Why Water Resistant Barriers are Standard in our Green Home Construction
One of the many ways we ensure durability in our green home construction is with Tyvek, and while those in the construction biz likely agree that this standard feature of ours is a “must,” those who aren’t probably wonder just what the heck Tyvek is. Well, let us explain….
Tyvek is a synthetic material and a product of DuPont. It is flashspun, high-density polyethylene fibers that, while cuttable with a knife, is strong enough to resist tearing. It is lightweight, has a high chemical resistance and low flammability rating, and is water resistant, making it an ideal choice in home building.
We use this water resistive barrier as a wrap to help protect the home. It provides an air palisade, of sorts, between the frame/insulation and the structure’s outer cladding. This allows water vapor – not liquid water – to pass through while restricting air infiltration. Why is this important? A home’s biggest enemy is water, and while the exterior is excellent at thwarting it away from the structure, it’s still not water proof. Water needs to be deflected away, and if any does seep through, it needs to be able to drain and let the home dry out. Otherwise, the risk of mold and deterioration, leading to costly repairs, increases dramatically.