Chloe Zhang
Visqueen is a generic name for plastic sheeting, specifically Construction and Agricultural Grade Polyethylene sheeting (C&A film). It is used for a variety of purposes, including concrete and drywall vapor barriers, greenhouse covering, and protective covering for equipment, vehicles, and materials. Visqueen plastic sheeting can be attached to walls and ceilings using poly hangers, which are simple to install, remove, and reuse. It can also be attached using tape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Uses | Concrete slabs, flooring, temporary shelters, outdoor equipment, furniture, ponds, lakes, canals, crawl spaces, wood floors, painting, remodelling, equipment, vehicles, materials, garden solarization, greenhouse covers, temporary structures |
| Thickness | 1.5–10 mil |
| Colour | Clear, black, grey, opaque, natural, "milky" |
| Installation | Rolled out in rows, overlapped, and taped |
| Cutting | Requires a tool hack; cutting with a knife can be difficult |
| Attachment | Poly hangers, nails, grommets, hems, tape |
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What You'll Learn
Using poly hangers
Poly hangers are a commonly used temporary protection system in the construction industry. They are used to attach Visqueen plastic sheeting to walls and ceilings, allowing for the fast construction of dust barriers, containment areas, leak diverters, and other temporary protection systems.
There are several types of poly hangers available, each serving a slightly different purpose:
Poly Hanger 1
This hanger slips behind wall moulding and is supported by the vertical leg of the moulding. It can also be used to support poly in front of masonry or panelling by nailing into a joint, which can be easily patched after tear down. Poly Hanger 1 supports one or more layers of plastic sheeting in front of walls.
Poly Hanger 2
This hanger supports plastic sheeting in front of walls by clipping over the horizontal leg of acoustic ceiling wall moulding. The prong makes hanging poly faster and ensures it will stay up during the job.
Poly Hanger 3
Poly Hanger 3 supports plastic sheeting from ceiling grids and other overhead projects. The poly is installed over a pin and is held in place by a removable retainer. This hanger supports vertical plastic sheeting to build full containment areas, connecting tunnels, dust curtains, etc.
Poly Hanger 4
This hanger is the same as Poly Hanger 3 but includes a 10" cable release tie so it can attach to many different components.
Poly hangers offer several benefits over other attachment methods. They are simple to install, remove, and reuse, increasing productivity by eliminating set-up and take-down time. They also protect work surfaces from damage by eliminating the need for tape or glue, which can leave residue or cause surface damage. Additionally, poly hangers prevent the poly sheeting from falling down, ensuring a safe and professional-looking work area.
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Attaching to walls and ceilings
Attaching Visqueen Plastic to walls and ceilings
Visqueen plastic is a generic name for Construction and Agricultural Grade Polyethylene sheeting. It is a versatile, flexible, and durable material used for covering or protecting surfaces and creating barriers. It is also used in construction as a vapor or moisture barrier, in agriculture as a greenhouse film, in painting or remodelling as a drop cloth, and as a protective cover for equipment, vehicles, and materials.
When attaching Visqueen plastic to walls and ceilings, it is important to use the appropriate thickness and ensure correct installation for effectiveness. The right thickness depends on the specific needs of your project. For attaching to walls and ceilings, a medium thickness (4-6 mils) is recommended.
To attach the plastic to walls and ceilings, you can use poly hangers. Poly hangers are simple to install, remove, and reuse. They securely attach the sheeting to walls and ceilings for fast installation of dust barriers and other temporary enclosures. Poly Hanger 1, for example, supports one or more layers of plastic sheeting in front of walls. It slips behind wall moulding and is supported by the vertical leg of the moulding. This hanger will also support poly in front of masonry or panelling by nailing into a joint that can be easily patched after tear down.
Another option for attaching Visqueen plastic to walls and ceilings is to use tape. Overlap each section about 4-6 inches to ensure a tight moisture lock and use tape to seal the rows together. This will keep your underlayment in place and ensure the functionality of the vapour barrier.
Additionally, grommets and hems can be added to the plastic to hold it in place.
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Sealing with tape
When attaching Visqueen plastic with tape, it's important to consider the surface you're applying it to and the environmental conditions. The type of tape you use will depend on these factors.
