NSF/ANSI 61 Certification
Potable water, or water intended for human consumption, is considered the highest quality water for normal use. To maintain a potable water designation, water must be carefully stored and handled to avoid contamination using materials and equipment that are certified as NSF/ANSI 61 for drinking water system components. This means that the materials have been thoroughly tested and are confirmed not to leach chemicals or release harmful substances into the water over time.
Potable-grade water is a particularly valuable resource, and whenever you’re working with it, whether it’s storing in a cistern for emergency use, for use in hydroponics, or for food production, it’s important to take all possible measures to guard against loss or contamination. Impermeable liners will be part of your solution in most situations, and it’s critical to ensure that the liner you choose is appropriately certified. While many polyethylenes are qualified for the NSF/ANSI 61 designation, it’s important to remember that coatings and other additions to the product can disqualify them. Fortunately, nearly all of BTL’s AquaArmor RPE geomembranes carry the designation for potable water use.
Green Roofs
Green roofs, otherwise known as rooftop gardens, living roofs, vegetative roofs, and eco-roofs, are an important component of sustainability movements. An Eco roof significantly decreases stormwater runoff, saves energy, reduces pollution and erosion, reduces the effect of urban heat islands, and helps preserve fish habitats.
The foundation of a green roof is the impermeable layer that prevents moisture from moving from the vegetative layer into the roof itself. There are typically primary layers and a secondary, backup layer. Often, the first layer is used to help collect and divert any excess water that’s not absorbed by the plants and growing media. It’s critical that the membrane layer is completely impermeable and dependable for long-term use. Typically, the chemical challenges in green roofs are not extreme, but the membrane must be able to maintain flexibility even when exposed to very cold temperatures and must be durable enough to maintain integrity over years of operation and maintenance activities. RPE geomembranes are an excellent solution for this type of application, not only for their durability, but because they’re available in extremely large single panels, meaning that seams can be minimized or even completely eliminated. Since seams naturally represent points of vulnerability, the fewer you have, the better.
Root Barrier
RPE, by nature of its construction, is highly effective as a root barrier in many applications. The outer layers of LDPE are flexible and resistant to tearing, while the reinforced scrim layer provides protection against punctures and abrasion. Since the geomembrane is impermeable to water, there isn’t any moisture movement that will draw roots in that direction.
In applications where root challenges won’t be extreme, such as small shrubs surrounding a backyard pond, a high quality RPE membrane with secure seams (if any) will typically perform well. In a situation where there are established mature trees or trees that favor deep roots, RPE membranes are often still a good choice. In locations where nearby young trees are still getting established, or the trees produce shallow, invasive roots, it’s best to install a more durable barrier and rely on the RPE for water containment.
Construction & Engineering
Impermeable composite geomembranes are suitable for a variety of municipal engineering projects, wherever the movement of water and moisture needs to be controlled. Roadways, ditches, dam spillways, below-grade construction, subways, and sewage pipes are all examples where high strength, impermeable liners with multiple resistances are invaluable. Used as foundation reinforcement for highways or in transportation facilities, RPE liners can add years of problem-free operation to the community’s investment.
