considering regional climates measuring ... - lsi wallcovering · disclaimer and limited warranty...

Disclaimer and Limited Warranty

Subject to the conditions and limitations herein, the wallcovering is guaranteed to be free of defects in workmanship and material for five years from the date of shipment of the product. THE MANUFACTURER is not responsible or liable for claims if the application instructions are not followed, nor is THE MANUFACTURER responsible or liable for labor and associated costs, over and above the cost for replacement material.

THE MANUFACTURER specifically advises all parties that mold will grow in conductive conditions where moisture and/or water is present. THE MANUFACTURER cannot control such conductive conditions and is not responsible or liable for any claims, damages or the like in any way related to or arising in connection with the occurrence or presence of mold. THE MANUFACTURER also shall not be liable for any damages arising from the misuse of the product, improper handling or storage, improper or defective building conditions, or alteration of the product by others.

The Customer understands and agrees that certain conditions within a building may cause the growth of various types of mold, organisms or other hazardous pollutants or contaminates. These conditions may be caused by a combination of moisture, warm air and an organic medium. These conditions may be created by a number of circumstances including, but not limited to, leaking roofs, walls, floors, windows, water or soil lines breaking, inadequate and poorly balanced heating and ventilation equipment, the improper use of vapor control media on exterior walls, storms, floods, vandalism, etc. Moist or wet areas may be undiscoverable without removal of ceiling, wall and floor coverings and a thorough investigation of the specific areas. These coverings include paneling, drywall or plaster materials, floor coverings, under-layment and subflooring, sheathing, exterior siding and possibly roofing materials and decking.

THE MANUFACTURER assumes no responsibility or liability for any reason, now or in the future, for any mold or other organisms that may grow in the covered or any other areas of the building, and Customer will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless THE MANUFACTURER for any potential or realized property damage or health or safety issues because of airborne pollutants or any other type of hazardous materials or organisms found in the covered or other areas of the building.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY GIVEN BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER makes no other or additional warranty, whether expressed or implied, including, without limit, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, all of which are hereby expressly disclaimed. THE MANUFACTURER expressly disclaims all liability for any redhibitory defects. The Customer’s sole remedy and THE MANUFACTURER’s sole liability shall be limited to product replacement. THE MANUFACTURER will not be liable for direct, consequential or incidental damages, including without limitation lost profits, punitive damages, loss of use damages, loss of value damages, damage to other property, etc. even if THE MANUFACTURER is aware of the possibility of these damages occurring. All claims made under this Limited Warranty must be in writing to THE MANUFACTURER within 90 days of the first knowledge of any defect, and within the warranty period or such claims are waived.

Available on all Versa designs, Permavent™ enhances the breathability of wallcoverings. The microventing technology from LSI Wallcovering is engineered for humid environments and areas where moisture management is a challenge. Permavent increases permeability via perforations that allow mobile moisture and condensation to pass through the wallcovering. The technology preserves the aesthetic integrity of the design, while providing added protection against the growth of mold and mildew. One of a host of Versa performance enhancements, Permavent helps ensure exceptional aesthetics, long-lasting durability and a healthy indoor environment.

PERMAVENT™ MICROVENTED WALLCOVERING

CONSIDERING REGIONAL CLIMATES

Hot & humidA breathable material with perm ratings greater than 10 is recommended on the interior of exterior walls. This allows the moisture to escape the wall cavity into the room and be removed by the HVAC system and not condense on the wall surfaces.

Mixed & coldMaterials with perm ratings less than 10 are recommended on the exterior of interior rooms to keep the moist air from moving into the wall cavity during the heating season.

Extreme northern During the heating season, humidity is typically low and maintaining some moisture in the rooms is desirable.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PERMEANCE (PERM) RATINGS

Building materials used in the construction of walls, including decorative finishes like wallcovering, have classifications based on their ability to allow vapor (moisture) to pass through them. The higher the perm rating the more breathable the materials. Below are the classifications, their common names and perm ranges.

Classifications Perms SynonymsImpermeable 0–1 Vapor barrier, Non-breathableSemi-Permeable 1–10 Vapor retarder, Semi-breathablePermeable 10+ Breathable

There is little published on recommended perm ratings information for commercial buildings. However, US HUD (Housing and Urban Development) has specified a perm-rating minimum of 5.0 on interior walls for residential manufactured construction in hot, humid climates. And, several sources suggest that greater than 10 perms is considered “breathable.”

