The UNI Flexible Air Barrier System

The single most important factor in reducing construction time is efficiency. The less time tradespeople spend idle, the faster the build will be completed.

That’s why Masons’ distinctive blue UNI Flexible Air Barrier is becoming a common sight on construction sites nationwide. Builders and developers understand the benefits of keeping work going every day, regardless of weather conditions or whether cladding is installed.

Thicker and stronger than conventional building wrap, the multi-ply structure of UNI PLUS and UNI PRO provides temporary weather protection and UV resistance for timber framing for up to 90 (UNI PLUS) or even150 days (UNI PRO). So, even if exterior work is delayed–due to material shortages or unavailable trades–the interior can still progress.

What is the UNI System and how does it work?

The UNI system is UNI PLUS or PRO Flexible Air Barrier installed as per Codemark using Masons UNI Fasteners, Masons 40 Below Flashing Tapes and P Seals for penetrations.

Each layer of the multi-ply building wrap plays a critical role in ensuring long-lasting protection. The outer blue layer has UV blockers and absorbers, and in the case of UNI PLUS, is a fire retardant.

Then there is the functional film that blocks bulk water, turning away liquid water, but allowing water vapour to pass through. The functional film also blocks the passage of air, which is one of the major reasons the product can be classified as an air barrier. It is also an excellent second line of defense for the life of the building.

The UNI Range

There are 2 types of UNI in the range:

UNI PLUS – Up to 90 days UV protection and is fire retardant

UNI PRO – Up to 150 days UV protection

With Masons UNI Flexible Air Barrier Systems, delays are minimised. Interior trades can begin work immediately, without waiting for cladding, enabling faster, more efficient builds that keep projects on schedule–getting more buildings completed in shorter time to support New Zealand’s demand for more housing.

The UNI Range

There are 2 types of UNI in the range:

UNI PLUS – Up to 90 days UV protection and is fire retardant

UNI PRO – Up to 150 days UV protection

What is the UNI System and how does it work?

The UNI system is UNI PLUS or PRO Flexible Air Barrier installed as per Codemark using Masons UNI Fasteners, Masons 40 Below Flashing Tapes and P Seals for penetrations.

Make your next building project more efficient and cost-effective with Masons’ UNI System Flexible Air Barriers—the ultimate choice for durable, high-performing building wraps that keep your project moving forward.

Why Choose Masons' UNI System Flexible Air Barriers?

Superior UV protection for extended exposure periods
Rugged, durable design suited for New Zealand's varied climate

Provides most of the benefits of a rigid air barrier but at a lower cost

Offers excellent moisture control and air barrier performance

Fire retardant option available with UNI PLUS

On-site training, installation instructions, and videos to support first-time use

All Masons’ building wraps are designed to meet the highest standards of performance, providing a flexible air barrier solution that you can rely on. Each product in the range is engineered to maintain building integrity while allowing moisture control and air resistance, safeguarding the building for years to come.

Downloads

Brochure Codemark UNI & UNI PLUS Codemark UNI PRO Installation Guide UNI Installation guide UNI PLUS Installation guide UNI PRO Installation Guide UNI & UNI PLUS in Mandarin Installation guide UNI Pro in Mandarin Material Data Sheet UNI PASS UNI PLUS PASS On-site Checklist UNI On-site Checklist UNI PRO Warranty UNI & UNI PLUS Warranty UNI PRO BPIR UNI & UNI PLUS BPIR UNI PRO Take off sheet UNI & UNI PLUS Fixing guide UNI & UNI PLUS Technical Data Sheet UNI UNI and UNI PLUS Double Layer Design and Installation Guide UNI and UNI PLUS DOUBLE LAYER opinion UNI PRO Specification Guide UNI PLUS Specification Guide Technical Data Sheet UNI PRO Sealant and Foams compatibility list Use of James Hardie CLD battens™ Stinger Gun Warranty Stinger Gun Manual Soudal Testing Report

Masons UNI and UNI PLUS installation video

FAQ's

UNI is a heavy 3 ply polypropylene flexible air barrier. Uni is highly resistant to air and liquid water whilst allowing water vapour to pass. UNI is substantially thicker than conventional flexible wall underlay and is very tough & strong. It is UV resistant for up to 90 days.

When assembled using specific components and according to the designated system UNI may be used as Flexible Air Barrier as a temporary weather protection allowing interior works to continue without cladding in place for 90- 150 days. UNI, UNI PLUS & UNI PRO carry Codemark certificates of conformity.

No, UNI PLUS is the fire retadant UNI Product

Ideally not. If longer UV resistance is needed UNI PRO is the UNI product to use, UNI PRO offers 150 days UV resistance. Very short over exposure – contact Masons for advice. Substantial over exposure will require an over wrap or re wrap in most cases.

No only cap nails or nailed battens may be used to fix UNI to timber frames, there cap screws for fixing to Steel frames. Staples may be used inside joinery opening and above the soffit framing line.

No this is an optional part or the system, this is up to the builder if they wish to use it to suit their build.

Only 40 Below Platinum or Flex have been tested and incorporated into the Codemark

Yes – flash all overlaps with 40 Below Platinum or Flex 75mm

Flash the sill & 200 mm up the jamb, flash the Head and Jamb 200 x 200 mm per Masons 40 Below Platinum or Flex, or UNI installation instructions.

These vary with the stud spacing & the wind zones- check the Masons UNI installation instructions FIXING CHART for details.

For 600 mm studs with a 18-25 mm drained cavity YES to avoid the possibility of UNI billowing into the cavity if the insulation is over-pressed in.

If UNI is pulled TIGHT across the studs wrap strap should not be necessary. Some BCAs will insist on wrap strap being fitted over UNI as this is stated in E2/AS1. Over vigorous fitting of insulation may cause billowing.

If UNI is pulled and fitted TIGHT across the studs there should be no issue.

No, simply drape UNI 50 mm below the bottom plate until the cladding is in place

Yes with limitations. Studs and fixings need to be at stated intervals, and additional installation requirements apply per the Masons installation instructions. If the job is multi-storey or complex Masons Barricade Weather Defense rigid wall underlay system may be a more suitable choice.

Continuous timber or castellated battens may be used. Fastened per Masons installation instructions – UNI FIXING CHART. James Hardie CLD battens TM may also be used for vertical batten applications. These must be fitted strictly in accordance with James Hardie installation instructions including fixings and intervals for CLD Battens TM NOT per the UNI Installation instructions UNI fixing chart.

Other types of battens have not been considered by Masons.

Additional flashing – weather deflectors and a second layer of UNI over the head flashing must be fitted for UNI or UNI plus used in Very High or Extra High wind zones. And for all wind zones when used for UNI PRO. Please see Masons UNI installation instructions and the Masons UNI & UNI PRO 10 min YouTube training videos. Masons recommend this method for all wind zones but is optional for UNI and UNI PLUS below Very High wind zones.

Yes, every effort should be made to use Masons Penetration seals.

If these genuinely cannot be obtained, then any trade seal based on acrylic adhesive and either BRANZ appraised, or Code marked may be used. Penetrations with a difficult shape (like HIVAC ducts, or brackets for pergolas, etc) may be flashed to the UNI with 40 Below Platinum or Flex working from the bottom of the penetration up the sides and finishing with the top – so water always runs off freely.

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Available In Store

Tradies: This product might not necessarily be a stocked item by your merchant however can it be ordered in.
Merchants: To enquire about this product or to place an order, please contact your local Mason’s rep.