Product Description
PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membranes are ideal for protecting the building superstructure from the damaging effects of the elements. By minimizing air and water vapor flow through the building exterior, PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membranes:
- Prevent premature deterioration of the building envelope
- Enhance thermal performance of the structure and save energy costs
- Improve comfort for the building occupants
Product Advantages
- Fire resistant - meets NFPA 285 as part of various wall assemblies with foam plastic insulation
- Fully bonded - transmits wind loads directly to the substrate
- Waterproof and virtually impermeable to moisture - virtually impermeable to the passage of liquid water and vapor
- Air tight - protects against air passage and associated energy losses. Meets new ASTM E2357 standard as required by IECC 2012
- Aluminum faced film - provides extended UV exposure, improved sealant adhesion to film, dimensional stability, high tear strength, puncture and impact resistance
- Flexible - accommodates minor settlement and shrinkage movement
- Controlled thickness - factory made sheet ensures constant, non-variable site application
- Aggressive, conformable adhesive - allows self-sealing around mechanical fasteners
- Wide application window
- PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membrane surface and ambient temperatures at 5°C (40°F) and above
- PERM-A-BARRIER® Low Temperature Aluminum Wall Membrane surface and ambient temperatures between 25°F (-4°C) and 60°F (16°C)
System Components
- PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membrane - standard grade for use at installation temperatures above 40°F (5°C)
- PERM-A-BARRIER® Low Temperature Aluminum Wall Membrane - low temperature grade for use at installation temperatures between 25°F (-4°C) and 60°F (16°C)
- PERM-A-BARRIER® Adhesive Primer - high tack primer for use with PERM-A-BARRIER® self adhered membranes to the substrate
- PERM-A-BARRIER® WB Primer - high tack, water-based primer for use with PERM-A-BARRIER® Wall Membranes on cementitious and exterior gypsum wallboards
- BITUTHENE® Primer B2 LVC - low VOC primer for priming green concrete and damp surfaces
- PERM-A-BARRIER® Universal Flashing & Sealant - one part moisture curing, STPE sealant for sealing penetrations, terminations, brick ties, final terminations & flashing application. PERM-A-BARRIER® Universal Flashing & Sealant can be applied under all GCP air and weather barrier, and over most of them (limitation: PERM-A-BARRIER® VPS 30).
- BITUTHENE® Mastic - rubberized asphalt mastic for sealing penetrations, terminations, brick ties, etc.
- BITUTHENE® Liquid Membrane - two component, trowel grade, asphalt modified urethane for sealing patches, terminations, brick ties, etc.
- PERM-A-BARRIER® Wall Flashing - fully adhered throughwall flashing system
- PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Flashing - fully adhered flashing for protecting and sealing critical detail areas
Installation
Safety
PERM-A-BARRIER® products must be handled properly. Vapors from the mastic and solvent-based primer are harmful and flammable. For these products, the best available information on safe handling, storage, personal protection, health and environmental considerations has been gathered. Refer to product label and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) before use. All users should acquaint themselves with this information prior to working with the material. Carefully read detailed precaution statements on the product labels and SDS before use. SDSs can be obtained from our web site or by contacting us toll free at 866-333-3SBM (3726).
Surface Preparation
Surface must be smooth, clean, dry and free of voids, spalled areas, loose aggregate, loose nails, sharp protrusions or other matter that will hinder the adhesion or regularity of the wall membrane installation. Clean loose dust or dirt from the surface to which the wall membrane is to be applied by wiping with a clean, dry cloth or brush.
If the substrate is damp, allow to dry or use BITUTHENE® Primer B2 LVC to prepare the area to receive the membrane.
Temperature
PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membrane may be applied only in dry weather when air and surface temperatures are above 40°F (5°C). PERM-A-BARRIER® Low Temperature Aluminum Wall Membrane may be applied only in dry weather when air and surface temperatures are between 25°F (-4°C) and 60°F (16°C).
Application
PERM-A-BARRIER® Adhesive Primer and PERM-A-BARRIER® WB Primer are water-based primers which impart an aggressive, high tack finish on the treated substrate. They are packaged ready to use and are specifically designed to facilitate tenacious adhesion of PERM-A-BARRIER® Wall Membranes to various substrates including glass-mat faced gypsum sheathing. Refer to Technical Letter 2, Substrate Preparation for Application of PERM-A-BARRIER® Products to GlassMat Faced Gypsum Sheathing for priming requirements on specific glass-mat faced sheathing products.
Membrane Application
Cut membrane into easily handled lengths. Apply membrane horizontally or vertically to primed substrates receiving post-applied masonry anchors (ties), such as gypsum sheathing.
