Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barrier-Bac?

Barrier-Bac is a plastic vapor barrier applied under concrete slabs to prevent moisture from migrating into the building.

What is the difference between Barrier-Bac and other vapor retarders/barriers?

Barrier-Bac vapor barrier products are cross-laminated during manufacturing. The patented process offers high tensile, puncture resistance and very low permeance. The ribbed surface of Barrier-Bac has 3 times more friction than the competitor’s smooth surface. It provides overall strength to the membrane and enhances concrete adhesion. Barrier-Bac also creates a mechanical interface that, when overlapped and sealed, locks the film in place and reduces shifting. It also reduces the fall-down risk for workers walking on it.

Do Barrier-Bac products meet any required standard?

Yes, Barrier-Bac products not only exceed requirements for the American Society for Testing and Materials ASTM E 1745 Class A specification but also meet the requirements of American Concrete Institute ACI 302.1R.

How is Barrier-Bac’s Patented Production Process unique?

Barrier-Bac is made of strong and high performing, co-extruded, cross-laminated XF film.
The cross-laminated film has to go through a stretching process in different directions, so the molecules of the final products are isotropically oriented. This process highly enhances the strength of the film. Find out more, please visit Patented Process section.

Do you have your own production plant?

Yes, we do. Some companies only market and sell products produced by unknown manufacturers on private label basis. We manufacture and stand behind our own product.

Established in 1991, our XF cross film plant is located in Lolita, Texas along with eight other Inteplast plants. This plant has achieved ISO 9001:2015 Certification. You can click About Us to see more details about our plant.

What are Barrier-Bac Composite products?

Barrier-Bac Composite products are our vapor barriers with non-woven geo-textile lamination. With the extra lamination, these products provide a mechanical bond with concrete when placed with geo-textile facing concrete pour. This bond greatly improves slab protection from moisture migration by maintaining tight contact with the slab; especially in projects involving expansive soils. Please click VBC-350 for more details.

Why Barrier-Bac Composite Vapor Barrier is a good solution for projects at expansive soil areas?

Expansive soil is usually clay or shale that swells when wet and contracts when dry. To apply ordinary vapor barriers without peel adhesion strength to concrete usually faces “pocketing” issue.

Pocketing is when the vapor barrier separates from the bottom of the slab, which occurs during regular sub-grade settlement. It forms areas between the concrete slab and vapor barrier where water condensation pools. The moisture then migrates upward through the slab, potentially damaging the sensitive flooring system.

Barrier-Bac composite vapor barrier is installed with the non-woven side facing the concrete pour, and as the concrete cures, fibers of the non-woven material become mechanically bonded to the slab. So it prevents the pocketing issue and gives better protection for projects at expansive soil areas. Please click VBC-350 for more details.

What types of projects are Barrier-Bac Composite products recommended for?

We suggest using Barrier-Bac Composite products for projects involving expansive soil conditions; void formed slab and high water table. It is also suggested for projects at unstable soil areas and projects require extra cushion protection.

Where can I buy Barrier-Bac Products?

You may find contact information of our Sales Representatives in your area, or contact Barrier-Bac Marketing team.