space

Vapor retarders for the most part are made from polyethylene. They too area form of plastic sheeting. It makes some difference what part of the country you are in, what kinds of humidity levels are common in your region, whether or not your home has a good quality vapor retarder under the slab, basement, or in the crawl space.  If you already have an excellent vapor retarder, then the one you use under your hardwood floor is far less critical.  If you are putting a hardwood floor over a damp crawlspace, and use a poor quality vapor retarder, you are  asking for a lot of problems with the hardwood flooring, and will likely suffer problems with buckling, warping, noisy flooring, lots of expansion and contraction, and often finish problems, just to name a few. 

Should you be in an area where Radon is prevalent, or methane, then the use of a barrier with capabilities to retard these gasses becomes important also.  Again these films are engineered to have a very tight cell structure capable of keeping these very small molecules from passing right through the membrane.  These gasses, and to a very large extent water vapor pass quite easily through the cellular structure of common construction grade polyethylene (aka Visqueen).                                                                                                           

Shelters or Temporary Protection

When hurricanes strike or disasters ensue, its plastic sheeting that is often used to create temporary shelters.  Often string reinforced plastic is used because it is stronger and will hold up to wind. 

Coverings for Outdoor Equipment, Wood Piles, Furniture

String Reinforced plastic sheeting is commonly used as well as non-reinforced plastic to make covers for a variety of items.  Grommets and hems can be added to the plastic so it can be held down in place.

Waterproofing Ponds, Lakes, Canals with a poly liner

Liners for ponds, lakes and canals use a variety of plastic sheeting called, High Density Polyethylene or HDPE to line their basins.  This virgin poly will hold up to the sun and elements. 

Recreational Uses such as Ice Skating Rinks, Slip and Slides

The beauty of plastic sheeting is it can be engineered for specific uses.  With the addition of special additives, plastic sheeting can work long and hard for the application it was designed for.  Ice skating rinks and slip and slides are an example of this.  Very large or long rolls of plastic can be ordered from a manufacturer to serve these purposes.

Closing Off Rooms for Remodeling

With the help of an amazing product called ZipWall which will hold plastic sheeting up to the ceiling- you can close off a room where work is being done.  This is especially great if dust is flying around from workman activities.

Abatement work for Lead Paint

Lead paint abatement is a big deal.  It is very important that lead paint that is being scrapped off a surface does not contaminate other rooms in the house.  This is a great place to use plastic sheeting. Anti-static fire retardant plastic is a great choice for this application because the lead dust won't stick to the plastic sheeting. It can be swept up and removed.

Protecting flooring, carpeting, counters, Tubs

There are full lines of plastic that have adhesive on one side so they can stick to the surface they are protecting!  Each type (Carpet Plastic, Tile Plastic, Countertop Plastic, etc) have specially formulated adhesive so it sticks just right to that surface.  For example, you need a stronger adhesive to stick the plastic to carpeting than you do for plastic being applied to counter.  Self-adhesive plastics are great for protecting surfaces from dogs, children's activities, adult parties and more!

Aquaponic lines made from polyethylene

Today there is a specialized type of plastic sheeting that has been created especially for aquaponics. It is called Ultra FGC. Ultra FGC is a food grade compliant liner that was engineered to be not only better for the environment, but better for your business.  When we speak of the environment we mean minimizing the raw material usage- thus leaving a smaller environmental footprint. It's better for your business because we reduced the weight of the liner while increasing the capabilities and strength of the plastic.

Plastic sheeting is a polyethylene film that comes in many different colors and thicknesses. It also comes in a variety of grades or qualities.

Grades of Plastic Sheeting

 "Virgin Polyethylene" is the highest form of plastic sheeting today.  This varies wildly from Visqueen. Visqueen has become one of the generic names for plastic sheeting, just as Kleenex has become the generic name for tissue. When someone asks for Visqueen, they are referring to a lesser grade of plastic sheeting. The plastic sheeting known as Visqueen has become a generic name for Construction and Agricultural Grade Polyethylene sheeting (C&A film). C&A film contains up to 25% post consumer recycled content, and is made from the least expensive resins available at any given time. While it is excellent for use in many projects, it is not ideal for any use that requires sustained strength such as a tarp or for use as a vapor/moisture barrier or retarder. People will often do a search for "visqueen vapor retarder", or fire retardant visqueen" when they may be looking for an engineered plastic. An engineered plastic is one that is intentionally designed to meet certain measurable criteria to insure its suitability for the job it is intended for.