Apply PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membranes horizontally to the primed blockwork with projecting masonry anchors (ties), beginning at the base of the wall. Each length of the membrane must be installed so that the upper edge runs continuously along the underside of the line of masonry anchors (ties). Subsequent sheets applied above must overlap the sheet below by 2 in. (51 mm) immediately below the line of anchors (ties). Since the membrane width appropriate for this application of 18 in. (457 mm) is wider than the typical spacing between the lines of anchors (ties) 16 in. (406 mm), it will be necessary to cut the membrane at the location of the tie wires projecting from the wall to enable the sheet to be laid in place. End laps that occur in subsequent lengths that follow should maintain a minimum overlap of 2 in. (51 mm). See Figures 1 and 2.
The membrane must be pressed firmly into place with a hand roller or the back of a utility knife as soon as possible, ensuring continuous and intimate contact with the substrate to prevent water from migrating under the membrane.
In certain applications such as on soffits, ceilings or substrates such as oriented strand board (OSB), backnail the membrane along the side lap prior to installing the next sheet of membrane to ensure positive contact to the substrate. Additional fastening may be required through the field of the membrane in these applications and must be sealed with PERM-A-BARRIER® Universal Flashing & Sealant, BITUTHENE® Liquid Membrane or BITUTHENE® Mastic.
Apply PERM-A-BARRIER® Universal Flashing & Sealant, BITUTHENE® Mastic or BITUTHENE® Liquid Membrane to seal around the tie wire projections. Fit the PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membrane tightly around all penetrations through the membrane and seal using PERM-A-BARRIER® Universal Flashing & Sealant or BITUTHENE® Liquid Membrane.
Continue the membrane into all openings in the wall area, such as windows, doors, etc., and terminate at points that will prevent interior visibility. The installation must be made continuous at all framed openings. Coordinate installation of the PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membrane with the roofing trade to ensure continuity with the roofing system at this critical transition area.
At the end of each working day, if the wall has been only partially covered, apply a bead of BITUTHENE® Mastic or BITUTHENE® Liquid Membrane along the top edge of the membrane at its termination to prevent vertical drainage of precipitation from penetrating the end and undermining the membrane adhesion. Tool the BITUTHENE® Mastic or BITUTHENE® Liquid Membrane to ensure it is worked into the surface. For final terminations that will not be covered with membrane, PERM-A-BARRIER® Universal Flashing & Sealant can be used in lieu of BITUTHENE® Mastic or BITUTHENE® Liquid Membrane. Inspect the membrane before covering and repair any punctures, damaged areas or inadequately lapped seams.
All non-water-shedding edges must be sealed with PERM-A-BARRIER® Universal Flashing & Sealant, BITUTHENE® Liquid Membrane or BITUTHENE® Mastic.
Membrane Repairs
Repairs must be made using PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membrane sized to extend 3 in. (75mm) in all directions from the perimeter of the affected area. The repair piece must be pressed into place with a hand roller as soon as possible to ensure continuous and intimate contact with the substrate. When sealing the patch if placed in a diamond pattern both water sheading edges will need sealant. If the patches are placed straight then the top edge and minimum of 3” down each side will need sealant termination. If the sealing patch is horizontal then all edges will need sealant termination.
Membrane Protection
PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membranes must be protected from damage by other trades or construction materials.
Figure 1: Membrane System Detail
Figure 2: Horizontal Reinforcing
Storage and Handling Information
All materials must be protected from rain and physical damage. Pallets of PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membrane must not be double stacked on the job site. Provide cover on top and all sides, allowing for adequate ventilation. Store membrane where temperatures will not exceed 90°F (32°C) for extended periods. All products must be stored in a dry area away from high heat, flames or sparks. Store only as much material at point of use as is required for each day’s work.
Limitations
PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membranes must not be applied in areas where it will be exposed to direct sunlight permanently, and must be covered within 1 year. Refer to Technical Letter 19, Exposure Guidelines for PERM-A-BARRIER® Self-Adhered Membranes.
Warranty
PERM-A-BARRIER® products are warranted to be free of defects in manufacture for a period of 5 years. Material will be provided at no charge to replace any defective product.
Technical Service
Support is provided by full-time technically trained GCP field sales representatives and technical service personnel, backed by a central research and development technical services staff.