DEFINING PERMS

Most construction materials can be tested in a controlled laboratory environment for their ability to allow moisture to move through them. From these tests, a permeance rating can be assigned and used to predict the effectiveness of a building material or surface finish.1

The recognized industry test used to measure perms is called the Standard Test for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials, and specified in ASTM E96-00.2

MEASURING PERMS

Materials are typically tested in two ways: 1. Dry cup testing – Conducted with 0% relative humidity on one side of the test sample

and 50% on the other side.3

2. Wet cup testing – Conducted with 50% relative humidity maintained on one side of the test sample and 100% on the other side.3

The ASTM method specifies a total of six possible test conditions2 using both the dry and wet cup methods at different temperatures and humidities. Unsupported wallcovering is typically measured unmounted using the wet cup method. The dry cup is used to test wallcovering that is mounted to a wallboard material like gypsum. To accurately compare two construction materials like wallcovering and paint for perm efficiency, the same ASTM method and procedure should be used.

Whenever possible it is best to test the whole interior wall construction including wallboard, primer, adhesives and decorative finish. For this approach many experts agree that the dry cup method should be used, and since most buildings will be maintained at 70º and 50% humidity, it is best to use these environmental conditions in the test. The exact ASTM reference for this combination is: ASTM E96-00, X1.1.1 Procedure A.

It is important to note that perm results do not necessarily correlate among the six different standard ASTM test methods. Engineers, material manufacturers and regulatory agencies may use different methods depending on the specific application.

For example, many liquid applied materials such as paints and primers are typically measured as 10 mil. wet films in either one, two or three coats4 using methods other than the wet or dry cup.

1 2001 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook2 ASTM, 2002 3 Burch, Douglas M. and Saunders, Christopher A. May, 1995 A Computer Analysis of Wall Construction in the Moisture Control Handbook ASTM E96-00, Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials 4 Manufactured Housing Research Alliance, 2000 Measuring Permeance Values for Selected Interior Wall Assemblies

Additional References: Building Science Corporation 2003, Insulations, Sheathings and Vapor Diffusion Retarders MBMA, Metal Building Manufacturers Association Fact Sheet Wallcovering Association, Mold Cause, Effect and Response and Chemical Fabrics: Film Association, Inc. U.S. Federal Register 2002 Housing and Urban Development Department, 24CFR Part 3280 Condensation Control for Exterior Walls of Manufactured Homes Sited in Humid and Fringe Climates; Waiver; Final Rule The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC), 2002 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, under contract to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

The challenge of moisTure managemenT Outdoor temperature and humidity are significant factors that must be considered when selecting wall-finishing techniques. When to use a permeable (vapor-breathable) or vapor-barrier (non-breathable) wall finish is critical in providing both personal physical comfort and maintaining building construction.

This is a particular challenge in southern climates when high temperature and high humidity may force water vapor to move from the exterior of the building toward the cool air-conditioned interior. Water may then condense behind the finished wall surface and provide an environment for mold growth.

Mold and mildew may be harmful to a building environment and must be controlled to maintain its integrity and interior decor. Versa Permavent is an innovative asset that helps manage moisture and offers the remarkable beauty your clients demand.

specifying The righT wall surface

Most experts agree that the interior wall finish is an integral part of an efficiently engineered building system. You have a wide variety of interior finishing techniques at your disposal – each one offering unique benefits.

Painted knockdown textures, oil paints, latex flat, satin and semi-gloss paints offer various design and texture options. But Versa offers enhanced color, texture and design with unmatched durability. Permavent microvented wallcovering takes this to the next level by adding moisture control functionality.

Microvented and non-microvented vinyl wallcoverings from Versa offer full coverage and superior performance with products that range from 1–13 perms when installed properly. Add the vast color and design options and superior durability, and Versa is your one source for demanding construction and renovation projects.

permavenT™ insTallaTion requiremenTs

lighting

• Permanent lighting conditions only.

climate conditions

• Between 60º – 80º F and relative humidity at 50% or less – at least six days prior to and after installation.

surfaces

• Must be smooth, clean, dry and structurally sound.

• Newly plastered walls must not have excessive lime or alkali.

