Best Breathable Wall Membrane for Garden Studios: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Timber Construction Specialist
One of the biggest mistakes I see with DIY garden studios is the incorrect use of membranes. I have been called out to repair rotting timber on studios that represent a significant investment, only to find they were wrapped in non-breathable plastic or cheap felt that trapped moisture inside the walls.
A proper breathable membrane (often called a breather membrane or house wrap) is the lungs of your building. It prevents rain from penetrating the timber frame whilst allowing internal moisture vapour to escape. Without it, condensation builds up within the stud work, leading to black mould and rot.
In this review, I am looking at three membranes I have used on site. Whether you are building a simple summerhouse or a fully insulated home office, selecting the right grade of membrane is crucial for the longevity of the structure.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "UV Stability (3 Months)"
"Manufacturers claim you can leave the membrane exposed to the elements for up to 3 months before cladding."
In a British winter, wind is the real enemy. While the material might not degrade from UV, high winds can rip exposed membranes from the staples. I always recommend cladding as soon as possible after wrapping.
The Spec: "Waterproof Rating"
"The membrane acts as a watertight barrier against driving rain."
It is water-resistant, not waterproof like a pond liner. Its performance relies entirely on correct installation—specifically, sufficient overlap (minimum 100mm) and taping the joints. If you skip the tape, water will track in via capillary action.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
CROMAR Vent3® Classic Breathable Membrane | High Performance Roof and Wall Underlay
ARA CHOICE
For a standard unheated summerhouse or storage shed, the Vent3 Classic is a solid choice. It offers decent tensile strength and does exactly what it says on the tin without breaking the bank. It is the option I tend to recommend for smaller outbuildings where extreme insulation values aren't the priority.
The Good
- Excellent price point at roughly £0.77 per metre
- BBA Certified, offering peace of mind regarding compliance
- Lightweight and easy to handle for a solo installer
The Bad
- Thinner than the 'Pro' or specialist heavyweight options
- Can function as a sail in windy conditions if not secured quickly
Installer Tip:
When installing this on vertical walls, work from the bottom up. Ensure the higher layer overlaps the lower layer by at least 150mm so any water running down stays on the outside face.
Priced at £38.29 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonTrade Store Breathable Roofing Felt - Eurovent - Roof Underlay - 115 GSM
Eurovent
If you are building a fully insulated garden office that will be heated during winter, condensation control is critical. This Eurovent membrane boasts exceptional vapour permeability (3000 g/m²/24h), which allows significantly more moisture to escape from the wall cavity than standard rolls. It is a premium product for high-spec builds.
The Good
- Superior vapour permeability prevents interstitial condensation
- 3-layer construction offers robust durability
- Suitable for both walls and roofs (versatile)
The Bad
- Significantly higher cost per roll
- Overkill for a basic tool shed
Installer Tip:
Because this membrane is so breathable, it is vital to ensure you have a proper air gap behind your external cladding. Use treated battens (counter-battens) to hold the cladding off the membrane, allowing airflow to carry the moisture away.
Priced at £68.40 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonCROMAR Vent3® Pro Breathable Membrane | Heavy-Duty Roof and Wall Underlay | Green
ARA CHOICE
The 'Pro' version of the Vent3 is my go-to for sites that are particularly exposed or for projects where the membrane might be left exposed for a few days before cladding. The heavyweight nature of this roll means it is far less likely to snag or tear during installation on rough cut timber.
The Good
- Heavy-duty construction resists tearing on sharp timber edges
- Good balance between cost and performance
- Green colour makes it easy to distinguish from standard weight
The Bad
- Slightly heavier to lift up a ladder alone
- More expensive than the Classic version
Installer Tip:
Use stainless steel staples when fixing this membrane. Standard steel staples will rust quickly in the damp environment behind the cladding, potentially staining your timber or failing over time. A hammer tacker with stainless staples is the most efficient tool.
Priced at £49.79 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use plastic sheeting instead of breathable membrane?
Which way round does the breathable membrane go?
Do I need to tape the joints?
How do I attach the membrane to the timber frame?
Do I need membrane for a simple shed?
Is professional installation necessary for garden studios?
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