Gas membranes are designed to prevent harmful ground gases from entering buildings through the foundation. These protective layers create an impermeable shield between the ground and the building structure.
These membranes require precise installation and careful handling to maintain their effectiveness as a gas protection system. Quality installation ensures long-term protection against ground gases like methane, carbon dioxide and radon.
How Do I Store and Handle Visqueen Sheeting and Gas Membranes On-Site?
Proper storage and handling of gas membrane materials is essential to maintain their integrity and ensure successful installation.
- Store rolls vertically in dry conditions away from direct sunlight
- Keep materials off the ground using pallets or raised platforms
- Handle rolls with care to prevent punctures - avoid dragging across rough surfaces
- Use appropriate lifting equipment for heavy rolls
- Check packaging integrity upon delivery and during storage
Where Might a Thicker Gas Membrane be Preferred Over a Standard Thickness?
Thicker gas membranes are important in high-risk areas where ground conditions pose greater issues. These include brownfield sites, areas with high methane levels, or locations near landfills. Sites with aggressive soil conditions also benefit from thicker membranes.
Construction sites with heavy plant traffic or extensive follow-on works above the membrane require added thickness for protection. This extra durability helps maintain membrane integrity throughout the construction process.
What Are the Best Practices for Sealing Joints and Penetrations When Installing a Gas Membrane?
For successful gas membrane installation, proper sealing is crucial. Be sure to consider the below points during the fitting process.
- Clean all surfaces thoroughly before applying sealing materials. Make sure surfaces are free from dust, moisture and debris
- Use appropriate tapes and sealants. Alternative products may compromise the membrane's effectiveness
- Maintain minimum overlap requirements at all joints (typically 150mm). Poor overlap may create weak points in the system
- Create secure seals around pipe penetrations using preformed details. Custom-fit solutions ensure better gas-tight seals
- Double-check all seals before covering. Even small gaps can compromise the whole system
How Does Soil Type Affect the Choice of Gas Membrane for a Project?
Soil composition directly influences gas membrane selection. Clay soils can trap gases, requiring higher-grade gas membrane materials. Sandy or gravelly soils allow easier gas movement, needing careful consideration of membrane permeability ratings.
Contaminated soils or those with high organic content may need chemically resistant membranes. The soil's pH level and chemical makeup must match the membrane's protective properties.
Delivery
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