Housewtaps get specific

Story at a Glance

Manufacturers developing new housewrap products for specialized applications Tyvek HomeWrap first on market.

and ensuring insulation performs to its R-value rating."

With new manufacturing processes like DuPont's, all the different properties of the sheeting can be optimized, depending on the type of construction and/or applications. One of the next products to be introduced is heavy duty Tyvek CommercialWrap, featuring an optimum balance of strength and water protection for commercial construction.

Increasingly, commercial projects are specifying housewrap as part of the wall system. "Building with metal studs and/or extensive masonry exteriors requires a thicker, stronger wrap or membrane designed for such demanding applications," Cain explained.

Stucco construction requires several different performance properties from a weatherization wrap. In traditional applications, stucco is applied directly over the weather membrane. A membrane is being designed to make the stucco application easier and to aid in the stucco drying process.

Next year, the company will also introduce new products it is currently field testing for the residential remodeling market as well as for commercial and stucco applications. Coupled with new innovations from other manufacturers, 1997 should make for an interesting year to weather.

R-value of insulation in wall cavities.

"A leading concern among builders today is protecting homes from the damaging effects of water intrusion inside walls, both during construction and for the life of the home," said Tyvek spokesman Jeff Cain. "Siding normally provides the primary protection against water intrusion and air infiltration, but many builders are finding it necessary to make a 'weatherization wrap' a standard building practice on homes. Pressure differentials from outside walls to the inside make any tiny crack or crevice a pathway for water to get into walls or around windows and doors."

According to Cain, tight wall construction is crucial to building a comfortable, energy efficient home. Using a non-perforated housewrap that is breathable to let damaging moisture vapor or condensation escape to the outside, while at the same time protecting against air and bulk water getting inside, is the key to an efficient wall system.

"Proper ventilation, effective heating and cooling, properly installed insulation systems all work together with the weatherization system to make a home work best," he said. "Just as proper insulation is standard in home construction, housewrap is also becoming a basic building practice necessary for preserving the installed R-value of wall systems

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