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07 26 16	No. 711	Specification (USA) Specification (Canada) Brochure Request Spanish Product Data Project Profile

PREMOULDED MEMBRANE®VAPOR SEAL
with PLASMATIC® CORE
Vaporproofing/Waterproofing Membrane

DESCRIPTION
PREMOULDED MEMBRANE VAPOR SEAL with PLASMATIC CORE (PMPC) is a seven-ply, weathercoated, permanently bonded, semi-flexible bituminous core board. It is composed of a homogeneous, high-melt point bituminous material, in combination with an exclusive plasmatic core suspended mid-point in the bituminous core. This core is sealed under heat and pressure between liners of asphalt-impregnated felt and a glass-mat liner. An asphalt weather coat is applied to the glass-mat liner and covered with a polyethylene anti-stick sheet.

PMPC provides a positive, easy-to-install, economical, true vaporproofing and waterproofing system for horizontal applications. Properly applied, it stops moisture migration in footings, concrete floors and structural slabs. PREMOULDED MEMBRANE VAPOR SEAL with PLASMATIC CORE is both waterproof and vaporproof.

It offers a perm rating of less than 0.002 perms, the lowest in the industry. The product is the ultimate when a true vapor seal is required. Among its unique features is the built-in protection course, which resists jobsite puncturing and the abrasive action of concrete placement. PMPC conforms to ASTM E 1993-98. The exclusive PLASMATIC CORE adds flexibility, greater tensile strength, puncture resistance and excellent handling characteristics. PMPC helps meet and maintain the maximum slab moisture transfer rate of 3 lb./1000 ft.²/24 hours, as allowed by the flooring industry’s specifications.

USES
PMPC, when properly applied, is designed to stop moisture migration (liquid or vapor) in footings, concrete floor slabs and structural slabs, which greatly reduces fungus, mildew and mold. It is especially useful under slabs overlaid with wood, tile, epoxy and urethane coatings, carpeting and resilient or seamless flooring systems, since it helps prevent warping and buckling caused by moisture migration. PMPC also greatly reduces radon gas from entering the structure.

STORAGE
Handling of PMPC is not critical because of its strength; however, it is advisable to stack sheets on smooth ground or a wood platform in storage or at the excavation site. This will eliminate the possibility of the material deforming or warping. Rolls of PMPC should be stored in an upright position.

TECHNICAL DATA**

PRODUCT	***WATER VAPOR PERMEANCE RATING		TENSILE STRENGTH ASTM E 154 Section 9	PUNCTURE RESISTANCE ASTM E 154
	PERMS		LB. FORCE/INCH	LB. FORCE
PREMOULDED MEMBRANE VAPOR SEAL with PLASMATIC CORE	0.0011		156	149
**All technical data is typical information, but may vary due to testing methods, conditions and operators. ***Tested by ASTM F 1249, calibrated to ASTM E-96, Water Method.

STOPS MOISTURE MIGRATION IN HORIZONTAL CONCRETE APPLICATIONS

THE ULTIMATE VAPOR BARRIER TO ELIMINATE COSTLY MOISTURE DAMAGE
Over 80% of moisture entering a structure originates in the site. It moves from the grade into the structure both as a liquid (capillary) and as a gas (vapor). The only effective way to eliminate the costly problems of excessive moisture migration is to completely isolate the structure from the site during original construction with the installation of a true vapor seal membrane that is both waterproof and vaporproof. Material that is vaporproof is completely waterproof; however, not everything that is waterproof is vaporproof. PREMOULDED MEMBRANE VAPOR SEAL with PLASMATIC CORE is both waterproof and vaporproof.

While tremendously strong, even the best concrete is porous. Uncontrolled vapor will move through it, causing dank musty smells, rust and condensation, damage to mechanical equipment, cracked plaster, chipped paint, efflorescence, warped floors, etc. The installation of a true vapor seal under the concrete floor slabs will stop moisture migration.

A true vapor seal must also be durable and tough enough to withstand normal handling, foot traffic, aggregate impact and backfill abrasion. One tear or a few pinholes will destroy the entire purpose of the installation. Plastic films, laminated film and paper combinations, reinforced building papers and saturated roofing felts are semi-permeable at best, and will permit the passage of air (vapor) through them. Additional information on the hydrologic cycle may be found in the W. R. MEADOWS moisture migration catalog (available upon request).

PMPC offers the construction industry a positive, easy to install, economical, true vaporproofing system solution.

MAINTAIN ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Wet insulating materials lose much of their R factor performance characteristics, reducing the energy efficiency of the structure. W. R. MEADOWS thermal and moisture protection products play a key role in maintaining the structure's energy efficiency and aiding in the integrity of other structural systems, such as insulation.

