The external wall build-up plays a critical role in protecting a building from the elements while supporting the overall performance of the facade. However, achieving a weather-resistant envelope with traditional sheathing systems often involves multiple products and installation stages, increasing both programme time and labour costs.
Klasse G-board® has been developed to simplify this process. As a W1-tested watertight sheathing board, it provides weather protection without the need for a separate breather membrane, reducing the number of materials required and making installation faster and more efficient.
Traditional Sheathing Systems
A conventional sheathing system relies on several individual components working together to protect the building envelope. Once the sheathing board has been installed, contractors typically need to apply double-sided tape, install a breather membrane, secure it with additional fixings and complete the necessary detailing before progressing with the facade.
While this approach has been widely used across the industry, every additional layer requires more materials, more labour and more time on site. It also increases the potential for installation errors, particularly on large or fast-paced projects where maintaining programme is critical.
A Simpler Solution with G-board®
Klasse G-board® combines the functions of a sheathing board and a weather-resistant barrier into a single product. Once the boards are fixed, only airtight tape is required at the joints before the facade build-up can continue.
By removing the need for a separate breather membrane, G-board® simplifies the installation sequence and reduces the number of products that need to be transported, stored and installed on site.
This streamlined approach can help improve productivity while supporting more efficient project delivery.
G-board® vs Traditional Systems
Traditional Sheathing System |
G-board® |
| ❌ Sheathing board + breather membrane | ✅ W1-tested sheathing board |
| ❌ Multiple installation stages | ✅ Simplified installation |
| ❌ More materials and fixings | ✅ Fewer system components |
| ❌ Longer installation time | ✅ Faster installation |
| ❌ Higher labour costs | ✅ Reduced labour requirements |
Why Fewer Installation Steps Matter
Every stage removed from a façade build-up has the potential to deliver measurable savings. Reducing installation time doesn't just lower labour costs, it also helps simplify site logistics, reduces material handling and allows follow-on trades to begin work sooner.
For contractors working to tight programmes, these efficiencies can make a significant difference across the duration of a project.
The simplified build-up also contributes to sustainability goals. Eliminating a separate breather membrane means fewer materials are required overall, helping to reduce packaging waste, transportation impacts and the embodied carbon associated with the external wall system.
See the Difference
The difference between a traditional sheathing system and Klasse G-board® is easiest to appreciate when you see the installation process side by side.
Watch our comparison video to see how G-board® simplifies the sheathing installation process by removing an entire stage from the build-up:
https://youtube.com/embed/0i2WxnJHTaU?si=tKxwnUQWKIR6zLtQ
Build Smarter with Klasse G-board®
As the construction industry continues to focus on improving productivity, reducing costs and delivering more sustainable buildings, simplifying the façade build-up has never been more important.
Klasse G-board® helps achieve this by combining reliable weather protection with a faster, more efficient installation process. With fewer components, reduced labour requirements and no separate breather membrane, it offers a practical solution for timber frame, offsite and modern facade construction.
