Roofing membranes and their uses

Roofing membranes, underlays and vapour barriers: effective protection for your roof

A well-designed roof is more than an attractive covering. Above all, it's a multi-layer system that protects your building against moisture, wind and heat loss. At Ambit, you'll find a comprehensive range of roofing membranes, vapour barriers and wind barriers that help every type of roof work properly, from traditional to modern designs.

Why are underlay layers so important?

For a roof to do its job for decades, it needs the right protection. Essential layers include:

• Roofing underlays – protect against rain, snow and condensation from outside.

• Thermal insulation – usually mineral wool or glass wool, providing thermal comfort.

• Vapour barriers – protect the roof from the inside, blocking moisture generated in the home.

• Wind barriers – protect insulation against wind washing, dust and atmospheric moisture.

Roofing membranes: high and low vapour permeability

At Ambit, you'll find underlays and membranes with:

• High vapour permeability (roofing membranes) – with an sd value < 0,02 m, allowing water vapour to escape freely from inside the building. They don't need a ventilation gap and are ideal for roofs with full insulation between the rafters.

• Low vapour permeability – less commonly used, mainly in unused lofts and ventilated roofs, where a ventilation gap is required.

Choosing a highly vapour-permeable membrane saves installation time and provides greater protection for the roof structure.

Vapour barriers: keeping moisture from the home out of the roof

Vapour barriers are essential in every habitable loft. Installed on the room side, they retain moisture and heat generated by cooking, bathing and washing.

Available options:

• Mesh-reinforced PE films – a classic, durable solution.

• Active (intelligent) vapour barriers – adapt to conditions for even better water vapour control.

• Films with an aluminium layer – reflect heat to improve energy efficiency.

Wind barriers: protection against draughts and heat loss

Used mainly in ventilated roofs, as well as facades and framed walls. They stop wind and moisture from outside while allowing the structure to breathe.

Benefits of modern roofing membranes and films

• Effective protection for thermal insulation and the roof structure

• Resistance to UV and low and high temperatures

• Quick, easy installation: lighter than traditional boarding with roofing felt

• Suitable for installation with or without full roof boarding

• Durability for years: solutions tested in European climate conditions

Proven manufacturers in the Ambit range

We work exclusively with respected brands, including:

• MDM – VENTIA range (Gold, Neo)

• Dörken – DELTA® (MAXX, FOXX)

• Creaton

• Protan

• Carlisle

All products come with long-term warranties and meet European standards. We also offer full technical advice and help you choose the right solutions.

Trust our experience: contact Ambit

Not sure which film to choose? Need help selecting your roof layers? Contact our specialists. We'll recommend the best solution for your project and budget.

Ambit: your roof is in good hands.