We think Perma-Zyme is kind of a big deal and, frankly, think everyone else should, too. Perma-Zyme might look like a weird, brown-colored, sweet-smelling thick liquid, but it is actually an enzyme-based soil stabilizer that allows the soil’s particles to bond together, creating a unique permentation process. Perma-Zyme yields out-of-this world results such as significant cost savings compared to traditional applications and long-lasting, robust dirt roads or sub structure for chip seal and asphalt application. In addition, Perma-Zyme is friendly to the environment.
Perma-Zyme has been used world-wide for 30+ years by road construction experts and consultants. While Substrata recommends that you consult a road construction expert prior to and throughout your road construction process, Substrata also encourages you to learn the basics of building the perfect road with Perma-Zyme.
While not all tools are required, and different jobs call for different tools, Substrata recommends the following equipment for road construction when using Perma-Zyme.
Conduct a soil test to make sure your soil is compatible with Perma-Zyme. These tests would, at a minimum, consist of a sieve test and optimum moisture test, both traditionally done by a laboratory.
Ideal soil conditions are soils that consist of 20% clay (#200 fines) with a variety of other sieve sizes to ensure the clay has larger to bind to.
A typical road constructed with Perma-Zyme is 6 inches deep and varies in width and length. Substrata recommends 1 gallon of Perma-Zyme to be used for every 165 cubic yards,
Since Perma-Zyme is sold in easy-to-use 5 gallon pails, this application would require 4 pails of Perma-Zyme.
Purchase your Perma-Zyme from Substrata or a recognized Substrata reseller.
Before starting construction, make sure that the weather does not call for rain, and the temperature is above 45° F.
Excavate your future road by using a Grader with a rake attachment (or similar) to rip and mix the soil. Ensure the soil has been excavated to the desired depth of the road.
Using a water truck, spray the soil with water and the calculated amount of Perma-Zyme. It is important to note that the amount of water required will vary depending on the soil’s optimum moisture rating, but the amount of Perma-Zyme will remain.
For best results, use a blade attachment to mix the soil by blading the soil from side to side and up and down the path. This process ensures that the soil is uniformly moistened and the Perma-Zyme will be uniformly applied.
Using a Compactor (ideally a Sheep’s Foot Compactor), begin compacting the soil in 3-6” lifts. Once the soil has reached nearly optimum compaction, it is best to use a Drum Compactor to complete the compaction and leveling.
Once the soil has been compacted, the road is ready for light traffic. The soil will be fully cured within 72 hours.
If any part of the road needs to be touched up, use Perma-Zyme diluted in water (approximately 11 parts water to 1 part Perma-Zyme) to reactivate the enzyme and allow the soil to be manipulated. Repair the road as needed, compact the repaired areas, and wait 72 hours for the soil to fully cure.
To apply a top layer to the road such as chip seal or asphalt, you would follow the traditional procedures for those products. Prior to the application, wet the soil lightly with a highly diluted (10,000 parts water to 1 part Perma-Zyme) mix. This primes the surfaces to allow the top layer to bond to the soil.
Bask in the glory of the beautiful road you and your team just built and think of the all of the money you saved by not requiring maintenance or importing outside material.
There you have it. Building a road with Perma-Zyme is not rocket science but does require some expertise. Now that you understand the basics of Perma-Zyme, you can feel more comfortable with the process and decide if Perma-Zyme is right for you and your application.
Please, contact Substrata for any questions or details regarding Perma-Zyme or the application process.
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