The flexible layflat hose, we usually see on construction sites, in vegetable gardens, or on farms that can be rolled up are mostly of two types: PVC and PU. Don't be fooled by their similar appearance; they're quite different in actual use. Today, let's discuss them clearly, from materials to practical applications, so you can avoid making mistakes when choosing one in the future.

Let's start with the materials, which are the "foundation" of both hoses. Different foundations mean different performance. PVC hose, simply put, are made of plastic, specifically polyvinyl chloride. Think about it, pure plastic is too rigid to roll up, so manufacturers add plasticizers to make it softer. To prevent the pipe from easily deforming or bursting, a layer of polyester mesh, like window screen, is also placed inside. This method is low-cost, so PVC layflat hose are cheaper, generally 30% to 50% cheaper than PU layflat hose. However, its drawbacks are also quite obvious. It's doomed in cold weather; at sub-zero temperatures, it feels stiff and hard to the touch, and even a slight bend can cause it to crack. In summer, exposed to direct sunlight, it might emit a strange odor, making it unsuitable for storing drinking water or food-related liquids.

Now let's look at PU layflat hose. It uses polyurethane material, which is much more sophisticated. It feels soft to the touch, but it's incredibly strong, possessing both the elasticity of rubber and the sturdiness of plastic. The inner reinforcing layer isn't ordinary polyester mesh, but a high-strength woven fabric, like adding a "bone" to the tubing, making it less prone to damage from pulling or tugging. Furthermore, manufacturers can adjust the formula during production; to make it more frost-resistant, they add more antifreeze components; to make it more wear-resistant, they enhance the surface toughness. Most importantly, it's chlorine-free, easy to recycle after use, and even if it degrades, it won't produce any toxic substances, making it more environmentally friendly.

Now let's get to the real stuff—where does the difference lie in actual use? First, let's talk about durability, which is our biggest concern. Nobody wants pipes that break after just two days.

Let's start with abrasion resistance. I've seen it on construction sites before. Workers used PVC layflat hose to carry sand, dragging them around on the ground. Within two months, the inner walls thinned, and eventually, they leaked. Later, they switched to PU layflat hose, which, despite being dragged and filled with sand daily, lasted almost two years before needing replacement. I later learned that tests showed PVC layflat hose shed 40 milligrams of "grind" after 1000 abrasion cycles, while PU layflat hose only shed 8 milligrams. That's a huge difference! If you're using PU layflat hose to carry things like grain or ore that easily wear down pipes, you can't go wrong. They can last eight or nine years, while PVC layflat hose will need replacing at most a year.

Now let's talk about anti-aging and freeze resistance. Last winter, I visited a wind farm in Northeast China. The temperature there was -20 to -30 degrees Celsius. The workers said the PVC layflat hose they used before were as hard as boards the moment they were taken out in the morning; they would crack with the slightest bend, and they had to replace two or three pipes a week. Later, they switched to PU layflat hose. No matter how cold it was, they remained soft to the touch, and could be bent without damage. They lasted for three years without breaking. Regarding outdoor sun exposure, PVC layflat hose would only last six months to a year before the surface became brittle and peeled; PU layflat hose, on the other hand, could last three to five years without problems, remaining intact even after prolonged exposure to the sun.

Their resistance to damage also needs to be considered. Construction sites are full of steel bars and rocks. If a PVC layflat hose is accidentally punctured by a steel bar, it will immediately break and need to be reconnected; PU layflat hose are much more durable. Once, I saw a PU layflat hose scratched by a small stone, only a little skin was chipped off, but it didn't leak and was still usable.

Now let's talk about how to choose the right pipe for different scenarios. First, consider the temperature. In the south, where winters aren't cold and summers aren't particularly hot, and you only occasionally need to water the vegetable garden or wash the yard, PVC layflat hose are sufficient. They're cheap, lightweight, weighing only 0.8 to 1.2 kilograms per meter, and easy to move. However, in northern winters, or in high-temperature environments such as near boilers, PU layflat hose are a must. They can operate from -50°C to 125°C, resistant to extreme weather conditions.

Next, consider what you're carrying. PVC layflat hoseare fine for ordinary water, acidic or alkaline solutions, or alcohol; but for oil, gasoline, or paint solvents, PVC layflat hose will break easily, requiring PU layflat hose, which are resistant to these substances. For edible liquids like juice or cooking oil, PU layflat hose are also necessary. Some PU layflat hose meet food-grade standards and are safe; PVC layflat hose are not suitable as they can easily release harmful substances.

From the perspective of ease of use and cost-effectiveness, PVC layflat hose are cheap and lightweight, making them suitable for temporary use, such as watering a vegetable garden or short-term use on a construction site. However, they cannot withstand high pressure. If used for high-pressure water spraying for cleaning, such as washing cars or rinsing the ground, PVC layflat hose are prone to bursting, which is too dangerous. PU layflat hose, although more expensive initially, are lighter, weighing only 0.6 to 1 kilogram per meter, making them easier to move and preventing them from getting tangled. Installation is also much faster than with PVC layflat hose, increasing efficiency by up to 40%. For long-term use, PU layflat hose are actually more cost-effective because they don't need frequent replacements and save on labor costs.

In conclusion, if you're using it for a short period, have a limited budget, and are dealing with simple tasks like watering vegetables or cleaning the yard, PVC layflat hose are fine. However, if you're using it for a long period and are dealing with complex tasks, such as installing abrasives on a construction site, using it in northern winters, or storing oil or food-grade liquids, then don't hesitate to choose PU layflat hose. Although they're more expensive, they're more convenient, durable, and ultimately more worthwhile.