Installing Tyvek Over Foam Board Is Possible (Explained)

Tyvek has been around for a long time and has developed many uses in that time. For example, in the construction industry, Tyvek shields materials from water damage. Tyvek is an excellent option for almost any project because of its durability.

If you’re a homeowner who wants to cover a foam board with Tyvek, you might be wondering if it’s feasible and how long it will last. The good news is that foam boards can be placed on top of or beneath DuPont’s Tyvek.

As a result, you can install the former material over or under it if your project calls for Tyvek and foam board. Tyvek over foam board should last for a fair amount of time as long as it sticks.

How Do I Attach Tyvek Over Foam Board?

You’re probably wondering how I get the Tyvek to stick now that you’re allowed to use it over the foam board.

First of all, you should be aware of how challenging it can be to install Tyvek over foam board, particularly in windy conditions. The paper fragment is light enough to be effortlessly blown off. Installing Tyvek over foam board is best done on a calm, sunny day.

Installing Tyvek over foam board can be done in a few different ways. The most often selected option is a staple gun. Tyvek house wrap can be attached to foam board with a staple gun in a matter of minutes.

It doesn’t call for any particular skills or expertise. On the other hand, plastic cap nails would be the best option for houses or properties situated in windy areas.

These pierce the foam board more deeply than staples do, increasing wind resistance. You must consider the local climate when selecting the best tool for installing Tyvek over foam board.

What Are The Advantages Of Tyvek For Foam Board?

Most likely, Tyvek has been showcasing under-construction buildings to you. Apart from its protective qualities, have you ever looked into the fundamental characteristics of Tyvek?

The following are some justifications for thinking about utilizing Tyvek rather than foam board:

• Tyvek repels water.

The majority of foam boards are waterproof. However, the wear and tear these boards endure can be accelerated by frequent exposure to moisture.

Enhancing Tyvek’s water resistance is possible by wrapping it around foam board. If you live in an area that receives a lot of rainfall, Tyvek will protect the foam board from direct moisture exposure.

• It Breathes Very Well

One characteristic that sets Tyvek apart from its rivals is its permeability. We have already covered Tyvek’s water resistance. It is permeable, though.

Tyvek lets moisture that would otherwise escape through the foam board pass through. Tyvek is an extremely breathable material that keeps moisture out but permits water to pass through thanks to this feature.

• Constructs a Barrier of Protection

Tyvek can be used to create a barrier that protects the surface if you are concerned about coming into contact with the foam board pieces.

Materials made of foam board will not be able to pass through it. Furthermore, it won’t allow outside materials to pass through. It provides an additional degree of defense.

• It’s Fairly Sturdy

Tyvek, which is made of nonwoven fibers, is resistant to tearing and punctures. It will therefore outlast your foam board by years.

Tyvek extends the life of the foam board it is wrapped over because it is a sturdy covering. There are two benefits there.

• Recyclable

The recyclable nature of Tyvek is the last argument in favor of using it instead of foam board. Tyvek can be recycled when you’re done using it to make a variety of items, like playground equipment. Compared to foam board, using Tyvek is more sustainable.

How Should Tyvek Be Installed Over Foam Board?

You don’t need to hire a construction contractor or a handyman for this fairly simple process. Tyvek can be placed over or under the foam board, as was previously mentioned.

Later on, we’ll talk more about where you should use it. But let’s get over this for now. The foam boards must be laid out over the surface initially. The Tyvek is next, and it is best to tape it with high-quality tape.

After that, you can use nails or staples to install the Tyvek. Whichever is more effective is up to you to decide. The staples need to get through the foam board and into the OSB behind the Tyvek in order for it to adhere.

Any openings that exist, like windows, must be cut. It is best to apply a Flex Wrap to cut edges before putting in windows or frames.

Isn’t the function of foam board and Tyvek the same?

Friends and coworkers may tell you that you two perform the same task if you tell them you installed Tyvek over the foam board.

That is partially true, but people also need to realize that there are some distinctions between these two materials.

Foam boards, for example, provide insulation for a house. The advanced thermal resistance of foam boards can be utilized for both roofing and foundation applications. Tyvek as a piece cannot provide you with such.

However, by allowing moisture to pass through, it can waterproof the surface and guarantee that the materials behind it can breathe. Despite their apparent similarities, using them in tandem can have a lot of advantages for homeowners.

Is Tyvek Applied Above or Below Foam Board?

We brought up the fact that Tyvek can be installed either over or under foam board when talking about installation. It’s a topic that both professional and do-it-yourself builders have been discussing for years.

It is important to realize that there are advantages to installing Tyvek both over and under the foam board.

For instance, you don’t have to be concerned about the tape on the joints allowing water in when you wrap Tyvek over a foam board.

Water won’t be able to seep through, not even through the joints, with Tyvek covering the surface. The foam board is substantially waterproofed by Tyvek.

However, some people would rather place Tyvek underneath the foam board. It is assumed that as long as the foam boards are correctly overlapped, any water that comes in contact with them will drain.

Installing Tyvek over or under the foam board is a matter of taste. After weighing your options, determine how Tyvek can best serve your needs.

Whether or not there are windows in the area can also help you decide where to install Tyvek over foam board. Ultimately, you need to make sure that the drainage is adequate; if not, the rainy season may bring about chaos.

It’s also important for you to be aware that Tyvek comes in various forms. The HomeWrap that we have is ideal for installing over-foam. If you are thinking about installing it underneath, the Tyvek DrainWrap will work better.

Another drawback of taping foam board seams is that it keeps air from entering the wall. Remember that tape’s durability is not comparable to Tyvek’s.

Need Tyvek for Foam Board?

Although foam board can be used without a covering, there are various advantages to using a layer of Tyvek. It first aids in drainage and waterproofs the foam board’s surface.

Unlike tape, tyvek covers the seams to keep moisture out. In addition, Tyvek’s permeability permits air to pass through the wall. something that other house wraps won’t offer.

Is Tyvek Not as Good as Foam Board?

As of now, you should be aware that it is impossible to compare Tyvek and Foam Board based solely on who is superior. The best way to reap the benefits of both options is to combine them.

The insulating qualities of foam board are useful when building a house. Additionally, Tyvek shields building supplies from harm.

Does Tyvek Over Foam Board Installation Require Taping?

Better adhesion of the Tyvek over the foam board is ensured by taping. However, you must pay attention to the area you are taping. There’s a possibility that covering the bottom flange with tape will obstruct the drainage path.

Prior to taping the foam board, make sure you examine its drainage system. But as long as the Tyvek is stapled over the foam board, it should stay in place for a very long time.

There will be seams on the Tyvek that need to be taped. This brand’s unique tape can be used to tape these.

Although you can use other kinds of tapes, use Tyvek tape that is specifically designed to avoid any compatibility problems later on.

Is Tyvek Sealable Over Foam Board?

Since there won’t be any space for water to enter, sealing the bottom of the Tyvek on a foam board ensures better waterproofing of the house wrap. As a result, you must use a high-quality sealer that is weatherproof.

You can use a lot of hand pressure to make sure the Tyvek adheres to the foam board with a sealant.