What are the Benefits of TLX Breathable Membranes?

Breathable membranes are often recommended for use in roof and wall construction. Breathable membranes can solve many issues, including helping to offset issues with condensation build-up and preventing water damage from weakening the structural integrity of a building. But what are the benefits of TLX breathable membranes? And why should you use them?

Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of TLX breathable membranes:

Why do we Need Breathable Membranes?

Breathable membranes play a vital role in insulating a property. They allow a building that has been insulated to release surplus moisture vapour rather than storing it, meaning that structures remain both secure and dry. They can also minimise wind uplift in the construction process. 

One of the main reasons builders and property owners utilise breathable membranes is to prevent damp from forming. You can prevent damp from forming in roofs and walls by installing a breathable membrane. This is a widespread problem that many homeowners and tenants face, but it is one that is easily resolved. Damp can cause serious issues to a property, such as structural damage or frost damage. Damp can also cause health issues for those individuals residing inside a damp home, including respiratory infections, increased allergy risk, or asthma. Ensuring that a property is free from damp is therefore essential. 

Effectively, breathable membranes act as an additional layer of waterproofing for a property, protecting it from the elements. A breathable membrane layer will sit underneath the external cladding of a property, in the same way as any other membrane would. It’s important to note that whilst TLX UV breathable membranes can be used as a temporary waterproof covering for a property for up to two months, they are degraded by sunlight, and therefore should ideally be covered with tiles or slates as soon as possible. 

But unlike a non-breathable membrane, a breathable membrane can be permeated by air, whether it is hot or cold. This means that any warm, moisture-filled air rising inside the property can escape, preventing condensation from forming. For this reason, the risk of condensation is considerably reduced when you choose to use a breathable membrane in your build. 

Other benefits of breathable membranes are that they are eco-friendly and they save space when compared to other membrane types. When installing other membranes such as felt, for example, you will need to leave a 50mm ventilated air space underneath your fabric layer. This is not the case when working with TLX UV breathable membranes, resulting in significant space saving. Whilst this may not be relevant to all builds, it is an essential element when renovating old buildings that boast a very tight internal space. 

How do Breathable Membranes Manage Condensation?

All properties carry a certain level of condensation risk, but the likelihood of experiencing condensation build up in a roof or wall space is considerably reduced when you choose to use TLX UV Breathable membranes. 

By allowing as much condensation to escape through the roof of a property as possible, breathable membranes ensure that the structure underneath it remains dry. You may not feel that condensation is a problem in your property. But with the average house producing up to several litres of water a day through moisture loss alone, you will quickly find that the structure of your property is damaged irreparably if condensation is left unchecked. 

If managing condensation is a key concern for you within your build, then you might wish to consider utilising TLX Gold Multifoil insulation to benefit from the additional protection it offers. The underlayer of this is a shiny, breathable surface which will reflect heat, meaning that as well as providing extra condensation support, it can also insulate your home, keeping the cold air out during the winter months and the warm air out during the summer months. 

Waterproofing and Wind Proofing

Breathable membranes play a vital role in waterproofing and windproofing a building. Breathable membranes are water-resistant and are also resistant to snow, dust, and any other substances that may otherwise enter the property. 

All of the TLX UV breathable membranes are UV and heat-resistant, as well as waterproof. This is one of their main advantages over other, non-breathable membrane options. 

Wind tightness is essential in ensuring that a building is able to deliver its required thermal performance. TLX breathable membranes make it easier to create a thermal envelope that will surround the surfaces of a building. Waterproofing and windproofing a property will ensure that it is not left susceptible to drafts and that it performs as efficiently as possible.  

What are the Differences Between TLX UV10, UV15 and UV25? 

TLX create breathable membranes in three different thicknesses. TLX UV10 is the most lightweight of these options and TLX UV25 is the thickest and heaviest of the breathable membranes available. TLX UV15 occupies the middle ground between the two. 

Each of these three breathable membranes can be used in both new build and renovation projects. When deciding which will work best for you, you need to consider the unique needs of your build. A good breathable membrane must boast the following characteristics. It must be: 

• Waterproof and windproof
• Air permeable and breathable
• Hardwearing
• Lightweight
• Easy to Install
• Provide protection from adverse weather conditions 

TLX UV10, UV15, and UV25 each boast all of these characteristics. However, because TLX UV25 is the thickest of these membranes, you may find that it is harder to install than the other, more lightweight membranes. 

As a general rule, the membrane you choose should be determined by the wind zone that the property you are constructing is based in. This will ensure that the membrane does not need replacing too frequently and is resistant to tears. As a general rule, the higher the wind zone you are building in, the thicker the membrane you should choose. 

Because TLX UV breathable membranes are of such high quality, they are all highly regarded and easy to work with, which is why they are favoured by so many builders and contractors. 

Do you Require a Bespoke Solution or Advice?

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.