Moisture Management
Air tightness is rapidly becoming central to new building codes.
Indoor air quality, energy efficiency, acoustics, comfort and moisture management within the wall cavity can all be seriously compromised if a house is not air tight.
Tougher Codes Are Here
IECC codes are becoming more stringent with regards to air sealing requirements, making improved air sealing and moisture management practices a necessity for you. These codes restrict the number of air changes in a structure per hour and call for use of vapor retarders in mixed climates. However, as the air tightness of a home increases, there’s yet another new challenge. The same continuous seal that keeps air leakage out of the home could be trapping harmful moisture in the cavity.
Greater Air Tightness = Greater Moisture Challenges
In “mixed-climate” parts of the country, where homes heat in the winter and cool in the summer, homes using traditional polyethylene vapor retarders may actually trap moisture in the cavity during the summer—raising the risk of costly moisture and mold issues, structural damage, health consequences and liability.
| NOMINAL PRODUCT SIZE | COVERAGE | BOX LENGTH | |||
| ft. | m | sq. ft. | sq. m | in. | m |
| 8’4″ | 2.54 | 833 | 77.4 | 28.3 | 718 |
| 9’4″ | 2.84 | 933 | 86.7 | 31.5 | 800 |
| 10’4″ | 3.15 | 1033 | 96.0 | 34.5 | 876 |
| 12’4″ | 3.76 | 1233 | 114.5 | 41.0 | 1041 |
MemBrain Benefits
- Dynamic performance and permeance rating compared to traditional kraft insulation or polyethylene sheeting
- Senses and adapts permeance to varying humidity throughout the year to keep the cavity dry
- Prevents moisture vapor from entering the wall cavity in the winter
- Allows any moisture buildup to escape the cavity in the summer
- When installed with standard tape and sealing practices, forms a continuous air barrier system that enhances air tightness and improves overall comfort
