FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

sidewall weatherproofing – tyvek or felt

| Posted in General Discussion on February 11, 1999 07:55am

*
I have a small crew and know it’s going to take a LONG time to shingle our project, but would like to dry it in. How long will Tyvek hold up to the elements. Also, someone told me that cedar shingles should not go over tyvek because they react to it – any truth in this?

Thanks

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Guest_ | Jan 27, 1999 08:23am | #1

    *
    Use felt. 30 lb or better. Tyvek is a joke!

  2. David_Nickelson | Jan 27, 1999 08:28am | #2

    *
    I was raised old fart / old school....I have taken apart enough old buildings which were felted and flashed correctly...to agree...with the above fella...
    15 lb / 30 lb felt...still the best on the block...in my book...

    DN

    1. Patrick_M. | Jan 27, 1999 09:01am | #3

      *Add my name to the list of happy "felt users". . . do it right and it won't let you down. . . I too have taken apart some old timers where it was still doing the job; and Tyvek is a joke, a bad one.-Patrick

  3. Guest_ | Jan 27, 1999 09:37am | #4

    *
    Matt, Cedar has to be appied over Tyvek with a pine furring strip run vertically between the housewrap and the cedar. Not easily done with shingles. Go 30# felt.

    1. Guest_ | Jan 27, 1999 09:48am | #5

      *Listen to Bob Poor.Just completed same on 6000 sq ft home.b FELT.

  4. Keith_Utter | Jan 28, 1999 06:13am | #6

    *
    Matt, Not only is felt paper a proven product and good ol'standby, I have observed that heavy red resin paper still performing under siding after more than 50 years. I used Tyvek once and haven't found a reason to use it again. It's to bad many young apprentices may not learn the fine art of tarpapering. Keith

  5. Guest_ | Jan 29, 1999 08:33am | #7

    *
    Check out several articles by Paul Fisette in JLC over the past couple years in JLC. He does building materials research at U Mass. Done a lot w/ tarpaper vs. housewraps. Interesting data.

    If you're looking for weather a resistant installation both for a 'dry-in' and post shingling, you want to pay close attention to the details of tarpaper - wrap installation.

    1. Guest_ | Jan 29, 1999 09:19am | #8

      *I would like to read those articles. Whats the address?

      1. Guest_ | Jan 29, 1999 09:29am | #9

        *Why is Tyvek a joke? What's wrong with it?

  6. Wendy_J. | Jan 29, 1999 10:55am | #10

    *
    JLC articles regarding tarpaper vs. housewrap? I'd like the address, too. I've used Tyvek once and asked myself the entire time why the whole US of A seems enamored with the stuff. Must be a strong industry lobby in all the right places. Tar paper has so much, well, thickness, and seems to shed water quite well, too. The detailing issue is one I would like to read further about. I liked the recent FHB article in which the author states that simply taping the seams of shear plywood would create as effective a vapor barrier as wrapping with Tyvek.

    1. RKELLY | Jan 29, 1999 11:06am | #11

      *I would also like to know. I am in the middle of a job that will receive cedar royals for siding. 1/2 of the house is wrapped in typar. Please answer before it's too late!!

      1. RKELLY | Jan 29, 1999 11:09am | #12

        *do you know of any performance issues with cedar and house wrap?

        1. danny_ | Jan 29, 1999 05:52pm | #13

          *would'nt tar paper act as a vapor barrior and trap moisture in the wall if any got in there. I thought the outside walls were supposed to breath.

  7. Guest_ | Jan 29, 1999 07:36pm | #14

    *
    In articles and books I've read, 15# felt is surprisingly permeable - certainly not near polyvinyl or foil or those nearly impermeable materials.

    I'm no expert but have repaired a lot of old houses with red rosin paper and felt under clapboards - did its job for over 100 years - why change. I think Syvanen has written some articles for FHB that are intelligent detailing for around openings, etc., but am intrigued by some posst by Freddy about a particular method of wrapping or not wrapping into the opening.

