Breather Membrane: What You Need to Know

If you are looking for a way to protect your roof and walls from moisture, condensation, and heat loss, you might want to consider installing a breather membrane. A breather membrane, also known as a breathable membrane, is a type of material that prevents water ingress while allowing vapour to escape from inside the building. It has a dual purpose: it keeps your building dry and comfortable, while also improving its energy efficiency and durability.

In this article, we will explain what a breather membrane is, how it works, how to install it, and what benefits it can offer. We will also introduce you to some of the best breather membrane products available on the market, and how you can buy them online from Buy Insulation Online, we are the UK’s leading supplier of insulation materials.

What is a Breather Membrane?

A breather membrane is a type of material that has tiny pores that are too small for liquid water molecules, but large enough for water vapour molecules to pass through. This means that it can repel any rain or snow that tries to enter the building, while also allowing moisture to escape from inside the building without the need for ventilation.

Breather membranes are typically installed on the cold side of the insulation, such as over or under the counter-battens on a pitched roof, or behind the external cladding on a wall. They act as a secondary layer of protection, guarding against environmental contaminants such as dirt and dust, as well as providing temporary protection from adverse weather conditions during construction or repair works.

Breather membranes can also improve the thermal efficiency of a structure, by reducing the heat loss through the roof or wall and preventing the formation of cold bridges. Cold bridges are areas where the insulation is interrupted or missing, such as at the junctions of walls and roofs, or around windows and doors. They can cause heat to escape faster and create condensation problems. By using a breather membrane, you can ensure that the insulation is continuous and effective and that the building envelope is airtight.

How Does a Breather Membrane Work?

A breather membrane works by creating a balance between the moisture levels inside and outside the building. It allows the excess moisture that is generated by the occupants and their activities, such as cooking, showering, and breathing, to escape from the building, while preventing the external moisture from entering the building. This way, it prevents the buildup of condensation, which can cause mould, dampness, and structural damage.

A breather membrane also works by creating a thermal barrier between the inside and outside of the building. It reduces the heat transfer through the roof or wall and prevents the cold air from penetrating the structure. This way, it helps to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduces the energy consumption and costs of heating and cooling the building.

How to Install a Breather Membrane?

Installing a breather membrane is not very difficult, but it requires some care and attention to ensure that it is effective and durable. Here are some of the key steps to follow when installing a breather membrane:

• Check the ventilation requirements of the membrane before you begin. Some membranes may require some ventilation at the ridge or eaves, while others may not. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the building regulations for your area.
• Close the top of the brickwork cavities and ensure the insulation is correctly installed at the wall plate to avoid a thermal bridge.
• Start at the eaves and lay down the first layer of the membrane, extending it either halfway or 150mm into the gutter. Use a felt support tray or a UV-resistant membrane to prevent the degradation of the membrane at the eaves.
• Drape the membrane over the rafters or counter-battens, leaving some slack of about 10-15mm between them. This will create channels for the rainwater to run off the membrane. Fix the membrane with nails or staples along the battens, above the line of the overlap.
• Continue up the roof, laying the next layers of the membrane with an overlap of at least 150mm. Make sure the overlaps are facing downwards, and seal them with tape or adhesive if necessary. Cut the membrane around any openings or penetrations, such as vents, pipes, or chimneys, and seal them with flashing or collars.
• Finish at the ridge and fold the membrane over the ridge board, or cut it flush with the ridge and cover it with a ridge vent or a ridge roll.

What are the Benefits of a Breather Membrane?

A breather membrane can offer many benefits for your roof and walls, such as:

• Preventing water ingress and condensation, which can cause mould, dampness, and structural damage.
• Improving the thermal efficiency and airtightness of the building, which can reduce energy consumption and costs, and lower the carbon footprint.
• Enhancing the durability and lifespan of the roof and wall materials, by protecting them from environmental factors and moisture-related deterioration.
• Providing temporary protection and weatherproofing during construction or repair works, by keeping the structure dry and stable.
• Reducing the need for ventilation, which can save space and money, and avoid noise and draughts.

What are the Best Breather Membrane Products?

