Does Tyvek need an air gap?

Author: Jazlyn Lakin III  |  Last update: Monday, June 22, 2026

Please note that Tyvek® Reflex requires an air space to provide thermal benefits. Can a Tyvek® wall membrane be installed behind continuous metal sheeting, as the separation layer? Yes.

Can I leave Tyvek exposed?

How long should Tyvek® WB be exposed before it is covered with siding? Tyvek® HomeWrap® and Tyvek® StuccoWrap®, Tyvek® DrainWrap and Tyvek® ThermaWrap should be covered within 120 days (4 months). Tyvek® CommercialWrap®should be covered within 270 days (9 months).

Does Tyvek let air through?

Is Tyvek Homewrap breathable for home weatherization? Yes, Tyvek is made with unique material science to keep air and bulk water out while allowing moisture vapor inside walls to escape.

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.

Is Tyvek breathable both ways?

Tyvek Dual coveralls provide an ideal balance of protection, durability and comfort for workers. The front provides superior protection, while the back is made with a breathable fabric for comfort.

The Tyvek Air-Gap Issue

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.

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.

Should you tape the seams on Tyvek?

Cut away the excess WRB and tape all seams. It is important to maintain the continuity of the DuPont™ Tyvek® WRB from bottom to top with proper shingling. Starting from the bottom of the structure, continue wrapping all the way up, overlapping the previous layer of Tyvek® WRB by a minimum of 6”.

What is the proper way to install Tyvek?

Installing Tyvek Window or Door Flashing
  1. Purchase Tyvek FlexWrap. ...
  2. Check the slope. ...
  3. Clean the sill. ...
  4. Cut the FlexWrap. ...
  5. Apply primer in certain conditions. ...
  6. Lay out the FlexWrap. ...
  7. Stretch and fasten the FlexWrap over the corners. ...
  8. Make adjustments while install the window or door.

Is it okay to staple Tyvek house wrap?

Fix Tyvek® Housewrap with stainless steel staples or corrosion resistant nails.

Is two layers of Tyvek bad?

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.

How much do you overlap Tyvek?

If additional courses of Tyvek® WRB are required to cover the wall panel as described above, the top Tyvek® WRB course must overlap the bottom course by a minimum of 6”. Tyvek® WRBs should also maintain a minimum vertical overlap of 6”. Tape all horizontal and vertical seams with DuPont™ Tyvek® Tape.

Does a house wrap need to breathe?

Housewrap needs to provide holes big enough to allow vapor to pass, yet small enough to prevent liquid water from penetrating.

What is the lifespan of Tyvek?

While the Tyvek house wrap is designed to withstand exposure to the elements for up to nine months during construction, once the wrap is fully installed and covered with an exterior cladding, it can last indefinitely.

Is Tyvek air permeable?

DuPont Tyvek® weather barriers have a unique structure, with millions of extremely fine pores that resist bulk water and air penetration, but allow water vapor to pass through and escape the building.

Do you tape the bottom of a house wrap?

The following are key takeaways: Extend house wrap below the mud sill—for water management, but also for air sealing. Seal the bottom of the house wrap to the sheathing with caulk or tape. Overlap the layers shingle-style as you go up the wall—like roofing shingles.

How tight should house wrap be?

For maximum protection, a 2-4"(51-102 mm) overlap on the sill plate is recommended. Be sure to pull the building wrap snug and avoid wrinkles and creases. Proper building wrap overlaps, vertically and horizontally 4” to 6”.

What is the best adhesive for Tyvek?

Hot animal glue is an excellent adhesive for adhering Tyvek® to paperboard. Water-based synthetic lattices also bond Tyvek® to itself and a variety of substrates. Ethylene/vinyl acetate adhesives are especially useful, as are the acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives.

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 is the best tape for Tyvek house wrap?

  • DuPont Tyvek tape is recommended as a best installation practice for sealing seams of DuPont Tyvek Weatherization System to help provide a continuous barrier against air infiltration.
  • Country of Origin : United States.
  • Model number : CECOMINOD040695.
  • Package Dimensions : 5" L x 5" W x 3" H.

Do you tape horizontal seams on house wrap?

Most housewrap manufacturers require that every house wrap seam — vertical and horizontal — be sealed with tape, ensuring that the tape is wide enough to sufficiently cover the seam.

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.

What are the disadvantages of Tyvek?

Tyvek® House Wrap has a tensile strength of only 30/30 lb/in. So, after installation, but before the exterior cladding and final fasteners, Tyvek® House Wrap may be susceptible to damage due to high winds and moisture exposure.

Can I staple Tyvek house wrap?

DuPont recommends using the STINGER® StaplePac®, collated cap staples that are a part of the CS150B pneumatic cap stapling system, to install HomeWrap over wood frame construction.

How often should I nail a house wrap?

2) Secure BreatheEZ™ housewrap firmly in place by fastening it every 12″ to 18″ along the vertical studs using large-headed or plastic cap nails or 1″ crown staples. You may install it over wood-based sheathing, foam insulated sheathing, fiberboard sheathing, or exterior gypsum board.

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