Knowledge Centre

Should an External Window Membrane be Breathable?

Should external window membranes be breathable? To answer this, we need an understanding of the purpose and function of the different façade membranes used in a through-wall.

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Is a Breather Membrane Required Over Sheathing Boards?

When designing or installing façade through-wall systems, the question sometimes arises: is a breather membrane always necessary, given the different specifications and performance levels of the various sheathing boards available?

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0500FR – Tried, Tested and Proven 

Façade membranes will never receive the gold medal for being the most glamorous products ever to grace a construction site. But they have a critical role to play in the fabric of a building.

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Simply Compliant: an Overview EN 13859-2

EN 13859-2 is the European Harmonised Standard that details the characteristics, requirements, and test methods of Breather Membranes in faҫades.

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Interface Sealing Membranes (ISM)  –  Essential for Creating an Air and Weather-tight Seal Around Windows

Why is an Interface Sealing Membrane (ISM) required to form a perfect seal around a window?

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Simply Compliant: an Overview of EN 13984

Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act, it is now vital that everyone understands the performance standards required of an ISM (Interface Sealing Membrane) for it to be compliant.

So what is EN13984?

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White Paper :
“Bringing Clarity to the Specification and Installation of Window & Façade Interface Sealing Membranes”

Although Regulation 7 and Approved Document B have provided much needed direction and consistency in the specification and installation of the correct façade membranes, an element of uncertainty and misunderstanding still exists in the industry. The purpose of this White Paper is to bring some clarification to the challenge and to provide a few answers to the questions that still arise.

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What are Fire Classifications?

Fire classification is a system used to categorize the level of fire resistance of materials or products. The most common classifications include Class A, B, C, D, E, and F. In addition to the Class rating, suffixes or codes are used to indicate additional properties of the material, such as smoke production or burning droplets during a fire.

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What Are EI60 & EI120 Fire Ratings?

EI60 and EI120 indicate the time period a building component can resist fire. OBEX has conducted the world’s first fire tests on SFS through-wall constructions with breather and VCL membranes, obtaining fire ratings for the entire system.

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What is EPDM?

EPDM is a synthetic rubber material used in roofing, waterproofing, and sealing applications. It is not recommended for facades of buildings above 18m as it has a Class E fire classification, which is not considered low combustibility. Regulation 7 requires a minimum fire classification of Class B-s3, d2 and recommends Class A2-s1, d0 for facades materials.

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FIS Best Practice Guide
Through-Wall Infill Steel-Framed Systems

The FIS Best Practice Guide provides comprehensive guidance on the installation of steel-framed infill panels in masonry walls. It covers all aspects of the design and installation process, including materials, structural performance, fire safety, and weather resistance. The guide is an essential resource for building professionals.

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The Difference Between EN 13859-2 W1 & W2

Breather membranes are vital in building envelopes, allowing vapor to escape whilst preventing water entry. W1 is used for open applications, W2 for protected ones. W1 is more stringent, requiring testing under driving rain, whilst W2 does not test under dynamic wind loads.

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