May 9, 2016 WaterfallNow

Concrete Vs Fiberglass Water Features

Go to ROCKYWATERFALL.com to inquire about custom made artificial rocks

Basic Types of Waterfalls

Waterfalls and fountains are an excellent source of peace and tranquility, which can create a relaxing environment around you. The reason people love to go to parks with fountains, beaches and natural waterfalls is it brings a sense of serenity and warmth around and within you. Research studies on the effects of trickling and flowing water has shown that it enhances your mood, reduce stress levels and acts as a white noise. Other studies on the impact of water on your health have shown that it provides humidity, purifies the air and improves overall health. And of course, it makes your garden more appealing and beautiful and provides a dramatic and well defined focal point in your back yard or garden.

Pondless Waterfalls

Waterfalls can be added to your existing pool or spa or can be designed as a stand-alone item, known as pondless waterfall. And if you are wondering where the water goes in a pondless waterfall, it flows down the rocks and gathers in a small basin hidden beneath the rocks and is carried back to the top via a hose. You can turn the waterfall on and off, as in a fountain, and needs nearly no maintenance after installation.

Material Used in Waterfall Construction

There are many different types of materials used in constructing waterfalls. Synthetic fiberglass rock materials can withstand the weather conditions, but natural materials blend better with the landscape. Man-made materials include fiberglass, ceramic, acrylic, stainless steel, concrete, GFRC, styrofoam, polyurethane, glass, plastics, and resin, while natural materials include wood, stone and slate, marble, and tile. Metals are also used such as brass and copper. The most popular types of material for large landscape waterfalls are discussed below: Rock and Concrete.

Rock Waterfalls

Rock waterfalls are the most popular type of waterfall feature because they create a natural, tropical, resort like environment. A rock waterfall is can be an amazing addition to a pool or pond, or you can install a stand-alone feature called pondless waterfall. You can choose natural stone or faux rock. The cost for a pool rock waterfall varies from company to company. There is no set budget and prices vary from region to region based on experience. Man made rock waterfalls are an art form that can take many years to learn. Prices fluctuate with supply and demand. Most rock waterfall contractors in Canada have prices that range between $40-$100 per sq/ft of shotcrete, GFRC, or other rock material. Companies that produce rock waterfalls with fiberglass such as WaterfallNow can do them for less than prices quoted for shotcrete. You end up saving more upfront and in the long-run.

Natural Stone

If you have a taste for authentic materials, you can explore local quarries. There is an option of shipping stone from distant locations, as long as you are ready to bear the shipping cost which is high. Natural stone is cheaper when bought in bulk, but the cost of freight and installation makes it as expensive as the manmade stones.

Artificial Fiberglass Rock

Faux rock is usually composed of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) that is prepared from natural rock formations and is colored to match the grains and texture of different types of stones. GFRC is lighter in weight and very easy to install compared to shotcrete. WaterfallNow is one of the only companies in North America using a special rock panel which the company produces themselves in Surrey, BC, Canada. How much does concrete rock water features cost vs fiberglass rock waterfalls? Fiberglass rocks can cost around half as much with prices improving as you scale up in size.

fiberglass rocks

Concrete Waterfalls

Concrete waterfalls demand a considerable level of skill and expertise, but they make a permanent feature in your garden or backyard. They are most effective when used with rocks and stones.  The excavation for concrete waterfalls has to be waterproofed, preferably polythene. In case you want to add rocks or stones, you should do it while the concrete is wet. And the soil at the site should be compacted enough to support the weight of the concrete.

Concrete waterfalls allow a wide range of altering the dimension, such as length, width or shape. In addition, the basin can be made smaller as the space of the water is not taken up by the rocks. Concrete waterfalls are stationary – especially when you have kids there is no risk of movement, permanent, lifetime life expectancy, more economical to build and operate, easier to clean or maintain, safer and more natural looking. They are sturdy but also considerably heavy. You definitely want to ensure they are kept moist while setting to delay cracking. Shotcrete carved rocks will inevitably begin to deteriorate over time. Leaks can prove expensive as well as impossible to repair as they are difficult to detect especially if they are happening within the solid concrete rock formations.

In short, waterfalls whether an addition or stand-alone item can be an amazing addition to your garden or backyard. It is a great way to bring all the positive energy and health benefits offered by flowing water into your home.

Fiberglass Vs Concrete Pools

 

, , , , , , , , , , ,

WaterfallNow

We build waterwall features that stand out and gets compliments.