The different types of root barriers
There are various forms of root barrier. Common products used include:
Flexible barrier
Reinforced polypropylene flexible sheet normally sold in roll form. A cost-effective barrier with a good tensile strength/elongation. Such material can be prone to puncturing from sharp objects.
Barrier containing copper foil
Micro-perforated copper foil indicator layer sandwiched between layers of woven polypropylene geomembrane. A robust barrier in which the slow-release of copper has been shown to inhibit root growth. These barriers are permeable allowing moisture to pass between the segregated materials.
LDPE/HDPE
Low or high-density polypropylene of 1.0 mm gauge or greater which forms a durable non-woven barrier with good puncture resistance due to its thickness but lower tensile strength /elongation break. LDPE is easier to work with than an HDPE.
Further details regarding how and where these barriers may be used to provide flexible solutions to a variety of small and large projects is given in our Guidance Note Document.