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Building elements

Wind barrier

A wind barrier is the layer on the outside of the insulation that stops wind blowing through it while letting moisture escape.

Also known as weather-resistive barrier, WRB, breather membrane, house wrap, wind barrier board, sheathing membrane

Wind moving through insulation carries heat away and lowers its performance. The wind barrier, a breathable membrane or a board such as gypsum or wood fibre, seals the outer face of the frame against air movement and driving rain.

Unlike the vapour barrier on the warm side, the wind barrier must be vapour-open so that any moisture in the wall can dry outward. Behind the cladding there is usually a ventilated gap that drains and dries the barrier.

Related terms
Vapour barrierA vapour barrier is a membrane on the warm side of the insulation that limits how much moisture from indoor air can migrate into the wall or roof. CladdingCladding is the outer skin of a building, such as timber boards, panels, render or brick slips, which protects the wall from the weather and gives the facade its look. Building envelopeThe building envelope is the physical barrier between inside and outside: the external walls, roof, lowest floor, windows and doors.
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