Proctor Air® - Air & Vapour Permeable Membrane

As Building Regulations demand ever-higher thermal efficiency, today’s buildings are becoming increasingly airtight. While this is undoubtedly beneficial for building energy performance, architects and contractors must understand the implications for moisture and vapour management when considering roofing membranes.

Condensation control should be considered as part of the design process. Successful control will depend on factors such as prevailing winds, room layout, number of storeys and type of heating system as well as the more usually accepted aspects such as construction, heating, ventilation and moisture production. All these aspects, therefore, should be considered carefully and, as they are interdependent to a greater or lesser degree, they should be considered together.

The fundamental principle in designing to minimize condensation is to maintain a balance of the three factors 1. Thermal and vapour properties of the structure 2. Heat input and 3. Ventilation to achieve either low vapour pressure and/or high structural temperature.

The building fabric and anticipated occupancy patterns and uses will all interact to define the moisture risks associated with the construction. These “ground rules“ form the basis of a good hygrothermal design strategy.

Once an understanding of the building and occupancy are achieved, the designer can then focus on ensuring the heat, air and moisture movement within the structure is properly balanced. This ensures both a healthy environment for the occupants of the building and long life for the building.