What is the difference between breather membrane and building paper?

Posted: 3rd January 2023 | Author: Adam Brown | Category: Membranes

What is the difference between breather membrane and building paper?

What is building paper / What is a breathable membrane?

Building paper and breathable membranes are both materials that are used in construction as a moisture barrier to protect buildings from water damage. Both building paper and breathable membranes are installed on the exterior walls of a building, under the cladding or siding.

Image: Building Paper	Image: Strotex breathable membrane

Why is it important to have an external moisture barrier?

An external moisture barrier membrane is a type of protective layer that is installed on the exterior of a building to prevent moisture from entering the structure. It is an important component of a building's envelope, which is the outer layer that separates the inside of the building from the outside environment.

Image: Breather membrane used in different build-ups (source)

There are several reasons why it is important to have an external moisture barrier membrane:

1. Protection against moisture damage: An external moisture barrier membrane helps to prevent moisture from entering the building and causing damage to the structure and the building materials.
2. Energy efficiency: Moisture can reduce the insulating value of building materials, which can lead to higher energy costs. An external moisture barrier membrane can help to maintain the insulating properties of the building materials, leading to better energy efficiency.
3. Health and safety: Moisture can create a breeding ground for mould and other types of fungi, which can cause health problems for the people living or working in the building. An external moisture barrier membrane helps to prevent the growth of mould and other harmful organisms.
4. Durability: An external moisture barrier membrane can help to extend the lifespan of a building by protecting it from moisture damage.

Breathable Membrane vs Building Paper

Here are some key differences between building paper and breathable membranes:

• Material: Building paper is a type of paper or felt material that is used as a moisture barrier in construction. It is made from a variety of materials, including asphalt, cellulose, or synthetic fibres. Breathable membranes are made from a variety of materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, or other synthetic materials.
• Water resistance: Building paper is generally more water-resistant than breathable membranes. It is designed to prevent moisture from entering the walls of a building, while still allowing moisture that is already present in the walls to evaporate. Breathable membranes are also water-resistant, but they are designed to allow moisture to pass through them, while still preventing water from entering the walls of the building.
• Ventilation: Building paper does not allow for ventilation, while breathable membranes are designed to allow air to pass through them. This means that breathable membranes can help to ventilate the walls of a building, which can help to prevent condensation and mould growth.
• Cost: The costs can be close but in general a 95gsm breathable membrane will be more cost-effective than building paper per m2.

The Verdict

In summary, building paper and breathable membranes are both materials that are used to protect buildings from water damage. Building paper is more water-resistant and less expensive, but does not allow for ventilation, while breathable membranes are less water-resistant but allow for ventilation. The choice between building paper and a breathable membrane will depend on the specific needs of your project.

At Nationwide Supplies, we offer cheap prices on Strotex breathable roofing membrane and Novia building paper with next day delivery and quick click and collect. Other brands of breathable membrane include Protect, Tyvek, Cromar Vent 3, Rhinovent and Easy Trim.

The Author: Adam Brown

With a background as a Mechanical Engineer, I started Nationwide Supplies alongside my brother with a vision to modernise what seemed a stuck-in-its-ways industry in the builders merchant sector.  Since 2011 it has been my goal to source quality products at the correct prices to be able to offer a saving to customers along with high quality customer service which offers quick delivery and superior technical knowledge in the industry.  

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