• Walls must not contain in excess of 5 – 7% residual moisture content (a moisture meter should be used).

new walls

• May require priming to promote adhesion. (NOTE: If the primer is designed to be a vapor barrier, it may significantly reduce the overall permeability of the installation.)

• If primers are required, use only breathable latex primers.

• Light sanding after priming prior to installation will help improve adhesion and porosity and improve breathability.

existing walls

• Glossy surfaces should be sanded with irregularities repaired.

• Sanding, using a medium to rough grit, should be done on walls covered with a vapor barrier paint or primer, and/or oil-base paint to allow breathability and adhesion.

adhesive

• Use a premium-grade, full-strength, heavy-duty clear, strippable, mildew-resistant adhesive.

• Apply adhesive to the wall surface.

• Dry hang each sheet and follow adhesive manufacturer's instructions on coverage and set time.

post-installation

• Closely monitor walls for excess or long-standing water or moisture infiltration.

• If present, promptly remove and dry the surface completely. The maximum breathability with Permavent can be achieved when installed with no primer or a breathable primer.

Permavent + breathable paint + breathable primer

Permavent W

allcovering

Paint

Primer

Wall C

avity

breathable paint breathable primer

non-breathable paint breathable primer

Paint

Primer

Wall C

avity

non-breathable primer

construction a

When installed correctly, Permavent can breathe like breathable paint or painted knockdown texture.

construction B

Permavent breathable

Permavent W

allcovering

Primer

Wall C

avity

breathable primer


conTrolling moisTure in Buildings

potential approaches to moisture control include:

1. Prevent building assemblies and surfaces from getting wet from the exterior.2. Prevent building assemblies and surfaces from getting wet from the interior.3. If building assemblies or surfaces get wet, or start out wet, allow them to dry

to either the exterior or the interior.

Building assemblies need to be protected from getting wet from the exterior, and they must be allowed to dry towards the interior. As a result, air barriers and vapor barriers (retarders) are usually installed on the exterior of building assemblies in hot and humid climates.

In all cases a building design professional should be consulted to recommend construction materials and HVAC systems that are best suited for the geographic location of the building.

Permavent™ tests were conducted at a certified independent laboratory. * MHRA (Manufactured Home Research Alliance) Measured Permeance Values for Selected Interior Wall Assemblies ** U.S. HUD (Housing and Urban Development) Regulation for permeance of materials used in exterior walls of

manufactured homes in hot, humid climates. *** ASHRAE (1993) American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning **** One coat latex primer sealer and one coat satin paint

13Knockdown + semigloss paint*

12Permavent 15 oz. (Mounted)


5HUD 24CFR3280.504**

2Oil-base paint***

1Primer sealer + satin paint****

1Non-microvented wallcovering (Mounted)

34Water method unmounted

Water method & gypsum 14

Desiccant method unmounted 23

Desiccant method & gypsum 12

Permavent Microvented 20 oz. Wallcovering

Permavent permeability performance

ASTM E-96: Wet Cup (water) and Dry Cup (desiccant) methods.Data for unmounted (not adhered to gypsum) and mounted to 1/2" gypsum board.

ASTM E-96: Dry Cup — as desiccant sandwich and mounted to 1/2" gypsum board.

Permavent Performance Versus Other Wall Finishes

-20%

Scr

een

of B

lack

-Str

oke

70%

of B

lack

-60%

Scr

een

of W

arm

Gra

y 7

-Str

oke

70%

of B

lack

-70%

Scr

een

of B

lack

-Str

oke

70%

of B

lack


Subject to the conditions and limitations herein, the wallcovering is guaranteed to be free of defects in workmanship and material for five years from the date of shipment of the product. The manufacTurer is not responsible or liable for claims if the application instructions are not followed, nor is The manufacTurer responsible or liable for labor and associated costs, over and above the cost for replacement material.

The manufacTurer specifically advises all parties that mold will grow in conductive conditions where moisture and/or water is present. The manufacTurer cannot control such conductive conditions and is not responsible or liable for any claims, damages or the like in any way related to or arising in connection with the occurrence or presence of mold. The manufacTurer also shall not be liable for any damages arising from the misuse of the product, improper handling or storage, improper or defective building conditions, or alteration of the product by others.

