04 / 04 / 2017
With a wide range of vapour control layers (VCL) and moisture management systems on the market, we thought we would put our cards on the table and explain the science behind Vario® XtraSafe. So, how does this membrane actually control moisture in a building? Find out here:
Why should we keep an eye on moisture?
It’s hard to completely avoid water vapour in the air as it is dependent on temperature, often fluctuating in levels as a result of the time of year and season. Colder air often equates to lower levels of water vapour, whereas warmer air will mean an increase. For example, if the temperature is 30°C, the content of water vapour is around 30g/m3, while at -10°C there will be no more than 2g/m3. If you consider this in a setting such as a 10m2 room at 30°C with a ceiling height of 2.5m ceiling, there will be approximately 750g of water vapour present in the surroundings.
With this in mind, Isover reacted to the uncontrollable nature of outdoor temperatures and the frustrations of specifiers by developing Vario® XtraSafe. This breathable product, in the form of a climate membrane, can be used to effectively maintain comfortable levels of indoor moisture during a build.
What Vario® XtraSafe made of?
In order to ensure that Vario can perform as expected, the materials used had to be carefully chosen. It is made from a Nylon layer with variable resistivity properties and is considered to be three times stronger than polythene. Water resistant properties ensure moisture is not absorbed within the building envelope and the reinforced, laminated surface ensures it is water vapour retardant. The Vario moisture variable of Sd (subscript d) value of 0.3m - 25m also allows you to seal all your construction components to an exceptionally high standard.
How does it adapt to varying temperatures and humidity?
Conventional vapour control membranes can often be seen to act as a water vapour stop, meaning that water cannot escape. This results in an increase in moisture indoors which can eventually cause damage to the structure, in the form of mould. Considered as a climate membrane, the scientific nature of Vario® XtraSafe means that it can acclimatise to different levels of humidity and changing temperatures, ultimately protecting against the build of mould.
When the temperatures outside are low, in winter for example, the molecules in the membrane close up and prevent water vapour from being released. In warmer months, the molecules are opened up in order to allow any trapped vapour to escape into the room and away from the structure. When putting a figure on the differing temperatures, Vario diffusion resistance is determined by the humidity levels in the structure, varying between 5m in winter and 0.3m in the summer.
Want to know more?
The Isover team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the science behind the product, so just get in touch.
Why should we keep an eye on moisture?
It’s hard to completely avoid water vapour in the air as it is dependent on temperature, often fluctuating in levels as a result of the time of year and season. Colder air often equates to lower levels of water vapour, whereas warmer air will mean an increase. For example, if the temperature is 30°C, the content of water vapour is around 30g/m3, while at -10°C there will be no more than 2g/m3. If you consider this in a setting such as a 10m2 room at 30°C with a ceiling height of 2.5m ceiling, there will be approximately 750g of water vapour present in the surroundings.
With this in mind, Isover reacted to the uncontrollable nature of outdoor temperatures and the frustrations of specifiers by developing Vario® XtraSafe. This breathable product, in the form of a climate membrane, can be used to effectively maintain comfortable levels of indoor moisture during a build.
What Vario® XtraSafe made of?
In order to ensure that Vario can perform as expected, the materials used had to be carefully chosen. It is made from a Nylon layer with variable resistivity properties and is considered to be three times stronger than polythene. Water resistant properties ensure moisture is not absorbed within the building envelope and the reinforced, laminated surface ensures it is water vapour retardant. The Vario moisture variable of Sd (subscript d) value of 0.3m - 25m also allows you to seal all your construction components to an exceptionally high standard.
How does it adapt to varying temperatures and humidity?
Conventional vapour control membranes can often be seen to act as a water vapour stop, meaning that water cannot escape. This results in an increase in moisture indoors which can eventually cause damage to the structure, in the form of mould. Considered as a climate membrane, the scientific nature of Vario® XtraSafe means that it can acclimatise to different levels of humidity and changing temperatures, ultimately protecting against the build of mould.
When the temperatures outside are low, in winter for example, the molecules in the membrane close up and prevent water vapour from being released. In warmer months, the molecules are opened up in order to allow any trapped vapour to escape into the room and away from the structure. When putting a figure on the differing temperatures, Vario diffusion resistance is determined by the humidity levels in the structure, varying between 5m in winter and 0.3m in the summer.
Want to know more?
The Isover team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the science behind the product, so just get in touch.
