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07 26 16 03 33 00	No. 723	Specification - 10 mil Specification - 15 mil Canada Spec - 10 mil Canada Spec - 15 mil Application Details Brochure Request LEED Credit Chart Project Profile

PERMINATOR®
10 and 15 Mil Underslab Vapor Barrier

DESCRIPTION
PERMINATOR underslab vapor barrier is a new generation of polyolefin-based resin/chemical technology. PERMINATOR provides the vapor barrier industry with a highly effective, economical choice for helping to reduce the penetration of moisture and water vapor through the slab into the structure, thereby helping to reduce fungus, mildew, and mold growth. PERMINATOR also helps reduce radon gas from entering the structure.

PERMINATOR is tough enough to withstand normal construction jobsite conditions and traffic. It will not crack, puncture, snag, split, or tear easily.

PERMINATOR 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.

PERMINATOR is available in 10 mil and 15 mil thicknesses. Both versions are furnished in 200’ (61 m) long rolls.

PERMINATOR’s 12’ wide (15 mil) and 15’ wide (10 mil) rolls require fewer seams in application. Installation is quick and easy. All joints/seams, both side and end, should be overlapped 6” and taped using 4” wide PERMINATOR TAPE. PERMINATOR rolls fast and smoothly over level tamped soil or compacted fill

USES
PERMINATOR underslab vapor barrier is primarily designed for underslab construction, where the soil has been tamped and leveled or compacted fill has been applied. The 200’ (61m) long sheets are unrolled as is or cut to size and installed using the overlapping method. Overlaps are 6” wide and these seams are sealed using 4” wide PERMINATOR TAPE.

PERMINATOR can also be used as a protection course for waterproofing membranes. The desired sheet lengths are cut to size and retained at the top of the waterproofing membranes by PERMINATOR TAPE or TERMINATION BAR. PERMINATOR 10 mil is also ideal for use over horizontal applications of MEL-ROL® LM.

PACKAGING
10 mil: 15’ wide (4.57 m), 200’ long (60.96 m) or 54” wide (1.37 m), 400’ long (121.92 m) by special order only.
15 mil: 12’ wide (3.66 m), 200’ long (60.96 m)

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

PRODUCT	WATER VAPOR PERMEANCE RATING ASTM E 96, Water Method			TENSILE STRENGTH ASTM E 154, Section 9	PUNCTURE RESISTANCE ASTM D 1709, Method B
	Perms		WVT Grains/Ft.²/Hr.	Lb. Force/Inch	Grams
PERMINATOR 10 MIL	0.0043		0.0016	52	2655
PERMINATOR 15 MIL	0.0031		0.0012	84	4135

APPLICATION
Surface Preparation…Level, tamp, or roll earth or granular material beneath the slab base as specified by supplied architectural drawings. Follow ASTM E-1643-94 (standard practice and procedure for installation of vapor retarder used in contact with earth or fill under concrete slabs).

Horizontal Application…Unroll 200’ (61 m) PERMINATOR over the area where the slab is to be poured. Cut to size if necessary. PERMINATOR should completely cover the pour area. All joints/seams, both side and end, should be overlapped 6” and taped using 4” wide PERMINATOR TAPE. (Note: The PERMINATOR TAPE area of adhesion should be free from dust, dirt, and moisture to allow maximum adhesion of the pressure-sensitive tape.)

The most efficient installation method includes placing PERMINATOR on top of the footing and against the vertical wall. This will sandwich PERMINATOR between the footing, vertical wall, and poured concrete floor. (See illustration on page 2.) This will help protect the concrete slab from external moisture sources once the slab has been placed.

Before placing concrete slab, make sure all penetrations, blockouts, and damaged areas are repaired/addressed.

Numerous municipal building codes do not allow the placement of vapor barriers over the footing, due to breaking of the bond between the wall and footing. Although this is not an optimal application method, W. R. MEADOWS approves this alternate method when required by building code.

SEAL ALL PROTRUSIONS…Cut a slit around pipes, ductwork, rebar, and wire penetrations to place the initial layer of PERMINATOR. To further protect the concrete slab from external moisture sources, use a piece of PERMINATOR and place a collar around this as well.

1. Cut a piece of PERMINATOR a minimum width of 12”. The length should be 1 1/2 times the pipe circumference. With a roofer’s knife or scissors, cut “fingers” half the width of the film. See Figure 1. 2. Wrap around and tape the collar onto the pipe and completely tape fingers to the bottom layer of PERMINATOR, as shown in Figure 2.

In the event that PERMINATOR is damaged during or after installation, repairs must be made. Cut a piece of PERMINATOR large enough to cover any damage by a minimum overlap of 6” in all directions. Clean all adhesion areas of dust, dirt, and moisture. Tape down all edges using PERMINATOR TAPE.

NOTE: It is not necessary to overlay PERMINATOR with gravel or sand. PERMINATOR is tough enough to withstand normal construction abuse and traffic. Most flooring companies recommend the placement of the concrete slab directly on the vapor barrier. We agree, since this eliminates the potential for trapping moisture in a blotter-effect, causing it to resurface through the slab into the flooring systems. Consult local building codes and regulations, plus architectural and design firm guidelines, prior to application.

Vertical Wall Application …Install MEL-ROL waterproofing membrane or MEL-ROL LM liquid waterproofing membrane according to installation instructions. While the membrane is still tacky, install PERMINATOR as a protective course over the applied waterproofing membrane. Using TERMINATION BAR with concrete nails or PERMINATOR TAPE at the termination of the waterproofing membrane is advisable in some applications. Supervised care must be taken during backfilling against the material so that it is not damaged or punctured. If damage occurs, patch using the techniques outlined previously.

ACCESSORIES
MEL-DRAIN® rolled matrix drainage system is designed to remove moisture from around footings and to relieve hydrostatic head pressures. Eight versions are available.

MEL-ROL LM or POINTING MASTIC may be used for stakes, small pipe, and rebar penetrations. Cut PERMINATOR just big enough for the penetration. Liberally apply MEL-ROL LM or POINTING MASTIC around the penetration to keep the integrity of the PERMINATOR membrane intact. MEL-ROL LM can be applied by brush, roller, or sprayer. POINTING MASTIC can be applied by caulking gun or trowel.

PERMINATOR TAPE is a self-adhesive tape for use in sealing vapor barrier seams and attachment to footings, protrusions, etc. It is offered in 4” (10 cm) widths and roll lengths of 180’ (55 m)/roll. It is packaged twelve rolls per carton. Coverage: One box of tape will adhere approximately 10 rolls of PERMINATOR.

TERMINATION BAR is provided in 10’ (3 m) lengths to attach PERMINATOR to vertical walls as a protection course for vertical wall waterproofing applications.

PRECAUTIONS
PERMINATOR underslab vapor barrier 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. For maximum concrete performance and durability, the concrete floor slab design should provide for the lowest possible slump, yet assure complete hydration of the concrete. Refer to Material Safety Data Sheet for complete health and safety information.

This material last updated April 2009.