FAQs

BUILDING CONFIDENCE, BUILDNG BETTER

General Questions

What types of building products does Perma "R" offer?

Perma “R” offers a comprehensive range of high-performance building products, including

  • Rigid Foam Insulation
  • Roof Underlayment
  • Structural Sheathing
  • Building Wraps
  • Architectural Shapes

What are the benefits of using Perma "R" products?

Perma “R” products are designed to deliver exceptional durability, enhanced energy efficiency, simplified construction processes, and superior protection for your building projects.

Where can I find more information about Perma "R" products?

You can visit our individual Products Pages or our Resources Pagefor detailed product information, specifications, installation guides, and resources to help you choose the right solution for your needs.

Product-Specific Questions

Rigid Foam Insulation

CHROME GPS Foam Insulation

What is the difference between Chrome GPS and the Halo line?

Both are GPS insulation board; however, Chrome is unfaced whereas the Halo line has intuitive facers designed for its specified application.

What applications can I use Chrome GPS for?

Chrome is suitable for use in basement crawl spaces, attics, and above-grade exterior insulation.

HALO Exterra Foam Insulation

Does HALO Exterra provide continuous insulation?

Yes, Halo provides continuous insulation and is specifically designed for this purpose. Continuous insulation helps simplify compliance with energy codes, reduces thermal bridging, and enhances the overall thermal performance of the building envelope. But to qualify for continuous insulation, it is essential to tape the seams. Taping the seams ensures an airtight and continuous thermal barrier, which is crucial for maximizing the insulation’s effectiveness and meeting energy code requirements.

What fasteners are recommended to install Exterra to wood studs?

Fasteners should penetrate at least 3/4” into the framing studs or blocking between studs. i.e. –

  • For 1/2” or 5/8” thickness: Minimum fastener length is 1 3/8”
  • For 1” thickness: Minimum fastener length is 1 ¾”

What is the perm rating for Exterra?

The perm rating for Exterra is 1.3 perms at 1.5 inches thickness. At one inch thickness, the perm rating would be even higher than 1.3 perms.

Why do you need to tape Exterra seams?

Taping Exterra seams is essential to ensure it functions effectively as a water-resistant barrier. Properly sealing all joints with tape prevents water infiltration and maintains the integrity of the barrier. This step is crucial for the overall performance and durability of the insulation system.

HALO Interra Foam Insulation

Which way should reflective facer be installed?

The reflective facer on Halo Interra should be installed facing the interior of the building. This orientation helps to reflect radiant heat back into the living space, enhancing the insulation’s thermal performance.

Does Interra seams need to be taped?

Yes, the seams of Interra need to be taped. Taping the seams is crucial because Interra functions as a code-compliant vapor barrier, thanks to its laminate. To ensure it serves effectively as a vapor barrier, all joints between the Interra panels must be taped. Additionally, any penetrations made in the Interra membrane when fastening it should also be taped.

HALO Subterra Foam Insulation

What tape is recommended to seal seams for Halo Subterra to ensure a proper vapor barrier is formed?

To ensure a proper vapor barrier is formed when sealing seams for Halo Subterra should be taped with Perma ”R” Contractor Grade Sheathing Tape or a qualified pro-grade sheathing tape.

What is the required PSI for residential below grade applications?

A minimum compressive strength of 16 psi is recommended for most underslab insulation applications.

What adhesive is recommended to use to adhere Subterra to concrete walls?

To adhere Subterra to concrete walls, Perma “R” Products recommends using PL300 Foam Board Adhesive by Loctite. This adhesive is compatible with EPS and provides high bonding strength once cured.

PolyPro EPS Foam Board

What fasteners are recommended to install PolyPro to wood studs?

Fasteners should penetrate at least 3/4” into the framing studs or blocking between studs. i.e. –

  • For 1/2” or 5/8” thickness: Minimum fastener length is 1 3/8”
  • For 1” thickness: Minimum fastener length is 1 3/4”

What adhesive is recommended to use to adhere PolyPro to concrete walls?

To adhere PolyPro to concrete walls, Perma “R” Products recommends using PL300 Foam Board Adhesive by Loctite. This adhesive is compatible with EPS and provides high bonding strength once cured.

