Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was talking with an architect friend of mine about the challenges of maintaining a high-humidity enclosure. We were trying, as Chris suggested below, to find a middle ground between FRP and contact paper as a cover for plywood. He first thought of plastic laminate (e.g. kitchen counter material), but then suggested using EPDM.

EPDM is a synthetic rubber mostly used as a pond liner. It's non-reactive and non-toxic, highly UV and heat resistant, thin, flexible, and cheap. It's specifically designed as a moisture barrier and would be very easy to install in a plywood box. It wouldn't have to be laminated onto the wood prior to the enclosure being assembled, so it's replacable. Finally, since it's so flexible I could make all the corners a little round so the cage'll be easier to clean.

Does anyone here have any experience with it?

Thanks in advance,

Randall

I used it extensively for fishponds.

It is relatively durable to wear and obviously excellent for waterproofing. Because it is a petroleum product though certain glues, sealant, solvents and cleaners will degrade it. It is resistant to abrasive punctures but not to sharp punctures (teeth and claws). Also most types are not UV resistant when not covered in water so will wear out with time and most are degraded by heat over about 90oF
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>>Because it is a petroleum product though certain glues, sealant, solvents and cleaners will degrade it. It is resistant to abrasive punctures but not to sharp punctures (teeth and claws). Also most types are not UV resistant when not covered in water so will wear out with time and most are degraded by heat over about 90oF

Good points. My biggest concern would be how it deals with various cleaners. I had not thought about it being less resistant without water.

I think there are better choices.
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)