Navigate to the Spycor Building Products homepage
-
Return to Help Index

Help

Spycor Building Products Help Page

Do you have a burning question about getting the right moisture prevention products? We have an answer. Our Help page has responses to many commonly-asked questions we receive from customers. Here you can learn all about moisture management and shopping with Spycor Building Products 24/7.

Product Questions

Get up to speed on some of our most popular moisture management products with these FAQs. We have a lengthy section about various Platon® and DELTA® waterproofing systems, including how they work, what common terms mean and the differences between the various products. You'll also find warranty information and links to the manufacturer websites.

Ordering & Shipping Questions

So you've decided to place an order with Spycor Building Products - but now what? The Order Status section has everything you need to know, including typical delivery times for different shipping options, how to track or change your order and what to do if your order never arrives or is missing items. If you live outside the U.S., visit our International Shipping page to see what your options are.

Help with Your Account

Having an account with us is a great way for regular customers to simplify the ordering process and make it easier to keep track of orders. On our My Account help page, customers can learn how to create an account before shopping and how to update their information. We also tell you what to do if you received the wrong product or need to exchange a defective item.

Shopping, Pricing & Billing

Not only does Spycor Building Products keep prices affordable, but we keep shopping transparent. Learn about paying sales tax, how to get a copy of an invoice, how to dispute charges and much more in the Pricing and Billing FAQs. Our Buyers Guide explains how to find your way around the site and how to order gift certificates or use coupon codes.

The Expert Support You Need

We pride ourselves on making sure customers get the correct products for their project without a hassle. If you don't see the answer to your question here, simply call or email to speak with a representative.

Delta-FL Subfloor FAQ's

Can I fit DELTA®-FL in my own car?
Yes, you will be able to fit the 5' rolls into your car without problems. The rolls are light weight and easy to handle. (Roughly 42 lbs.)

How does DELTA®-FL work?
DELTA®-FL works as a vapor barrier in two ways:

1. It prevents moisture from migrating into the finish flooring
2. It slows down the migration through the concrete slab once a moisture equilibrium is reached between the DELTA®-FL air cavity and the area below the slab.

What type of subfloorf should I use over DELTA®-FL?
We recommend you use min. 7/16” thick OSB or plywood for general purpose floor finishing like carpet. Laminate floor systems can be applied directly over top of DELTA®-FL.

When installing DELTA®-FL should I install the membrane over the entire floor, or should I install my partition walls first before installing DELTA®-FL?
The easiest installation method is to install DELTA®-FL over the entire area to be protected, then install your interior non-load bearing partitions over the prepared flooring system. If your perimeter and partition walls are already installed you would follow the same installation instructions inbound of the walls.

Is it required to secure DELTA®-FL and the subfloor to the concrete slab?
Securing the DELTA®-FL would only be required when installing floor finishing materials that are susceptible to damage from movement of the system. Examples would be nailed hardwood, glued laminates, peel-and-stick tiles and a few others.

Can I install carpet directly over DELTA®-FL without any substrate?
No, carpet should not be installed directly over DELTA®-FL since you will need to attach tack strips along the edges of your room to hold down the carpet. We recommend the use of min. 7/16” thick OSB or plywood over the DELTA®-FL for carpet installations.

When installing DELTA®-FL, should I leave a gap at the perimeter, or should I install the membrane tight to the wall?
Do not leave a gap at the perimeter of the wall. Since DELTA®-FL acts as a vapor barrier it should be installed tightly or “snug” to the wall. The tighter the connection between the membrane and the wall the less vapor can pass by and migrate into the living space. The perimeter (and around penetrations) should be sealed using a low expansion spray foam. There are several brands of low expansion spray foam and one should be available in the same store where you purchase your DELTA®-FL. If you are installing DELTA®-FL to help combat water seepage from the walls, DELTA®-FL should be combined with other components to control this issue, independent of DELTA®-FL as a vapor retarder. DELTA®-FL is not a substitute for proper foundation repair and maintenance. Please contact our Technical Service Department for further assistance.

When installing laminate flooring, do I need to install a substrate, i.e. OSB?
No, laminate flooring “click lock” systems are considered a floating floor assembly. This allows the DELTA®-FL to be a floating part of that assembly as well. Place the foam underlay recommended by the laminate flooring manufacturer directly onto the DELTA®-FL. Laminate flooring with foam underlay already adhered to it is also acceptable. Follow all other installation requirements for DELTA®-FL and the laminate flooring system.