Thickness/ Gauge

The thickness of polyethylene is measured in mils, which equals one-thousandth of an inch, or 0.001 inch. Many of the local hardware or box stores will carry very light duty plastic sheeting that could be 1 to 2 mils thick.  Depending on the application will dictate how thick the plastic needs to be.  6 mil is a very common thickness for plastic sheeting- but it can go all the way up to 100 mil! Some refer to the thickness of plastic as "gauge"- but a more precise term is "mil".  Plastic wrap, typically sold on rolls in boxes with a cutting edge, clings to many smooth surfaces and can thus remain tight over the opening of a container without adhesive or other devices. Common plastic wrap is roughly 0.5 mils, or 12.5 µm, thick. Please note that the term "gauge" generally refers to the thickness of metal.

The Price of Plastic Sheeting- Why does the prices go up and down?

Polyethylene comes from petroleum oil which vacillates in price.Why are some rolls of plastic more expensive than others? Is there really a big difference between them? Why is one 6 mil roll cheaper than another? As a consumer should you care or just buy the best priced roll?

Tarps, Drop Cloths and Plastic Sheeting

Have you noticed that rolls of plastic that are boxed and sold at big box stores such as Home Depot or Lowe's are better priced than rolls that state "virgin polyethylene"? It's all about the quality of the plastic that is used to make the roll. Inexpensive rolls of plastic may be made from reground scraps. It's referred to in the industry as "regrind". This plastic may have debris churned in which weakens the plastic. This inexpensive plastic does a great job protecting/ covering things where the long term is not important. Tarps, drop cloths and short term covers will do just fine with this film as long as there isn't too much stress put on the plastic.

If however this same 6 mil plastic is being used as a vapor barrier in your basement- now that is a problem. Once the plastic is laid and cement goes over it, what happens to the plastic cannot be seen. It is covered up. What is happening to that plastic is its decomposition over time. That sense of security that you had just may be a false sense of security. This is why reputable crawl space companies consider the following things:

• How rocky is the soil which will be covered with plastic?
• Will there be concrete on top of the plastic, or will it just be bare plastic in the crawl space?
• Will people be storing items in the crawl space and walking on the plastic?
• Is there radon in the area?

All of these factors will determine how thick a crawl space liner should be used plus selecting a vapor barrier that is made from virgin resins and passes tests that prove the plastic will hold up over time. These tests performed on the plastic by a testing lab document the strength of the plastic liner. Suddenly that 6 mil liner from the big box store is not such a good deal when your family's home is involved. Just like a family 4 wheel drive may be suitable for little off road jaunts, that same vehicle may not be suitable for tough terrain that a Hummer is designed for.

If the application is important, select a liner/ plastic sheeting roll that is designed for the job it will perform. Global Plastic Sheeting has very intentional films to do specific jobs accordingly.

Is Plastic Sheeting Bad For The Environment?

Polyethylene can be recycled. It it is out in the sun it will breaks down in the sun if it doesn't have a UV additive to protect it.

Is plastic the enemy when it comes to the environment? What about plastic sheeting AKA polyethylene sheeting also wreak havoc?

Plastic sheeting comes riding in on a big white horse when it comes to protecting the environment. Yes it's true. Let's look at  HDPE (high density polyethylene) and LDPE (low density polyethylene). Here is an extenisve list of the acids and compounds that don't effect HDPE and LDPE at 20 degrees C - 50 degrees C:  For example, Hydrochloric acid 20%, Hydrochloric acid 35%, Hydrochloric acid 5%.  To see a full listing click here.  

Plastic sheeting under concrete slab