What are the qualities to look for when buying a breathable roofing membrane

Basically breathable membrane and non-breathable membrane share the same role in a building project  – reducing the amount of  water or damp penetration. When it comes to weather-proofing  both types of membranes also act as barriers  to wind, ice and snow

What is a Breathable Roofing Membrane?

Put simply breathable roof membranes act as a one way barrier to stop water entering your roof, whilst allowing any moisture generated in the home to pass out  through your roof. By letting the trapped moisture out it keeps your home a lot less likely to allow mould and damp issues to start forming in your home.

Allowing moisture to build up in the air in your property  can cause the following issues:

• Damp problems
• Structural issues due to weakened timbers
• Mould and related health issues

Key things to look out for when buying breathable roofing membrane

Membrane thickness

Breathable roofing membrane is available in a range of thicknesses. Membranes are measured using GSM, which  stands for ‘Grams Per Square Meter’. The thicker the dimensions of the membranes, the greater the GSM value will be.  An advantage of using a thicker GSM membrane is that these are much more effective in situations where the roofing has to undergo strong wind conditions. 

Does Breathable Roofing Membrane require the use of  physical roof ventilation as well?

Though it is not a requirement to be used with additional roofing ventilation it is recommended in certain situations. According to British Standard (BS 5250) it is advised to use some extra ventilation solutions when used in places like in eaves, It is also recommended to ensure the manufacturer of the breathable membrane constructs it to a certified level in order to ensure the suitability for use within a roofing structure.

How Long Will It Last?

All being well your breathable roofing membrane should last a lifetime. As the initial outlay for the breathable membrane could be in the range of £2,000 to £6,000 making sure that you use a certified product. This means that the membrane has been constructed in a way that ensures longevity. 

If you do notice leaks from the roof at some point in the future it is likely that the membrane has been damaged in some place. If this does occur, don’t panic immediately. One of the benefits of using this membrane is that you can replace sections of the roofing barrier without having to replace the whole lot.  

 Is Breathable Roofing Membrane waterproof?

One of the most important qualities of breathable membranes are that they are extremely waterproof. Because of the way that the membrane is constructed it can protect against water, ice and snow, whilst still maintaining its breathability.

Breathable roofing felt In Summary

• Allows water and condensation to pass out of the internal space
• Stops water penetrating from the outside
• Makes your insulation more efficient 

So when selecting which breathable membrane to use in your roofing project remember to check that these qualities are present to make sure you are using the best product for your job.