House Wraps & WRBs

Pro Clima exterior membranes are high performance weather resistant barrier (WRB) for < rainscreen walls, or roof underlayment for vented roof assemblies. SOLITEX MENTO's actively vapor open membrane allows the structure to dry outwards in any condition. It's this monolithic layer makes it completely airtight (& windtight) and most importantly completely waterproof (read blogpost: the SOLITEX MENTO difference). Please follow directions in the application guides to properly blind staple, overlap and air-tightly tape SOLITEX MENTO on the exterior of your Passivhaus.

For all walls, to achieve maximum thermal efficiency the insulation must be completely sealed air-tightly on both the inside and the outside. The insulation is then protected against the elements (wind, water). If insulation is windwashed (thermal bypass), it will lose large a proportion of its insulation potential. Consequently taped Pro Clima membranes will guarantee that your insulation is optimized on the exterior. (for more info read ”The Pro Clima system”

By combining Pro Clima exterior membranes on the exterior, that are vapor open (or controlling), absolutely waterproof and windtight; with INTELLO Plus or DB+ on the interior, one can design/build a wall that has optimized drying potential. This because of the diffusion open layer on the outside, and an intelligent vapor retarder on the inside. This ensures that any moisture or condensation happening in the structure can dry outward (all seasons) or inward (summer). The final result is a wall that minimizes health risks and structural damage caused by moisture, mold, rot and dampness.

For high performance construction enclosures 475 has developed Foam-free construction details as well as guidelines which membranes to use for each USA climate zone.