Is Preventol® insecticide environmental safe?

Preventol® insecticide, an environmentally safe additive.

Does Preventol® insecticide kill termites?

Yes, termites can tunnel through and ingest foam in their search for a food source. PolyPro™ with Preventol® kills these termites and provides a secondary line of defense to standard termite treatments. Ask for PolyPro™ if you live in a high termite infestation zone.

Roof Underlayment

ProFelt 30 Roof Underlayment

Can Perma “R” synthetic underlayments be used under metal roofing

Yes, both ProFelt Plus and ProFelt 30 have a temperature service range up to 300°.

What fasteners are recommended to install Perma “R” synthetic underlayments?

  • Ring-shank and spiral-shank nails, which are grooved to increase friction and resist withdrawal
  • Corrosion-resistant roofing nails with 3/8-inch heads
  • Plastic cap nails or staples
  • Hammer tackers with 3/8-inch crowns

ProFelt Plus Roof Underlayment

Can Perma “R” synthetic underlayments be used under metal roofing?

Yes, both ProFelt Plus and ProFelt 30 have a temperature service range up to 300°.

What fasteners are recommended to install Perma “R” synthetic underlayments?

  • Ring-shank and spiral-shank nails, which are grooved to increase friction and resist withdrawal
  • Corrosion-resistant roofing nails with 3/8-inch heads
  • Plastic cap nails or staples
  • Hammer tackers with 3/8-inch crowns

Structural Sheathing

Perma “R” Brace

Are your sheathing products tested for seismic ratings?

Yes, our Perma ”R” Brace sheathing products are tested to meet ANSI/AWC SDPWS: Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic standards. You can view the DrJ Technical Evaluation Report.

Are your sheathing products specified for roof decking applications?

No, they are not.

What is the Perm rating of Perma ”R” Brace?

Perma ”R” Brace perm rating is less than 1 perm.

Does standard Perma ”R” Brace have an R-value?

Perma ”R” Brace has an R-Value of 0.2. Foil facings are available for additional reflective R-Value.

Perma “R” Brace SIB

What insulation properties does Perma ”R” Brace SIB provide?

Our Perma ”R” Brace SIB provides S.M.A.R.T. insulation through BASF Neopor® GPS: stability and durability, moisture-management, adaptability to cool climate zones, resource efficiency and third-party validation and certification.

The benefits of GPS (Graphite Polystyrene) over XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) include:

  • Better Breathability: GPS is more breathable, allowing for better moisture management and reducing the risk of trapped moisture
  • Stable Long Term Thermal Performance: GPS provides a stable Long-Term Thermal Resistance (LTTR) of R-5 per 1.06 inch of foam board and will not diminish over time. Conversely, XPS must report its LTTR after 5 years, which is 4.7, and you can expect even lower R-values as the deterioration continues over time
  • Environmental Impact: GPS has a much lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than XPS because it uses pentane as a blowing agent, which has zero GWP. XPS has higher GWP. Traditional blowing agents like HFC-134a and HFC 142b have very high GWP (1,420 and 2,310 times more than CO2 respectively)
  • Cost-Effectiveness: GPS is generally more cost-effective due to its material properties and manufacturing process

Perma “R” Brace Guard

Are your sheathing products tested for seismic ratings?

Yes, our Perma ”R” Brace sheathing products are tested to meet ANSI/AWC SDPWS: Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic standards. You can view the DrJ Technical Evaluation Report.

Are your sheathing products specified for roof decking applications?

No, they are not.

What is the Perm rating of Perma ”R” Brace?

Perma ”R” Brace perm rating is less than 1 perm.

Does standard Perma ”R” Brace have an R-value?

Perma ”R” Brace has an R-Value of 0.2. Foil facings are available for additional reflective R-Value.

Building Wraps

PermaWrap House Wrap

What fasteners are recommended when installing Perma “R” house wraps?

When installing house wrap, it is recommended to use 1 in. plastic or metal cap fasteners. Plastic cap nails are best, as they create a more airtight seal compared to staples.

What Perm rating do I need?

