All right, today is an easy step: we are going to wrap the structure in Tyvek in preparation for installing windows, door, and ultimately putting on siding. Tyvek is a moisture control synthetic fabric that allows your house to breathe, and just like GoreTex clothing – expel the water vapors out, but not let the water in, so if any water gets through siding and from under the roof, it will be diverted away and won’t rot your OSB framing.

Tools needed: utility knife, stapler or Stinger (optional)

Materials needed: Tyvek wrap, Tyvek sealing tape, T-50 staples or cap nails (optional)

Get a roll of Tyvek, align it against one of the corners with a 6-12 inch overlap and start unfurling the roll along the wall, keeping it not very taught, but no wrinkles either. Staple along the way as you go. DuPont recommends their own capped staples, but most contractors agree it’s just a marketing gimmick to sell you more of their product. You can use the same tack nails you used for stapling the roofing felt, but unless it’s windy outside, you can just use regular T-50 staples and a staple gun. Yes, Tyvek can tear through staples easily if you aren’t careful and are pulling on the fabric too much, but if you keep a bit of slack as you go, it will hold just fine.

9-foot Tyvek roll is a standard package

We are going to cover all openings: windows and door, and then cut them open when it’s time to install windows and doors.

Always bring a helper!

When you wrapped your house completely, apply the tape on all the seams. And you are done! See you next time when we will be flashing windows and the door.