Tyvek Or Tar Paper
Since both Tyvek and tar paper are excellent options for water barriers, it is essential to understand their preferred use. They both have their benefits and drawbacks, and knowing these will help you in choosing between Tyvek or tar paper.
Advantages Of Tyvek
Tyvek is a form of polyethylene fiber that was introduced in the mid-1900s by DuPont. It is a much more recent development compared to tar paper. Construction contractors commonly use this material because of its excellent permeability. Some advantages of Tyvek include:
Permeability: This is the most remarkable property of this material. It keeps water and other liquids out but allows vapor to pass through. This way, even if a bit of water gets into your walls, the air will quickly dry them out. Versatility: Tyvek can be used with other materials like paint, wallpaper, and tape. You can easily stick many materials to Tyvek with tape; you can also print(with a heat press) on it to improve its outward appearance. Environmental-friendly: You can recycle Tyvek when it is up for change or replacement. Its manufacturing company also organizes a program in the country to retrieve and recycle Tyvek materials, no matter how they’ve been used. Durability: Tyvek is highly tear-resistant, even under pressure. It is highly durable in chilly and freezing weather, where most materials would fail. Efficiency: Tyvek is more efficient compared to other water barriers. People can use it for many purposes; it is much stronger than many other protective materials on the market. This makes it a suitable all-around option for many people.
Disadvantages Of Tyvek
Some cons of using Tyvek include:
Cost: Using Tyvek as a house wrap can cost about a dollar for a square foot of the materials. Many people hire contractors to install the product because Tyvek takes a long time. When considering the installation cost, you may spend about $1,000 for an average home. Heat: Tyvek doesn’t function effectively when exposed to sunlight. The heat makes the material wear out quickly. It also deteriorates when soaked in water for long periods.
Uses Of Tyvek
Some of the vast uses of Tyvek include:
It is used in construction for making house wraps and even spacesuits. It is used in making mail envelopes. Governments once used it to make banknotes. Tyvek is used by garment manufacturing for clothes and even shoes. Tyvek is used by factory workers as overalls and is commonly used as PPE for medical personnel.
Advantages Of Tar Paper
Tar paper is a heavy-duty paper that has been around for many centuries. Some American houses today still use tar paper from the early 1900s. Some advantages of tar paper include:
Trustworthy: Tar paper has been around for centuries and has never let people down. Such a simple truth alone is an adequate basis to trust this material. Versatility: Tar paper can be used for many purposes, inside, outside, and even under your home. Because of this, many contractors like to use it. Reliability: This protective barrier can outlast many other materials. It endures in rainy weather, where it gets soaked with water. Hence, it keeps your home safe till the water dries out.
Disadvantages Of Tar Paper
Some limitations of tar paper:
Installation: Tar paper can be challenging to install. It needs solid adhesives and not simply tape. Limited Use: It could tear under some conditions, i. e. , freezing weather, which makes it a bit unsuitable as an exterior house covering. Also, it doesn’t work well as an air barrier.
Uses Of Tar Paper
Some uses of Tar paper include:
Tar paper is combined with other materials like wood to create durable waterproofing systems in homes. It is also used in roofing systems to help keep the wood beneath dry. It is used as weather barriers in-home or in areas that don’t experience extremely cold weather.
Conclusion
Tyvek and tar paper will prevent home, offices, buildings, and even personal belongings from water damage. Together, they can secure against a wide range of risks. However, it is best to contact installation professionals to avoid misusing any of these materials.
- What are some alternative options to Tyvek and Tar paper?
Choosing a different protective barrier is usually a personal/design decision. Grade D building papers are a cheaper option than Tyvek or tar paper. However, these materials do not hold moisture for long. Another option is drainable house wrap, which supports drainage from exterior sidings.
- Why do I need to use weather-resistant covering?
Protective barriers help shield your home from damage from rain or dust particles. Using these sheaths can serve many purposes. They will help protect your home from wetness and help to dry it out before it damages your walls.
