Homeowner FAQs

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1. If I insulate, why do I need a housewrap?

The installed R-value of insulation is only realized IF the air within the wall cavity stays still and dry. An average 8-mph wind can easily penetrate cracks and crevices even in new homes. You could be losing up to 30% of the performance of your insulation. DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap® is designed to help block air from getting inside walls. Properly installed it helps keep drafts out and protects your insulation’s rated R-value. And, just like air gets in, so can water and moisture. DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap® gives you the added benefit of helping to protect your walls from water and moisture.

2. Does DuPont™ Tyvek® have an R-value?

In 2006 DuPont introduced Tyvek® ThermaWrap™, a weather resistive, insulating breathable membrane designed to manage radiant heat flow through the wall. This metalized product helps increase the R-value of insulation.

3. What is the difference between DuPont™ Tyvek® and black paper

Black paper or building paper was not designed as an air retarder like DuPont™ Tyvek®. Unlike DuPont™ Tyvek®, building paper can absorb water. Building paper tears easier than DuPont™ Tyvek® and can degrade over time when under continual exposure to water. Building papers are less permeable to moisture vapor transfer than DuPont™ Tyvek® increasing the potential moisture vapor trapped inside the wall could cause mold, mildew and rot.

4. What is the difference between DuPont™ Tyvek® and other housewraps?

Many other wraps are perforated, which means in order for them to breathe, the manufacturer has punched holes in them, resulting in a reduction of air and water holdout effectiveness. DuPont™ Tyvek® is a non-perforated, nonwoven product with microscopic pores that are so small air and bulk water have a difficult time passing through but since DuPont™ Tyvek® is breathable, moisture vapor can easily escape from the wall.

5. Can you use DuPont™ Tyvek® under any primary facade?

Yes, DuPont™ Tyvek® can be used under any façade including brick, stucco, vinyl, cedar siding, and stone. Proper installation under each façade is essential to ensure DuPont™ Tyvek® provides the maximum level of air infiltration resistance and bulk water holdout.

6. Can DuPont™ Tyvek® be used in attics? On roofs? Under Floors? On the interior?

In 2006 DuPont introduced Tyvek® AtticWrap™, a unique, breathable membrane that helps create an airtight seal to reduce air leakage and energy loss through the roof. All other DuPont™ Tyvek® products in Canada and the US have been tested and approved as a product to be installed behind exterior walls.

7. Where can I buy DuPont™ Tyvek®?

DuPont™ Tyvek® is available at authorized dealers throughout the country.

8. Can I use DuPont™ Tyvek® StuccoWrap® under brick?

Yes. It is perfectly acceptable to use DuPont™ Tyvek® StuccoWrap® under brick. Whether using DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap® or DuPont™ Tyvek® StuccoWrap® under brick it is important to follow brick manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the use of an air space between the brick veneer and sheathing. Typically this space is 1"-2" and will act as a drainage plane if incidental moisture were to penetrate the brick.

9. How many rolls of DuPont™ Tyvek® are required for a typical two-story house?

For a typical two story, 2500 square foot house, the general rule of thumb is two rolls of DuPont™ Tyvek® size 9’ x 150’ should be adequate to wrap the house. However, this estimate may vary slightly depending on the house elevation.

Literature Available
See related documents, such as How to Install, Product Guide Specifications and Physical Property Data Sheets, in the Technical Information section of this web site.