House Dress®: The Story Behind The Brand That Clothes Buildings For Life

Every great building deserves a protective layer that works as hard as the people who build it. That’s the thinking behind House Dress® — a brand born from three generations of Chinese manufacturing heritage, now trusted by architects and contractors across Europe and America.

From Packaging to Protection: A Family Legacy

The story begins in 1984, in what is now Xiong’an New Area, China. Xiong County Xiashi Packing Co., Ltd. started as a family business producing shopping bags, gift bags, and promotional packaging — all made from 100% biodegradable or recyclable materials. Sustainability wasn’t a trend; it was a principle embedded from day one.

By 2009, the third generation of the family saw a new challenge. Traditional waterproofing materials like PE film and asphalt membranes were trapping moisture inside building envelopes, causing rot, mold, and skyrocketing energy costs. The family’s commitment to environmental health expanded from packaging to buildings — and House Dress® was born.

Why “House Dress”?

The name says it all. Just as a dress protects and complements the body, House Dress® protects and enhances the building envelope. It’s not just a barrier — it’s clothing for your home, designed to breathe, shield, and endure.

The Science of Breathable Protection

At the heart of House Dress® Jinbo® waterproof breathable membrane is a simple but powerful principle: microporous vapor permeation. Water droplets are about 20 microns in diameter, while water vapor molecules are only 0.0004 microns — a difference of 50,000 times. The membrane’s microscopic pores allow vapor to escape while blocking liquid water. The result? A building that breathes naturally, stays dry, and resists the mold and decay that plague conventional construction.

What Makes House Dress® Different?

Air Tightness:Laid over the entire insulation layer, House Dress® dramatically reduces air leakage. According to a U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) study, buildings using breathable membranes can save up to 40% on heating and cooling energy costs.

Water Tightness:Rain and wind-driven moisture stay out. The insulation stays dry. The building lasts longer.

Persistent Vapor Permeability:With permeability above 1000g/m²/day, moisture escapes before it can do damage — protecting thermal performance and indoor air quality.

Cost Reduction:By eliminating the need for additional protective layers or fine stone concrete, House Dress® simplifies construction and cuts costs.

Beyond the Membrane: A Complete System

Today, House Dress® offers a full building envelope solution: vapor barriers, reflective insulation membranes, anti-condensation felt, window tapes, and butyl sealing tapes. Every product is designed to work together — because a building is only as strong as its weakest seal.

Proven in the Field

House Dress® has been specified for major projects including the BASF facility in Zhanjiang, China, and the Starbucks Coffee Innovation Industrial Park. From passive houses to cold chain logistics, from timber framing to steel construction, the brand has earned the trust of thousands of homeowners and contractors worldwide.

Built for Extremes

House Dress® Jinbo® membranes withstand temperatures from -40°C to +80°C, resist UV exposure for four months, and meet national B2 flame retardant standards. They are antibacterial, anti-mildew, and 100% recyclable — because protecting the planet is as important as protecting the building.

A Brand with Purpose

House Dress® isn’t just about selling products. It’s about building energy-efficient, economical, and comfortable homes for a better world. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the company rapidly retooled to produce masks and protective clothing, and contributed waterproofing expertise to temporary hospital projects. In 2022, they developed a tear-resistant, non-woven stretcher that saves precious time in narrow spaces.

Your Partner in Building Better

House Dress® has never lost sight of its mission: to protect what matters most. Whether you’re an architect designing a passive house, a contractor sealing a commercial roof, or a homeowner building for the future, House Dress® is ready to wrap your project in three generations of expertise.

Visit www.ihousewrap.com to discover how House Dress® can protect your next project — because every building deserves a dress that fits.

House Dress® — Clothing for Buildings. Protection for Life.