Breathability Of Self-Adhered Membranes

With more self-adhered membranes for facade applications now available in the marketplace, it has never been more important to understand the similarities and differences between the products on offer. In this article we share lessons in good practice around specifying and installing Wraptite® and other self-adhered membranes.

The relationship between adhesive and membrane is complex

A non-self-adhered membrane relies ‘only’ on the composition of the base membrane, and the taping of joints and overlaps, for its vapour permeability and airtightness.

Creating a self-adhered membrane product is not as simple as taking a membrane and just adding adhesive. There are a host of potential ways in which adhesive can negatively impact the performance of the base membrane.

Ideally, a self-adhered membrane will feature a vapour permeable adhesive. If moisture vapour can pass through the adhesive by diffusion, then it reaches the membrane itself quicker. It then passes through the airtight-but-vapour-permeable layer, helping to quickly dry out the building and reach/maintain moisture equilibrium.

Wraptite,  for example, features patented technology that helps to deliver the adhesives unique vapour transmission properties. Other membranes don’t enjoy that patented technology and therefore can’t offer the same vapour permeability.

To read in full, please visit - https://proctorgroup.com/articles/breathability-of-self-adhered-membranes