Masons are focused on finding ways to drive construction costs down. In addition to passing on savings from a normalised supply chain, Masons’ UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier can reduce house build times by nearly a month, allowing interior fit-out work to proceed in parallel with cladding installation.

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk highlighted the need to fix the current construction cost crisis at the recent EBOSS Specified event. Calling for the construction industry collectively to find ways to boost productivity and manage costs, change will require smart solutions from all corners of the industry.

"Following the peak disruptions of 2022, it’s taken 12-18 months for most of the supply chain to settle again," says Masons NZ Sales Manager Arthur Whitfield. "Now that freight costs are normalised, coupled with advancements in materials and manufacturing, we’ve been able to lower the overall cost of our CodeMark-certified UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier."

Time and cost savings

Beyond lower material costs, UNI PLUS and Masons’ 40 Below Platinum Flashing Tape shorten construction programmes by providing 90 days of weather protection for framing and interiors before cladding is installed. This offers most of the benefits of a rigid air barrier, but at a fraction of the cost for both materials and labour.

With a dry interior, builders can keep multiple trades busy at once, reducing construction time, cutting project holding costs, and increasing the number of builds completed each year.

More productive sites, lower build costs

"Holding costs are a significant burden for builders and developers," says Jacqueline Goldsbury, Masons’ National Key Account Manager. "UNI PLUS allows the interior pre-lining trades to begin their work as soon as the joinery is in. Plumbing and electrical inspections can happen quickly, followed by interior lining. We’ve seen developers reduce an eight-month build to seven months."

"This not only helps them stay competitive and protect tight profit margins, but it also leads to a more dynamic and productive site. For example, if cladding is delayed, interior work can continue for up to 90 days, which keeps the project moving forward. Shorter build times also allow home buyers to move in earlier, saving rental costs."

"Using UNI PLUS is a massive timesaver," says Ata Rangitauira from Arrowsmith Builders in Whakatāne. "We’ve used it on multiple builds and install it as soon as the framing is up. With the wrap in place, we can start interior work and pass inspections as we go."

Thicker and stronger for better protection

At 180gsm, UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier is thicker and stronger than standard building paper, making it suitable for all areas of New Zealand, including extra-high wind zones. The flexible polypropylene wall underlay protects timber framing from the elements for up to 90 days when used with Masons’ fixings and flashing tapes. UNI PLUS is also fire-retardant, meeting New Zealand standards for flexible wall underlays and allowing unrestricted use.

Masons will soon release a 60mm-wide 40 Below Platinum Flashing Tape, ideal for sealing vertical and horizontal seams on UNI PLUS and head flashings. Fastenings are UNI Fasteners for use with a hammer or with a UNI Cap Nailer Gun, with galvanised screws and washer fixings for steel frames. There is plenty of support from Masons for first-time users, such as installation videos and instructions, onsite checklists, and personal training with a Masons rep if required.

Once installed, the CodeMark-certified UNI PLUS system provides a secondary line of defence against moisture for the building’s lifetime, while allowing vapour to pass from the inside out, ensuring breathability.