Celebrating 25 Years of a Pioneer

More than 25 years ago, a shift took place in the UK roofing industry with the introduction of vapour permeable membranes. Unlike traditional felts, these innovative membranes were specifically designed to tackle condensation issues by allowing moisture to escape while keeping the structure protected. This is the story of one of those original pioneers, Permo Forte 145.

Date: 2025-10-20

Author: Klober

Category: Product Focus

Tags: Permo Forte 145, vapour permeable membranes, breathable membranes, low resistance membranes

Sometimes a product comes along that changes things for the better. More than 25 years ago, a shift took place in the UK roofing industry with the introduction of vapour permeable membranes. Unlike traditional felts, these innovative membranes were specifically designed to tackle condensation issues by allowing moisture to escape while keeping the structure protected. This is the story of one of those original pioneers, Permo Forte 145


Helping to protect a British landmark 
A product's story is often best told by the projects it becomes a part of. A key example is the restoration of the Church of All Saints in Winterton, a beautiful Grade 1-listed building that has stood since the 13th century. 

When this historic landmark underwent a major, lottery-funded roof restoration, the project required an underlay with a proven, durable construction, making Permo Forte 145 the chosen product to help protect a building of such importance. 

Strength is its forte 
So, what makes a membrane suitable for such a demanding project? For Permo Forte 145, suitability comes from its grid-reinforced, four-layer construction. While allowing water vapour to pass through, as well as helping to prevent external moisture from entering the structure, this membrane's tensile strength reduces the risk of accidental damage and nail tears during installation. 

These characteristics support reliable performance in a range of projects, including historic refurbishments and new builds. Permo Forte 145 is BBA certified as a vapour permeable (Low Resistance) membrane, providing assurance that it consistently meets independently tested industry standards for breathability and protection. 

Suitable for both refurbishment and new build projects, Permo Forte 145 provides dependable protection while contributing to roofspace ventilation.  

It's this durability that has made this vapour permeable membrane a suitable choice for a wide range of tasks, from repairs on historic churches to new build and re-roofing projects. 

Accessories and Installation 
To ensure optimal performance of your vapour permeable membrane, it is essential to use high quality accessories during installation. Recommended accessories include compatible tapes for sealing joints and overlaps. And, to prevent ponding water behind the fascia board and to provide a drip into the guttering, it is recommended that an underlay support tray is fitted at the eaves.  

Breathable membranes 
Breathable membranes, also known as Low Resistance (LR) membranes, allow water vapour to pass through the membrane, helping to reduce the risk of harmful condensation. In most cases, LR membranes allow for reduced additional roof space ventilation, although actual requirements vary depending on the construction type. Product selection may also consider factors such as weight, strength, and certification to ensure compliance with project needs and building regulations. 

Setting the standard 
Permo Forte was BBA certified as a vapour permeable (Low Resistance) membrane as early as 2000. At a time when the market for this new technology was still in its infancy, this was a huge milestone, offering a certified solution designed to help let harmful water vapour escape from the roof. 

Built on pioneering spirit, proven by time 
From its original launch as Permo Forte to its current name, Permo Forte 145, the story has always been about providing a durable, high-quality solution. For us, it's a real testament to that original pioneering spirit and a legacy we're proud to continue. Here's to the next 25 years!