The Bat Friendly, Energy Saving Breather Membrane

5 minute read

Our built environment continues to evolve with the integration of conservation efforts into architectural and construction practices. One such innovation is TLX Batsafe, a high-performance, breather membrane with a patented bat mesh protection system on both sides of the membrane, so bats can cling without the risk of becoming entangled. This breather membrane encourages energy efficiency without impacting natural bat movements within a structure.

What is TLX Batsafe?

TLX Batsafe is a breather membrane designed specifically to be bat friendly. Unlike traditional breather membranes, TLX Batsafe allows bats to continue roosting and moving freely within a structure without risk of entanglement.

The dual-sided bat mesh allows air and moisture to pass through while also allowing excellent thermal insulation for buildings. TLX Batsafe preserves roosting spaces for local bat populations while also upgrading insulation.

TLX Batsafe has passed the Snagging Propensity test for Roofing Membranes developed by University Academics, Statutory Nature Conservation Organisations and The Bat Conservation Trust.

The Benefits of TLX Batsafe

TLX Batsafe is a breather membrane that provides essential protection for bats within building structures. The innovative mesh design has several key benefits:

The Benefits to Bats

The place a bat lives is called its roost. Bats need different roosting conditions at different times of the year, and they will often move around to find a roost that meets their needs. Many bats shelter in buildings, behind hanging tiles and boarding or in roof spaces.

In the UK, bat populations have declined considerably over the last century. Bats are still under threat from building and development work that affects roosts.

However, TLX Batsafe allows bat populations to safely roost. The innovative dual-sided bat mesh is designed to create a protected space for bats without risk of dangerous entanglement. The mesh sides encase the membrane providing a secure roosting area.

Improving Efficiency with Breather Membranes

Until now when bats are found, only Bitumen 1F felt has been used. This has come at considerable cost to the thermal performance of the roof because 1F felt requires extra rafter space for ventilation if insulation is used; in old buildings this is often not possible. Properties with an uninsulated 1F felt roof can release up to 10 tonnes of CO2 per year. Replacing 1F felt with a breathable membrane and additional insulation between the rafters can improve thermal performance by 87% and reduce CO2 emissions by 57%.

The previous standard of using Bitumen 1F felt not only compromised thermal efficiency but also constrained the space within the structure, often at the expense of properly insulating the space. This posed a significant challenge when upgrading older buildings that lack the extra room for conventional insulation. These factors have a large impact on global warming and climate change.

In summary, TLX Batsafe enables buildings to be properly insulated and sealed without excluding local bat populations. The result is greater comfort, energy efficiency, cost savings, and conservation.

Case Studies Using TLX Batsafe

Our houses may be home for more than just the families inhabiting them. Bats, which
are a protected species in the UK, also make use of the roofs. Larger species require a loft space to inhabit, and colonies of smaller bats may also be found there.

TLX Batsafe is a BBA certified breather membrane sandwiched between two layers of mesh. The mesh is sufficiently small to prevent bat claws from pulling out fibres from the breather membrane below. Yet will offer purchase for them to crawl around on.

One case study, Spring Hall in Halifax, found that installing TLX Batsafe insulation resulted in an 82% saving in heat loss. No evidence of bats was found in the roof structure, yet since they were known to inhabit the surrounding woodland mitigation measures were required. But with only 75mm deep rafters and a lath and plaster ceiling intruding into that space, using a bitumen felt would mean that no insulation was possible, so heat would escape straight through the roof.

TLX Batsafe breather membrane proved the ideal solution here, enabling some insulation to be fitted, yet with no risk to bats should any decide to take up residence.

Easy Installation

Its lightweight and durable construction makes TLX Batsafe easy for installers to handle and work with. The breather membrane can simply be rolled out and fixed in place, using standard installation techniques. For full installation instructions, visit our website.

TLX Batsafe can be used in applications such as:

Do you Require a Bespoke Solution?

We would love to hear from you. Our helpful team of product experts are on hand to help with bespoke solutions and U-value calculations. Simply call 01204 674 730. Also, our LABC-approved solutions guide has a wide range of pre-calculated solutions. You can download your free copy from the footer below.