the world's premiere online community for backyard ice rinks

Rink liners and repair

I just want to pass on a bit of info for anyone that uses a liner when building a rink.

This year I'm using 50' x 100' silage film bought used last spring. Needless to say there are more tears and holes then I remember seeing last spring. Yes, I should have patched all the holes during warm weather but you guessed it...I didn't. For the last week (on and off) I've been struggling to get it patched and flood my rink.
I tried everything from White 3M duct tape to Dap Rubber Silicone. Here is what worked for me.

White Duct Tape- I wouldn't recommend it under 35 degrees F, It doesn't stick well at cold temps.

Dap Rubber silicon- Worked great for small holes and cuts, cured at 10 degrees F. The company claims it will cure down to -35 degrees F. I found it in the caulk section (in a smaller tube) at my local home improvement store. (Menards) Pretty inexspensive at under $3.00 US dollars.

Silage film repair tape- I did find a great tape product from a Minnesota company and I patched a few holes / tears last night the temp/was about 18 degrees F and it work great (a little hard to get off the roll but works great and sticks at low temps. Here is the link; they also sell rink liners,
1http://www.bluelakeplastics.com/ecommerce/products.php?cat=8

Rink liners- I haven't used one of these yet but am thinking about getting one next year.
They are a bit spending but 14-17 mils thick. They're used vinyl billboard advertisements but hole and tear free. Here’s the link to check it out.
http://www.billboardtarps.com/pages/shipping

Good Luck....

< Previous Post

Comment

You need to be a member of mybackyardicerink.com Community to add comments!

Join mybackyardicerink.com Community

Comment by Scott "Moose" Mattson on December 19, 2011 at 3:06pm: I'll be buying a new liner next year.

I'm having a ton of problems with the used liner..

Yes, new is expensive but a lot less frustrating.

Thanks for your input... I guess you learn something new every year.

Comment by C-mac on December 19, 2011 at 12:34pm: I've tried re-using liners and tarps from previous years, I've always found it more hassle than the $$ it saves. Nothing worse than getting your rink full, partly frozen, and then find leaking spots. the ice will never freeze properly in these areas. I've pretty much resorted to the fact that a new tarp or liner is a yearly expense. It can be costly, but when I weigh it against the fun we have, its worth it ! Just my 2 cents worth !

Comment by Christopher Lane on December 14, 2011 at 2:51pm: I had some small holes from staples and I use Tyvek Tape works great under water and stays put in the cold. Only prob is that it's alittle $$$$$.

Comment by Darryl on December 8, 2011 at 11:26pm: Scott,

Thanks for the tips. I used 3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive to put two liners together and it's working great. Used it a few days ago in cold weather and it's holding it's own with water just fine. Used a seam roller to piece together. Wear gloves as its tough to get off the hands.