Crushing Condensation: Breathable Membranes – Keeping Mould at Bay

Where Do You Put a Breathable Membrane?
The Breathable membrane is placed on the cold side of the insulation in the roof space but can also be placed in the wall as well as on the floor, with many varying thicknesses and applications for these membranes, read on to find out how we can help you make the best choice.

What are Breathable Roofing Membranes?
Breathable roof membranes offer protection from damp and mould in your roof space by helping promote optimum ventilation. Breathable membranes are highly water-resistant constructed materials that are vapour permeable in nature and can be layered offering differing levels of protection based on your needs. These materials are extremely weather resistant making them the perfect option to protect your roof space from the likes of frost, snow and even dust and insects.

What is GSM?
GSM stands for grams per square meter, it describes the density and weight of the fabric, here at Roofing Supplies UK we have many weights and densities of breathable membranes available.

95gsm is an entry level variant, offering basic protection, very lightweight and easy to use, perfect for use on fully supported or unsupported installations for tiles or slate on pitched roofs, warm and cold roof applications, timber, and metal frame construction, as well as Scottish sarking boards.

120gsm is a mid-level breather felt that boosts outstanding properties for both airtightness and vapour permeability. This breathable membrane is suitable for many applications such fully supported or unsupported installations for tiles or slate on pitched roofs, warm and cold roof applications, timber, and metal frame construction, as well as Scottish sarking boards, fully waterproof, vapour permeable and UV stable for 3 months.

140gsm is a premium breather felt that boosts outstanding properties for both airtightness, strength, and vapour permeability. This breathable membrane is suitable for many applications such fully supported or unsupported installations for tiles or slate on pitch roofs, warm and cold roof applications, timber, and metal frame construction, as well as Scottish sarking boards, this option offers resistance to extreme weather temperatures due to the thickness.

Do I need a Breathable Membrane?
Definitely! An essential part of a pitched roofing project, helping to prevent the build up of condensation in your roof space as well as mould growth, mildew, corrosion and decay of other building materials, frost damage and to prevent poor performance of your insulation. A breathable roofing membrane can also help improve the thermal efficiency of your home depending on the type chosen.

Maintaining a Healthy Building Structure:
A breathable membrane is an essential part of maintaining a healthy roof structure. The prevention of condensation and mould in your home should be top priority to prevent extra costs that will keep building with the deep damage these issues cause. Aiding with the passage of water vapor from inside your home to out, aiding the circulation of fresh air keeps the build up of condensation at bay. Helping your home to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Wind Zones & Breathable Roofing Membranes:
The 2015 amendment to BS 5534 now requires manufacturers to notify which wind zones their breathable membranes are applicable for. Dependant on the position and type of building you have will depend on the way in which the air pressure can affect and balloon the membrane, this ballooning can put pressure on the underside of the roof covering and may dislodge tiles, so it is essential that according to which zone you live in the appropriate roofing membrane is chosen.

 

 

Permavent Max High Performance Breather Membrane for ALL ZONES
A high-performance breathable membrane, Permavent is suitable for use on any types of roofing and walling applications where long-lasting high quality felt is required. Suitable for all wind zones, this breathable membrane is strong, durable, and lightweight.

Novia Aluthermo RoofReflex Insulated Breather Membrane
This RoofReflex insulated breathable roofing membrane from Novia is a breathable membrane and insulation combined, it has been created to offer superb performance, the dual roof and wall application makes this a unique product with excellent soundproofing properties. With up to 1.47 additional R-value, and a low emissivity surface, the Aluthermo RoofReflex is manufactured using hydrophobic and self-extinguishing polyester fibre and is created out of recycled material. The combined product has an E-fire rating, is highly moisture vapour open but remains 100% airtight. Keeping your house warm and dry in the winter and cool in the summer, this is the perfect solution for you.

IKO Rubershield Eco Breather Membrane
This Rubershield breathable roof membrane has been created as an entry level weather resistant membrane. It allows for the passage of harmful water vapor and acts as a secondary barrier to liquid water, wind driven snow and debris. This breathable membrane conforms to the requirements of BS5534:2014 when installed within a ventilated cold pitched roof construction.

Powerlon SupaPerma SP100 House Wrap Breather Membrane
SupaPerm House Wrap is high quality breathable membrane that can be used for walls in timber frame structures and profiled metal roofs. Manufactured from a single layer, hydrophobic non-woven fabric, SupaPerma has fantastic water resistance and excellent water vapour permeability, this outstanding product will allow your structure to breathe.

Roofshield Air & Vapour Permeable Breather Membrane
Roofshield membrane is one of the highest performing breather membranes available in the roofing industry. Highly water resistant that can help pitched roofs breath eliminating the need for any secondary venting or air gaps. Manufactured to the highest quality, Roofshield breather membrane is a highly unique three-layer, nonwoven, spunbonded polypropylene with a patented melt-blown core. This breathable membrane gives you a cost-effective solution to controlling interstitial condensation in your pitched roof.

SuperFOIL SFBB Reflective Breather Membrane Roofing Felt
This reflective breather membrane roofing felt from SuperFOIL was designed with quality in mind. Great value for money, this breather membrane will increase the air tightness of your property or commercial building greatly.

Klober Permo Air Open Underlay Roofing Breather Felt
This breathable roofing membrane from Klober has been created to be the most breathable yet. Suitable for both warm and cold pitched roofs, this breathable membrane is the perfect solution for helping to control condensation where there is a risk of it forming in the roof space.

Protect Viking Air LR Air & Vapour Permeable Underlay
This high-performance air and vapour permeable underlay form Viking has been designed with efficiency in mind. Aiding condensation control, ensuring key ventilation requirements are met and allowing air and water vapor to escape via the roof covering means this is breathable membrane is the perfect choice.

Choose your Breathable Roofing Membrane with Mammoth Roofing Supplies
Mammoth Roofing Supplies is an expert retailer of Breathable Roofing Membrane products. We can advise on the right option for your needs, to ensure your roofing project is a success. We have a range of Breathable Membranes available to suit a huge variety of roofing needs.

Are you interested in choosing your Breathable Membrane today? Contact our Newquay branch on 01637 498055 or our Plymouth branch on 01752 228873. Don’t forgot we can deliver anywhere across the Southwest.

Newquay

Treloy Business Park,
Trebarber,
Newquay TR8 4JT

Plymouth

Units 21-24 Grace Mill Business Park,
Maxwell Road,
Plymouth, PL4 0SN