XR-5 is a specialty material that is designed to contain hydrocarbons. The material is scrim-reinforced and supplied in prefabricated panels. Due to the cost, this material is only used in the most demanding applications.

EPDM has been used in the roofing industry for a long time and is now being used for lining applications. This material has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion which results in it laying very flat. The most common uses for EPDM are fish hatcheries, decorative ponds and canal linings. Since the material is taped together, it is very easy for the owner to repair the material themselves.

PVC- Polyvinylchloride PVC has been used in lining applications for over 30 years. It is a very flexible material that can accommodate uneven subgrades and has excellent elongation properties. The material is fabricated into large panels before it is shipped to the project site.PVC is often used for smaller projects where the owner or contractor unfolds the panels and installs them. It is not a UV stable material and must be covered.

Two types of polyethylene resins are commonly used to produce geomembranes. High density polyethylene (HDPE) is a very UV stable and chemically resistant material. It is currently the standard type of material used to line the bottom of landfills. Linear-Low density polyethylene (LLDPE) is generally specified because of better elongation properties than HDPE. In landfill capping situations it is used due to the potential of differential settlement. It is not recommended in exposed applications. HDPE and LLDPE can be produces with either a smooth or textured surface. Both types of materials are supplied in rolls that are 22.5’ wide.