How long can you leave a house wrapped in Tyvek?

Author: Riley Howell II  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

Tyvek HomeWrap, Tyvek DrainWrap and Tyvek StuccoWrap should be covered within 120 days (4 months). Tyvek CommercialWrap should be covered within 270 days (9 months). The importance is covering DuPont Tyvek is based on the UV exposure.

What happens when Tyvek is exposed too long?

Exposure of the synthetic house wrap to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down the wrap so that it becomes less resistant to tearing, water, and permeability. Also, heavy winds and the accumulation of dirt under the house wrap may tear the wrap and lessen its resistance to moisture.

What is the life expectancy of Tyvek house wrap?

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.

How long can a vapor barrier be exposed?

Typically, you are safe exposing them between 30 days to 6 months. But make sure you check with the manufacturer for exact recommendations for their products.

How long can Tyvek be exposed to the weather?

Withstands up to four months (120 days) of UV exposure. ASTM E2556, Type II Compliant – Standard Specification for Vapor Permeable Flexible Sheet Water-Resistive Barriers Intended for Mechanical Attachment. Tyvek® HomeWrap® is easy to install.

3 Reasons You Need To Use House Wrap

How long can a house sit with Tyvek?

Tyvek Home Wrap should not be exposed to the elements beyond 2 months, 4 months is the maximum exposure rating.

Is Tyvek 100% waterproof?

Upon initial exposure, water will not penetrate Tyvek®. With time, or increased water pressure, drops of water will go through Tyvek®.

Will mold grow under vapor barrier?

However, if not installed correctly or if damaged, vapor barriers can actually contribute to mold growth.

What are the problems with Tyvek house wrap?

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.

Can Tyvek be left 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).

What is the difference between Tyvek and house wrap?

TYPAR® laminated house wrap relies on a fragile film to keep air and water out. The film can be scratched or torn during installation, allowing water to seep into exterior walls. With DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap®, air and bulk water holdout is integral—built into the material itself.

Does Tyvek make your house warmer?

Tyvek® HomeWrap® can also reduce home energy bills by controlling air flow and water intrusion, which helps insulation work better, allowing the HVAC system to work more efficiently. It's a house wrap engineered to keep homes cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and dry all year round.

What are the dangers of Tyvek?

While Tyvek® is non-toxic and generally harmless, builders should be aware of one lurking danger: static electricity. When Tyvek® is handled, it can generate a static charge unless it is treated with anti-static agents, which are water-soluble and not applied on all Tyvek® products sold.

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.

What is the difference between house wrap and vapor barrier?

For example, House wrap by itself is not an air barrier, it is a vapor barrier. However, IF installed properly, which is rare, with taped seams, bottom, top edges, and no tears, it acts as an air barrier. So primarily it acts as a vapor barrier, but installed properly can do both; vapor barrier and air barrier.

How long can housewrap be exposed?

Many housewraps on the market only offer up to four months of UV protection (see Figure 1). The manaufacturers of TYPAR HouseWrap have incorporated a patented technology to resist UV attack, an approach so effective that product replacement is guaranteed if it deteriorates due to excessive UV exposure.

What is the primary purpose of housewrap like Tyvek?

Tyvek® Home Wrap®

The original house wrap, incorporating unique material science that helps keep air and water out, while letting water vapor escape. As a result, it can contribute to improved building durability by helping to protect homes against damaging wind and rain that can penetrate the exterior cladding.

What is the most breathable house wrap?

Tyvek is not a drainable housewrap but it is a top-rated breathable housewrap. Boasting a perm rating of 54, this will allow your home to vent moisture from the interior of the home so that mold and rot do not build up from the inside.

When should you not use a vapor barrier?

Because a vapor barrier is a low permeable barrier, it keeps moisture from passing through. This is beneficial to keep moisture away from a dry surface but will trap moisture behind it if installed on a water-damaged concrete wall, causing the wall to fail further.

What can you put under your house for mold?

One of the most popular house cleaning tips for removing mold is to use vinegar since it kills many bacteria, including molds. Just mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle. Spray all over the affected crawl space walls or floor. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub the area.

Will insulating an unheated garage cause mildew?

Insulating an unheated garage alone may not necessarily cause mildew, but the risk of mildew increases if there isn't proper ventilation. Insulation can trap moisture in the garage, especially in humid climates, creating a perfect environment for mildew growth.

How long does Tyvek last?

Tyvek HomeWrap, Tyvek DrainWrap and Tyvek StuccoWrap should be covered within 120 days (4 months). Tyvek CommercialWrap should be covered within 270 days (9 months).

Is Tyvek self sealing?

DuPont Tyvek® is used to make pouches in a wide range of sizes and shapes in both self-sealing and heat-sealing styles to meet the needs of medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers.

How flammable is Tyvek?

Tyvek® fabric melts at 275 °F (135 °C). Tyvek® and Tyvek® IsoClean® garments are not flame resistant or flame retardant. Garments should not be used around heat, flame, sparks, or in potentially flammable or explosive environments.

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