Supply
| Product | Unit of Sale | Approximate Coverage | Weight | Palletization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membranes | 1 roll | 225 ft2 (20.9 m2) per roll 3 x 75 ft (0.9 x 25 m) roll | 59 lbs/roll | 25 cartons (25 rolls) per pallet |
| PERM-A-BARRIER® Wall Flashing | ||||
| 12 in. (305 mm) 18 in. (457 mm) 24 in. (610 mm) 36 in. (914 mm) | 3 rolls 2 rolls 1 roll 1 roll | 75 linear ft per roll 75 linear ft per roll 75 linear ft per roll 75 linear ft per roll | 25 lbs/roll 37.5 lbs/roll 55 lbs/roll 75 lbs/roll | 25 cartons (75 rolls) per pallet 25 cartons (50 rolls) per pallet 35 cartons (35 rolls) per pallet 25 cartons (25 rolls) per pallet |
| PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Flashing | ||||
| 6 in. (152 mm) 9 in. (225 mm) 12 in. (305 mm) | 12 rolls 6 rolls 6 rolls | 50 linear ft per roll 50 linear ft per roll 50 linear ft per roll | 6 lbs/roll 9 lbs/roll 12 lbs/roll | 30 cartons (360 rolls) per pallet 30 cartons (180 rolls) per pallet 30 cartons (180 rolls) per pallet |
| BITUTHENE® Mastic - 5 gal pail | 1 pail | approx. 120 ft2 at 60 mils | 54 lbs/pail | 36 pails per pallet |
| BITUTHENE® Mastic - 30 oz tube | 12 tubes | approx. 30 linear ft x 1/4 in. bead | 32 lbs/carton | 72 cartons (864 tubes) per pallet |
| PERM-A-BARRIER® Universal Flashing & Sealant - 29 oz. Cartridge | 1 cartridge | approx. 30 linear ft x 1/4 in. bead | 29 oz. | 10 cartridges/ carton 42 cartons/ pallet |
| BITUTHENE® Liquid Membrane - 1.5 gal pail | 1 pail | approx. 200 Linear ft/gal @ 1” wide x 90 mils. | 16 lbs/pail | 100 pails per pallet |
| BITUTHENE® Liquid Membrane - 4 gal pail | 1 pail | approx. 200 Linear ft/gal @ 1” wide x 90 mils. | 44 lbs/pail | 24 pails per pallet |
| PERM-A-BARRIER® Adhesive Primer - 5 gal pail | 1 pail | 450–500 ft2/gal (11–12 m2/L) | 43 lbs/pail | 36 pails per pallet |
| PERM-A-BARRIER® WB Primer - 5 gal pail | 1 pail | 250–350 ft2/gal (6–8 m2/L) | 45 lbs/pail | 32 pails per pallet |
| BITUTHENE® Primer B2 LVC - 5 gal pail | 1 pail | 325–425 ft2/gal (7.5–10 m2/L) | 44 lbs/pail | 48 pails per pallet |
Physical Properties
| Property | PERM-A-BARRIER® Aluminum Wall Membrane | PERM-A-BARRIER® Low Temperature Aluminum Wall Membrane | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.041 in. (1 mm) | 0.041 in. (1 mm) | ASTM D3767 method A |
| Minimum tensile strength, membrane | 400 psi (2.8 MPa) | 400 psi (2.8 MPa) | ASTM D412 die C modified |
| Minimum tensile strength, film | 5000 psi (34.5 MPa) | 5000 psi (34.5 MPa) | ASTM D412 die C modified |
| Minimum elongation, to failure of rubberized asphalt | 200% | 200% | ASTM D412 |
| Pliability, at 180° bend over 1 in. (25 mm) mandrel | Pass at -25°F (-32°C) | Pass at -45°F (-43°C) | ASTM D1970 |
| Nail Sealability | Pass | Pass | ASTM D1970 |
| Crack cycling, 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) at -25°F (-32°C) | Unaffected | Unaffected | ASTM C836 |
| Minimum puncture resistance, membrane | 70 lbs (311 N) | 70 lbs (311 N) | ASTM E154 |
| Lap peel adhesion at minimum application temperature | 4 lbs/in. width (700 N/m) | 5 lbs/in (875 N/m) | ASTM D1876 modified |
| Maximum permeance to water vapor transmission | 0.05 perms/(Pa.s.m2) (2.9 ng) | 0.05 perms/(Pa.s.m2) (2.9 ng) | ASTM E96 method B |
| Air permeance of in-place membrane1 | 0.0002 cfm/ft2 (<0.001 L/s/m2) | 0.0002 cfm/ft2 (<0.001 L/s/m2) | ASTM E2178 |
| Assembly air permeance at 1.57 psf (75 Pa) pressure difference2 | <0.0008 cfm/ft2 (<0.004 L/s/m2) | <0.0008 cfm/ft2 (<0.004 L/s/m2) | ASTM E2357 |
| Water absorption (weight gain at 24 hours) | 0.1% | 0.1% | ASTM D570 |
| Wall assembly fire test | Pass as part of various wall assemblies with foam plastic insulation insulation | Pass as part of various wall assemblies with foam plastic insulation insulation | NFPA 285 |
Footnote:
1. Air permeance measured at a pressure differential of 1.57 psf (75 Pa).
2. Results below detectable limits of laboratory equipment.
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Last Updated: 2025-05-13
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