If I install the laminate flooring directly over the DELTA®-FL, will this void any warranty with the flooring manufacturer? Does the DELTA®-FL warranty still apply?
DELTA®-FL is a vapor barrier with added benefits that conventional barriers do not offer. Since laminate flooring manufacturers generally require the installation of a vapor barrier over a concrete slab prior to installing their laminate flooring, there should be no reason to void the warranty of the laminate flooring. We recommend you verify this with your supplier. If you are having problems with the use of DELTA®-FL and a particular laminate product, call our Technical Service Department for more information. Cosella-Dörken will honor its own standard DELTA®-FL product warranty for DELTA®-FL installed under laminate flooring.

Can I use DELTA®-FL with a radiant floor heating system in the concrete slab?
Yes, you can use DELTA®-FL with radiant floor heating systems. Ensure that none of the heating elements of the heating system comes into direct contact with the DELTA®-FL membrane. Most systems are designed so that the heating elements are contained within the substrate, i.e. the concrete slab. Please contact our Technical Service Department for further assistance.

After installing the DELTA®-FL and my finished flooring I notice a distinctive “tapping or clicking” noise as I walk across the floor. Is this a problem I need to endure or is it a temporary condition that will fade out over time?
The clicking or tapping sound you may hear can be caused by a couple of things. In our installation instructions, we indicate that the level of the concrete slab be checked and corrected as needed to provide a reasonable surface on which to place the DELTA®-FL. Excessive irregularities in the slab surface can cause this sound issue, which is difficult to fix after the fact.

I have started the installation of DELTA®-FL and experience a slight curling of the membrane once I unroll it on the floor. Will this affect my floor assembly and cause any problems?
After manufacturing the DELTA®-FL membrane gets rolled, packaged and stored until it is delivered to the customer. During the time of storage the material takes on what is referred to as the “set” of the roll which causes it to slightly curl when first unrolled for installation. This condition will level out over time once the finished flooring is installed and you complete the room décor.

Delta-MS Drainage FAQ's

Q. How Does DELTA®-MS Work?
A. DELTA®-MS is made of HDPE and utilizes an open drainage cavity between the foundation wall and the membrane, which acts as a capillary break to stop water from reaching the foundation. The drainage cavity, commonly referred to as “air-gap technology”, provides drainage for any transient moisture that gets behind the membrane and directs it to the foundation drains for evacuation. The DELTA®-MS is approved for use as a stand alone foundation protection system, not requiring the use of surface preparations (ie: tar) prior to the membrane installation. For further details visit our web site at www.DELTAMS.com

Q. Where can I purchase the DELTA®-MS?
A. You can purchase DELTA®-MS at Box Stores outlets like RONA, Home Hardware and many Building Supply outlets. If you are looking to have it installed for you, visit our web site www.DELTAMS.com to locate a local authorized Supplier Certified Installer of the product.

Q. What is the warranty for DELTA®-MS? Does it apply if I install it myself?
A. The DELTA®-MS is covered by two warranties, one for the material only and one for performance when installed by a Certified Installer. The material warranty covers the premature failure of the product due to anomalies in manufacturing or materials for a period of 20 years. The performance warranty covers the membrane installation for a period of 5 years and offers a no leak guarantee. For details on the warranty coverage may can contact our customer service department at 1-888-433-5824.

Q. What Building Code Approvals does DELTA®-MS have?
A. DELTA®-MS is approved for use by the National Building Code of Canada, Ontario Building Code and all Provincial and Territorial Codes adopting the National Building Code of Canada as a dampproofing and drainage layer material. It is also approved for use by the International Residential Code and the International Building Code in the United States as a dampproofing, wall waterproofing material where these Codes apply. It is approved for use by some state specific Building Codes as well (contact us at 1-888-433-5824 for further details).

Q. Should I install DELTA®-MS to the top of the footing or edge of the footing?
A. DELTA®-MS can be installed with either method, however installing the membrane continuously out to the edge of the footing is considered “best practice” and provides additional benefits to control water seepage between joints of the foundation wall. We recommend installing DELTA®-MS to the edge of the footing.

Q. How many fasteners are required to install a roll of the DELTA®-MS?
A. Based on the spacing requirements of the fasteners and the overall installation as shown in the installation instructions, you will require 75 fasteners/clips when considering the DELTA®-FASTner. The total requirement for the mechanical fasteners (ie: nails) is 100 pieces. For more information on the installation you can review the installation instructions on the wrapper of the product or on the web site of Cosella-Dorken Products Inc. at www.deltams.com

Q. Do you need to spray waterproofing or dampproofing on the foundation wall before installing DELTA®-MS?
A. No, because the DELTA®-MS membrane is approved for use as a “stand alone” dampproofing/drainage layer and as a wall waterproofing material. Under special conditions or field conditions the use of a spray applied system in conjunction with DELTA®-MS, may be specified by the designer of the foundation. There is no compatibility issue between the DELTA®-MS and common spray applied systems. For further information you can contact our Technical Department at 1-888-433-5824.

