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Building membranes.  They are not all the same.  A membrane is not a membrane is not a membrane.  They can all behave very differently, have different quality and durability, different tapes, different permeability and some of the marketing material would have you believe that the membrane itself is equivalent to insulation.  The quality of installation is also very important as even a high quality membrane can’t do it’s job properly if it’s not taped correctly, is loose fitting or has been sliced open by careless trades.  See two images to the right.  The membrane in the image on the left has been installed, but it’s not doing it’s job because it has not be installed securely and has blown off in the wind.  It also has holes cut through it which are a little harder to see.  The example on the right is a home that is 100% protected from the elements before roofing and cladding is installed and has a water resistive drainage plane and a vapour permeable layer to allow high moisture loads to escape before they condense inside the frame and cause interstitial condensation (condensation which occurs between layers of the construction, i.e. ‘inside’ the roof, wall or floor elements) and potential long term damage.

Membranes are specified on the building plans by the designer or architect, and this builder or architect may or may not understand how membranes work or much about energy efficiency.  On top of this, building membranes are a product that is very easily switched out for another brand / type due to availability or price in a split second decision by the builder while standing in the hardware store.  This small switch can have a significant impact on the long term health of the building and the occupants and the builder and occupant would be none the wiser until moisture or mould problems start to occur.

Here’s how membranes play an important role in the health, energy efficiency and longevity of your building:

* Moisture Management: When chosen based on climate, building membranes, help control moisture by stopping it getting into the incorrect places and also allowing it out of the incorrect places.   A building can get wet, it just has to be able to dry and correctly installed, high quality membranes play a huge part in mitigating moisture risk.

* Air Sealing: Air leaks can be a major source of energy loss. Building membranes can effectively seal gaps and cracks, reducing energy consumption, lowering heating and cooling bills, and improving indoor comfort.  Air tightness also prevents the infiltration of pollutants, allergens, and contaminants from the outside.

* Thermal Efficiency: Whilst non foil backed membranes do not hold any official thermal properties, correctly installed airtight membranes have an as built thermal benefit in that they protect your insulation from wind washing.

* Weather Resistance: Membranes are essential for protecting your building from the elements. They shield against wind, rain, and other weather-related stresses, extending the life of your structure.  Pro Clima wall and roof membranes have a 6 month UV exposure period meaning normal industry delays in delivery of cladding or roofing materials won’t impact you and you don’t have to wait out winter or for the rains to stop before you get started on site.

In summary, building membranes are an incredibly useful and important building material that enhance a building’s performance, longevity, and occupant comfort. They contribute to moisture management, air sealing, thermal efficiency, indoor air quality and weather resistance. By integrating high quality, climate appropriate building membranes into your construction projects, you can create more resilient, energy-efficient, and comfortable structures, ensuring the satisfaction and well-being of occupants while minimizing maintenance and repair costs in the long run.

Jessica Allen

Technical Manager, Climasure