THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS

The SupaPerm House Wrap is manufactured from a single layer, hydrophobic non-woven fabric, which is both water resistant and breathable with excellent water vapour permeability. The high-density polyethylene fibres are bonded together with high pressure and heat which creates a flexible sheet. The house wrap is then used for the protection of walls in timber frame structures and for profiled metal industrial roofs.

HOW IT WORKS

The SP100 House Wrap allows the structure to breathe, being water resistant but allowing vapour in the insulation to breath out via the secondary protection. As the membrane is breathable, it will allow vapour to escape.

Like our SupaPerm wrap, the ThermaPerm Reflective Barrier is a single layer of non-woven fabric which is breathable and water resistant. It’s used within timber frame and wall application to create a breathable protection layer, meaning if any rain or moisture enters the building, the membrane protects the insulation from water ingress.

The difference between our ThermaPerm Reflective Breather and our SupaPerm  House Wrap is that the Thermaperm has a foil layer which has the effect of increasing the thermal efficiency of the building, keeping the build cooler in the summer and hold heat in in the cooler months. It’s suitable for use in all wall and roof insulations, with its durable design giving protection to external walls during the construction process.

HOW DOES A REFLECTIVE HOUSE WRAP/ BREATHER MEMBRANE WORK?

This high performance premium reflective breather membrane enhances the thermal performance by minimising the risk of interstitial condensation. It is suitable for use in many external wall types, including timber frame, concrete and metal stud. This breather membrane has a thermo-reflective layer for improved energy performance and has been independently tested to the highest standards.

PRODUCT DATA

STORAGE & INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. STORAGE

Always store membrane rolls horizontally in a cool, dry sheltered store. Handle the material with care and ensure that the membrane is not creased or folded. The shelf life of self-adhesive products is limited, usually between 6 months and 1 year (protected from direct sunlight and ambient temperatures above 30°C). Sealing tapes should be kept free of moisture and heat. Store away from sunlight in dry conditions at room temperature.

2. WORKING WITH THE MEMBRANE

a) Always work with clean hands or wear gloves and use clean tools.
b) Materials can be cut using a sharp knife. Always overlap the cut edge.
c) Ensure that the membrane is not creased or folded. In case of a corner, loosely install the membrane around the corner or make a well-sealed butt joint. Do not crease the material. d) Unroll the membrane and secure to the wall/timber structure ideally with stainless steel staples/nails.
e) Pull the membrane tight and always fasten loose ends, overlaps and edges mechanically with stainless steel staples/nails.
f) Vertical overlaps should be a minimum of 100 mm; horizontal overlaps should be a minimum of 100mm and need to cover any staples/nails.
g) In case of making a corner seal/lap, stagger the joint with a 150mm vertical joint and a 100mm horizontal joint.

3. BONDING TO SURFACES

a) Before beginning any installation, practising the taping process is highly recommended.
b) Make sure that the surfaces are clean and free from dust and grease
c) Staples/nails can be used as long as they are covered by a second layer of the membrane (e.g. where there is an overlap).
d) Only use Powerbond tapes as follows: (i) Powerbond Butyl Tape should be installed between the recommended minimum 100mm overlap. A continuous row or double row of the double-sided tape should be laid to create a watertight seal within the recommended 100mm overlap. Double rows of Powerbond Butyl Tape should be spaced 50mm apart. (ii) Powerbond Acrylic Tape should be used as a jointing and sealing tape to use over the overlap of the breather membrane. It should also be used for detail joining of the membrane, for example within a window frame.

4. REPAIRS

a) Small tears or punctures in SupaPerm 100 can be repaired / covered with Powerbond Acrylic Tape.

5. FURTHER INFORMATION

These installation instructions are based upon currently available good practice and information and only offered as a general guide. Final determination of the suitability of any information or material for the use contemplated and the manner of use is the sole responsibility of the user and the user must assume all risk and liability in connection therewith. Check the suitability and safety of the products for the use envisaged with all current and applicable national standards.