Q. Can the DELTA®-MS be installed on concrete block foundation walls?
A. Yes, in addition to being a Code requirement for below grade uses of concrete block, it is highly recommended to parge concrete block foundation prior to installing DELTA®-MS.

Q. Do you need to use DELTA®-SEALANT at the top of the DELTA®-MS?
A. When terminating the DELTA®-MS at or near the finished grade line with DELTA®-TERMINATION BAR you will need to install sealant between the “flat tab” and the concrete. If you are using the DELTA®-FLASH to terminate you do not need to install any sealant behind the flat tab, however gaps greater than ¼” between the DELTA®-FLASH and the concrete require to be sealed. For details on installing the termination pieces refer to the Installation Instructions found on the wrapper of the product.

Manufacturer Support

www.advancedflashing.com

Delta Dry FAQ's

DELTA®-DRY & DELTA®-DRY Stucco & Stone:

What does DELTA®-DRY do?
DELTA®-DRY is a premium ventilated rainscreen that helps protect the structure of the building by providing moisture control in the walls and allowing for ventilation and drying of the building enclosure. It creates a continuous drainage path outside of the sheathing boards to prevent the build up of condensation. As well, DELTA®-DRY adds drainage behind the wall cladding. It allows walls that get wet to dry as quickly as possible to prevent mold, mildew and structural deterioration.
DELTA®-DRY will resist the inward movement of solar driven moisture.

How does DELTA®-DRY provide drainage?
DELTA®-DRY has a unique dual sided 3-dimensional drainage profile with channels that guide liquid water that hits it downwards and out of the wall where it will do no harm.

How does DELTA®-DRY provide ventilation?
DELTA®-DRY has a unique dimple structure that creates maximum free area with minimum contact with the wall sheathing. With a contact area of less than 9%, air may move freely across the wall in all directions. The ventilation cavity must be open at both the top and the bottom of the wall for any ventilation to occur.
Several natural forces will create ventilation in the cavity. Differences in air pressure (wind) will move air through the ventilation cavity. Normal convection currents within the wall cavity will also move air. Warm moist air will rise and exit through the top ventilation while cooler drier air will move in through the bottom ventilation to replace it. Both of these natural forces will cause air exchanges within the wall cavity.

Is it important to have open ventilation at the top and the bottom of the wall?
It is very important to have open ventilation at the top and the bottom of the wall. This is critical to the proper functioning of DELTA®-DRY. While trim and/or a drip edge may be necessary along with a bug screen to keep out unwanted intruders, the ventilation will allow the drying effect of air moving through the cavity to occur.

What is “drying capacity” and why is it important?
Drying capacity refers to the ability of a wall system to manage and rid itself of water and water vapor. The higher the drying capacity of a wall system, the better the system is able to cope with moisture within it. The better the ability of a system to cope with moisture, the less likely the moisture is to cause decay, rot and mold in the wall.

What is “solar–driven moisture”?
Solar-driven moisture is an effect that occurs on absorptive claddings such as conventional stucco, manufactured stone, natural stone, clay brick, and cement board siding. Water from sources like rain, snow or lawn irrigation is sprayed onto these claddings that easily absorb it. The sun then hits the surface of the cladding and begins to heat it up. The moisture remaining on the surface evaporates, but the moisture within continues to heat up as the sun continues to heat the cladding. The water vapor pressure increases within the cladding and the vapor pressure differential forces the moisture to move inward where it can wet the structural components of the wall if there is no barrier to prevent it.

Is DELTA®-DRY a vapor barrier?
No. DELTA®-DRY doesn't act as a vapor barrier in the system. While it is true that DELTA®-DRY is impermeable to water vapor, it must be ventilated. When it is ventilated, it cannot form the continuous barrier that would be necessary to act as a vapor barrier.

Is DELTA®-DRY an air barrier?
No. DELTA®-DRY is not an air barrier in the wall system. While the special high density polyethylene can prevent the movement of air through it, the way it is detailed and the necessity for ventilation does not permit it to be designated the air barrier in the system.

