Weather Resistive Barrier Cheat Sheet
A guide to advantages and differences between Pro Clima exterior membranes
If you’ve spent your days thinking WRBs are just a required, code-minimum, flimsy sheets of No.15 Felt (per IBC 1404 or IRC 703.2), Grade D building paper (per ASTM D226), or spunbonded olefin housewrap; all with little difference between them, you may be shocked when you first approach the new generation of 3-layer, super-waterproof exterior membranes offered by Pro Clima. First, you should know what all of the WRBs you find on this site have to offer above the rest, then we’ll split hairs of the applications and specialties for each.
What they have in common
Pro Clima, the manufacturer of each of these WRBs, is a world leader in creating materials that are supremely airtight while simultaneously managing moisture. These membranes are in the highest class of material when it comes to strength, durability, longevity, and ease of installation. When used with Pro Clima tapes, gaskets, and caulk adhesives, they form a complete system which is guarded by a 10-year manufacturer warranty.
SOLITEX is a family of next-generation, multi-layer building wraps by Pro Clima built with a monolithic TEEE film, protective cover, and fleece backing. SOLITEX membranes are actively vapor open yet extremely water- and air-tight. For the science behind this advanced product, read The Pro Clima SOLITEX MENTO Difference blog post.
Find the exterior membrane for your next project
This chart is your cheat sheet to each membrane and its use. Click names to navigate to each page where you will find details, pricing, installation guides, spec sheets, and more. All of these materials are stocked in the US and ship in 1-3 business days. Note that “Roof” refers to pitched roof applications. We do not carry any membranes for flat roof applications at this time. Read more about our advice for flat roofs here. Please consult a 475 team member if you have any questions. We’re here to help!
Name | Application | When to use it | Fastening | Permeability | Weather Resistance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() SOLITEX MENTO 1000 / 3000 |
Wall | The reliable standard for protecting board insulation, plywood, OSB and exterior gypsum. | stapled, taped with TESCON VANA | 38 perms | 1000= 3 months 3000= up to 6 months |
![]() VISCONN |
Wall | Liquid-applied air barrier for both interior and exterior airbarriers on CMU / masonry and difficult to seal junctions in any project. | liquid-applied | Variable: 0.33 to 25 perms | 3 months |
![]() (SOLITEX) FRONTA QUATTRO |
Wall | This 3-layer dark black WRB is invisible behind open joint siding, and is long-term UV stable. | stapled, taped with TESCON INVIS | 38 perms | 6 months |
![]() (SOLITEX) FRONTA PENTA |
Wall | A step up from the already durable QUATTRO, this 5-layer, dark black WRB is an even more rugged membrane for open-joint, long-term UV stability. | stapled, taped with TESCON INVIS | 17 perms | 6 months |
![]() SOLITEX MENTO PLUS |
Wall + Roof | Reinforced membrane for dense packing insulation without the need for exterior sheathing. | stapled, taped with TESCON VANA | 38 perms | 4 months |
![]() SOLITEX UM |
Wall + Roof | Standing seam metal roof / siding WRB with integrated 3-D mesh to provide drainage in rainscreens. | stapled, taped with integrated adhesive strip | 38 perms | 3 months |
![]() (SOLITEX) ADHERO |
Wall + Roof | Commercial grade self-adhered airbarrier / WRB for gypsum boards, masonry, or plywood. | self-adhered - use PRESSFIX XL tool | 7 perms | 3-6 months (see product details) |
![]() INTELLO X |
Wall + Roof | Exterior/commercial grade, heavy-duty, smart vapor retarder that doubles as temporary WRB - use inboard of primary insulation layer. | stapled, taped with TESCON VANA | Variable: 0.13 to 13 perms | 2 months |
![]() SOLITEX MENTO 3000 Connect |
Roof | Underlayment for pitched roofs with integrated adhesive strip. Making application easy and requires far less tape. | stapled, taped with integrated adhesive strip | 38 perms | 4 months |
![]() SOLITEX MENTO 5000 Connect |
Roof | The most heavy-duty weather protection available for your roof underlayment or walls. Includes integrated adhesive strip. | stapled, taped with integrated adhesive strip | 38 perms | 6 months |