APPLICATION
Estimating...When estimating the amount of PMPC required, figure the actual area plus 20% for overlap when using sheets. For rolls, figure actual areas, plus 12% for overlap.

Cutting... PMPC can be cut with a roofer's or linoleum knife, using a straight edge.

Bending...Normally to facilitate bending at a change in plane, such as at corners or footings, a 2” x 4” can be used to make the bend. In cold weather conditions, lightly heat the bending area and make the bend.

Pointing...Pointing with POINTING MASTIC from W. R. MEADOWS should be done wherever an edge is exposed to prevent water from traveling under a sheet.

Horizontal Installation...(On- or Below-Grade)...By installing PMPC on the ground prior to placing the concrete floor, moisture will be prevented from coming through the floor slab.

Above-Grade...... In addition to the horizontal on or below-grade application, PMPC can be placed on the intermediate structural slab, forming a “sandwich slab” installation. As a result, moisture is prevented from filtering downward from mechanical floors dedicated to heating and air conditioning equipment. This helps prevent damage to lower floor levels.

Horizontal Application... PMPC can be applied directly over tamped grade, because it does not require a gravel bed, a bed of sand and/or "crusher rock" prior to the installation of the floor slab, although these practices are acceptable. If PMPC is to be placed over a large angular fill, see 4.1.4 of ACI 302.1R-96 for recommendations. Material is placed in position by either the "Dutch Lap" method (Figure 1) with laps sealed with CATALYIC BONDING ASPHALT, or by the "butt-joint" method (Figure 2) with joints sealed with PMPC TAPE poly-side up. These methods provide a permanent, monolithic vapor seal, without voids or open seams. If desired, on structural floor slabs of multi-level buildings, sheets may be placed in a bed of hot asphalt for continuous adhesion. Remove plastic film at joints prior to applying CATALYTIC BONDING ASPHALT or PMPC TAPE.

THE "DUTCH LAP" METHOD (Figure 1): The "Dutch Lap" method of applying PMPC on on- or below-grade horizontal areas. After removing the polyfilm at the 6" overlap areas, seal all laps with CATALYTIC BONDING ASPHALT. Pressure roll or "walk-in" all laps to assure complete adhesion.

THE "BUTT-JOINT" METHOD (Figure 2): The Butt-Joint method of applying PMPC. After the sheets are tightly butted together, remove the polyfilm from the joint area. After removal of the polyfilm, center the PMPC TAPE over the "butt-joints" and roll down with pressure for a positive seal.

SEALING PROCEDURES

All protrusions through the concrete slab, such as sewer pipes, water pipes and utility inlets, must have a positive seal between the protrusion and the PREMOULDED MEMBRANE. Place a collar of PMPC at least 12" larger than the protrusion around the protrusion. Seal in place with PMPC TAPE and point around the protrusion with POINTING MASTIC.

 

ACCESSORIES
CATALYTIC BONDING ASPHALT...A non-setting bitumen that provides a seal that will expand and contract without breaking bond. Use to seal horizontal joints and rebars between impaction sheets on footing.
Packaging: 5 gallon (18.93 liter) pails.
Coverage: 5 gallons per 1000 ft.² of material.

POINTING MASTIC...Used for sealing top horizontal terminations or slab protrusions.
Packaging: 5 gallon (18.93 liter) pails or 29 oz. (857.65 ml) cartridges. For full details, see data sheet #740.

PMPC TAPE...A sturdy, self-adhering, reinforced tape of polymeric membrane that requires no additional adhesive. Provides a simple, easy and economical method of effectively sealing horizontal and vertical butt joints. Each strip is nominally 6" (152.4 mm) wide and 50' (15.24 m) long. Has quick-strip release paper for ease of handling and application. Packaging: 6 rolls per carton.

PRECAUTIONS
PMPC does not negate the need for relief of hydrostatic heads. A complete drain tile system should be placed on the exterior of the footing and, in severe cases, on the interior of the footing as well. If applied to concrete surfaces, repair any spalled areas, fill all voids and remove sharp protrusions. In cooler temperatures, it is advisable to use 4' x 8' sheets of PMPC, as opposed to rolls, which may not roll out flat.

Adhesive coverage ratios must be adjusted to compensate for surface irregularities and additional coats may be required to provide proper adhesion. For maximum concrete performance and durability, the floor slab concrete design should provide for the lowest possible slump and yet assure complete hydration of the concrete. Refer to Material Safety Data Sheet for complete health and safety information.

This material last updated December 2007.