Advantages of Using a Rubber Coating Vs. an EPDM Pond Liner

Advantages of Using a Rubber Coating Vs. an EPDM Pond Liner

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber product that is often used in roofing and pond linings. EPDM sheets used in ponds are usually black and are primarily composed of oil and natural gas products; they are usually applied as a single ply system. For more complicated pond designs it may require cutting, fitting and seam welding.

EPDM sheets can last decades, but they do require a specialized skill set to be installed correctly. Not installing them correctly can lead to costly repair and replacement, as well as potential damage to the structure as a result of water infiltration.

Pros & Cons

  • Durable My require specialized skillset
  • Submersible Shrinks/bridges
  • Raw material cost Installation cost
  • Easy to install for small, simple ponds Complicated to install for larger, more complicated designs.
  • Not UV stable
  • Thicker and heavier than most coatings 

Note: Elastomeric Coatings come in various formulations and can be solvent or water-based. 

Liquid Rubbers elastomeric coatings are very easy to apply and can be done by the average homeowner with the procedures available on our website, requiring no specialized skills or equipment. Being water-based, there is no pot life or mixing of components required and they are much safer to install for you and the environment

  • Elastomeric coatings usually have much more elongation, allowing them to keep up with expansion and contraction better than other products and are typically UV resistant.
  • Liquid applied coatings have the distinct advantage of conforming to almost any surface shape where EPDM sheets would need to be cut and fit which can be quite challenging to achieve.

Pros & Cons

  • Easy to apply (DIY) Too many choices (makes researching tougher)
  • Easy to repair (DIY) Good weather needed to install
  • Submersible (NeoPond)
  • UV resistant
  • Elastomeric
  • Fish and plant safe (NeoPond)
  • Conforms to most shapes easily

Cost

EPDM costs can range from $2-$4 or more  per square foot with additional costs for installation (not including sand, geo cloth, Seam Tapes, or other unaccounted for costs). 

The cost of an elastomeric coating can vary widely, depending on which formulation or product you purchase, but our NeoPond Sealant is around $1.94 per square foot (coating and primer), and can be applied without the use of contractors or specialized equipment (does not including the cost of seam tape/geo-textile if needed).

(Note: Costs are approximate and further research is recommended.)

Steps

EPDM

Note: We do not speak to seams in the EPDM application below as it is generally too complicated for DIY installation. Professional installation is recommended for more complex installations of EPDM.

For existing ponds:

  • Strip off existing systems if present. (you may be able to install over existing layers or coatings if they are well bonded, compatible and do not interfere with installation of the product). That being said, removing it is almost always best.
  • Make sure the existing structure is in sound condition. Make any necessary repairs prior to installing your waterproofing product. (This may include screwing down wood, repairing concrete, etc.)

For new ponds:

  • Design and build your pond. (If making it out of concrete, wood, etc.)
  • Remove all sharp objects including nails, splinters or concrete drips, as these can puncture your liner.

Or…

  • Design and dig your pond. (The most likely scenario for using an EPDM liner is laying it directly into preshaped, compacted earth; possibly lined with sand and geo-cloth)
  • Remove all sharp objects including rocks, roots and sticks and use a root stop product and/or geo cloth to prevent roots from growing and causing damage.
  • Make sure concrete, patch materials, caulking and other products used are fully cured.
  • Clean the substrate and allow it to dry completely.
  • Roll out the sheets and allow them to relax (30 minutes. Min).
  • Drape the liner over the pond and let it settle in.
  • Begin to fill the pond, pulling the EPDM sheet into place and removing wrinkles and folds as it fills.
  • Reposition rocks and bricks if necessary to allow the liner to sink and fill as the water level rises.
  • Trim off excess EPDM and bury remaining excess into a trench or hide it with coping stones, boulders, etc.
  • Note: Pipe penetrations and drains are not recommended to be installed through an EPDM Liner unless directed/installed by a professional.

Elastomeric

For existing ponds:

  • Strip off existing systems if present. (you may be able to install over existing layers or coatings if they are well bonded, compatible and do not interfere with installation of the product). That being said, removing it is almost always best.
  • Make sure the existing structure is in sound condition. Make any necessary repairs prior to installing your waterproofing product. (This may include screwing down wood, repairing concrete, etc.).

For new ponds:

  • Design and build your pond. (out of concrete, wood, etc. Not for use directly over soil.)
  • Fill gaps/voids, etc. with an appropriate patching material such as wood filler, concrete patch or Liquid Rubber Sealant & Adhesive.
  • Make sure concrete, patch materials, caulking and other products used are fully cured.
  • Clean the substrate and allow it to dry completely.
  • Begin with the detail area’s using Liquid Rubber Seam Tape or Liquid Rubber Geo-Textile applied  via the 3-course method. (pipe penetrations, cracks, corners, etc.)
  • Apply caulking to seams around pipe penetrations, etc. and allow it to cure completely.
  • Prime the surface with Liquid Rubber Multi-Purpose Primer and allow to dry 1-2 hours
  • Apply your coating as per the coverage rate (3 coats on average).
  • Allow each coat to dry and continue adding additional coats until all recommended material has been applied.

You can view our products and project pages at shopliquidrubber.com, and if you have any questions you can reach out to us at support@shopliquidrubber.com or by calling 1-855-592-1049.