Are All Building Wraps and Roof Underlays Equally Reliable?

Pro Clima's SOLITEX EXTASANA and SOLITEX MENTO are designed using a TEEE (Thermoplastic Elastomer Ether Ester) film. This membrane, unlike micro-porous wraps, has no pores meaning it is completely waterproof and wind-tight. The material actively transports water out of the building envelope along the molecular chain of the non-porous membrane. This means water on the inside of the framing is moved into the drainage cavity by even the slightest amount of vapour pressure differential from one side of the product to the other. The SOLITEX range of products are vapour open at all times with a low MVTR (resistance to moisture vapour) of 0.75 MN/s/g.

Conventional building wraps depend on creating micro-porosity in a normally vapour closed material. During the manufacture process micro-porous wraps are either punctured or stretched using additives to create microscopic holes to allow moisture vapour to escape. Since these pores are very small, air pressure is required to drive the moisture through them. If a membrane can be blown through then it is neither wind-tight nor watertight.

Due to the active vapour transport function, the SOLITEX membranes remain dry even when interior moisture is allowed to move into a roof space. Micro-porous membranes risk collection of moisture on the underside due to reliance on air pressure to move moisture vapour outwards.

A micro-porous membrane is water-resistant only when the surface tension in the liquid holds the drops together and stops the water drops from being passed though the tiny holes. If the surface tension is broken, the water resistance will be compromised. This occurs when there are solvents from timber treatment, oils, dirt or household detergents present.

The SOLITEX MENTO and EXTASANA are completely watertight even if coated with timber treatment or other surfactants. In the image above, oil was applied before testing the membrane at high pressure. The Solitex products have been tested to remain watertight at 10,000mm water column pressure.

Successfully installed in 'Extra-high' wind zones and even above, the SOLITEX products are completely wind-tight, preventing any chance of wind wash of the insulation provided that the laps are taped and the lower edge is glued at the perimeter (not required by the NZBC but improves weathertightness).

Starting with tried and tested high performance weathertightness membranes provides a high level of confidence in compliant weathertight design and specification.

Roof Underlay (SOLITEX MENTO 1000)

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SOLITEX MENTO 1000 roof underlay is a three-layer roof underlay designed to be used with most typical roof cladding systems. While providing temporary weather protection it can remain exposed for up to 30 days.

SOLITEX MENTO 1000 has been appraised for use as a self-supporting roof underlay on buildings within the following scope:

the scope of limitations of NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Paragraph 1.1 with regards to building height and floor plan area; and,
with masonry tile roof cladding; and,
with metal tile and profiles metal roof cladding; and,
suited to NZS 3604 Wind Zones up to, and including Extra High.

In the opinion of BRANZ, SOLITEX MENTO 1000, if used, designed, installed and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of Appraisal No.876 (2014), will meet, or contribute to meeting the following provisions of the NZBC:

Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1(a), not less than 50 years, B2.3.1(b), 15 years and B2.3.2. SOLITEX MENTO 1000 meets these requirements.
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2. When used as part of the roof cladding system, SOLITEX MENTO 1000 will contribute to meeting this requirement.
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1. SOLITEX MENTO 1000 meets this requirement and will not present a health hazard to people.

SOLITEX MENTO 1000 has been Appraised as an Alternative Solution in terms of the New Zealand Building Code Compliance.

Roof Underlay (SOLITEX MENTO 3000)

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SOLITEX MENTO 3000 roof underlay is a three-layer roof underlay designed to be used with most typical roof cladding systems. While providing temporary weather protection it can remain exposed for up to 90 days.

SOLITEX MENTO 3000 has been appraised for use as a self-supporting roof underlay on buildings within the following scope:

the scope of limitations of NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Paragraph 1.1 with regards to building height and floor plan area; and,
with masonry tile roof cladding; and,
with metal tile and profiles metal roof cladding; and,
suited to NZS 3604 Wind Zones up to, and including Extra High.

In the opinion of BRANZ, SOLITEX MENTO 3000, if used, designed, installed and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of the BRANZ Appraisal, will meet, or contribute to meeting the following provisions of the NZBC:

Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1(a), not less than 50 years, B2.3.1(b), 15 years and B2.3.2 SOLITEX MENTO 3000 meets these requirements. See Paragraphs 9.1 and 9.2 of the BRANZ Appraisal.
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1 SOLITEX MENTO 3000 meets this requirement and will not present a health hazard to people.
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2 When used as part of the cladding system, SOLITEX MENTO 3000 will contribute to meeting this requirement. See Paragraphs 12.1 and 12.2 of the BRANZ Appraisal.

BRANZ Appraised

Wall Underlay (SOLITEX EXTASANA)

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SOLITEX EXTASANA is a synthetic flexible wall underlay designed for New Zealand conditions, produced in Germany, and exceeds all of the testing standards of E2/AS1 Table 23.

Has been assessed for use as a flexible wall underlay on timber framed buildings within the following scope:

the scope limitations of NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Paragraph 1.1; and,
with absorbent wall claddings directly fixed to framing; and,
with non-metallic, non-absorbent wall claddings directly fixed to frame; and,
with absorbent and non-absorbent wall claddings installed over an 18 mm minimum drained cavity; and,
with masonry veneer in accordance with NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1; and,
situated in NZS 3604:2011 Wind Zones up to, and including ‘Very High’.

Has been assessed for use as a flexible wall underlay on steel framed buildings within the following scope:

the scope limitations of NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Paragraph 1.1 with regards to building height and floor plan area; and,
with absorbent and non-absorbent wall claddings installed over an 18 mm minimum drained cavity; and,
with masonry veneer in accordance with NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1; and,
situated in NZS 3604:2011 Wind Zones up to, and including ‘Very High’.

Has been assessed for use as a flexible wall underlay over rigid wall underlays on timber and steel framed buildings within the following scope:

the scope limitations of NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1 (August 2011), Paragraph 1.1 with regards to building height and floor plan area; and,
with absorbent and non-absorbent wall claddings installed over an 18 mm minimum drained cavity; and,
with masonry veneer in accordance with NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1; and,
situated in NZS 3604:2011 Wind Zones up to and including ‘Extra High’

If used, designed, installed and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of the Installation Guide and the Codemark Certificate, will meet, or contribute to meeting the following provisions of the NZBC:

Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1(a), not less than 50 years, B2.3.1(b), 15 years and B2.3.2. meets these requirements.
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2. When used as part of the cladding system, will contribute to meeting this requirement.
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1. Meets this requirement and will not present a health hazard to people.

BRANZ Appraised

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