Contact us to order: 08448 50 40 50

Is this the end for foil-based membranes? NHBC takes tougher stance on NF94 guidelines.

When it comes to gas protection in construction, industry standards are constantly evolving. The latest guidance from the NHBC Foundation, commonly referred to as NF94, is now pushing for a major shift—phasing out foil-based gas membranes in Type A membrane locations (above the structural floor slab).

This change is significant because it impacts compliance requirements for NHBC-registered sites, meaning contractors and developers must rethink their choice of gas membranes. The solution? Visqueen Gas Barrier NF-400—a fully NHBC NF94-compliant, non-foil gas membrane system designed to meet the latest industry regulations.

 

Why Are Foil Membranes Being Phased Out?

The industry has known for some time that aluminium foil, when in direct contact with fresh concrete, can corrode. Even with protective coatings, this corrosion can compromise the membrane’s durability, impacting long-term gas protection.

NHBC has responded by publishing NF94, highlighting these concerns and recommending non-foil alternatives for Type A membrane locations. While this guidance is not yet an official technical standard, it is expected to be fully integrated into NHBC compliance requirements later this year.

 

Introducing Visqueen Gas Barrier NF-400 – A Compliant Alternative

To meet these new requirements, Visqueen Gas Barrier NF-400 has been developed as a BDA-certified, non-foil gas membrane that delivers industry-leading protection against methane, carbon dioxide, and radon gas.

Key Benefits of Visqueen NF-400: 

  • Fully Compliant – Meets NHBC NF94 guidance for Type A locations.
  • No Foil, No Corrosion – Eliminates the risk of aluminium degradation.
  • BDA Certified – Independently tested and accredited for quality assurance.
  • Transparent Design – Allows for easy verification of jointing and substrate quality.
  • Dual Jointing Methods – Can be heat-welded or taped for flexibility.
  • Multi-Functional – Provides gas protection while acting as a damp proof membrane.

 

What This Means for Contractors & Developers

If you’re working on an NHBC-registered site, switching to a non-foil membrane like Visqueen NF-400 is essential to stay compliant. Using outdated foil-based solutions could result in non-compliance issues, delays, and potential rework costs.

However, for non-NHBC projects, traditional Visqueen Gas Barrier remains a viable option, meaning contractors have flexibility based on project requirements.

Order Visqueen Gas Barrier NF-400 Today

As industry standards evolve, so should your materials. Visqueen NF-400 offers futureproof protection that meets the latest NHBC guidance, ensuring long-term durability and compliance.

 

At Grayson (GB), we stock Visqueen Gas Barrier NF-400 at competitive prices, ready for fast delivery. Get in touch today to discuss your project needs and ensure your gas protection system is up to standard – 03448 504050.  

 

Contact us to order: 08448 50 40 50

Contact Us

Belfast

Unit 6 Edgar Ind Estate, Comber Road, Carryduff, Northern Ireland
BT8 8AN
02890 81 55 66
belfast@grayson-gb.com

Glasgow

Unit 3 Invergyle Court, Ibrox Business Park, Glasgow
G51 2JR
0141 465 19 00
glasgow@grayson-gb.com

Sheffield

Magna 34 Industrial Park, Temple Road, Rotherham
S60 1FG
01709 786 100
sheffield@grayson-gb.com

London

Lombard House, 8 Lombard Road, London
SW19 3TZ
020 3576 3910
london@grayson-gb.com

Grayson London is solely a Technical and Specification location.

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Book a CPD session tailored to your team

If you would like to arrange a bespoke CPD session at a time and location that suits your team, please fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.

Grayson (GB) Ltd will only use this data for processing your enquiry and for no other purpose.

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Helen Crompton

Business Development Manager

Helen has worked in the construction & manufacturing industry for over 25 years. 

As a single mum to a 17 year old son, Helen doesn’t have much spare time. Between mum cab duties, all the household chores and being made to watch endless pointless TikToks, her day is soon done. 

Helen loves spending time with her 4-year-old Staffy, Ellie. She takes her for long walks (ideally by herself) as much as she can. Meeting up with the girls for a couple of “medicinal” shandy’s and putting the worlds to right at the weekend is her favourite pastime. 

Helen is proud to say she is “blue” as her family is made up of Sheffield Wednesday fans. She used to kickbox and is keen to get back into it, so be warned, she may be short but also feisty! 

Andy Allsobrook

Regional Manager

Andy is not just our Regional Manager; he is a dedicated family man, an active sports enthusiast, and brings nearly 40 years of construction industry experience to the team.  

Away from the office, Andy still plays cricket at the grand age of 58, showing the young ones what he’s made of when playing on the same team as his son. He also avidly supports Arsenal FC.

