PVC Earth Dam Linings & Geomembranes – Dam Waterproofing Solutions
📊 View the HDPE vs PVC strength comparison chart →
At Rainbow Tarps and Linings, our high-quality reinforced PVC dam liners are designed to stop water loss in earth and previously cemented storage dams, reducing environmental impact through recycled and virgin materials and responsible production methods. A fully integrated liner system includes a pre-liner, the waterproof liner and a UV shield.
Why Choose Our PVC Dam Liners?
- ✅ Custom-made to any size – tailored to fit your dam perfectly.
- ✅ UV-stabilised – long-lasting protection against harsh sunlight.
- ✅ Virgin reinforced PVC – from standard-duty to extra-heavy-duty.
- ✅ Recycled/upcycled reinforced PVC – cost-effective alternative.
- ✅ Strong & durable – comparable strength to 1mm & 2mm HDPE geomembranes.
📊 A HDPE vs. PVC strength comparison chart is available on request.
Available Liner Thicknesses
- 400 mic – virgin & recycled option, entry level, good value for money.
- 450 mic – virgin material, stronger scrim reinforcing, standard duty.
- 600 mic – virgin material, medium duty.
- 700 mic – virgin material, heavy duty.
- 800 mic – virgin material, extra heavy-duty.
Ideal for: ✔ farm dams & ponds ✔ mining water containment ✔ aquaculture & fish-farm linings ✔ landfill geomembranes.
Pre-Liners & Geotextiles – Earth Dam Liner Protection
Rainbow Tarps and Linings craft eco-conscious dam liner protection solutions to extend the lifespan of your dam liner by protecting it from beneath. Our recycled pre-liners protect your investment while supporting South Africa’s sustainable future, keeping 20,000 m² of upcycled materials out of landfills every month.
Why Use a Pre-Liner?
A protective underlay is essential when:
- ✅ Your dam surface is rocky, uneven or abrasive.
- ✅ You need to replace sand bedding (saving cost/effort).
- ✅ Periodic cleaning requires foot traffic on the liner.
- ✅ Maximising your dam liner’s lifespan is critical.
- ✅ You need to curb soil erosion.
⚠️ Important: pre-liners are a perforated material and cannot substitute as a waterproof liner.
Our Eco-Friendly Pre-Liner Options
A cost-effective, durable alternative to bidum.
Recycled PVC Mesh – 320 microns; flexible perforated polyester scrim-reinforced PVC mesh; ideal for stony or irregular surfaces; 100% recycled/upcycled.
Recycled Reinforced PVC Tarp – 400 microns; upcycled polyester scrim-reinforced PVC tarpaulin; ideal for high-traffic cleaning areas and rough surfaces; 100% recycled/upcycled.
Earth Dam Liner Options – 400 Micron PVC (The Smart, Sustainable Choice)
Our 400-micron PVC liners offer the perfect balance of affordability, strength and environmental responsibility. Available in virgin or recycled materials, they’re ideal for:
- ✅ Large earth dams (agricultural, irrigation).
- ✅ Domestic ponds (koi ponds, duck ponds, decorative water features).
- ✅ Cost-effective water retention without compromising durability.
400 Micron – Key Features
- ✔ UV-stabilised – resists sun damage for long-term performance.
- ✔ Flexible & puncture-resistant – conforms to uneven surfaces.
- ✔ Eco-friendly option – choose upcycled PVC to reduce waste.
- ✔ DIY-friendly – manageable sizes for small to medium projects.
Sizing: max DIY size 2,000 m² (single panel). Larger dams: we supply pre-manufactured panels for professional installation by our expert team.
450 & 600 Micron PVC Liners – Standard/Medium-Duty Waterproofing
Premium virgin PVC liners for demanding water-containment projects where leaks are unacceptable:
- ✅ Leaking earth and pre-concreted ponds/dams.
- ✅ Commercial aquaculture & fish farming.
- ✅ Irrigation dams & agricultural earth reservoirs.
- ✅ Golf-course water features & hazard lining.
- ✅ Municipal or large-scale recreational water bodies.
450 & 600 Micron – Key Features
- ✔ Virgin PVC material – maximum consistency and chemical resistance.
- ✔ UV-stabilised – 8 to 12 years of sun-exposure resilience.
- ✔ Enhanced puncture resistance – withstands rocky substrates.
