FIBRANskin BARRIER 23 | Water vapour management and control membrane
Pitched roof waterproofing and insulationDescription
FIBRANskin BARRIER 23 is a synthetic vapour control and management membrane, manufactured in accordance with the European standard EN 13984:2013 and bearing the CE mark with notified body 0751. It is installed in all types of building structures beneath the thermal insulation — on the warm side — for areas with moderate to high humidity, significantly slowing the diffusion of water vapour with a 25-year guarantee.
The water vapour diffusion resistance is Sd = 29 m (range 18–45 m) in accordance with EN 1931, with a mass of 102 g/m² and a thickness of 0.32 mm. It is practically airtight — Bendtsen air permeability of 0 ml/min and Gurley value over 2,000 s — and watertight in accordance with EN 1928, Method A. The mechanical strengths reach 230 N/50 mm in the machine direction (MD) and 210 N/50 mm in the cross-direction (XD), with elongation of 42 per cent and 43 per cent respectively, whilst nail tear resistance is 210 N in both directions.
The ARGYNET View:
A vapour barrier does not protect the roof — it protects the insulation. Water vapour rising from heated spaces condenses within the thickness of the thermal insulation and permanently reduces its thermal performance. Stone wool that has absorbed moisture does not recover.
That is why the positioning is crucial: always on the warm side, beneath the insulation. If installed on the wrong side, the same material traps moisture rather than preventing it — and turns a protective element into a cause of failure. It is one of the few products where choosing the right one is of no use if it is fitted the wrong way round.
Overview
Key Features
Water vapour control
- Water vapour diffusion resistance Sd = 29 m (18–45 m), EN 1931
- Water vapour transmission rate g = 1.5·10⁻⁸ kg/(m²·s)
- Successful testing of transmission properties following artificial ageing
Air and water tightness
- Bendtsen air permeability 0 ml/min (maximum 10), ISO 5636/3
- Gurley air permeability > 2,000 s, ISO 5636/5
- Watertight in accordance with EN 1928, method A
- Tensile strength 230 N/50 mm (MD) and 210 N/50 mm (XD), EN 12311-2
- Elongation at maximum force 42 per cent (MD) and 43 per cent (XD)
- Nail tear strength 210 N in MD and XD
- Seam strength ≥ 150 N/5 cm, EN 12317-2
Physical characteristics
- Mass 102 g/m² (92–112), thickness 0.32 mm (0.22–0.42), EN 1849-2
- Operating temperature -40 °C to +80 °C
- Reaction to fire: Class E-d2, EN 13501-1
- Roll 1.50 × 50 m = 75 m²
Where it is used
Technical solutions where this material is used.