  8. danny_ | Jan 29, 1999 07:44pm | #15

    *
    what about using felt under vinyl siding. I'm going to be putting 1/2 osb on the outside. House wrap seems to me to be a waste, not to mention expensive. If all it is doing is keeping drafts from going through the seems of the osb couldn't you just seal the seems? Felt seems the more econimical way to go if all I'm interested in doing is keeping the sheathing dry and cut down on drafts.

  9. Guest_ | Jan 30, 1999 05:09am | #16

    *
    Tape the seams if you like, there is a tape marketed for that sole purpose. I would still use the felt on top of taping. Felt is so easy to install as you side. Try installing giant sheets of plastic, some jobs make it quite impractical. Also how often have you seen tons of moisture collected on plastic? Felt just seems to handle moisture issues better and its history is much longer than the plastics.

    Felt user.

    Jack

    1. Guest_ | Jan 30, 1999 05:18am | #17

      *Felt works.The jury has gone back into deliberations on the plastics.Have you seen the price of gas at the pumps lately? Is there any money being made at these prices? Oil and chemical companies need to expand their "added value markets as fast as they perceive stock holders happiness with earnings growth, valuations.. blah blah. Snake oil use to be a hot seller...Markets are invented daily! Buyer beware.

  10. vinny_ | Jan 30, 1999 05:57am | #18

    *
    good topic...
    i am getting ready to sheathe and was planning on the housewrap product...mainly for air infiltration. exterior will be brick veneer. appreciate any thoughts.

  11. Guest_ | Jan 30, 1999 06:17am | #19

    *
    With an airspace, moisture drainplane?

    Add to your favorites, buildingscience.com

    Jack : )

    1. Guest_ | Jan 30, 1999 11:07am | #20

      *Building paper or felt is lapped like shingles. If water gets in, it will likely drain out. If water gets behind house wrap there's no second chance. Think about this as you're peppering the wall with nails...oh, and don't forget that one you had to pull out.David

      1. Guest_ | Jan 31, 1999 09:57pm | #21

        *Check out jlconline.com Perhaps you can find out which issues the articles appeared. I draw a blank.Mike

        1. Guest_ | Jan 31, 1999 09:57pm | #22

          *See post 6.1.1

  12. Houston_B_Clark_II | Feb 02, 1999 05:06am | #23

    *
    I've used 15# felt under vinyl siding for 6 years with no apparent problems. Initially the installer complained about the wrinkling of the felt after it had gone through an overnight temperature change, and was concerned that it may cause the siding to be wavey. This did not occur however, and I've had good results consistently. One thing I might add though, I only use higher grades of vinyl siding such as Wolverines' Restoration Series and Benchmark Series.

  13. Guest_ | Feb 11, 1999 06:42pm | #24

    *
    Typar blows the doors off of Tyvek for uv resistance and it is safer (not as slippery). I have used Tyvek under WHITE Cedar in the past with no problems, but no exp. with the effects of RED Cedar. And remember, neither housewrap or felt is a replacement for flashing.

    1. Guest_ | Feb 11, 1999 07:55pm | #26

      *Tyvek or typar has one good use. It is cheap temporary siding that will last longer than felt when left exposed for several years.In this neck of the woods the Typar house is the modern day equivilant of the tarpaper shack. And I must say, the southern side of my house has been clad in nothing but Tyvek for two years now. The felt detaling around the windows has all but disintegrated from UV, but the Tyvek is going strong.I too have come to question the typical felt details around the window, having read something that Fred posted once a while back that resonated with my own experience.I don't remember the details now, but I think the key part of it was the fact that no one ever really gets the drip cap under the felt or the tyvek, and that creates more problems than no detailing at all.Steve

  14. Matt_Rishel | Feb 11, 1999 07:55pm | #25

    *
    I have a small crew and know it's going to take a LONG time to shingle our project, but would like to dry it in. How long will Tyvek hold up to the elements. Also, someone told me that cedar shingles should not go over tyvek because they react to it - any truth in this?

    Thanks

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper

Look closely at these common locations for hazardous materials in older homes.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data