At Perma “R” we believe in building science and building science experts say the “sweet spot” for the permeance of the house wrap layer as between 10 and 20 perms. When choosing PermaPro or PermaWrap house wrap, “We got you covered”.

PermaPro House Wrap

What fasteners are recommended when installing Perma “R” house wraps?

When installing house wrap, it is recommended to use 1 in. plastic or metal cap fasteners. Plastic cap nails are best, as they create a more airtight seal compared to staples.

What Perm rating do I need?

At Perma “R” we believe in building science and building science experts say the “sweet spot” for the permeance of the house wrap layer as between 10 and 20 perms. When choosing PermaPro or PermaWrap house wrap, “We got you covered”.

WaterShed Commercial House Wrap

Can WaterShed drainage wrap be used under stucco?

Yes, Watershed is perfectly designed for stucco, brick, stone veneer, EIFS, vertical, and specialty siding. Our multi-directional CLAF® mesh, laminated on the surface of the Perma “R” WaterShed line, makes them a superior moisture barrier, engineered to channel bulk water away from wall systems and drain safely to the outside. Keep in mind when applying, some localities require 2 layers of House Wrap under Stucco.

What fasteners are recommended when installing Perma “R” house wraps?

When installing house wrap, it is recommended to use 1 in. plastic or metal cap fasteners. Plastic cap nails are best, as they create a more airtight seal compared to staples.

WaterShed High-P House Wrap

Can WaterShed drainage wrap be used under stucco?

Yes, Watershed is perfectly designed for stucco, brick, stone veneer, EIFS, vertical, and specialty siding. Our multi-directional CLAF® mesh, laminated on the surface of the Perma “R” WaterShed line, makes them a superior moisture barrier, engineered to channel bulk water away from wall systems and drain safely to the outside. Keep in mind when applying, some localities require 2 layers of House Wrap under Stucco.

What fasteners are recommended when installing Perma “R” house wraps?

When installing house wrap, it is recommended to use 1 in. plastic or metal cap fasteners. Plastic cap nails are best, as they create a more airtight seal compared to staples.

WaterShed Low-P House Wrap

Can WaterShed drainage wrap be used under stucco?

Yes, Watershed is perfectly designed for stucco, brick, stone veneer, EIFS, vertical, and specialty siding. Our multi-directional CLAF® mesh, laminated on the surface of the Perma “R” WaterShed line, makes them a superior moisture barrier, engineered to channel bulk water away from wall systems and drain safely to the outside. Keep in mind when applying, some localities require 2 layers of House Wrap under Stucco.

What fasteners are recommended when installing Perma “R” house wraps?

When installing house wrap, it is recommended to use 1 in. plastic or metal cap fasteners. Plastic cap nails are best, as they create a more airtight seal compared to staples.

Flashing & Tapes

PermaTAK Straight Tape

Do I have to roll Perma “R” flashing tapes when applying to house wrap or sheathing?

Yes, utilizing a roller provides firm consistent pressure to guarantee proper adhesion.

Is Perma “R” flashing tapes compatible with ZIP sheathing?

Yes, however, it is best practice to confirm with the sheathing manufacturers not just for compatibility but to confirm system warranty details.

ProTAK Stretch Tape

Do I have to roll Perma “R” flashing tapes when applying to house wrap or sheathing?

Yes, utilizing a roller provides firm consistent pressure to guarantee proper adhesion.

Is Perma “R” flashing tapes compatible with ZIP sheathing?

Yes, however, it is best practice to confirm with the sheathing manufacturers not just for compatibility but to confirm system warranty details.

Sheathing Tape

Can you apply Perma ”R” Contractor Grade Sheathing Tape be applied in cold weather?

Yes, the application temperature range for Construction Seam Tape is 14°F – 122°F and, once applied, the temperature resistance range is -40°F – 212°F. You can find additional specifications by visiting our resources page.

Additional Questions

Do you offer technical support for Perma "R" Products?

Yes, we have a dedicated team of experts available to answer your questions about product selection,installation, and best practices. Contact us through our website or call us at (800) 647-6130.

Where can I purchase Perma "R" Products?

Perma “R” products are available through a network of distributors throughout the country. Use our website’s distributor locator to find a dealer near you.

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