Types of House Wrap to Choose From

House wrap is an essential construction material that provides several important benefits. Not only does it prevent moisture from seeping into the wood of your home, it also plays a role in insulation. When you are choosing a house wrap to install under your siding, consider the following types.

Building Paper

One of the most basic types of house wrap is building paper. This is a sheet of house wrap that is made out of paper or felt. In many cases, it is also combined with asphalt to add a little bit of strength to the house wrap. This material is known for preventing airflow into and out of the house. It also helps with preventing moisture from getting in. This is generally one of the least expensive options to consider.

Plastic House Wrap

Another one of the most popular options on the market is plastic house wrap. This type of material is made from spun plastic and it does a great job of keeping moisture out of the house. Generally, most builders prefer it over building paper.

Plastic house wrap can come colored or in see-through varieties. The most common type of house wrap is tinted and it has the name of the brand printed directly on it. Several companies also make clear house wrap, which is generally easier to install because you can see where you are sticking it on the house.

Moisture Permeable

Some types of house wrap are actually considered to be moisture permeable. This means that the house wrap will actually allow the moisture that is created inside the house to escape through the walls. For example, if you take a hot shower or cook, the moisture has to go somewhere. With this type of house wrap, you will not have to worry about be moisture being trapped inside the walls and forming mold.

Tyvek

Tyvek is one of the most popular types of house wrap currently on the market. This material is actually made from a synthetic material that was developed by the company. This material is a type of spunbond olefin, popular because it allows water vapor to easily pass through it, but not liquid. This makes it ideal to allow water vapor from inside the house to escape while keeping rain and other liquids from coming into the house.

Tyvek is also ideal because it prevents airflow from leaving the house. This helps insulate the property and can significantly lower your utility bills in the long run. This is considered to be a premium material, but because of this, some builders will avoid it due to the extra cost. However, if you want good results, this is currently one of the best materials on the market.