Weather barriers prevent moisture, wind, and rain from passing through roofs and walls. They also help prevent the vulnerable components of a structure from deteriorating.Â
ZIP System and Tyvek are two leading weather-resistant barriers that provide a structure’s resistance to air and moisture. These two products should be properly installed to ensure they perform effectively and efficiently. Let’s compare these two brands according to their installation efficiency, durability, price, and warranty.Â
ZIP System | The New Sheathing Technology
The ZIP System, manufactured by Huber Engineered Woods, LLC, is a new sheathing technology comprising a ZIP system tape and sheathing panels. Its sheathing panels are wood structural OSB sheathing material designed with an exterior face.Â
Additionally, its exterior facer is made of a polymer-modified material impregnated with medium-density phenol.
It’s also qualified as a Grade-D 60-minute weather-resistant barrier. The sealing tape is self-adhesive with the ZIP system because it’s made with a polyolefin sheet and an acrylic adhesive backing.Â
Tyvek Homewrap | The Long Trusted Weather Protection
Tyvek Homewrap, manufactured by E.I. DuPont De Nemours and Company, Inc or DuPontâ„¢, is a weather-resistant barrier made of olefin sheets created from high-density polyethylene fibers. The olefin sheets are non-woven, non-perforated, and spun-bonded while subjected to pressure and heat. A Tyvek Homewrap is equivalent to a Grade-D 60-minutes weather-resistant barrier.
Installation Efficiency
Proper installation is essential for both brands to achieve maximum functional efficiency. As mentioned earlier, the ZIP system is quick to install. However, the tape installation for this weather-resistant barrier is crucial. All edges of the ZIP system’s seam tapes should be properly sealed and taped to avoid wrinkle formation.
On the other hand, the Tyvek Homewrap is easy to install and quickly repaired if damages are formed on the job site.
Overall Protection And Durability
The Tyvek weather-resistant barriers are made with nonwoven olefin sheets, which are tear- and puncture-resistant. These sheets enable them to withstand extreme rugged conditions on job sites. However, when Tyvek Homewraps become punctured or torn, they are easy to repair with the Tyvek tape.
On the other hand, the ZIP system is more difficult to repair when similar damage is done. The damaged areas have to be properly repaired and taped to maintain the integrity of the walls. With this, most consumers prefer disposing of damaged ZIP System sheathings than repairing them.
Price
The ZIP system is more expensive than the Tyvek Homewrap, but their prices are comparable. Also, take note that more labor is involved in installing Tyvek Homewrap, so the prices of both brands might become the same after considering Tyvek’s labor cost.
Generally, the ZIP system’s costing is also worth it, even though it’s slightly more expensive than Tyvek because of its better air sealing capabilities and energy efficiency.
Warranty
ZIP System’s 30-year warranty is three times longer and better than Tyvek’s warranty of only 10 years. However, this 30-year warranty has the following restrictions:
- The tape should not be exposed to dust, dirt, or extremely cold temperatures.
- The tape should not be wrinkled after application.
- It is non-transferable.
The Conclusion
The ZIP system and Tyvek Homewrap contain good qualities, making each a better option for certain situations. After comparing the two brands based on the mentioned qualities, the decision and preference as to which brand is better would still depend on you.
Regardless of what you choose, remember that proper installation of these weather-resistant barriers will contribute to their overall efficiency and durability.
