Can you put Tyvek directly on studs?

Author: Kellen Auer  |  Last update: Friday, September 26, 2025

When DuPont Tyvek HomeWrap is used under sheathing, it functions only as an air barrier and does not protect the sheathing as a secondary water barrier. DuPont Tyvek HomeWrap has been used directly over studs where there is no sheathing, although the use of sheathing is a highly recommended building practice.

Can you install siding directly to studs?

Vinyl siding must never be applied directly to studs without sheathing. As an alternative, installation of specific types of drop-in contoured foam underlayments for various styles of vinyl siding are available.

Do you need sheathing under Tyvek?

DuPont Tyvek® weather barriers can be used either over or under sheathing. When Tyvek® is used under sheathing, it functions only as an air barrier, and does not protect the sheathing as a secondary weather barrier.

How do you attach Tyvek to wood?

UNWRAP roll starting at corner. Overlap all vertical seems by 6-12”. Secure Tyvek® WRB to the stud or other nail-base material, i.e., wood sheathing. Fasteners should be placed no closer than 6” and no farther than 18” on vertical stud lines.

Can you put siding on without sheathing?

"Without sheathing, the siding would be the main “critter barrier,” he adds, and that would require a lot of detailing to be effective."

Common Residential Tyvek® Wrap Installation mistakes explained

Do you need paper under siding?

Is a House Wrap Necessary? While not entirely necessary, it's quite important to have a house wrap underneath the siding on your home, especially if your siding is made of vinyl or something like it. While vinyl siding can protect your home from air and moisture, it does not create a vacuum seal on your home.

Do you need furring strips for siding?

The furring strips will help space the siding away from the moisture barrier so that water can drain, and the siding can dry out.

Does Tyvek go over or under furring strips?

Holding furring strips against a flat surface, lap the Tyvek® WRB over the top of furring strips, ensuring the entire furring strip is covered. The vertical furring strip should be positioned to align with the top and bottom edges of the module sheathing.

What goes between Tyvek and siding?

So the layers would go like this, from the outside to the inside:
  • Siding (or Hardie Board)
  • Air gap** (via spacers)
  • AtticFoil™ radiant barrier (you can use either our double sided foil or our single sided foil for this application). ...
  • Tyvek® wrap (optional)
  • Studs/board.
  • Interior wall cavity.

Do you need a vapor barrier with Tyvek?

No, DuPont Tyvek is not a vapor barrier. It is breathable, allowing moisture vapor to pass through it.

Does Tyvek need an air gap?

Should there be a vented cavity/airspace on the outside of the Tyvek® wall membrane? Yes, to allow vapour to escape to the outside atmosphere. The cavity/airspace may be vented naturally through cladding/tile joints, or ventilated with airbricks, vents etc.

Does it matter which side of Tyvek faces out?

Most physical properties such as water resistance, strength, etc. of the two sides are basically the same. Type 10 materials can be printed on both sides, but for best print quality the smooth side is preferred.

Can I use plastic instead of Tyvek?

You can use plastic if you put polyethylene between your drywall and the wall studs. This way, you should get a tighter wall without trapping moisture inside the exterior walls. If you are framing out a below-grade basement, however, do not use plastic as a vapor barrier.

What goes between siding and studs?

Many houses built today have some type of sheathing used underneath the siding. Sheathing is the material installed directly over the studs and interior insulation of a framed house. Typically sheathing is then followed by a vapor barrier material and then the siding of choice.

Can you put Hardie board directly on studs?

James Hardie siding and trim products can be installed over braced wood or steel studs spaced at a maximum of 24 in. on center or directly to 7/16 in. thick OSB or equivalent sheathing. These products can also be installed over solid-foam insulation board up to 1 inch thick.

How do you attach sheathing to framing?

Secure the sheathing with 2 ½ inch 8p ring nails, or manufacturer's recommended fasteners, every 6 inches. Important, DO NOT fasten the four corners first. To secure the panel to the stud, start at the top left corner of the panel and fasten the panel to the vertical side stud from top to bottom.

What is better than Tyvek?

FACT: Typar's tear strength is 5 times that of Tyvek's.

Grab strength is the preferred testing method for tear strength, and Typar performs at more than twice the industry standard. This helps better protect the integrity of your weather protection system, which keeps moisture from entering your wall cavity.

Do I need flashing under siding?

Does Flashing Go Under Siding? In many cases, professionals install flashing under siding in areas such as butt joints to help provide weather protection for the building envelope.

Can you put 2 layers of Tyvek on a house?

First, let's clarify a crucial point: the best practice for housewrap is not to layer it. Multiple layers of housewrap on a project can hinder the building envelope's drying potential, increasing the risk of undesirable moisture-related failures, and hide water damage to sheathing or structure.

Does Tyvek have to be tight?

Note: Inside corners should be tight to the corner. STEP 6 After water-resistive barrier is installed refer to the DuPont™ Flashing Systems Installation Guidelines to prepare and flash windows and doors.

What happens if Tyvek is exposed too long?

If you expose Tyvek house wrap to sunlight for prolonged periods, it can cause several problems. Mainly, it makes it less water resistant. As its tensile strength diminishes, it becomes less capable of withstanding physical stresses. UV exposure can also cause discoloration or staining, making repairs more noticeable.

Do you have to nail siding into studs?

In fact, siding need not be attached to any framing members as long as fasteners penetrate the sheathing by a minimum of 1/4 inch and the correct fastening schedule is followed.

How far apart should furring strips be?

As a general rule, furring strips are usually spaced somewhere between 12 inches to 24 inches apart. Building codes vary and certain manufacturers may have slightly different instructions. Regardless, the type of roof and the slope will impact spacing.

What are 2x2 furring strips used for?

It's widely used in construction for framing and other structural purposes due to its strength, stiffness, and durability. Size: A 2x2 size is more substantial and will likely offer better support and stability for your shelves compared to furring strips.

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