Introducing Performance Membranes’ Cavity Closers
Purpose-Built Cavity Closer
Modern homes are better insulated and more energy efficient than ever. But this comes with a trade-off. When a building envelope is sealed without a controlled way for air and moisture to escape, issues such as condensation and mould set in.
Performance Membranes has developed a cavity closer system that supports ventilation within the cavity behind cladding. It is quick to install, consistent to detail, and designed for Australian conditions.
However, performance outcomes depend on correct design, installation, and integration with the full wall system, including ventilation pathways, drainage, and detailing.
Here’s why we believe cavity closers are an essential part of any build.
What Is a Cavity Closer (And Why Builders Should Care)
PMA Aluminium Wall Top Closer
A cavity closer is a purpose-built perforated aluminium profile installed at the base or top of a wall cavity.
Correctly installed as part of a ventilated cavity system, it performs three roles:
- Maintains airflow behind the cladding
- Provides ember protection in bushfire-prone areas
- Stops insects, vermin, and debris from entering the cavity.
Many sites still rely on improvised mesh materials to achieve this, but those approaches are often inconsistent, time-consuming, and difficult to standardise across projects. PMA Cavity Closers replace that workaround with a repeatable, compliant solution.
PMA Cavity Closers
PMA cavity closers are suitable for a wide range of projects, and their key benefits include;
- Suitable for common cladding systems
- Designed to meet ember protection requirements in accordance with AS 3959:2018 (BAL Low to BAL 40) when used as part of a compliant assembly
- Supports condensation management strategies under NCC 2022 when incorporated into a correctly detailed wall system
- Provides a consistent method for integrating ventilation, drainage, and bushfire detailing within a compliant wall system.
While airflow behind the cladding is essential for every build, it’s the built-in bushfire protection that sets this product apart. The cavity closer helps standardise a critical detail for more consistent wall performance across a range of environments.
Choosing the Right Size & Application
These cavity closers are available in four sizes: 70mm, 55mm, 35mm and 20mm in depth to suit a range of cavities. Ensure you match the cavity closer to the cavity depth to maintain a continuous airflow path:
- Closer to the base of walls: acts as an air intake and drainage point
- Closer to the top of walls: allows warm air to exit.
When installed correctly to suit the cavity width and application, performance is consistent and reliable across projects.
Note: Correct performance relies on maintaining continuity of the cavity ventilation and drainage path across all wall elements and junctions.
Faster, Cleaner, More Consistent Installation
These Cavity Closers come in 2.4m lengths with pre-formed internal and external corners for fast and efficient installation. The benefits of this system include:
- No cutting, trimming, or folding mesh onsite
- Quick and easy installation
- Cleaner finish to façades.
PMA Aluminium Cavity Closer
Built for Australian Conditions
These cavity closers are built from non-combustible aluminium that resists corrosion, even in coastal environments. It also meets ember protection requirements under AS 3959:2018.
They support long-term durability by enabling effective ventilation and drying within the cavity.
Cavity Closers at Bowens
For builders, these Cavity Closers provide a consistent and repeatable way to support cavity ventilation and moisture management within compliant wall systems.
For more information about this product, explore cavity closer products online or drop into a Bowens store for expert advice.
Note: This information is general in nature and does not replace project-specific design, documentation, or installation requirements. Compliance is dependent on the full wall system, detailing, and installation.