Is DELTA®-DRY a radiant barrier, too?
No. Although DELTA®-DRY is grayish-silver color, it does not act as a radiant barrier in the wall system. However, it absorbs far less solar heat radiation than conventional building paper.

Is DELTA®-DRY a water resistive barrier?
While DELTA®-DRY does not allow liquid water or moisture vapor to pass through, its primary purposes are to provide drainage, ventilation, a capillary break, and humidity moderation.

Can DELTA®-DRY be used in conjunction with a water resistive barrier?
In most jurisdictions, DELTA®-DRY must be used in conjunction with a water resistive barrier. In general, it is placed to the exterior of the water resistive barrier in the wall system. The WRB is installed according to the manufacturer’s recommended procedures. The DELTA®-DRY is installed over top according to the installation instructions.

Can DELTA®-DRY be used without a water resistive barrier?
In Ontario, Canada, the Building Code allows DELTA®-DRY to be used stand alone without the addition of a water resistive barrier. The performance qualities of the DELTA®-DRY are unaffected by the absence of a water resistive barrier. Note that the installation procedure changes slightly compared to the installation of DELTA®-DRY as a rainscreen, predominantly due to requirements for flashing of window openings and other penetrations.

Can I still upgrade my insulation?
Insulation can still be upgraded if DELTA®-DRY is being included in the wall system. Make sure that any additional insulation is installed to the inside of the DELTA®-DRY.

Will DELTA®-DRY make my home more energy-efficient?
DELTA®-DRY will not alter the energy efficiency of a well performing wall. However, the inclusion of DELTA®-DRY in any wall system will help ensure that the wall continues to perform in the manner in which it was intended. It will help keep the structural components dry thereby adding to their life expectancy. DELTA®-DRY will help keep insulation dry which will allow it to keep up its performance.

Will DELTA®-DRY make my house a healthier home?
DELTA®-DRY will help prevent the occurrence of mold and mildew within the wall. Because both mold and mildew are thought to be major issues affecting the health of those living in the home, it can help make the house a healthier home.

Has DELTA®-DRY been tested to prove it works?
Yes. The hygro-thermal performance of DELTA®-DRY has been extensively tested by The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), as well as by the Building Engineering Group at the University of Waterloo, and Building Science Corporation (bsc). Reports are available on inquiry.

Is DELTA®-DRY easy to install?
Yes. Easy-to-follow installation instructions for the application of DELTA®-DRY over a weather resistive barrier (WRB) are available right on this website. No special skills or tools are required. Simple equipment such as safety items, hammer, tools for measuring and alignment, a knife for cutting, and 1 ½” large head roofing nails are all that are necessary for the basic installation. Other required materials will be bug screen, flashing, and drip edges for detail areas around the top and bottom ventilation areas. So long as the DELTA®-DRY is being installed over a WRB, very little other detailing is required.
If DELTA®-DRY is being installed as a stand alone system (without a WRB) in Ontario, Canada, please contact the technical department at 1-888-DELTA4 (1-888-433-5824) for the appropriate installation instructions for your application.

Are there any special considerations for claddings such as conventional stucco or manufactured stone?
Yes. Because these materials are highly absorptive claddings, DELTA®-DRY Stucco & Stone is especially suited for use behind them. These materials tend to hold water and are therefore particularly susceptible to vapor drive from solar-driven moisture. DELTA®-DRY Stucco & Stonecan significantly enhance the drying capacity of these systems.
This is not the only special consideration. Many jurisdictions require the use of two layers of a weather resistive barrier (WRB) in these systems. When two layers of a WRB are required, it is best to put the DELTA®-DRY Stucco & Stone in front of the first layer and behind the second layer. Always check your local building requirements for the cladding materials selected

Delta®-Footing Barrier FAQ's

How does DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER work?
DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER creates an impermeable physical barrier between the footing and the foundation wall. This barrier prevents moisture absorbed by the footing from continuing to move upwards (by “wicking” or “capillary movement”) into the foundation wall.

What is a capillary break?
A capillary break is any gap or physical barrier that interrupts the flow of liquid water through the microscopic fissures (or capillaries) of a material. DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER is a capillary break because it provides a physical barrier to the movement of water from the footings into the foundation walls.

Is DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER required by building codes?
DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER is not required currently by building codes in North America. However, the use of DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER does not violate building codes either. The use of DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER should not affect the approval of the foundation by local building inspectors.

