The Permeability of Building Materials

The Versaperm WVTR Meter is unusual in that it can measure very thick samples for the WVTR permeability of a variety of building materials. Using the standard flat sample chamber, we can measure up to about 50mm thick samples. This is sufficient for most laminates, timber, felts, films and other materials used in the building industry.

However, we also have a number of non-standard chamber configurations which can be used to measure the permeability of almost any thickness of building material. We also have jigs which are used to measure adhesives, mastics and other building sealing materials for leakage rates.

Samples of building materials for permeability testing should ideally be 15 cm x 15 cm (6 inch x 6 inch) or larger, but smaller samples can also be used if required. Customers should also advise if there is a specific orientation required during testing, ie if one side is corrodible< in high humidity, or if the vapour barrier is unidirectional.