Tyvek vs GreenGuard: Choosing the Best Housewrap for Your Project

architecture - engineering - construction

Tyvek vs GreenGuard: Choosing the Best Housewrap for Your Project

February 9, 2022

Housewrap is an integral part of every home exterior, and for many builders, Tyvek® has long been their go-to choice for building wrap.

Tyvek is not the only product out there, however, and it’s not the best fit for all applications. Kingspan offers more durable, high-performing building wraps under their GreenGuard product line, so that builders have more options for moisture management on their building projects.

UV Stability

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There are many reasons a home’s exterior isn’t completed in a given timeframe. Weather or labor delays mean that once a house is wrapped, it can end up sitting and waiting before the final siding is installed.

For most housewraps, including Tyvek, that means there is a risk of the material being broken down by the sun’s UV rays. Tyvek’s HomeWrap has a UV-exposure limitation of 120 days, after which the wrap can become less stable, causing tears. Damaged wrap would then need to be replaced before proceeding with siding installation.

Kingspan’s GreenGuard HPW Building Wrap is UV-stable for up to 6 months, giving builders more time to get the housewrap covered before it degrades. And if you need even more time, some of Kingspan’s wraps, such as the GreenGuard R ainArmor and GreenGuard C2000 Building Wraps, are UV-stable for up to 9 months.

For sunny climates or projects that may see a longer span of time between placing wrap and adding siding, Kingspan’s Building Wrap product line is a better option.

Tear-Resistance

Tyvek HomeWrap may be the standard for many builders, but it isn’t the most durable housewrap on the market. Any type of delay that leaves the house wrapped but uncovered could cause the material to tear or rip. It may also tear or rip during installation if it’s not handled properly.

GreenGuard is built specifically to resist tearing so you won’t have to re-wrap when you’re ready for the project’s next phase.

Because the material is so easy to install and is tear-resistant, you waste less of it. This helps keep costs down on both labor and materials, which is essential in a competitive market.

Moisture Evaporation

Housewrap creates an airtight cavity and allows the cavity insulation to have a dry and still airspace to allow it to perform its purpose. GreenGuard HPW’s permeable design allows the wrap to breathe, which helps moisture to evaporate from the walls of the home, rather than building up inside. This means that it’s possible to create a tight building envelope that helps owners keep energy costs down, and contributes to a healthy interior.

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Moisture Drainage

In areas that see a lot of rainfall over the course of the year, it’s standard practice to include a rainscreen as part of the siding application. This helps further eliminate moisture from the home and allows any rain that gets behind the siding to drain away safely.

Using a housewrap that is designed to help facilitate better moisture drainage behind siding can be an added step of protection, even for properties that see more moderate amounts of rainfall and don’t need a full rainscreen installed.

Kingspan’s GreenGuard RainDrop 3D Building Wrap’s innovative drainage channels keep water out of the wall system. The channels are designed not to crimp, collapse or flatten, ensuring water will drain no matter how tightly cladding is nailed to the wall.

Kingspan’s GreenGuard RainArmor Building Wrap is a non-woven drainage building wrap which prevents the penetration of water and then channels water away from structures while providing a breathable barrier technology. This will help protect the building and allow water vapor to escape. The tough barrier layer can be maintained over time, from installation to extended use, due to excellent resistance to tears, abrasion and punctures.

Building Better Homes

The construction industry is evolving, and so are the materials and products that we’re using. By choosing products that are higher performing and more durable, builders help move the industry forward even further by creating homes that last longer.

Need a superior insulation solution for your residential project? Check out more of our GreenGuard products here.

For more detailed information on any of our GreenGuard Building Wraps you can download the product data sheets on our website here.

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Company: Kingspan Insulation LLC