The modern world of waterproof, breathable textiles has changed considerably since the company produced their first waterproofs in the late 1960’s. The choice of fabrics and finishes available to the manufacturer in the 21st century ranges from utilitarian to sophisticated, with end user choice dependendent on a wide spectrum of factors.Flamepro is a specialist at the technical, bespoke end of the user spectrum, designing and manufacturing foul weather systems that provide the ultimate in protection against the elements. The level of product specialization now includes garments which, in addition to meeting EN conformity and offering lifetime guarantees, also incorporate elements of style, unique company identification, comfort and durability.

The company client list illustrates a high level of provision and satisfaction in products, achieved over many years of manufacture. The majority of its business is gained through a combination of repeat orders or recommendation from existing users, an enviable record of providing products which satisfy customer demands.

Waterproof, breathable fabrics

The field of waterproof fabrics is wide and the need for such fabrics is well understood. However, the manner in which such fabrics work and the benefit these properties bring to the user is frequently confusing.

The idea of providing waterproof properties is perfectly obvious and indeed humans have protected themselves over thousands of years; from using simple animal skins containing natural oils through oiling and waxing fabrics to the present day high-tech treatments. The advent of modified polymer treatments since the 2nd world war enabled fabrics to be provided with a water impermeable coating which was easy to maintain, odour free and relatively flexible when made into a garment. The biggest problem with these treatments was that they were not air permeable and this caused a rapid increase in humidity next to the skin that led to the garments being wet inside from moisture produced by the body. This potentially can have the ultimate effect of severe overheating or, in cold conditions, rapid chilling.

An answer to this problem was made possible by W L Gore in the 1960’s leading to the invention of Goretex®, a waterproof, breathable, water vapour permeable membrane based on PTFE. This signalled a significant advance over other polymer solutions to the problem of what became known as ‘breathability’. This technology worked and companies worldwide launched competitive versions of waterproof, breathable fabrics.

We now have available a multitude of competing products, all capable to a greater or lesser degree of providing both waterproofness and breathability. The problem is that whilst these products all work, the marketing claims made for their breathability are often overstated. In reality the amount of perspiration generated by the human body can be much greater than can be efficiently removed through the current generation of breathable layers on their own. As the degree of physical activity or temperature increases there is a greater amount of moisture produced from the body in order to cool it and there is a level where current technology on its own will not cope.

The confusion noted above may arise from a lack of public knowledge about the principles involved. Because the waterproof layer is also impermeable to air it follows that it is windproof. In practice this means that the amount of air able to be circulated throughout a garment that is fully closed is limited to air that can be introduced through some form of venting. This leads to the problem of heat build up inside the garment which in turn leads to overheating. If additional thermal layers are incorporated into the garment this only exacerbates the problem. The ambient conditions where the waterproof layer is used can also increase or diminish this effect.

There are many other factors involved in a full understanding of how waterproof, breathability works and for a more detailed explanation please contact us by e-mail and we will attempt to answer such questions to the best of our abilities.