LEARN MORE ABOUT PERMA-ZYME

Application is a simple, one-time process. The basic steps are: 

1. Rip up the soil. 
2. Apply water and Perma-Zyme to the soil’s surface to achieve optimum moisture content.
3. Mix the soil and shape the road with a motor grader.
4. Compact the soil in six-inch lifts. This works the soil particles close together, strengthening the road. 
5. Allow 72 hours for the soil to fully cure.

For more detailed information,  check out our training videos.

There is no set dilution rate for Perma-Zyme. 

You always need one gallon per 160 cubic yards of soil. However, the amount of water you need varies from application to application. 

When applying Perma-Zyme, your soil must reach optimum moisture so it can compact fully. You’ll need more water to reach optimum moisture in a hot, dry climate than in a cool, humid one. 

Since water usage changes from one project to the next, so does the dilution rate.

Optimum moisture is when the soil is wet enough to stick to itself and compact easily, but not so wet that it’s muddy or can’t hold its shape. Soil must be at optimum moisture to compact properly.

You can hire a geotechnical firm to determine your soil’s optimum moisture, or you can perform a hand test. Check out our blog, What Is Optimum Moisture Content?

Having the proper tools for the job is extremely important to ensure your Perma-Zyme application is successful. Substrata recommends the following equipment: 

• At least one water truck
• Motor grader (Cat 140 or equivalent)
• Padfoot (sheepsfoot) compactor
• Smooth drum (smooth wheel) compactor

If you are recycling an existing paved road, you’ll need a reclaimer, also called a pulverizer or soil stabilizer.

You can apply Perma-Zyme in as little as one day, or you can apply it over two days. In the latter instance, you would rip up and pre-soak the soil one day so you can expedite construction the next day.

Yes. 

Occasionally, Perma-Zyme treated roads may need minor repairs due to normal wear and tear, frequent traffic, heavy equipment, or damage during the curing process, like rain or speeding vehicles. These repairs are minimal and substantially cheaper than conventional road repairs. 

For dirt roads, dilute a small amount of Perma-Zyme with water (approximately 1:1,000) and spray it on the soil to deactivate the soil’s cementation so you can move and manipulate it. After achieving the desired form, re-compact the soil and allow 72 hours for it to fully cure.

For paved roads, use traditional chipseal repair procedures.