Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What can SmartDitch™ liners be used for?
A. SmartDitch liners applications are nearly limitless. Examples include agriculture/irrigation; erosion/repair; storm water management; and public works.
Q. How do the costs of SmartDitch liners compare to those of other options?
A. Average cost of installation (per linear mile)*:
SmartDitch liners: $220,000
Concrete $607,000
Geomembrane $820,000
*Prices are approximate and can vary by use, location and other factors.
Q. How long will SmartDitch liners last?
A. SmartDitch liners, made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene), enhanced with UV inhibitors, are backed by a 10-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Q. Are SmartDitch liners flammable?
A. Basic ditch upkeep like burning weeds along the bank will not ignite SmartDitch liners. The liner can melt under sustained, excessive heat.**
**Contact FastDitch to obtain a copy of the fire test results.
Q. Will SmartDitch liners withstand earthquakes?
A. SmartDitch liners' plastic corrugation flexes and bends and will not crack like concrete.
Q. Will SmartDitch liners withstand freeze-thaws?
A. SmartDitch liners' plastic corrugated design allows it to withstand freeze-thaw cycles.
Q. Will SmartDitch liners fit my ditch?
A. SmartDitch liners are available in two shapes: semi-circular and trapezoidal. Semi-circular SmartDitch liners come in 24" and 36" widths. The trapezoid works in 76" concrete contours. Coming in 2006, look for new V-shaped designs.
Q. What prep work is involved in a SmartDitch liner installation?
A. SmartDitch liner installation takes minimum engineering. Normally, clearing the ditch area of rocks and debris is all that's necessary beforehand. SmartDitch liners' flexible corrugations mean it can be installed in a meandering pathway without the need for heavy machinery to straighten the ditch.
Q. How long after ordering will I have to wait for SmartDitch liners?
A. The average turnaround time for truckload orders is 7 - 10 days. Please contact Penda for your nearest distributor and average lead times.
Q. Are SmartDitch liners available in multiple colors?
A. SmartDitch liners are currently available in black. Please contact us if you would like a different color. We will do everything we can to accommodate your request.
Q. How much does it cost to install SmartDitch liners?
A. Costs depend on the contractor and regional labor costs. Average cost for installation (only) ranges from $10.50 - $16.00 per foot.
Q. How fast can SmartDitch liners be installed?
A. Depending on terrain, a four-person crew can put in approximately 500 linear feet per day.
Q. Does the installation of SmartDitch liners require any training?
A. SmartDitch liners are easily installed using simple handtools. A SmartDitch liner representative will demonstrate the simple process to the contractor and laborers. Each kit comes with installation instructions.
Q. What equipment is needed to install SmartDitch liners?
A. The basic tools are a hammer, sledgehammer, shovel, electric drill and bits, a level and a crowbar. Normally, you'll need no heavy equipment.
A. FastDitch Inc., based in Vallecitos, New Mexico, developed a plastic ditch lining system in 1997. In 2004, FastDitch entered into a licensing agreement with Penda Corporation, to take advantage of the company's expertise in the thermoformed manufacturing of large parts and to utilize their national sales and distribution expertise. Today the product is known as SmartDitch, and is being marketing nationwide. FastDitch Inc. is the exclusive source for the product in the state of New Mexico.
