Getting Facade Interface Detailing Right

In a facade, the junction between the external breather membrane and any penetration (such as a door or window) should be sealed. These interfaces are some of the most critical junctions of the building envelope, so it’s essential for specifiers to have confidence in their chosen interface membrane, and for installers to know they can achieve a high-quality result on site.

With construction projects facing stricter regulatory requirements, especially around fire safety performance, breather membrane manufacturers are increasingly asked for advice about how their products interact with interface solutions.

The typical approach to dealing with interfaces on facades is a synthetic rubber-based solution. Synthetic rubber membranes (i.e. EPDMs) have the particular advantage of being economical, which makes them a popular choice.

However, with such a vast range of options available, it can be confusing for specifiers and contractors to understand which is best to use with the chosen breather membrane.

Many rubber membranes are self-adhered, and the adhesive can be an unproven or unknown quantity. Others require a primer, which puts the onus on the installer applying the membrane correctly.

We are frequently asked about the compatibility of third-party interface products with our external airtightness membrane, Wraptite®. The variations between synthetic rubber membranes, and the differences in how they are applied, make it difficult for us to give definitive advice.

The regularity with which we receive questions about compatibility show the uncertainty that contractors and, ultimately, building owners are dealing with. Add to that, the fact that synthetic rubber membranes are not part of the warrantied membrane installation.

As a result, contractors – including companies who specialise in recladding – are increasingly looking for an alternative approach that takes away that uncertainty.

To help improve certainty around interface detailing, we have developed our own interface membrane: Wrapseal. It is built on the same Wraptite adhesive technology trusted by projects worldwide for over 15 years.

Based on the existing Wraptite UV membrane, Wrapseal benefits from the same patented adhesive technology that has been BBA certified (with Wraptite) for over a decade. The result is a membrane that is vapour permeable, compatible with multiple substrates, and fully aligned with modern facade performance requirements.

Developed primarily for use alongside Wraptite and Wraptite UV, Wrapseal can be used with any Proctor Group wall membrane. This compatibility gives flexibility to specifiers and installers – without uncertainty. It helps in meeting fire safety and performance expectations without compromising buildability.

Supplied in 50m rolls and available in 200, 250 and 300mm widths, Wrapseal brings the proven reliability of Wraptite’s adhesive technology to interface junctions. It delivers confidence and helps to ensure that performance won’t be compromised at the details.

It also allows contractors to order the breather membrane and interface membrane together, avoiding split orders that may not arrive on site at the right time.

As with any component of a facade, the quality of the installed interface membrane depends on a good standard of workmanship.

The compatibility of Wrapseal with Wraptite/Wraptite UV lends itself to achieving better workmanship on site, especially where contractors take advantage of Proctor Group’s site support services.

Toolbox talks are available for Wraptite/Wraptite UV external air barrier. As Wrapseal’s self-adhered nature is built on the same adhesive technology as both airtight breather membranes, any contractor who has received a toolbox talk will be well placed to install Wrapseal with a similar degree of confidence. A comprehensive installation guide for Wrapseal is also available.

Overall, Wrapseal delivers everything expected from an interface membrane, with the added assurance of Wraptite’s proven adhesive performance. By using Wrapseal alongside Wraptite, contractors benefit from one integrated system, one company, and one point of contact for technical and commercial support.