Eliminate the traditional tradeoff between water resistance and vapor permeability. BreathTech® combines ultrahigh bulk water holdout with exceptional vapor transmission through a revolutionary microporous membrane technology engineered by Daramic, LLC.
Up to 1500 cm Water Resistance
Up to 200 Perm Vapor Permeability
ICC-ES AC38 Compliant
UV Resistant Polymeric Membrane
Buildings are constantly under threat from moisture-related issues. In fact, water intrusion drives 40% of all building-related problems and accounts for more than 70% of construction litigation. The building envelope is your first line of defense, and at its core is the water resistive barrier (WRB).
Traditional WRBs force a compromising choice: optimize for bulk water holdout, or optimize for vapor permeability. BreathTech® eliminates that tradeoff.
Engineered by Daramic, LLC, a global manufacturing leader with over 90 years of advanced microporous membrane experience, BreathTech® leverages a revolutionary sub-micron pore structure to deliver the ultimate performance "sweet spot": ultrahigh water holdout combined with high vapor permeability.
Traditional WRB providers struggle to balance moisture management. They typically sandwich a film layer between non-woven fiber layers, forcing a compromise between breathability and protection:
BreathTech® changes the game through material science. Our unique manufacturing process creates millions of sub-micron pores uniformly distributed throughout a robust polymer network.
The polymer matrix itself acts as an unyielding shield against bulk water intrusion, while the microscopic channels maximize diffusive drying by allowing interior moisture vapor to escape effortlessly. Best of all, BreathTech’s exceptional pore structure ensures that its high-performance moisture management is entirely independent of any laminated structural support layers.
A highly bondable material chemistry supports thermal and adhesive lamination for multi-layer structures. The porous material allows for full adhesive coatings or direct attachment to other substrates without sacrificing breathability.
Promotes high vapor transfer to allow trapped moisture to escape while standing firm against bulk water intrusion.
Maintains its structural integrity and technical properties even after months of harsh jobsite UV exposure, serving as a tough, resilient barrier film for efficient installation.
Engineered with profile channels that support drainage and profile patterns that can improve safer field installation.
BreathTech® is a highly engineered, category-defining material designed to seamlessly integrate into commercial and residential building envelope systems. It can be customized and processed for:
BreathTech® materials comply with all relevant requirements of ICC-ES AC38 for compliance with IBC and IRC building standards.
| Typical Properties | Test Method | KR BreathTech® | KM BreathTech® | KM-N* BreathTech® |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness (mm) | AC38-2016 | 0.390 | 0.170 | 0.250 |
| Basis Weight (g/m²) | AC38-2016 | 150 | 25 | 75 |
| Water Resistance: Non-Aged (cm) | AATCC-127 | 1500 | 300 | 980 |
| Water Resistance: Aged** (cm) | AATCC-127 | 1500 | 300 | 980 |
| Permeability: Non-Aged (Perms) | ASTM E96-B | 160 | 200 | 200 |
| Permeability: Aged** (Perms) | ASTM E96-B | 160 | 200 | 200 |
*Material testing includes an additional scrim layer thermally bonded to the membrane. **Aged testing via ASTM G154 Cycle 1 (10-hour exposure).
For high-specification applications demanding maximum durability, BreathTech® KR offers our thickest commercial-grade polymeric barrier, delivering an unparalleled 1500 cm bulk water holdout while maintaining an exceptional 160 perm rating.
When you choose a weather barrier material, you need a partner that guarantees long-term product durability, massive scale and elite quality control. Daramic, LLC, provides a world-class manufacturing foundation with:
Nearly a century of engineering breakthroughs in microporous membrane technology.
Seven manufacturing facilities and seven sales offices globally ensure short lead times, redundant logistics and reliable service.
Quality management systems built to support some of the absolute strictest manufacturing standards in the world, including advanced automotive and electronic components.
Powered by global technology hubs housing the world’s leading experts in polymer chemistry and microstructure analysis.
We work directly with technology leaders, OEM Product Managers and Building Envelope Consultants who demand both water resistance and breathability — not a tradeoff between them. Contact us today to see how BreathTech® can differentiate your product line.
