Answers to Your Questions
Aplena Brand
What is Aplena and what does it offer?
Aplena is a brand of the Silcart Group dedicated to technical building materials, created to bring reliable and high-performance solutions for roofs, walls, and floors to the market.
It offers a complete catalog of membranes and accessories organized into two divisions: Roofing and Flooring.
Who is Aplena for?
Aplena targets designers, installers, and building distributors, offering technical products to integrate into construction systems and supporting each client with clear communication and widespread service.
Where can I purchase Aplena products?
You can purchase Aplena products through our network of authorized dealers. Contact us to find the nearest sales point.
Roofing Membranes
What is a breathable under-tile membrane?
As the name suggests, a breathable under-tile membrane is a waterproof element applied beneath the final roofing layer to protect the insulation and structure from weather, while at the same time allowing water vapor to escape from the inside to the outside.
What is the difference between a vapor control layer and a vapor barrier?
A vapor control layer slows down the passage of water vapor, allowing proper moisture management within the assembly.
A vapor barrier, on the other hand, is made of materials that completely block vapor. For this reason, it is used in contexts where vapor does not need to escape.
When is a vapor barrier used on the roof?
This type of membrane is used when maximum waterproofing of the roof package is required—for example, in very rainy climates or in assemblies where breathability is not needed (such as above a concrete slab or a ventilation duct).
It prevents moisture from escaping from inside to outside, particularly in buildings where vapor is generated, protecting the insulation and ensuring the waterproofing of the roof system.
Are all breathable membranes the same?
No, they are not. There are single-layer, multi-layer, reinforced, or non-reinforced breathable membranes—each with specific mechanical, thermal, and waterproofing performance.
The choice of membrane depends on the type of roof and the expected load.
How is an under-tile membrane installed correctly?
The installation of an under-tile membrane must follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, installation starts from the bottom upwards, with correct overlaps, sealing tape, and mechanical fastening.
Incorrect installation may compromise its protective function—but don’t worry: the Aplena team will immediately provide all the technical information needed for correct installation.
Contact us for all the details and to ensure proper installation!
Flooring Membranes
What is a decoupling membrane?
Decoupling membranes are laid between the screed and the covering (such as tiles or stoneware). In addition to ensuring waterproofing, they absorb movements and stresses caused by thermal expansion, preventing cracks or detachments over time.
When is an impact sound insulation membrane used?
As the name suggests, impact sound insulation membranes are used to reduce the transmission of footstep noise between different floors. These membranes are ideal in residential buildings, hotels, schools, or offices.
How does electric underfloor heating with Aplena membranes work?
For electric radiant systems (also known as electric underfloor heating systems), Aplena has designed the Stetra Heat System.
This type of membrane creates a protective layer and optimizes heat distribution, ensuring safety, performance, and maximum energy efficiency over the long term.
It consists of a decoupling membrane on which a cable made of electrical resistances is easily installed. The waterproofing and decoupling properties of the Stetra membrane combine with the upward distribution of heat, guaranteeing reliable and efficient heating over time.
What is the difference between waterproofing and decoupling?
Waterproofing protects surfaces from water infiltration, while decoupling manages mechanical stresses.
The two functions can coexist in a single membrane or be combined in multi-layer systems.
What is a radon membrane and when is it used?
It is a waterproof membrane that prevents radon gas (a naturally occurring radioactive gas in the soil, which in high indoor concentrations can be hazardous to health) from penetrating the building.
Radon membranes are used in new constructions and in geographic areas where radon concentration in the ground is high.