When building a house it is very important to use quality materials that will not give you problems in the future. In this article we are going to discuss about a popular material known as tyvek house wrap that is commonly used to protect houses against rain and wind. If you want to learn more, continue reading the article below.
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What Is Tyvek House Wrap?
Tyvek House wrap is a house wrap that is commonly used to prevent water from entering inside your house. Tyvek house wrap is made using unique materials that help to keep air and water out whilst allowing water vapor inside walls to escape. Tyvek wrap is trusted by many contractors which is why a lot of houses are built using it.
Tyvek House Wrap Problems
1. Not Resistant To UV Radiation
One of the problems of buying Tyvek house wrap is that it is not resistant to UV radiation and as a result it will need constant replacement during summer time. Tyvek house wrap contains synthetic elements which tend to break down or wear out when exposed to sunlight. If you buy Tyvek house wrap and leave it in the sun for more than 120 days without placing it on your house, it will automatically deteriorate in value and will be useless. Therefore, in as much as Tyvek house wrap protects the house from moisture, it doesn’t do well in hot conditions.
2. Lacks Transparency
Another Tyvek house wrap problem is that the material is not transparent when compared to other house wraps. This means once it has been installed, contractors may find it difficult to see the framing of the house. This may result in contractors failing to properly install the wrap or putting nails in the wrong place
3. Not Mold Resistant
Tyvek house wrap has a problem of not being mold resistant, this is mainly because it is not surfactant resistant. Surfactants are contaminants that usually reduce the surface tension of a liquid and lessen the water resistance of a house wrap. Since a Tyvek house wrap is not surfactant resistant it means that mold will build up in the house and it is very expensive to get rid of mold in a house.
4. Prone To Damage
Another Tyvek house wrap problem is that this house wrap is prone to damage especially during and after installation. In most cases Tyvek house wrap tends to tear up during installation and this can be a huge loss to homeowners. After installation the Tyvek house wrap can also easily succumb to wear and tear thus needing replacement. So if you are looking to a durable house wrap you may have to choose another option.
5. Hard To Handle
Tyvek House wrap is very hard to handle, this is because it requires a lot of proper care before being installed. If you leave the Tyvek house wrap for more than 120 days in the sun maybe because of a delay in construction it will start to tear up before you can even install it. Therefore it is important that you buy your Tyvek house wrap once constructions have begun so that it does not get exposed to harsh conditions for a long time.
6. High Vapor Penetration
Tyvek house wrap has a high vapor penetration which can affect the quality of air you breathe in your house. This house wrap has a rating of 56 US Perms whilst the recommended rating is 10 to 20 Perms. Higher Perms means higher vapor intrusion from the outside into your house. Therefore, if you want to prevent this from happening you may be better off purchasing another house wrap.
Tyvek House Wrap Advantages
While Tyvek house wrap may seem problematic, it is important to note that there are some advantages associated with using it. Below we indicate some of those advantages so that you make informed decisions when purchasing.
Protects House From Moisture
One of the advantages of purchasing Tyvek house wrap is that it protects the house from moisture. This is mainly because it covers the gaps and cracks that are found between the sheathing and insulation. So if you want to protect your house from moisture you should definitely consider purchasing Tyvek house wrap.
Energy Saver
Another advantage of purchasing or using Tyvek house wrap is that it promotes energy saving within the house. This is mainly because Tyvek house wrap acts as a seal that prevents air infiltration or leakage. This in turn helps to reduce your energy heating and cooling bills. Tyvek house wrap is also very energy efficient because it helps to prolong the life of your HVAC system by reducing its load.
Durable
Tyvek house wrap is also very durable and this is one of the main reasons why people love it. This house wrap has a tensile strength of 30/30lb./in, which is enough to prevent it from tearing during installation. So if you want something that is durable, you may consider purchasing Tyvek house wrap.
What Is Better Than Tyvek?
While Tyvek house wrap is popular, there are other brands which compete with it for example Barricade house wrap. So you can also research about this house wrap and decide of it meets your needs.
Is Tyvek Building Wrap Waterproof?
Yes, Tyvek building wrap is waterproof, it will prevent rain or moisture from getting inside your house.
How Long Can Tyvek Be Left Exposed?
Tyvek can only be left exposed for less than 120 days. After that it will start to deteriorate in value. Therefore, make sure you install it before 120 days.
Is Tyvek Sun Resistant?
No, Tyvek is not really sun resistant. This is because when left exposed to the sun for a long time it will start to deteriorate in quality.
Conclusion
Tyvek house wrap is trusted by many contractors because of its ability to protect houses from rain. While it may face certain problems, it’s important to note that most of the problems can be prevented. So if you are thinking of purchasing this house wrap, don’t let this article derail you from doing so.