The customer understands and agrees that certain conditions within a building may cause the growth of various types of mold, organisms or other hazardous pollutants or contaminates. These conditions may be caused by a combination of moisture, warm air and an organic medium. These conditions may be created by a number of circumstances including, but not limited to, leaking roofs, walls, floors, windows, water or soil lines breaking, inadequate and poorly balanced heating and ventilation equipment, the improper use of vapor control media on exterior walls, storms, floods, vandalism, etc. moist or wet areas may be undiscoverable without removal of ceiling, wall and floor coverings and a thorough investigation of the specific areas. These coverings include paneling, drywall or plaster materials, floor coverings, under-layment and subflooring, sheathing, exterior siding and possibly roofing materials and decking.

The manufacTurer assumes no responsibility or liability for any reason, now or in the future, for any mold or other organisms that may grow in the covered or any other areas of the building, and customer will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The manufacTurer for any potential or realized property damage or health or safety issues because of airborne pollutants or any other type of hazardous materials or organisms found in the covered or other areas of the building.

ThiS LimiTeD WarranTy iS The SoLe anD excLuSive WarranTy Given By The manufacTurer. The manufacTurer makes no other or additional warranty, whether expressed or implied, including, without limit, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, all of which are hereby expressly disclaimed. The manufacTurer expressly disclaims all liability for any redhibitory defects. The customer’s sole remedy and The manufacTurer’s sole liability shall be limited to product replacement. The manufacTurer will not be liable for direct, consequential or incidental damages, including without limitation lost profits, punitive damages, loss of use damages, loss of value damages, damage to other property, etc. even if The manufacTurer is aware of the possibility of these damages occurring. all claims made under this Limited Warranty must be in writing to The manufacTurer within 90 days of the first knowledge of any defect, and within the warranty period or such claims are waived.

available on all versa designs, Permavent™ enhances the breathability of wallcoverings. The microventing technology from LSi Wallcovering is engineered for humid environments and areas where moisture management is a challenge. Permavent increases permeability via perforations that allow mobile moisture and condensation to pass through the wallcovering. The technology preserves the aesthetic integrity of the design, while providing added protection against the growth of mold and mildew. one of a host of versa performance enhancements, Permavent helps ensure exceptional aesthetics, long-lasting durability and a healthy indoor environment.

Permavent™ microvented Wallcovering

considering regional climates

Hot & humida breathable material with perm ratings greater than 10 is recommended on the interior of exterior walls. This allows the moisture to escape the wall cavity into the room and be removed by the hvac system and not condense on the wall surfaces.

mixed & coldmaterials with perm ratings less than 10 are recommended on the exterior of interior rooms to keep the moist air from moving into the wall cavity during the heating season.

extreme northern During the heating season, humidity is typically low and maintaining some moisture in the rooms is desirable.

tHe imPortance of Permeance (Perm) ratings


classifications Perms synonymsimpermeable 0–1 vapor barrier, non-breathableSemi-Permeable 1–10 vapor retarder, Semi-breathablePermeable 10+ Breathable

There is little published on recommended perm ratings information for commercial buildings. however, uS huD (housing and urban Development) has specified a perm-rating minimum of 5.0 on interior walls for residential manufactured construction in hot, humid climates. and, several sources suggest that greater than 10 perms is considered “breathable.”

defining Perms

most construction materials can be tested in a controlled laboratory environment for their ability to allow moisture to move through them. from these tests, a permeance rating can be assigned and used to predict the effectiveness of a building material or surface finish.1

The recognized industry test used to measure perms is called the Standard Test for Water vapor Transmission of materials, and specified in aSTm e96-00.2

measuring Perms

materials are typically tested in two ways: 1. Dry cup testing – conducted with 0% relative humidity on one side of the test sample


2. Wet cup testing – conducted with 50% relative humidity maintained on one side of the test sample and 100% on the other side.3

The aSTm method specifies a total of six possible test conditions2 using both the dry and wet cup methods at different temperatures and humidities. unsupported wallcovering is typically measured unmounted using the wet cup method. The dry cup is used to test wallcovering that is mounted to a wallboard material like gypsum. To accurately compare two construction materials like wallcovering and paint for perm efficiency, the same aSTm method and procedure should be used.

