House Wrap

[Swamp Donkey]

How important is this stuff? I am still putting up 1x6 T&G siding and have run out of house wrap. Can I just put up plastic as a vapour barrier? What is the whole idea behind this stuff. It is a $100 bucks a roll around here and I need about 1/4 of a roll. Maybe I should just put up tar paper for the rest, much cheaper... ... . opinions anyone.



Thanks.

 

[Gray Ghost]

Don't know exactly what you are using for a wrap. I used Tyvec to wrap my house. I want to get moisture out of my house on the Gulf coast. I would use some sort of barrier. You don't want water to get behind the siding and rot your studs.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

Definitely go witht eh house wrap. It will save you money on heating and cooling, and will protect your wood from moisture and vermin. At a c-note a roll it is a bargain compared to the future costs. Also, When you have extra left from the roll, you can usually sell it to a local contractor to recoup some of your cost. BUT You will probably need the wrap for your mongo garage that is in the future plans?

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Yeh, I guess I should do it right..... and I am using the tyvek house wrap as well. Maybe I can gouge my dad by selling what is left to him, he will be building a garage some time this summer. I always try to go cheap, but I know with something like this, it would not be worth the hassles. Thanks.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Definatley wrap the house with Tyvek. It really makes a big difference. We re-sided a house and put Tyvek on first and the homeowners said they used there heat alot less that year. Better to spend the money now, then later.

 

[BV]

You probably figured it out already but thought I should mention that plastic will actually sweat or hold moisture in the wall so Tyvek or something similar would be way better. I have used tar paper in a pinch without future problems.

 

[RON'S RAM]

Maybe your supplier can get you a smaller roll. My supplier has 3 different size rolls available. 9' x 100'@$96. 00, 5' x 200'@ $107. 00, and 3' x 165'@$53. 00. I've seen demonstrations at builders shows, Tyvek is one of the best performers for shedding water, yet letting moisture out.