We Still Use Cisterns?
For the history buffs out there, cisterns typically conjure images of the ancient world. Used by the Romans, Israelites, and countless other civilizations to collect and store water, especially in arid environments like North African, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. Surprising to many people, cisterns are actually still used today for the same fundamental purpose, albeit with some new improvements to their design and construction. Early cisterns were usually carved of stone, but today’s cisterns sport a more modern construction usually made of contemporary materials like newer concrete formulations. On top of these improvements to primary containment, more recent innovations can also be used as a secondary containment measure for cisterns, while also addressing some of the key challenges that limit a cistern’s viability in terms of both cost and performance. Today we’ll discuss what you need to know about cisterns, and how polyurea cistern liners can serve as the ultimate technology for cistern repair and protection.
What Is A Cistern Liner?
Cisterns differ from other types of water storage containers in that they’re usually supplied by rainwater. The details vary from cistern to cistern, but one way or another, rainwater is diverted from surfaces on which they collect, such as a roof. This water is funneled into a cistern, passing through several filters along the way to prevent the inclusion of large debris and even some smaller contaminants. The cistern itself typically rests underground, allowing gravity to easily transfer water from the source above, while also helping to maintain constant temperatures and avoid contamination from humans, animals, insects, and other environmental risk factors. Now, with limited filtration, most cisterns are not potable, or in other words the water collected in cisterns is typically not intended for consumption. There are exceptions to this, but it requires additional measures and a more complicated and involved construction and maintenance process. But whether for potable or non-potable water, cistern liners offer the same key benefits, namely serving to prevent cisterns from corroding or leaking.
POLYUREA CISTERN LINERS
For the same multifaceted reasons that polyurea is used for countless waterproofing applications, it’s likewise the ultimate technology for use as a cistern liner. Cisterns face two major challenges: leaking and corrosion. Now, in some sense these are one and the same, as corrosion threatens to not only lower the quality of contained water, important even for non-potable water, but eventually lead to structural damage that can allow water to exit the cistern. Polyurea creates a thin, uniform, and most importantly durable waterproof barrier, preventing leaks of any kind from draining the water you rely on. Moreover, insulating cistern surfaces from water and other corrosive chemicals like oils or grease that may be present at the initial collection site further helps to prevent such leaks, and maintain the quality and usability of stored water. Long-lasting, cost-effective, and highly reliable, polyurea is as good as it gets for making the most out of your cost saving investment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the life expectancy of polyurea waterproofing?
Polyurea waterproofing is so often considered the go-to waterproofing technology largely due to its long lifespan. With proper application and maintenance, polyurea is rated for between 25 and 30 years of use, depending on the formulation and operating environment. This makes it one of the longest-lasting waterproofing solutions available for all-purpose cistern protection.
Are polyurea cistern liners expensive?
Cisterns are no small investment, so it can be difficult to part with more of your hard earned dollars to add yet another expense to the project. However, polyurea is expected to last longer and perform better than traditional liners, leading to huge savings on maintenance and repair costs. For cisterns, which are often prohibitively expensive or not worth the effort, such a cost profile makes them a superior choice.
Is polyurea safe to use as cistern liners?
Polyurea is considered a safer and more sustainable materials technology compared to its countless predecessors, and even relative to many of its contemporaries. It can be used to store potable water, but with most cisterns being used to supply water for flushing toilets, cleaning laundry, and other household tasks, polyurea is perfectly safe for use in cistern repair and protection.
In Summary
Cisterns are an ancient technology still used today, but can be built and protected with modern innovations. Cistern liners are used to coat the inner walls of a cistern, protecting against water damage and corrosion, while helping to maintain a healthy environment for short to mid-term storage of stagnant water. Polyurea is one of the best materials technologies for use as a cistern liner, thanks to its waterproof and watertight seal and anti-corrosion capabilities.