Whenever possible it is best to test the whole interior wall construction including wallboard, primer, adhesives and decorative finish. for this approach many experts agree that the dry cup method should be used, and since most buildings will be maintained at 70º and 50% humidity, it is best to use these environmental conditions in the test. The exact aSTm reference for this combination is: aSTm e96-00, x1.1.1 Procedure a.

it is important to note that perm results do not necessarily correlate among the six different standard aSTm test methods. engineers, material manufacturers and regulatory agencies may use different methods depending on the specific application.

for example, many liquid applied materials such as paints and primers are typically measured as 10 mil. wet films in either one, two or three coats4 using methods other than the wet or dry cup.

1 2001 aShrae fundamentals handbook2 aSTm, 2002 3 Burch, Douglas m. and Saunders, christopher a. may, 1995 AComputerAnalysisofWallConstructionintheMoistureControlHandbook aSTm e96-00, StandardTestMethodsforWaterVaporTransmissionofMaterials 4 manufactured housing research alliance, 2000 MeasuringPermeanceValuesforSelectedInteriorWallAssemblies

additional references: Building Science corporation 2003, Insulations,SheathingsandVaporDiffusionRetarders mBma, metal Building manufacturers association fact Sheet Wallcovering association, mold cause, effect and response and chemical fabrics: film association, inc. u.S. federal register 2002 housing and urban Development Department, 24cfr Part 3280 CondensationControlforExteriorWallsofManufacturedHomesSitedinHumidandFringeClimates; Waiver;FinalRule The energy efficiency and renewable energy clearinghouse (erec), 2002 u.S. Department of energy (Doe). office of energy efficiency and renewable energy, under contract to the national renewable energy Laboratory (nreL).

The challenge of moisTure managemenT Outdoor temperature and humidity are significant factors that must be considered when selecting wall-finishing techniques. When to use a permeable (vapor-breathable) or vapor-barrier (non-breathable) wall finish is critical in providing both personal physical comfort and maintaining building construction.

This is a particular challenge in southern climates when high temperature and high humidity may force water vapor to move from the exterior of the building toward the cool air-conditioned interior. Water may then condense behind the finished wall surface and provide an environment for mold growth.

Mold and mildew may be harmful to a building environment and must be controlled to maintain its integrity and interior decor. Versa Permavent is an innovative asset that helps manage moisture and offers the remarkable beauty your clients demand.

specifying The righT wall surface

Most experts agree that the interior wall finish is an integral part of an efficiently engineered building system. You have a wide variety of interior finishing techniques at your disposal – each one offering unique benefits.

Painted knockdown textures, oil paints, latex flat, satin and semi-gloss paints offer various design and texture options. But Versa offers enhanced color, texture and design with unmatched durability. Permavent microvented wallcovering takes this to the next level by adding moisture control functionality.

Microvented and non-microvented vinyl wallcoverings from Versa offer full coverage and superior performance with products that range from 1–13 perms when installed properly. Add the vast color and design options and superior durability, and Versa is your one source for demanding construction and renovation projects.

permavenT™ insTallaTion requiremenTs

lighting

• Permanent lighting conditions only.

climate conditions

• Between 60º – 80º F and relative humidity at 50% or less – at least six days prior to and after installation.

surfaces

• Must be smooth, clean, dry and structurally sound.

• Newly plastered walls must not have excessive lime or alkali.

• Walls must not contain in excess of 5 – 7% residual moisture content (a moisture meter should be used).

new walls

• May require priming to promote adhesion. (NOTE: If the primer is designed to be a vapor barrier, it may significantly reduce the overall permeability of the installation.)

• If primers are required, use only breathable latex primers.

• Light sanding after priming prior to installation will help improve adhesion and porosity and improve breathability.

existing walls

• Glossy surfaces should be sanded with irregularities repaired.

• Sanding, using a medium to rough grit, should be done on walls covered with a vapor barrier paint or primer, and/or oil-base paint to allow breathability and adhesion.

adhesive

• Use a premium-grade, full-strength, heavy-duty clear, strippable, mildew-resistant adhesive.

• Apply adhesive to the wall surface.

• Dry hang each sheet and follow adhesive manufacturer's instructions on coverage and set time.

post-installation

• Closely monitor walls for excess or long-standing water or moisture infiltration.

• If present, promptly remove and dry the surface completely. The maximum breathability with Permavent can be achieved when installed with no primer or a breathable primer.

