Breather membranes (also known as breathable membranes) reduce the chance of damp and mould forming in a building. They are installed in external walls and roof structures to prevent water ingress, but their vapour-permeable quality allows moisture to escape. A breathable membrane helps with ventilation and effectively allows a building to breathe.
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Breather membranes help to insulate your property, while protecting it from an array of external issues, including insects, dirt and weather penetration. With the demand for high thermal efficiency gaining traction, modern homes must be airtight and have a well thought out ventilation plan to ensure moisture levels are managed correctly. Condensation is a particular concern, and installing a breather membrane will help the building to breathe and allow moisture to escape.
The membrane itself needs to be fitted to the outer side of the insulation. Typically, they’re fairly easy to install and detailed installation instructions are usually found on each roll.
Breather membranes and vapour control layers (VCL) help to minimise condensation issues in your home. The terms are often interchanged with each other but actually perform two separate functions in a property. While the tasks they perform are similar, it’s important to note the different behaviours of each material:
There’s a slight difference in where they’re placed within a construction too. A breather membrane is positioned on the outer side of the insulation, while a VCL sits on the inner side of the insulation.
Breathable and non-breathable membranes share the same primary functions. They both prevent water ingress, reduce the chance of damp and mould problems, and are also resistant to cold winter weather. So, why do you need to choose between the two?
Breathable membranes allow a property to breathe by letting moisture escape through it and out of the building. It has a low resistance and is newer than its non-breathable counterpart, leading to a surge of interest in recent years. A breather membrane works well when positioned below slate or tiles, as it allows a good amount of moisture transfer, but it’s important to have adequate air movement above.
Non-breathable membranes are not air-permeable. However, they’re still widely used and are well suited to roofs which have existing ventilation installed. A non-breathable membrane offers high resistance and therefore only really suitable for installation in cold, ventilated pitched roofs. It’s important not to mix this type of membrane up with a VCL, which is positioned on the warm side of the insulation to prevent large amounts of moist air from entering the property.
When it comes to choosing the right breathable membrane for your property it’s important to familiarise yourself with the British Standard for Slating and Tiling BS . This code of practice covers new-build pitched roofs and vertical cladding. It was updated in to recognise the way breather membranes are selected depending on their positioning and the type of building they’re being installed in. This largely relates to air pressure within the membrane that can ‘balloon’ causing pressure on the underside of the roof covering, which could dislodge slates and tiles.
The amendment to BS provides guidance on installing breathable membranes in particular geographical locations, due to the wind pressure in different zones across the UK. Consequently, manufacturers must state which zones their product is suitable for.
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A further key consideration is the type of building you’re installing the breathable membrane in. It’s likely the membrane will receive added pressure if it’s installed in an outbuilding such as a garage or carport, or if the site is by the coast or in excess of 100m above sea level.
The part of your jacket or pants that is actively keeping it waterproof. The membrane is also where most of the proprietary technology lives.
Any waterproof garment is made of multiple layers. The first layer is the material on the outside of the garment. It is the layer that holds color and is usually made of Nylon or Polyester. The second layer is the waterproof membrane, which is usually made of a Polyurethane. In 3-Layer garments, the third layer is glued “laminated” to the waterproof second layer. It usually looks like a micro-grid texture on the inside of your jacket.
A jacket’s ability to allow moisture and air to pass through its’ waterproof membrane, from the inside out, such as in high energy activities where you are sweating and heating up. Fleece, Wool and lightweight wind breaking shells are all significantly more breathable than any waterproof garment (even GORE-TEX). Some companies tout their ultimate breathable/waterproof membrane, but most of that is in relation to other not so breathable waterproof materials. Compared to fleece, the most breathable waterproof material would seem like a brick wall against moisture and air.
H2NO is a Patagonia specific standard for waterproofness. H2NO is not a membrane or a technology. Anything that Patagonia makes and states as waterproof, including GORE-TEX, has to pass this standardized test. Some materials Patagonia tests, end up not passing, even some GORE-TEX materials.
GORE-TEX s the company that produces high performance waterproof membranes that allow for maximum breathability and durability. Many companies use Gore-tex membranes, including Patagonia. There are many different Gore-tex membranes for various applications. Some focus on breathability and others light weight and packability. Gore-tex is the best breathing, waterproof, fabric construction.
Many 2.5-layer jackets have their waterproof membrane exposed and unprotected. Dirt, oils from your skin and other natural contaminants slowly break down the PU membrane. If not washed and taken care of properly, 2.5-layer jackets have a tendency to break down with time, losing their ability to keep you comfortable. 3-layer jackets add an extra layer of protection to the inside of your jacket, protecting the waterproof membrane. These jackets are more durable and will perform better for a longer period of time before needing to be washed and cleaned.
If you want the most breathable waterproof garment possible, then yes, it definitely lives up to the name. If you are looking for a jacket to simply keep you dry and warm, then any one of our waterproof jackets will be more than capable.
As you explore waterproof jackets and all the options available, focusing on your end purpose will help guide you towards what you truly need. For most general applications, GORE-TEX isn’t necessary. Any waterproof garment Patagonia makes will be sufficiently waterproof for daily use. GORE-TEX becomes more practical when you need breathability, long-term waterproof durability, and performance in the most extreme conditions; like running, back-country skiing, or any highly aerobic activity.
Staff at Patagonia Burlington are happy to help guide you towards the most effective jacket for your needs. Feel free to call our shop or stop in person!
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