- ✔ Seam strength – robust welded joints for permanent sealing.
Sizing: max DIY size 1,500 m² (single panel). Larger projects handled by our factory-trained team. Ideal for repairing failing concrete and earth ponds – installs directly over existing surfaces.
700 & 800 Micron PVC Liners – Industrial-Grade Heavy Duty
Rainbow Tarps and Linings engineer South Africa’s toughest PVC liners for commercial and agricultural applications, combining superior protection with sustainable manufacturing. Our 700-micron heavy-duty and 800-micron extra-heavy-duty liners provide unmatched durability for:
- ✅ Game farms & wildlife watering holes (withstands animal traffic).
- ✅ Mining water / tailings containment.
- ✅ Commercial fishing operations (abrasion-resistant).
- ✅ Water canals & large agricultural dams.
- ✅ Ageing concrete dam rehabilitation.
700 & 800 Micron – Key Features
- ✔ Industry-leading thickness – maximum puncture/abrasion resistance.
- ✔ Virgin PVC formulation – superior tear/environmental resistance.
- ✔ UV-stabilised – long-term outdoor performance.
- ✔ Animal-proof – withstands hoof traffic and wildlife activity.
Project specs: max DIY size 1,250 m² (single panel). Larger installations handled on-site by our certified welding teams.
Why Trust Rainbow for Commercial Waterproofing?
🌱 Sustainable impact – reducing water loss conserves precious resources and ecosystems.
⚙️ Technical expertise – 20 years’ experience solving complex containment challenges.
🔧 Seamless large-scale installation – professional welding teams ensure zero-leak performance.
⚙️ Proven performance – trusted by mines, game reserves & commercial farms nationwide.
🔧 Turnkey solutions – from supply to professional installation, we handle everything.
UV Shield Protective Mesh – Extend Your Dam Liner’s Lifespan
Specialised 320-micron PVC mesh that acts as a protective barrier for exposed dam liners, especially critical when water levels fluctuate, liner walls face daily UV exposure, or extending liner lifespan is a priority. Without a UV shield, constant sun exposure degrades any liner — a UV shield protects the liner for several years; instead of replacing the liner, only replace the shield.
UV Shield – Specifications & Benefits
Reinforced PVC mesh net: 320 microns; upcycled UV-stabilised PVC mesh; welded or glued directly onto dam walls over the primary liner; blocks 70% of UV radiation before it reaches the liner.
💸 Cost-effective: adds 5–8 years to liner lifespan at 20% of replacement cost. 100% recycled content reduces the manufacturing carbon footprint by 40% vs. virgin mesh.
Game Shield Protective Membrane
Our eco-friendly Game Shield protects your dam liner from hoof damage by large antelope and cattle while offering maximum UV protection. Made from upcycled 800-micron reinforced PVC, it is your cost-effective, proactive defence against both sun and animal-traffic damage.
Game Shield – Technical Highlights
- Thickness: 700/800 micron.
- Material: upcycled UV-stabilised PVC truck curtains.
- Installation: welded or glued directly onto dam walls over the primary liner.
- Primary function: protect liner from hoof damage.
- Secondary benefit: blocks 100% of UV radiation before it reaches the liner.
- Cost-effective: adds 10+ years to liner lifespan at a fraction of replacement cost.
Methods of Joining Dam Liners On Site
We manufacture custom-sized PVC liners using two proven methods:
1. Professional on-site welding – factory-produced panels (up to 2,000 m² each); heat-welded seams for permanent, watertight bonds; ideal for mines, municipalities and large farm dams exceeding 2,000 m².
2. DIY “Damgood Glue” System
- ✔ Cost-effective alternative to welding.
- ✔ Special adhesive formulated for PVC geomembranes.
- ✔ Simplified installation for smaller teams.
- ✔ Ideal for farmers, game reserves and home owners (projects under 2,000 m²).
Our welding teams have installed liners up to 25,000 m² for major farming and mining operations. See our Damgood Glue & Tape page for DIY sealing products.
Need a Solution for a Leaking or Large Dam?
Our expert technical team will guide you — including site assessments, subgrade preparation guidance, turnkey installations and a 5-year warranty on all welded installations.
📞 Call: (+27) 72 562 2658
📧 Email: sales@rainbowtarps.co.za