For example, if you're attaching Visqueen to a sensitive surface like a gazebo or posts near a pool, you might opt for masking tape or Clean Green®. Masking tape is also a good option if you're concerned about paint removal, as some tapes can take paint off when removed. However, duct tape or poly tapes are generally recommended for seaming plastic sheeting together or attaching Visqueen to decking or areas around a pool. Polyethylene (poly) tapes are now preferred by many pool plasterers and gunite contractors as they stick better to Visqueen than duct tape. Poly tapes can also be used to tape up bags or plastic sheeting for waste disposal.
If you're looking for a versatile tape that can handle various environmental conditions, Ultra Perm is a good choice. It's waterproof, fish-safe, and offers UV protection from the sun's rays. This tape is known for its exceptional stickiness, so it's perfect if you need something that will hold strong.
For specific applications like sealing a crawl space liner or a vapour barrier, specialised tapes like Vapor Seaming Tape and plastic sheeting tape are recommended. Heavy-duty plastic sheeting tape should be used for heavy-duty plastic sheeting.
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$96.68
Using grommets and hems
Visqueen is a brand of polyethylene plastic sheeting that is usually LDPE and is made from recycled resins. It is used for a variety of purposes, including creating temporary shelters, coverings for outdoor equipment, and liners for ponds, lakes, and canals.
Grommets and hems can be added to Visqueen plastic sheeting to hold it in place. Grommets are small, typically metal or plastic rings that reinforce holes in fabric and other materials. They can be attached using adhesive (glue) or non-adhesive (no glue) methods. Here is a step-by-step guide to attaching grommets using the glue method:
- Lay the Visqueen plastic flat and mark the spot where you want to attach the grommet. Ensure the plastic is folded if needed so you are working on a single layer.
- Using a hole punch or a grommet cutter tool, cut a hole at the marked spot. The hole should match the inner diameter of the grommet.
- Apply fabric glue or adhesive around the edges of the hole, being careful not to use too much glue.
- Place the grommet's two parts on each side of the fabric hole, with the decorative side facing up.
- Take the grommet setter and place it on top of the grommet's front side. Use a hammer or mallet to gently tap the setter until the grommet is securely pressed together and flattened against the plastic.
- Allow the adhesive to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before using the grommet.
- Mark the spot where you want to attach the grommet and fold the plastic if needed.
- Use a hole punch or grommet cutter tool to cut a hole at the marked spot, matching the grommet's inner diameter.
- Place the anvil from the kit on a solid surface and lay the plastic with the grommet on top, ensuring the grommet is aligned with the hole on the anvil.
- Take the grommet setter and position it over the grommet's front side. Use a hammer or mallet to strike the setter firmly and evenly until the grommet is pressed together and secure. Repeat on the backside.
- Check both sides of the plastic to ensure the grommet is properly attached and the plastic isn't damaged.
Grommets can be used to reinforce the Visqueen plastic and create a durable way to pass cords, laces, or other materials through the fabric. By adding grommets and hems, you can securely hold the Visqueen plastic in place for your desired application.
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Cutting with a blade
Cutting Visqueen plastic with a blade can be frustrating. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
First, make a starter cut. No matter how sharp your blade is, you will struggle to cut the plastic without a starter cut. Keep the folds of the plastic pinched together as you cut to prevent the plastic from catching on the knife or the roll from moving.
Use a long-bladed knife, such as the OLFA utility knife, and extend the blade a few inches before you begin cutting. This will give you more edge to slice through the plastic and help you maintain the optimum angle as you move your hand, resulting in smooth cuts.
Place a board down parallel to the box and cut on it to prevent the plastic from unfolding as you cut. This technique will not give you a perfect solution, as the plastic will still be slippery and prone to staying in one piece. However, it will save you time and trouble.
If you are cutting openings for light or receptacle boxes, or ceiling fan housing, you can cut the plastic after stapling it to the walls. Cut out the openings with a little less care, as you can always trim the background layer of roofing material or another material that the plastic is bonded to tightly.
There are also other tools besides blades that can be used to cut Visqueen plastic, such as scissors or a pen cutter.
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