Vapor Barrier Installation Instructions – PERMINATOR

PERMINATOR underslab vapor barrier/retarder is a new generation of polyolefin-based resin/chemical technology. PERMINATOR’s new resin technology allows dramatically greater puncture resistance while maintaining one of the lowest perm ratings in the market. It 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.

This document has been created as an addendum to our PERMINATOR technical data sheet to provide information regarding the installation of PERMINATOR. Following are the typical installation instructions recommended by W. R. MEADOWS. It is important to review each application as there may be situations that may require this procedure to be modified based on the project requirements. If this situation arises, please contact W. R. MEADOWS Technical Service.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Installation of PERMINATOR should be performed in accordance with ASTM E 1643 – Standard Practice for Selection, Design, Installation, and Inspection of Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth or Granular Fill Under Concrete Slabs.

2. Level, tamp, or roll earth or granular material beneath the slab base.

3. Unroll PERMINATOR with the longest dimension parallel with the direction of the pour. PERMINATOR should totally cover the area of the pour.

4. Overlap all lateral and end lap joints a minimum of 6” (152 mm) and tape these joints with PERMINATOR TAPE from W. R. MEADOWS. Roll press the PERMINATOR TAPE to ensure optimum adhesion. Prior to application of the tape, ensure that the area where this is to be applied is free of all dust and contaminants that may affect the adhesion.

5. Sealing of PERMINATOR at slab perimeter:

1. Turn the PERMINATOR up the vertical face of the wall approximately the intended thickness of the concrete slab.
2. Apply PERMINATOR TAPE the full length of this termination and roll press into place. Ensure the area is free from any dust or debris that could affect the bond of the tape. In some instances, the concrete may be too dusty to allow for proper adhesion of the tape. If this is the case, apply MEL-PRIME_™ adhesive from W. R. MEADOWS onto the concrete, allow it to tack up, and then place PERMINATOR TAPE as above.

OR

Sealing of PERMINATOR with foundation wall:

1. Extend PERMINATOR across the top of the footing and turn up the exterior of the wall approximately 12” (304.8 mm) minimum and apply PERMINATOR TAPE along the full length of the termination.

2. Roll press PERMINATOR TAPE into place to ensure proper adhesion. In some instances, the concrete may be too dusty to allow for proper adhesion of the tape. If this is the case, apply MEL-PRIME onto the concrete, allow it to tack up, and then place the PERMINATOR TAPE.

3. Install compatible foundation waterproofing membrane over the pre-applied PERMINATOR.
Please refer to W. R. MEADOWS application details for specific project requirements.

Penetration detail procedure for PERMINATOR

1. Cut the material in an “X” pattern and slide over the penetration. Be sure to minimize the size of the cut.

2. Cut an additional piece of PERMINATOR a minimum of 12″ (304.8 mm) wide and length being 1.5 times the pipe circumference. With a roofer’s knife or scissors, cut “fingers” half the width of the film. See figure below.

3. Wrap around and tape the collar onto the pipe and completely tape fingers to the bottom layer of PERMINATOR, using PERMINATOR TAPE. See figure below.

*In some cases, there will be a cluster of penetrations where the above procedure is not possible. If this is the case, completely fill all voids around the penetrations using MEL-ROL_® LM or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE (two component) from W. R. MEADOWS.

Patching procedure for damaged PERMINATOR

1. SMALL HOLES (NAIL PUNCTURES, ETC.)

1. For small holes, apply a piece of PERMINATOR TAPE centered over the hole and roll press into place to ensure full adhesion.

2. LARGE HOLES

1. Cut a piece of PERMINATOR large enough to cover any damage by a minimum overlap of 6” (152.4 mm) in all directions.
2. Clean all adhesion areas of dust, dirt, and moisture.
3. Tape down all edges using PERMINATOR TAPE and roll press tape into place to ensure full adhesion.

Occasionally, it is necessary to drive form stakes through PERMINATOR. An optimum repair would be to apply PERMINATOR TAPE over the hole once stake is removed. Should that not be possible, dip the stake in MEL-ROL LM or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE (two component) from W. R. MEADOWS prior to driving it through the membrane. Once the stake is removed, pour enough MEL-ROL LM or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE (two component) in the hole to cover it prior to the subsequent concrete pour.