Europe
Early-Close-In
System:
Simpler.
Cleaner.
Faster.
Watford
Building
Services
using
SOLITEX
EXTASANA
wall
underlay
to
keep
the
project
on
track
Watford Building Services recently used the pro clima Early-Close-In (ECI) System, featuring SOLITEX EXTASANA® wall underlay, on a new two-unit development - marking their first project with this system. The team found it cost-effective and faster to install compared to other systems, saving both time and money on-site.
"We compared it with a couple of other products. Price-wise, it was on point, and once we started putting it on the walls, it was quicker than the other products — so that just helped everything keep flowing," said Brad Saunders, Director of Watford Building Services.
The pro clima ECI system was put to the test during the rainy summer:
"We had a lot of rain through the Canterbury summer, especially over Christmas, and there was nothing inside — it worked like a treat. The 180-day UV exposure rating is massive because we can carry on inside — get the doors in, insulation, GIB, plastering — and then do the bricks after," Saunders explained.
When cladding materials are delayed — or bricklayers simply are not available — the work can still carry on inside. This ensures the construction schedule stays on track and helps the team catch up on any lost time.
The high vapour permeability of the SOLITEX EXTASANA® wall underlay ensures trapped moisture escapes efficiently. This is particularly important for bottom plates, which typically take the longest to dry. The vapour-open design allows all parts of the building structure to dry simultaneously, reducing the risk of delays and helping maintain a smooth workflow on-site.
"The bottom plates are the key ones — they stay wet the longest. If they’re wet, you can’t carry on inside. But with this system, they dry at the same time as everything else, and then you’re away," he added.
From an installation perspective, the pro clima Early-Close-In system is simpler, cleaner, and faster than other products. The ORCON liquid adhesive base detail, cap nails with the compressor gun, and easy window taping made application straightforward.
"Compared to the other products, it was just simple — the adhesive around the bottom instead of a tape system, pulling the corners nice and tight, and the compressor gun with the nails went on quick. Taping around the windows was quicker, too — it was just good and easy to use," Saunders said.
The team also benefited from product and installation training provided by a Pro Clima representative, helping ensure a neat and professional result on site.
Watford Building Services was so impressed with the pro clima ECI system’s performance that they plan to use it again on future projects and are recommending it to other clients.
Watford Building Services - Early-Close-In Customer Testimonial
Key benefits & improvements of the pro clima Early-Close-In System:
Early-Close-In System Advantages
✅ Outstanding durability against UV, wind and rain — up to 180 days of exposure.
✅ Seals the building envelope so interior work can begin before cladding installation.
✅ Can be used in NZS 3604 wind zones up to, and including, ‘very high’ without rigid sheathing.
✅ Can be use in NZ 3604 wind zones up to and including ‘extra high’ over rigid sheathing - RAB, SIP.
✅ Tear-resistant synthetic weather resistive barrier designed for long-term durability.
✅ Allows drying - highly vapour permeable.
✅ Weathertight - non-porous membrane technology.
✅ Fire retardant.
SOLITEX EXTASANA can be used as an Early-Close-In wall underlay on timber-framed buildings in accordance with Codemark CMNZ30032.
Products used on this ECI build:
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SOLITEX EXTASANA wall underlay
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TESCON EXTOSEAL window sill tape
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TESCON EXTORA PROFIL for air sealing window perimeter
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ORCON CLASSIC multi-purpose liquid adhesive
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KAFLEX & ROFLEX cable and pipe sealing grommets
Thermoplastic Elastomer Ether Esters: What are they, how do they work?
Exterior membranes for roofs and walls by pro clima incorporate a monolithic Thermoplastic Elastomer Ether Ester (TEEE) film. The TEEE forms a state-of-the-art Weather Resistive Barrier (WRB) and, when combined with TESCON EXTORA®, forms the SOLITEX® system.
The membrane, unlike conventional vapour permeable membranes, has no pores. TEEE is completely waterproof and wind/airtight. The membrane actively transports water vapour through molecular diffusion across the thickness of the TEEE film – an engineered property of this functional film.
Close In Ahead. Come Out Ahead.
Ready to experience the same time-saving efficiency as Watford Building Services?
From 9 May to 30 June 2026, when you purchase SOLITEX EXTASANA®, you’ll receive a free five-pack of ROFLEX 20 grommets with every roll to ensure a high-performance seal. Plus, you can enter the draw to win one of four DELFAST Cap Nailers, with a new winner announced every two weeks.
Speed up your installation, save on labour costs, and get your project weathertight faster.
Early-Close-In: Work Smarter, Not Harder
The pro clima Early-Close-In (ECI) system keeps your project on schedule, even with cladding delays or adverse weather. Using SOLITEX EXTASANA®, a high-performance single-layer wall underlay, the system offers up to 180 days of UV protection.
Closing early allows for drying, helps protect the structure from moisture, and keeps your construction timeline on track.
