FAQs:

1. What is the mil rating (thickness) of the plastic I use for my rink liner, and where do I buy it?
2. What is acoustic sealant, and where do I buy it?
3. What is the best temperature to flood?
4. What do I do if I don't have a level surface?
5. Should I put my plastic on the inside or the outside of my wooden frame?
6. What is "shell ice" and how is it created?
7. What is my opinion of rink kits such as NiceRink?
8. Will a backyard rink damage my lawn?
9. Should I flood my rink with hot or cold water?

Answers:

1. What is the mil rating (thickness) of the plastic I use for my rink liner, and where do I buy it?
   The mil rating is 4 and I buy it a local building supplies store.



2. What is acoustic sealant, and where do I buy it?
   Acoustic Sealant (that is the name on the package) is a product made by MONO and is used by carpenters when building a house. It comes in a tube just like silicone, but it stays flexible at low temps. I usually buy it at a local hardware store for $2.59 Canadian.



3. What is the best temperature to flood?
   The best temperature to flood depends on exactly what you are doing. For making a base, anything colder than -18 C (0F) is best. I personally wouldn't attempt to make a base without at least -15 C (5F). If you are resurfacing, anything between -10 C (14F) to -15 C (5F) is the best range. Any colder than -23 C (-10F) and water will freeze so fast that the layer created may not bond well with the ice below. Plus it is hard to get a perfectly smooth surface at that temp. Resurfacing can actually give good results at any temp below -5 C (23F). But don't apply too much water at these temps. Just enough to cover the ice with no build-up. I simply won't resurface if the temp is above -5 C. Click here for a link to a web site that will convert temperatures.



4. What do I do if I don't have a level surface?
   If your backyard is not very level you have to make the border (snow or wood) in the "low" end higher. If there is a really big slope you can lay down wooden boards and 2x4's to make up for some of the slope.



5. Should I put my plastic on the inside or the outside of my wooden frame?
   I would put my plastic on the inside of the wooden frame. If you put it on the outside, make sure you attach and support it really well as the pressure from the water may force the plastic away from the wood.



6. What is "shell ice" and how is it created?
   If the temperature is not cold enough, or if you overwater, a condition called shell ice could result. This is where the top layer of ice crumbles very easily. A rule of thumb: The warmer the temperature, the lighter the application of water. I have only found shell ice to be a problem when the temp is up around -1 C to -5 C. Any colder than -5 C and you would have to apply more than 0.5 cm of water to get shell ice. Once the temp gets below -10 C it is not really something to be concerned about. See my TIPS section for info on how to get rid of shell ice.



7. What is my opinion of rink kits such as NiceRink?
   In short...an awesome product!! I was surprised at the quality. I wasn't expecting such a great liner. I purchased the "Cheap Skate" version but it's by no means cheap quality. It's white, thick and tougher than the vapour barrier I used to use. It's definitely worth the money. One of the best features is that this is a one-piece liner. This saves a lot of time that would normally be spent making your own liner. If you have the financial means to acquire such a product, these liners are a very worthwhile investment. NiceRink actually has 3 different grades of toughness to choose from. Some other companies are selling 4 mil poly as a liner. 4 mil poly does not last from season to season. NiceRink also has some neat products you can buy to help with your rink building experience. I have found this company very helpful and a pleasure to deal with.



8. Will a backyard rink damage my lawn?
   I use a liner every winter and the area where my rink is is no worse than the area where the rink isn't. I think the liner saves the grass roots from freezing. If you choose not to use a liner, I have read you should move your rink (within your yard) from year to year. Providing of course you have the room to do so.



9. Should I flood my rink with hot or cold water?
   I have read many times that hot water makes for a stronger, smoother ice surface. It won't chip up like a surface made from cold water. But I have also read that cold water builds up the ice depth better. This makes sense because hot water will evaporate more than cold water will thus leaving less water on the surface to freeze. In light of that ... hot water floods would be best just before a skating session and the cold water floods would be best when flooding several times in a row, trying to build up ice depth.