‘Soil vapor intrusion’, or the migration of volatile organic vapors into building interiors, is the hottest regulatory issue to emerge in the new decade. This issue has prompted the creation of dozens of regulatory guidance documents and new agency programs. The often-dangerous vapors originate from contaminated subsurface soils and/or groundwater, and are pulled up through floor slabs by the inherent low pressures that exist within building interiors. Long-term exposure to these vapors can cause serious illness or death, and build-up of some vapors may cause an explosion hazard.

The fundamental defense to vapor intrusion is placement of a vapor barrier/retarder membrane on top of compacted subbase, directly below a newly poured floor slab. Many environmental regulatory agencies, health departments, and building departments nationwide have developed new codes, rules and/or regulations requiring vapor barriers/retarders at contaminated sites, and in some cases, uncontaminated sites.

Choosing the proper membrane is a function of the type of expected subsurface contaminants, construction conditions, and expected soil settlement. The membrane should be third-party tested to meet ASTM and American Concrete Institute (ACI) standards for permeability, strength, and physical and chemical resistance. Recent case studies have demonstrated that standard polyethylene (Visqueen) sheeting purchased at contractor supply shops is NOT an effective or long-term barrier against contaminants.

ECC provides three ASTM and ACI approved vapor barrier options for your installer:

• VIP I (Vapor Intrusion Protector TYPE I)
Basic high-density 20-mil polyolefin membrane. The most economical option for low-risk, low-settlement sites.

[Download .pdf]

•VIP II (Vapor Intrusion Protector TYPE II)
Two 10-mil HDPE membranes surrounding a high-strength cord grid, with a polyester layer on the top side. Provides extra strength against punctures and tears, and allows concrete to bond with polyester so that barrier will not pull away from the slab, per ACI recommendation.

[Download .pdf]

•VIP III (Vapor Intrusion Protector TYPE III)
The same fabrication as VIP II, with a layer of aluminum added. A true vapor barrier by ACI standards, and recommended for best protection.

[Download .pdf]

• ACESSORIES
Pipe-wraps, double-sided asphaltic tapes, and mastic products to effectively seal seams and penetrations.

ECC vapor barrier products are guaranteed for the life of the building, and are provided at competitive pricing. ECC has conducted a specific set of third-party tests on its membranes for permeability of gasoline, diesel, and chlorinated solvent vapors.

In addition to providing materials, ECC can provide engineering services in most states to prepare vapor barrier specifications and construction design drawings, and can perform required final inspections and certifications.