Vapor Barrier Below Concrete Slab

These 10 mil and 15 mil vapor barriers are very puncture resistant and will not break down over time creating a true moisture barrier between the sub grade and.

Vapor barrier below concrete slab.

Stego wrap 15 mil vapor barrier. One laboratory drying study indicated that 4 in. Thick concrete samples having a w c 0 50 and sealed from below required 82 days for the vapor emission rate to reach 3 0. If heavy equipment will be operating on the vapor barrier or if the vapor barrier will be installed over an angular subbase a minimum of 15 mils is recommended.

Chemical resistance consideration if a vapor barrier is being used under a slab to control vapors at a brownfields site the chemical resistance of the vapor barrier must be considered. A below slab vapor barrier can also help prevent sub slab radon ingress. For some tips on this see sullivan s corner. If ground conditions require their use a 3 inch 75 millimeter layer of sand over the vapor barrier and under the concrete has been shown to reduce these problems.

If you are going to seal an exterior slab find a sealer that transmits water vapor breathes. Thin plastic like this is often called a vapor retarder meaning it slows the vapor down but doesn t stop it. Their use should be avoided where ground moisture conditions permit. Stego wrap claims they have a virtually zero permeance under concrete slab vapor barrier.

When evaluating the performance qualities of vapor barriers as soil gas retarders be sure to check the radon diffusion coefficient of the material before you select it. Most exterior slabs do not need a vapor barrier. Aci 302 1 which is an american concrete institute standard for slab construction was modified in the early 2000 s to reflect the change in the placement of the vapor barrier directly below the concrete if a low permeable membrane flooring was to be installed. The rate that moisture escapes from a slab depends on the concrete w c the density of the finish the ambient conditions above the slab and the moisture below the slab.

New generation vapor barriers made from the highest grade virgin polyolefin resins have been developed that are considered true below slab vapor barriers or concrete vapor blockers. Many vapor barriers are synonymous with soil gas retarders in construction language. Florprufe vapor barriers gcp lied slab vapor barrier by professional concrete floor problems building under monolithic concrete slab 10 and 15 mil underslab vapor barrier concrete vapor barriers ers. Vapor barriers aggravate the problems of plastic and shrinkage cracking.

Should you put a vapor barrier under concrete slabs.