Weatherization
According to the US Department of Energy, Energy Star Program, air-leakage can result in up to 40% of the heating load requirements of an existing home, so air sealing and weatherization of a home is a critical component for energy efficiency and a tight building envelope. In addition, any holes or unsealed edges in materials results in substantial air leakage, so proper installation of weatherization materials is necessary to achieve maximum performance.
EEC was fortunate to have Jim Holt, from RW specialties, on site for the installation of Dupont Tyvek window flashing, Home wrap, and Stucco wrap. He gave a demonstration on site to our contractors on the proper installation of these materials. For a more information on preventing air-leakage in the home, read this DOE Energy Star Program article on air-leakage.
DuPont Tyvek Weatherization Products
www.rwspecialties.com
www2.dupont.com
DuPont Tyvek weatherization systems provide a weather barrier system which helps combat water, moisture and air infiltration. DuPont Tyvek acts like a windbreaker, and wrapped over the sheathing and under the exterior siding, cut out around windows and doors and taped securely at the seams, resists air infiltration and water intrusion and makes for a more comfortable, energy-efficient home or building. For more information on preventing air leakage, visit this detailed article from the DOE Energy Star Program.
View of front porch window after the Dupont Tyvek home wrap and window flashing was installed. An inch and a half of exterior insulation was added before the exterior was finished with a combination of stucco and stone.
DuPont Tyvek HomeWrap is a non-woven, non perforated sheet made by spinning extremely fine continuous high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fibers that are fused together to form a strong uniform web. DuPont Tyvek is a unique brand and the only product manufactured this way. This tough, durable and unique structure is not susceptible to the compromises of a perforated material. The fibrous structure is engineered to create millions of extremely small pores that resist bulk water and air penetration while allowing moisture vapor to pass through. DuPont Tyvek HomeWrap achieves the ultimate balance of weather resistance and vapor permeability.
DuPont Tyvek StuccoWrap is a weather-resistant barrier with a specially engineered surface texture designed to meet the critical demands of both traditional and synthetic stucco applications. Tests show DuPont Tyvek StuccoWrap helps reduce susceptibility to cracking, improves curing of stucco, and better manages water and moisture that gets behind stucco facades.
DuPont Flashing Systems provide comprehensive protection from water leaks through windows or window openings. They are designed to help direct water to the building exterior instead of trapping it inside the wall system and causing water damage.
Window flashing installed on first floor window