How is DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER installed?
DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER may be installed as soon as the concrete for the footings is poured and leveled. Simply roll out the DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER fuzzy grey side down and blue side up. Line up the pre-printed centre key way line over top of the desired key way location. Gently press the DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER into the wet concrete with a standard trowel so that it is smooth and wrinkle-free. Because the DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER is placed directly into the fresh wet concrete, installation may begin as soon as each section is ready. It is not necessary to wait until the entire footing is poured before beginning. Start as soon as a section has been leveled. With the DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER in place, the key way may be formed in the usual manner.

How do you form the key way?
Once the DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER is in place, the key way may be formed in the conventional fashion using the preprinted centre key way line as the guide to locating it. Common ways of forming the key way include using a standard piece of 2” x 4” lumber or a specially-designed trowel.

Can DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER be installed on any footing forming system?
In general, yes, DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER can be installed on most any conventional footing forming system. However, forms using stakes, rather than cross-bracing, allow for a more continuous application of the membrane because fewer gaps are required. In a system using a lot of cross-bracing, the DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER must be stopped at one side of the cross-brace then restarted on the other. This creates gaps in the continuity of the membrane but will have a minimal effect on the overall performance. When cutting the membrane at the cross-braces, leave enough extra membrane so that the two ends may be butted up against one another to avoid large gaps. Even with gaps, most of the footing will be protected and DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER will provide much more moisture protection for the basement than if there were none at all.

How does DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER bond to the concrete?
DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER has a grey fuzzy back or underside that forms a strong mechanical bond when worked into the concrete with a trowel. This hydrophilic backing becomes saturated with the water in the freshly poured concrete and creates the bond as the concrete cures. No glues, primers, or mechanical fasteners are required.

Can I install DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER after the footings have hardened?
No. DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER must be installed immediately after the concrete for the footings has been poured and leveled while the concrete is still wet. If the concrete is allowed to harden first, there will be no way to bond the DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER to the concrete.

Can my house be retrofitted with DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER?
No. Once the concrete for the footings has cured, DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER may no longer be installed.

Will DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER come off when I put the drainage gravel in the foundation?
Provided a good bond between the DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER and the concrete is achieved, the concrete is allowed to cure prior to the placement of the gravel, and the gravel is not placed in such a way as to deliberately abrade the membrane, the DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER will not come off during the placement of the drainage gravel. Even with an excellent bond, caution should be exercised during the placement of the drainage gravel, especially when using a stone slinger-type placement method. The DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER should not come off during normal operation methods.
If the DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER is installed when the concrete is fresh, properly pressed in and smoothed with a trowel and the concrete of the footings has been allowed to cure properly, it does not debond from the footing during the placing of the drainage gravel.

Is there any special care to be taken when installing the foundation wall forms?
Foundation wall forms may be installed as usual. DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER is designed to withstand normal wear and tear due to form placement and for alignment chalk lines to remain visible. Forms are placed directly onto the DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER and walls may be poured normally.

Is DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER adversely affected by form release agents?
Small amounts of form release agents will not adversely affect the DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER or its overall performance. However, just as with a bare footing, saturation or pooling of any form release agent should be avoided.

Where does the moisture come from?
In most every jurisdiction in North America, building codes require that footings must be poured directly onto undisturbed soil. The soil on which the concrete sits is constantly damp. In addition, any foundation wall protection system, such as dimple board, is designed to direct water downwards to the footing. As a result, the footings of a house are constantly damp. If there is water in the foundation drainage system, then most certainly the footings are also sitting in water. As a result, the footings then may not just be damp, they may be entirely saturated.

What if it is a dry site?
While ground water table levels will vary from building site to building site, there is still no such thing as a dry site. Earth below grade is almost always near 100% humidity and is therefore a constant source of moisture. The absence of perceptible liquid water does not make a site dry.

How can I complete the moisture protection under the entire basement floor slab?
The DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER will create the capillary break between the footings and the foundation wall. While the gravel normally installed under a slab will act as a capillary break, it will not act as a barrier to vapor diffusion. To complete the capillary break and have a full vapor barrier under the entire concrete basement floor slab, install DELTA®-MS UNDERSLAB.