If you are looking for a high-quality breather membrane for your roof or wall, you can find a wide range of products at Buy Insulation Online, we are the UK’s leading supplier of insulation materials. Here are some of the best breather membrane products that we offer:

• Novia Reflex Reflective Breather Membrane: Novia Reflex Reflective Breather Membrane, sized at 1.5m x 50M, enhances building durability. With advanced moisture control and a reflective surface, it boosts energy efficiency in roofs and walls. Easy to install, this CE-approved membrane curtails dampness, complies with fire safety standards (EN 13501-1 grade E), and ensures lasting structural integrity.
• YBS BreatherQuilt Breathable Multifoil Insulation: YBS BreatherQuilt is revolutionize pitched roof insulation with this 1.2m x 10m multifoil. Featuring 11 waterproof polyester layers and reflective aluminium foil, it efficiently manages condensation risk. Easy installation, top-notch insulation, and compliance with regulations make it a space-saving, energy-efficient choice for any project.
• SilentWool Acoustic Floor Insulation with Breather Paper: Enhance your space with SilentWool - Acoustic Floor Insulation. Featuring premium sheep's wool and a breathable paper layer, this high-quality, easy-to-install insulation reduces footfall noise by up to 50%. With a 3mm thickness and covering 15 sqm per roll, it's perfect for various flooring types, ensuring durability, sustainability, and safety for both humans and pets. Ideal for quieter, more comfortable environments at home or in commercial spaces.
• Thermafleece Breather Membrane: A high-performance, breathable solution preventing moisture issues in buildings. With a flexible, lightweight design and superior vapour resistance, it safeguards against dampness and mould. Versatile for walls, floors, and roofs, this eco-friendly, recyclable membrane ensures optimal insulation while meeting EN standards for roofing and walls, perfect for sustainable construction.
• SopluTec UVBlack Rainscreen and External Breathable Membrane: The go-to solution for vertical walls, especially timber frames. With three layers ensuring durability, UV resistance, and high water-vapour permeability meeting DTU 31.2 standards, this membrane offers easy installation with superior adhesive properties. Compatible with Pavatex insulation, it shields against rain, wind, and UV radiation, perfect for residential and commercial use. CE Marked, covering 75 sqm in dimensions of 1.5M x 50M.
• Tyvek FireCurb Breather Membrane: This is a flame-retardant breather membrane that can be used for fire protection and thermal insulation of roofs and walls. It has a high vapour permeability, a high water resistance, and a high fire resistance. It can reduce the spread of flames and smoke, and limit the fire damage. It is also lightweight, strong, and easy to handle.
• Pavatex ADB External Breathable Membrane: This is a wood fibre board that can be used for external insulation and weather protection of roofs and walls. It has a high thermal performance, a high vapour permeability, a high-water resistance, and a high impact resistance. It can also improve the sound insulation and fire protection of the structure. It is also natural, renewable, and recyclable.

How to Buy Breather Membrane Online?

If you are interested in buying any of these breather membrane products, or any other insulation materials, you can visit our website Buy Insulation Online. We offer a wide range of products from leading brands, at competitive prices and with fast delivery. You can browse our categories, search by product name or keyword, compare different products, read customer reviews, and place your order online. You can also contact us by phone, email, or live chat if you have any questions or need any advice.

We are a trusted and reliable online retailer of insulation materials, with over 20 years of experience in the industry. We have a team of experts who can help you choose the best products for your project and provide you with technical support and installation guidance. We also have a blog where you can find useful tips and information on insulation, energy efficiency, and building regulations.

Whether you are a homeowner, a builder, a contractor, or an architect, you can find everything you need for your insulation project at Buy Insulation Online. We have a large stock of breather membranes, as well as other insulation products, such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, floor insulation, acoustic insulation, fire protection insulation, and more. We also have a range of accessories, such as tapes, adhesives, fixings, tools, and ventilation products.

Buy Insulation Online is your one-stop shop for all your insulation needs. We deliver to anywhere in the UK, and we offer free delivery on orders over £300. We also have a hassle-free returns policy and a secure payment system. You can trust us to provide you with the best quality products, the best customer service, and the best value for money.

Conclusion

A breather membrane is a smart and simple way to improve the performance and comfort of your roof and walls. It can prevent water ingress and condensation, improve thermal efficiency and airtightness, enhance durability and lifespan, provide temporary protection and weatherproofing, and reduce the need for ventilation. It can also offer many benefits for your health, environment, and budget.

At Buy Insulation Online, you can find a wide range of breather membrane products from leading brands, at competitive prices and with fast delivery. You can also get expert advice and support from our team, and access useful information and tips from our blog. Whether you are a homeowner, a builder, a contractor, or an architect, you can find everything you need for your insulation project at Buy Insulation Online.