Permavent + breathable paint + breathable primer

Permavent W

allcovering

Paint

Primer

Wall C

avity

breathable paint breathable primer

non-breathable paint breathable primer

Paint

Primer

Wall C

avitynon-breathable primer

construction a

When installed correctly, Permavent can breathe like breathable paint or painted knockdown texture.

construction B

Permavent breathable

Permavent W

allcovering

Primer

Wall C

avity

breathable primer


conTrolling moisTure in Buildings

potential approaches to moisture control include:

1. Prevent building assemblies and surfaces from getting wet from the exterior.2. Prevent building assemblies and surfaces from getting wet from the interior.3. If building assemblies or surfaces get wet, or start out wet, allow them to dry

to either the exterior or the interior.

Building assemblies need to be protected from getting wet from the exterior, and they must be allowed to dry towards the interior. As a result, air barriers and vapor barriers (retarders) are usually installed on the exterior of building assemblies in hot and humid climates.

In all cases a building design professional should be consulted to recommend construction materials and HVAC systems that are best suited for the geographic location of the building.

Permavent™ tests were conducted at a certified independent laboratory. * MHRA (Manufactured Home Research Alliance) Measured Permeance Values for Selected Interior Wall Assemblies ** U.S. HUD (Housing and Urban Development) Regulation for permeance of materials used in exterior walls of

manufactured homes in hot, humid climates. *** ASHRAE (1993) American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning **** One coat latex primer sealer and one coat satin paint

13Knockdown + semigloss paint*



5HUD 24CFR3280.504**

2Oil-base paint***

1Primer sealer + satin paint****

1Non-microvented wallcovering (Mounted)

34Water method unmounted

Water method & gypsum 14

Desiccant method unmounted 23

Desiccant method & gypsum 12

Permavent Microvented 20 oz. Wallcovering

Permavent permeability performance

ASTM E-96: Wet Cup (water) and Dry Cup (desiccant) methods.Data for unmounted (not adhered to gypsum) and mounted to 1/2" gypsum board.

ASTM E-96: Dry Cup — as desiccant sandwich and mounted to 1/2" gypsum board.

Permavent Performance Versus Other Wall Finishes


Subject to the conditions and limitations herein, the wallcovering is guaranteed to be free of defects in workmanship and material for five years from the date of shipment of the product. The manufacTurer is not responsible or liable for claims if the application instructions are not followed, nor is The manufacTurer responsible or liable for labor and associated costs, over and above the cost for replacement material.

The manufacTurer specifically advises all parties that mold will grow in conductive conditions where moisture and/or water is present. The manufacTurer cannot control such conductive conditions and is not responsible or liable for any claims, damages or the like in any way related to or arising in connection with the occurrence or presence of mold. The manufacTurer also shall not be liable for any damages arising from the misuse of the product, improper handling or storage, improper or defective building conditions, or alteration of the product by others.

The customer understands and agrees that certain conditions within a building may cause the growth of various types of mold, organisms or other hazardous pollutants or contaminates. These conditions may be caused by a combination of moisture, warm air and an organic medium. These conditions may be created by a number of circumstances including, but not limited to, leaking roofs, walls, floors, windows, water or soil lines breaking, inadequate and poorly balanced heating and ventilation equipment, the improper use of vapor control media on exterior walls, storms, floods, vandalism, etc. moist or wet areas may be undiscoverable without removal of ceiling, wall and floor coverings and a thorough investigation of the specific areas. These coverings include paneling, drywall or plaster materials, floor coverings, under-layment and subflooring, sheathing, exterior siding and possibly roofing materials and decking.

The manufacTurer assumes no responsibility or liability for any reason, now or in the future, for any mold or other organisms that may grow in the covered or any other areas of the building, and customer will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The manufacTurer for any potential or realized property damage or health or safety issues because of airborne pollutants or any other type of hazardous materials or organisms found in the covered or other areas of the building.