Andy also cherishes family time with his childhood sweetheart, wife of 35 years, their three adult children, and grandchildren.

An ex-retained fireman who served for six years in the 1980s, Andy’s dedication extends beyond work, showcasing his commitment to community and family.

Mahan Sheibani

Technical Specifications Manager

Meet Mahan Sheibani, our Technical Specification Manager at Grayson (GB) Ltd, supporting architects, engineers, and design teams in specifying integrated solutions for masonry façade projects.

He holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (MEng) and brings experience in product development, testing, and certification within quality-critical manufacturing environments, with a strong focus on delivering compliant, high-performance solutions.

Based in London, he works across the UK and Ireland and is currently progressing towards Chartered Engineer (CEng MICE) status.

Dean Blundell

Regional Manager

Dean is a man of many talents—some say he’s a building consumables expert, others know him as the guy who can hold a serious conversation with cats.

A lover of travel, he once spent three years in America before catching the travel bug for good.

These days, when he’s not helping customers, he’s renovating a family home in France (with a well-earned glass of Merlot in hand).

With three feline overlords ruling his household, Dean has mastered the art of negotiation—both in business and in persuading his cats off the keyboard.

Jim Martin

Regional Manager

Our regional manager Jim likes to pretend that he is ‘pure Scottish’ but secretly he’s half English. Now, we ‘dinnae ken’ why he’s proud of his Scottish ancestry, but each to their own!

Despite his Scottish roots, Jim is great at his job, there’s no denying that.

You won’t often see Jim cracking up in the office, but we suppose there isn’t a lot to laugh at up in Scotland so he’s probably out of practice.

Helen Gibson

Regional Manager

Helen spends most of her time playing with her orchestra. She claims that her biggest passion is music, but then again, her instrument of choice is the flute.

Playing her flute isn’t the only music that Helen makes, she is the proud owner of a big laugh that bounces off every corner of the office. More often than not, you will hear her laugh before you see her!

Helen’s a single girl, and enjoys meeting up with friends for nights out at the cinema, eating out and keeping the local Brew Dog in business!! She says she doesn’t drink much…. we know different!

Kevin Jagg

Operations Director

Kevin has been in the construction game for a long time, over 30 years! He worked at Grayson & Co back in 1993 and has unfortunately known Tony throughout this time. Now he’s decided to join the senior leadership after knowing Clare and Chris for 18 years.

At the weekend, Kevin enjoys meeting friends for a beer or 3 and loves to travel all over the world on cruises.

Clare Spivey

Sales & Marketing Director

Although she won’t admit it, Clare has been in the game a long time.

Supplying power tools and fixings was her first job in the construction industry. Due to this she has the ability to spot a tool a mile off.

Clare must have been a magician in a former life as her ability to spin plates is quite something. With a husband who works away, 2 kids with a shed load of activities, her taxi and cheerleading skills are on hand most evenings and weekends.

Clare and her family enjoy escaping to Filey, where they enjoy long walks on the beach and eating fish and chips. Clare loves her holiday home as there is absolutely no phone signal.

Henry Bareham

Specification Director

Henry’s takes great pride in his family, a wife to whom he’s absurdly lucky to have been married to for over 30 years. And two children in their 20’s, who now talk to him having managed their way through the teenage years.

Having left his pretend job of 15 years as a fully-fledged P.G.A qualified Golf Professional, Henry has managed his last 20 years + in construction within manufacturing, technical specification, and sub-contracting.

He spends his time away from work trying to re-kindle the talent he had a long time ago on the golf course, whilst also managing a keen interest in the gym, trying to maintain the muscle to body fat ratio in a good way.

Chris Bentley

Regional Manager

Chris’s claim to fame is working with both Tony and Clare for over 24 years, and still being alive to tell the tale. He’s been working for Grayson since day one!

Outside of the office, Chris has a passion for music and plays in a Brass Band. He’s performed at the Albert Hall, and recently performed at Soccer Aid for Unicef in front of 70,000 supporters at Old Trafford.

If he’s not playing music or working, Chris does also like to watch Barnsley FC which unfortunately, doesn’t put a smile on his face too often.

Tony Higson ​

CEO & Managing Director ​

Having two teenage daughters, Tony enjoys spending much of this time working away.

He also has an old wife and new a Doberman, therefore the only time people value him is in the office or on site.

As a Sheffield Wednesday fan, the poor fella doesn’t get any joy there either.

Tony has been the Managing Director of Grayson for nearly twenty-years. For all of this time he was also moonlighting for ACS. Again, holding down two jobs was the perfect excuse for not going home.  

In a previous life Tony used to play solders, however he has very few war stories due to the fact his job was to the fix equipment real soldiers used.

Tony’s biggest fear is retirement.