Why is DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER ideal for full-height insulated basements?
Before full-height insulated basements were commonplace or mandated by building codes, moisture that wicked up into foundation walls simply dried to the interior space. While this made the basement more damp and uncomfortable, it was relatively harmless because the moisture was not contained.
However, in a full-height insulated basement, both the insulation and the vapor barrier cover the foundation wall from top to bottom. This means that the moisture that used to dry harmlessly to the interior now encounters a vapor barrier that keeps it contained within the wall cavity where it is unable to escape. As moisture continues to flow into the wall cavity, it will wet the insulation, rendering it useless, and it will wet other sensitive structural materials like drywall and wood studs. Once wet, these materials can support mold growth and begin to decay and rot. The presence of the vapor barrier means that these materials will be unable to dry.
The best preventative measure is to prevent the continued passage of moisture into the wall cavity. DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER provides the physical barrier that will help prevent moisture from continually moving from the footings into the foundation wall and is therefore ideal in any basement where there is full-height insulation or where full-height insulation is planned.

How does DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER help prevent mold?
DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER helps prevent mold because it helps prevent moisture-sensitive materials in the finished basement walls from getting wet. Because mold will grow in wet areas on moisture sensitive materials, mold can be prevented by preventing wetness.

What if my basement is not going to be fully insulated?
Even if you are not planning to insulate your basement to its full height (assuming that it is not required by your local building code), DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER can help reduce the uncomfortable dampness that is common in basements. In addition, by installing DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER during construction, you will have the flexibility in the future to turn the basement into comfortable living space with the safety buffer provided by DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER already in place.

Difference between Delta and Platon

What is the difference between Delta-FL Subfloor and Platon Subfloor?
Cosella Dorken's Delta-FL Subfloor and CertainTeed's Platon are similar in that they are both subfloors. Their general specifications are similar in that they are both 6 mm products with greater than 5,000lbs/ psf when installed properly. Both products also have similar flooring limitations in that they will both support wood base snap in system flooring. For installation of carpet or vinyl flooring on top of either subfloor you will need to put down a minimum of a 7/16 inch tongue in groove OSB or plywood. For further information on either product, please click on the above links in the product questions.

Differences between the two subfloor systems are:
  • Different manufacturers. Delta-FL is produced by Cosella-Dorken a German company that has it's North American base in Canada. Platon is a CertainTeed product.
  • Different instillation process. Please click on the directions on each product page.

Platon FAQ's

Is there a Platon warranty?
Platon has a 30-year limited product warranty when used as a foundation wrap.
How does Platon work?
Platon is a dimpled membrane made from High Density Polyethylene. When installed against a foundation wall, the dimples create an air gap that holds the membrane and wet soil away from the wall. Wall moisture condenses on the back of the Platon wrap and flows to the footing drain. By providing an impermeable barrier and air gap, Platon foundation wrap blocks moisture and allows the foundation walls to breathe.
What types of foundations can Platon be installed on?
Platon works on block walls, poured concrete walls, permanent wood, insulated concrete forms and with existing foundations.
How does Platon get installed to the foundation?
Platon foundation membrane must wrap the foundation from the top of the foundation footing up to finished grade or ground level. Installation is fast and easy using our patented SpeedClips to affix Platon to the foundation wall. For more detailed installation procedures, see product packaging or refer to the Platon Foundation Wrap Guide.
What is Platon made from?
Platon is manufactured from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) which is extremely durable, strong and chemically inert.
Can Platon be used on the floor?
Yes, Platon underlayment can be used as a subfloor membrane to transform a cold, damp room into a dry, warm and comfortable living space. Platon is installed over concrete floors to provide a moisture barrier and air gap between the concrete subfloor and floor coverings such as hardwood or carpet.
How does Platon work when used on the floor?
Platon underlayment creates a moisture proof barrier and air gap between the concrete subfloor and floor covering, protecting the floor covering while allowing the concrete to breathe and the moisture to vent.
How does Platon underlayment get installed?
Platon is installed between the concrete floor and floor coverings. Detailed Platon installation procedures can be found in the product packaging or refer to the Platon Underlayment.
Can Platon be used with any floor covering?
Platon works with just about any floor covering. For carpet, laminate, hardwood, and vinyl a "load spreading sheet" of a minimum 7/16 plywood or OSB is required. Please see Platon Installation Instructions for more information.
What is the compressive strength of Platon when used on the floor?
Platon’s load bearing capacity is 6,000 lbs / sq ft.
How thick is the Platon membrane?
Platon is 24 mil thick
How high are the Platon dimples?
Platon dimples are 1⁄4” high
Is Platon a “green” product?
Platon is made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) with approximately85% recycled content. It is chemically inert, so there are no by-products to contaminate the soil or air. Allmanufacturing waste is recycled. Please see Platon's Green Information.
What are the Platon roll dimensions?
Platon comes in a variety of sizes to accommodate any project. Seethe below table for roll sizes. Platon Sizes: