A Stronger Building Wrap to Keep Construction Moving

Time overruns are probably the biggest contributor to increased project costs. By installing a UNI Flexible Air Barrier, builders get at least 90 and up to 150 days of rain and UV protection for unclad framing. Building teams can continue working inside, even when the cladding is delayed due to supply disruption or labour shortages.

But that’s not UNI’s only advantage. These heavy-duty Flexible Air Barriers are an excellent second line of defence — they are vapour permeable, allowing moisture vapour to pass out of the building envelope for the life of the building, achieving results well above minimum standard according to SCION tests.

3-ply structure brings multiple benefits

The UNI family of Flexible Air Barriers are nonwoven synthetic wall underlays that come in three grades: UNI, UNI PRO and UNI PLUS. Thicker and stronger than conventional building wrap materials, UNI’s 3-ply structure is a barrier to both air and water, while still allowing water vapour to diffuse.

Once fitted, UNI’s sandwich construction — two outer layers of non-woven polypropylene with a middle layer of a functional-technical film — resists UV degradation for 90 days. UNI PRO offers protection for up to 150 days. And they are installed at a fraction of the cost of rigid air barriers, such as plywood or cement board. UNI PLUS offers 90 days UV protection and is fire retardant.

A superior building wrap

UNI is a quality wall underlay once the structure is clad, with excellent moisture protection. The outer layer keeps out water, while the technical film allows water vapour to pass through and escape.

In SCION tests, a UNI Flexible Air Barrier repelled 100mm of water over 24 hours — five times greater than the minimum for AS/NZS 2295. And water vapour transmission is .249 MN/s/g compared with the minimum standard of 7 MN/s/g or less. This means UNI diffuses moisture out of the building more efficiently than standard building wraps, creating a drier, more comfortable environment inside and a more effective cladding system.

Eliminates expensive delays caused by hold-ups on cladding or bad weather

Bad weather can strike at any time, even in summer. Fitting rigid barriers to protect framing is expensive, while conventional building wraps offer little protection from the elements.

Because UNI will hold a 100mm head of water over 24 hours, it effectively creates a rain-protected space inside, so construction can continue despite the weather. UV blockers are incorporated in the polypropylene before it is extruded and bonded, allowing UNI to be in place for up to 90 days (150 days for UNI PRO) without losing its integrity.

Easy installation plus all accessories

UNI Flexible Air Barriers are quick and easy to install. Training and installation guides are available from Masons, along with the required accessories. For more information, visit the Masons website or call 0800 522 533

Certifications: CodeMark for UNI and UNI PRO. UNI PLUS due in early 2022.

Masons UNI PRO Flexible Air Barrier

Masons

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Masons UNI PRO is a wall underlay and Flexible Air Barrier and is suitable for use as temporary weather protection to allow interior works to continue inside the building without the exterior wall cladding being fully in place for up to 150 days.

Masons UNI PRO Flexible Air Barrier is certified for use as a wall underlay and air barrier on buildings:

a) within the scope limitations of:
i. NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Paragraph 1.1 with regards to building height and floor plan area for timber-framed construction; or
ii. NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS4 with regards to building height and floor plan area for light-steel framed construction, and
b) situated in wind zones (as defined in NZS 3604:2011) up to and including 'Extra High', provided stud and fixing centres are no greater than specified in the Masons UNI PRO Flexible Air Barrier Design and Installation Guide V1.0, November 2021, and
c) with absorbent or non-absorbent wall claddings directly fixed to the frame, or installed over an 18mm minimum drained cavity; or with masonry veneer, in accordance with NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1 for timber-framed buildings or NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS4 for steel-framed buildings, and
d) where the underlay is not exposed to view in an occupied space

Masons UNI PRO Flexible Air Barrier shall be:

a) installed in accordance with the MASONS UNI® PRO Flexible Air Barrier Design and Installation Guide V1.0, November 2021, and
b) separated from fireplaces, heating appliances, flues and chimneys in accordance with the requirements of NZBC Acceptable Solutions C/AS1 and C/AS2, Paragraph 7.5.9 for the protection of combustible materials, and
c) protected from sunlight within 150 days

Contribution to compliance with Building Code clause H1.3.1(b) is conditional on:

a) the element incorporating UNI® PRO Flexible Air Barrier being part of the thermal envelope of the building, and
b) horizontal and vertical laps being securely taped

In locations with a wind design pressure (ULS) of up to and including 4.6 kPa (which includes all NZS 3604:2011 wind zones).
UNI® PRO is suitable for 'Very High' wind zones over rigid wall underlays.
In seismic zones up to and including seismic zone 3.
In all exposure zones.
Further than 1 m from a relevant boundary

For commercial and residential construction
Designed for use with all cladding systems
Performs on timber and steel framed buildings
As a temporary cladding for up to 150 days
With buildings of all building heights, up to the permissible wind design pressure of 4.6 kPa
With cladding and joinery that complies with the relevant provisions of the NZ Building Code for the site and location
Suitable for use as a non-rigid backing for stucco plaster
UNI PRO is suitable as an air barrier on walls that are not lined
For vertical use only, not suitable as a roof underlay
UNI PRO Must be covered with a suitable wall lining to any occupied spacings

UNI PRO meets or exceeds the requirements of the NZBC.

CodeMark Certified (CM70117)

If designed, installed and maintained in accordance with all Masons Plastabrick's requirements, the UNI PRO will comply with or contribute to compliance with the following performance claims:

B2 Durability: B2.3.1(a), B2.3.2
E2 External moisture: E2.3.2 (contributes to), E2.3.5 (contributes to), E2.3.7
F2 Hazardous building materials: F2.3.1
H1 Energy efficiency: H1.3.1(b) (contributes to)

CodeMark

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