Trade Select FireSark Micro-perforated Non-combustible Breather

Trade Select FireSark Micro-perforated roll, non-combustible vapour permeable sarking

$233.00

GST inclusive

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Australia-wide freight · Local pickup from Epping, VIC by arrangement. Ordering from the outback? Get in touch about deliveries to remote locations · Shipping details

Trade Select FireSark Micro-perforated is the vapour permeable version of Ametalin's non-combustible sarking. Non-combustible E-glass fabric bonded to 97% reflective aluminium foil, perforated so water vapour can pass through. 1350 mm x 30 m covering 40.5 m².

Non-combustible and permeable at the same time

Most vapour permeable membranes are polymer based, and polymer burns. This one is not deemed combustible to AS 1530.1, with early fire hazard indices of 0, 0, 0 and 2, and it complies with the NCC Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions for non-combustible construction. It is also rated for use in all BAL zones under AS 3959. If a commercial facade or a Flame Zone job needs both a breather membrane and non-combustible material, this is the product that does both.

Barrier vs breather

Class 3 vapour permeable at 0.8698 µg/N·s. It is an air barrier but it is classified Non-Water Barrier, so it needs a drained cavity or an outer skin that sheds rain. The solid vapour barrier version is Trade Select FireSark, which is a Class 2 barrier and a water barrier.

Very strong for a membrane

Tensile strength 58 kN/m machine direction against a 13.0 kN/m minimum, and 26 kN/m lateral against 10.5. Extra Heavy duty to AS/NZS 4200.1:2017. Thickness 0.20 mm.

On site

Ametalin declare RT 3.18 winter for an aerated concrete clad wall with an R2.5 batt, and RT 2.93 winter for a brick veneer wall with an R2.7 batt. The foil face is 0.03 emittance and needs an air gap. The material is electrically conductive, so keep it clear of wiring. Full figures are in the table below.

Technical data

Ametalin technical data sheet (PDF)

Ametalin · Non-combustible E-glass fabric bonded to aluminium foil · Non-combustible vapour permeable sarking and wall wrap application

Sizes stocked

Roll size	Coverage	Product code
1350 mm x 30 m	40.5 m²	TSFS-40-B

Fire

Combustibility	Not deemed combustible (AS 1530.1-1994)
Flammability index	Low, at or below 5 (AS 1530.2-1993)
Early fire hazard indices	0, 0, 0, 2 (AS/NZS 1530.3-1999)
Bushfire areas	All BAL zones (AS 3959)
Non-combustible construction	Complies with the NCC Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions for non-combustible construction

Seek independent advice on membrane selection before installation in a BAL design.

Barrier classifications

Vapour control	Class 3 Vapour Permeable (ASTM E96)
Vapour permeance	0.8698 µg/N·s
Water control	Non-Water Barrier (AS/NZS 4201.4:1994)
Air control	Air Barrier (ISO 6536/5-2003)
Electrical conductivity	Conductive

Non-Water Barrier means it needs a drained cavity or an outer skin that sheds rain.

Strength

Duty classification	Extra Heavy (AS/NZS 4200.1:2017)
Nominal thickness	0.20 mm
Tensile strength machine direction	58 kN/m (min 13.0 kN/m)
Tensile strength lateral direction	26 kN/m (min 10.5 kN/m)
Edge tear machine direction	381 N (min 90 N)
Edge tear lateral direction	440 N (min 90 N)

Thermal, declared total system R-value

Aerated concrete clad wall plus R2.5 batt	RT 3.18 winter, RT 3.03 summer
Brick veneer wall plus R2.7 batt	RT 2.93 winter, RT 2.78 summer
Emittance	Printed side 0.9, bright side 0.03
Emittance category	RN

Calculated to AS/NZS 4859.2:2018 for typical mainland capital city conditions. The reflective face only contributes when it faces an air cavity.

Durability

Dry delamination	Pass (AS/NZS 4201.1:1994)
Wet delamination	Pass (AS/NZS 4201.2:1994)
Shrinkage, repeated wetting and drying	0.0% (limit under 0.5%)

Fitting notes

Install to AS 4200.2 Pliable Building Membranes and Underlays, Part 2, behind a drained cavity or a rain shedding outer skin. Lap the joins and seal around penetrations. Keep the foil face to an air cavity so the reflective side can work. The product is electrically conductive, so keep it clear of wiring. Store the rolls undercover in a clean dry place in the pack provided, away from cement, mortar and other alkaline products.

Figures are taken from the Ametalin technical data sheet for Trade Select FireSark Micro-perforated, TPM-23247-4, product code TSFS-B. The manufacturer document is linked above. Ametalin can change specifications without notice, so check the current sheet before specifying on a job.

Common questions

What is the difference between this and plain FireSark?

Vapour control. This one is micro-perforated, Class 3 vapour permeable at 0.8698 µg/N·s and a Non-Water Barrier. Plain FireSark is a solid Class 2 vapour barrier and a water barrier. Both are non-combustible.

Is it really non-combustible?

It is Not Deemed Combustible when tested to AS 1530.1, and Ametalin state it complies with the NCC Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions for non-combustible construction. Early fire hazard indices are 0, 0, 0 and 2.

Can I use it in a Flame Zone job?

Ametalin rate it for use in all BAL zones under AS 3959. Take independent advice on membrane selection before locking in the BAL design, because the rest of the wall or roof build-up matters as much as the membrane.

Does it need a cavity behind the cladding?

Yes. It is classified Non-Water Barrier, so the outer skin has to shed the rain and the cavity has to drain.

Why is it so much dearer than a normal wall wrap?

It is glass fabric, not woven polymer, and it is doing two jobs at once. A non-combustible membrane that is also vapour permeable is a small part of the market.