ThiS LimiTeD WarranTy iS The SoLe anD excLuSive WarranTy Given By The manufacTurer. The manufacTurer makes no other or additional warranty, whether expressed or implied, including, without limit, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, all of which are hereby expressly disclaimed. The manufacTurer expressly disclaims all liability for any redhibitory defects. The customer’s sole remedy and The manufacTurer’s sole liability shall be limited to product replacement. The manufacTurer will not be liable for direct, consequential or incidental damages, including without limitation lost profits, punitive damages, loss of use damages, loss of value damages, damage to other property, etc. even if The manufacTurer is aware of the possibility of these damages occurring. all claims made under this Limited Warranty must be in writing to The manufacTurer within 90 days of the first knowledge of any defect, and within the warranty period or such claims are waived.

available on all versa designs, Permavent™ enhances the breathability of wallcoverings. The microventing technology from LSi Wallcovering is engineered for humid environments and areas where moisture management is a challenge. Permavent increases permeability via perforations that allow mobile moisture and condensation to pass through the wallcovering. The technology preserves the aesthetic integrity of the design, while providing added protection against the growth of mold and mildew. one of a host of versa performance enhancements, Permavent helps ensure exceptional aesthetics, long-lasting durability and a healthy indoor environment.

Permavent™ microvented Wallcovering

considering regional climates

Hot & humida breathable material with perm ratings greater than 10 is recommended on the interior of exterior walls. This allows the moisture to escape the wall cavity into the room and be removed by the hvac system and not condense on the wall surfaces.

mixed & coldmaterials with perm ratings less than 10 are recommended on the exterior of interior rooms to keep the moist air from moving into the wall cavity during the heating season.

extreme northern During the heating season, humidity is typically low and maintaining some moisture in the rooms is desirable.

tHe imPortance of Permeance (Perm) ratings


classifications Perms synonymsimpermeable 0–1 vapor barrier, non-breathableSemi-Permeable 1–10 vapor retarder, Semi-breathablePermeable 10+ Breathable

There is little published on recommended perm ratings information for commercial buildings. however, uS huD (housing and urban Development) has specified a perm-rating minimum of 5.0 on interior walls for residential manufactured construction in hot, humid climates. and, several sources suggest that greater than 10 perms is considered “breathable.”

defining Perms

most construction materials can be tested in a controlled laboratory environment for their ability to allow moisture to move through them. from these tests, a permeance rating can be assigned and used to predict the effectiveness of a building material or surface finish.1

The recognized industry test used to measure perms is called the Standard Test for Water vapor Transmission of materials, and specified in aSTm e96-00.2

measuring Perms

materials are typically tested in two ways: 1. Dry cup testing – conducted with 0% relative humidity on one side of the test sample


2. Wet cup testing – conducted with 50% relative humidity maintained on one side of the test sample and 100% on the other side.3

The aSTm method specifies a total of six possible test conditions2 using both the dry and wet cup methods at different temperatures and humidities. unsupported wallcovering is typically measured unmounted using the wet cup method. The dry cup is used to test wallcovering that is mounted to a wallboard material like gypsum. To accurately compare two construction materials like wallcovering and paint for perm efficiency, the same aSTm method and procedure should be used.

Whenever possible it is best to test the whole interior wall construction including wallboard, primer, adhesives and decorative finish. for this approach many experts agree that the dry cup method should be used, and since most buildings will be maintained at 70º and 50% humidity, it is best to use these environmental conditions in the test. The exact aSTm reference for this combination is: aSTm e96-00, x1.1.1 Procedure a.

it is important to note that perm results do not necessarily correlate among the six different standard aSTm test methods. engineers, material manufacturers and regulatory agencies may use different methods depending on the specific application.

for example, many liquid applied materials such as paints and primers are typically measured as 10 mil. wet films in either one, two or three coats4 using methods other than the wet or dry cup.

1 2001 aShrae fundamentals handbook2 aSTm, 2002 3 Burch, Douglas m. and Saunders, christopher a. may, 1995 AComputerAnalysisofWallConstructionintheMoistureControlHandbook aSTm e96-00, StandardTestMethodsforWaterVaporTransmissionofMaterials 4 manufactured housing research alliance, 2000 MeasuringPermeanceValuesforSelectedInteriorWallAssemblies

additional references: Building Science corporation 2003, Insulations,SheathingsandVaporDiffusionRetarders mBma, metal Building manufacturers association fact Sheet Wallcovering association, mold cause, effect and response and chemical fabrics: film association, inc. u.S. federal register 2002 housing and urban Development Department, 24cfr Part 3280 CondensationControlforExteriorWallsofManufacturedHomesSitedinHumidandFringeClimates; Waiver;FinalRule The energy efficiency and renewable energy clearinghouse (erec), 2002 u.S. Department of energy (Doe). office of energy efficiency and renewable energy, under contract to the national renewable energy Laboratory (nreL).

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