Heavy duty liners, also known as geomembrane liners, are crucial tools for containing liquid, dust, and solid materials such as hazardous waste, water, oil, and gas, construction debris, and contaminated soil. If you are managing a project of this magnitude for the first time, the terms surrounding heavy-duty liners can be confusing. If you are looking to distinguish an RPE, LLDPE, MDPE, and an HDPE liner, read our resources below.
CHAT NOW or call our heav duty liner experts at 760-388-6294.
The experienced professionals at Americover are industry leaders in industrial plastic sheeting for construction use. To find the right product for your project, here are some simple distinguishing factors between geomembrane liners.
Read more: What’s the difference between geomembranes and geotextiles?
Notable Differences Between An HDPE Liner and Other Liners
LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene), MDPE (Medium-Density Polyethylene), and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) sheeting are all polyethylene sheeting, distinguished by their density. The lower density means that their molecules are less tightly packed, leading to a more flexible but more penetrable liner.
“The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing the right liner is what your liner will contain. Liners like HDPE are best for chemical resistance while LLDPE better protects products on fluctuating temperatures and UV exposure. While other geomembrane liners are more ideal for water containment and direction.”
– Charlie Adkins, Americover Account Manager
High Density Polyethylene
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) has a density greater or equal to 0.941 g/cm3. This sheeting option has the highest density, highest strength, highest resistance to punctures and tears, the greatest chemical resistance, and typically the best UV resistance. This sheeting is ideal for chemical containment, hazardous waste, and landfills.
Linear Low Density Polyethylene
Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) has a density range of 0.915 – 0.925 g/cm3. LLDPE is not to be confused with Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), as LLDPE is a blended version of LDPE, giving it greater flexibility and strength. They are useful for their flexibility and can adapt to uneven surfaces. They are ideal for low-intensity projects like decorative ponds.
Medium Density Polyethylene
Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) has a density range of 0.926 – 0.940 g/cm3. It is an excellent middle ground between low and high density polyethylene. This sheeting has good chemical and puncture resistance while remaining flexible enough for a wide range of uses.
Reinforced Polyethylene
Reinforced polyethylene (RPE) has most of the advantages of high density sheeting, such as added strength and puncture resistance, while remaining lightweight and flexible to do its woven, reinforced structure. RPE is typically more expensive than HDPE but may be worth the investment for the benefits it provides.
The Best Heavy-Duty Liner for Your Application
Americover provides the top American-made brands for heavy-duty liners, remaining the top choice for high quality and cost-effective plastic sheeting across the US. Here are some of our suggested products below:
Our 20 mil to 100 mil Custom Fabricated HDPE Geomembrane Liner is specially formulated to perform in applications that will have extended exposure to outdoor conditions.
6 mil to 40 mil Custom Fabricated LLDPE Geomembrane Liner contains no additives, fillers, extenders, or plasticizers which can migrate to the surface causing premature aging.
Trusted by Builders, Growers, and Distributors
Americover is the smart source for plastic and polyethylene sheeting. Trusted by contractors and distributors across the construction and agriculture industries, our American-made products combine reliability with quality and innovation.
As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. If you would like to speak with a representative, call us at 760-388-6294 or CHAT NOW.