Cutting Construction Times with UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier

As an independent property developer in Auckland, Ankit Vaid at SGP Works specialises in converting large single-dwelling sites to multiple townhouses. Their latest development on Kimpton Road in Papatoetoe involves the construction of six standalone four-bedroom houses, all wrapped in Masons UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier.

A long-time user of Masons products, Ankit only recently discovered the benefits of UNI PLUS, which has since become a key part of every project he undertakes, both for the time savings and the quality of his builds.

"We were looking at how we could reduce the timeframes for construction, and the Masons product came up. We watched their installation videos on YouTube and were convinced that it could save us at least three to four weeks per house build."

Time savings bring real financial benefits

Ankit’s projects involve multiple teams working side by side, allowing for the concurrent construction of three houses. Using UNI PLUS means he can wrap each unit as soon as the framing is complete, enabling the pre-line trades to work on the interior before the cladding is fixed.

"As soon as we've put in our windows and have the UNI PLUS wrap in place, we can start on the inside. Previously, to begin pre-line wiring, plumbing and insulation for inspection, we needed to finish the cladding first. But because UNI PLUS is weathertight, we can start immediately."

This brings real financial benefits to his business. "I think it definitely improves our cash flow. If it previously took eight months for a project and now it takes seven, that means that I can take on more work each year."

A complete system that goes up quickly

Along with UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier, Ankit uses Masons 40 Below Flashing Tape, proprietary fixings and UNI Cap Nailer Gun, allowing his builders to complete the installation in no more time than with ordinary building paper. This system provides complete weather and UV protection for up to 90 days.

"Originally, our builders needed a little training, given it was the first time we used UNI PLUS, and Masons provided helpful installation videos. They later visited the site and went through the whole process — highlighting what to look out for, what to do, and what not to do. Now they’re fully on board."

Ankit is also sold on the advantages of UNI PLUS. "It intensifies the whole process. Imagine if you couldn't get your cladding on time; the whole project is stalled. But if you’re using UNI PLUS, that problem doesn’t apply, and while things are being sorted out, you can continue working inside."

Talk to our helpful team

For more information about UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier, including installation and compliance documents, visit mpb.co.nz or call 0800 522 533 to speak to one of the team.

PROJECT CREDITS:
Product: UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier System
Developer: SGP Works
Writer: Folio

UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier

Masons

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UNI PLUS Flexible Air Barrier is a fire retardant flexible wall underlay giving early enclosure to builds, allowing work to continue on the inside (for up to 90 days), without waiting for the cladding to be complete.

NZ-Owned Business

UNI® PLUS is a fire retardant flexible wall underlay, with the following suitability:

Location:

In locations with a wind design pressure (ULS) of up to and including 4.6 kPa (which includes all NZS 3604:2011 wind zones).
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

Building:

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 90 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® PLUS is suitable as an air barrier on walls that are not lined
For vertical use only, not suitable as a roof underlay
UNI® PLUS Must be covered with a suitable wall lining to any occupied spacings

NEW ZEALAND BUILDING CODE STANDARD (NZBC)

UNI PLUS meets or exceeds the requirements of the NZBC
Product Assurance Supplier Statement; PASS. Documentation is available from the downloads button on this page

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

B1 STRUCTURE: B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.3 (a, e, f, h, j, m, q, & UV), B1.3.4 (a, b, c, d, e)

Meets requirements of NZS 2295:2006; tested to ASTM D882 for tensile properties, TAPPI T470 for resistance to tearing. NZS 2295:2006 is referenced in E2/AS1 for flexible underlays [Scion, 01/2022].

B2 DURABILITY: B2.3.1 (a), B2.3.2 (b)

Meets requirements of NZS 2295:2006; tested to ASTM G154 for accelerated UV ageing [Scion, 01/2022].

FIRE AFFECTING AREAS BEYOND THE FIRE SOURCE: C3.4 (c)

Meets requirements of NZS 2295:2006; flammability index of 1 when tested to AS 1530.2:1993 [NZWTA, 01/06/2021].

E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: E2.3.2, E2.3.5, E2.3.7 (a, b, c)

Meets requirements of NZS 2295:2006; tested to AS/NZS 4201.4 for water penetration, tested to AS/NZS 4201.6 for surface water absorbency, tested to ASTM E96 Procedure B for Water vapour resistance [Scion, 01/2022].
Installation details and requirements in accordance with E2/AS1.

F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: F2.3.1

Manufactured to EN 13859-2:2014; product does not emit harmful materials based on supplier’s technical data and testing specification and material safety information [Masons Plastabrick, 30/08/2021a, 30/08/2021b].
Use in accordance with the supplier’s requirements [Masons Plastabrick, 01/2022].

40 Below — Flashing Tape

Masons

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40 Below Flashing Tape is a self-adhesive flashing tape to seal around windows, doors, and other joinery openings as a secondary defence against water penetration.

New Zealand Building Code Standard (NZBC)

For a risk score between 0-20 in accordance with NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1
Passed NZS3604 Building Wind Zones up to and including ‘Extra High’
Passes nail sealability to ASTM 1970-01 section 7.9
New smooth white facer tape also passes screw sealability to AAMA 711-13
Suitable as a single layer application over a timber frame
Extremely thin only 0.2mm, allows for easier fitting of windows and doors

40 Below is tested and approved for sealing the joints on Rigid barriers. Check for product compatibility with your Rigid Air Barrier supplier before installation.

For a risk score between 0-20 in accordance with NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1
Passed NZS3604 Building Wind Zones up to and including ‘Extra High’
Passes nail sealability to ASTM 1970-01 section 7.9
New smooth white facer tape also passes screw sealability to AAMA 711-13
Suitable as a single layer application over a timber frame

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