On 16 Feb 2005 08:21:32 -0800, someone wrote:


they use 15-lb felt, or naked wood?

No, they still put the felt on. Tyvek just goes on as extra insulation
around widows and doors, in addition to the felt. At least in my case.

You have either been fooled, lied to, or somebody is misunderstanding.
Tyvek is a thin fabric and has minimal insulating value. What is good
about it is that it is draft tight, and repels liquid. It replaces
old fashioned "building paper".

If it is being used to flash around windows and doors, well, better
than if it was not, but it should have been used ont he WHOLE exterior
(IMHO). If windows and doors need addtl flashing, it oughta be
aluminum or copper and then Tyvek is the cheap alternative. If around
the windows and doors there is cavity that needs to be filled, yes
Tyvek to cover it is better than nothing, but it really should be
stuffed with actual insulation and/or foamed. Again, Tyvek is a thin
fabric with minimal insulating value. It DOES stop drafts (except at
the seams unless sealed).

I am aghast that "in this day and age" Tyvek and (there are other,
competing brands of plastic "house wrap") would even be an "upgrade",
to me it is standard. A better example: my office landlord, who is
know for being a cheapskate, is building a new low rise wood frame
office building up the street "on spec" (due to the area, it will be
colonial style like a big house). And HE has a house wrap on it, not
tar building paper, and on the WHOLE thing not just around windows and
doors. He is like the world's most frugal guy, but he has it on the
building he is going to own. Get it?

Get it!

-v.


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