Typar Common Questions (FAQ)

We've selected the most commonly asked questions about Typar Building Material. If your questions are not answered here, you may also contact us with any questions you may have.

Common Questions

Can I use just any construction tape with Typar HouseWrap?

Typar Construction Tape is the only tape that is recommended to ensure that the Typar Weather Protection System is properly installed. You're also protected by our system warranty when you use Typar tape and flashings.

Where can I find Typar house wrap installation instructions?

You will find house wrap installation instructions in this pdf document: Typar HouseWrap Installation Instructions (pdf)

What types of cladding can Typar building wraps and accessories be used behind?

All types. From stucco and brick to vinyl and cedar lap siding, Typar is the ideal weather-resistant barrier.

Why is air porosity important in a house wrap?

Another term for house wrap is Air Infiltration Barrier (AIB). Preventing air leakage and weather damage are the two main functions of all house wraps. Preventing air leakage is the key to energy efficiency. All house wraps must meet industry standards requiring a high degree of air infiltration resistance, and Typar exceeds these standards on both wall section and whole-house testing. In addition, tears and nail holes can greatly affect air infiltration; unlike some other house wraps, Typar is exceptionally resistant to tearing and puncturing, which provides extra assurance of an air-tight structure.

How much moisture vapor should a housewrap pass in order to prevent condensation problems?

Experts agree that a housewrap should pass water vapor 5 to 10 times faster than the internal vapor barrier. Since most vapor barriers measure at 2 to 4 g/m2/24 hr., a minimum value of 10 to 40 g/m2/24 hr. is sufficient. This is the range for various types of 15 pound felts that have been in use for years. Typar HouseWrap is 3 to 4 times greater than this minimum value range.

What is the recommended distance between nails when installing Typar building wraps?

When attaching Typar on wood-based sheathings, such as 7/16 OSB or 15/32 plywood, apply plastic-capped staples or plastic-capped nails every 32 inches (vertically and horizontally). When attaching Typar on an open stud or non-structure sheathing, apply plastic-capped staples or plastic-capped nails long enough to penetrate the stud every 32 inches (vertically and horizontally). When installing Typar over a steel frame, use screws with washers.

I am renovating the exterior of my home and installing foam board insulation, but I am receiving conflicting advice on how to wrap the house. Do I place Typar on before or after the foam board? I’m finishing with vinyl siding.

Foam board has been used as a replacement for OSB and plywood Typar Housewrap in general, and Typar, in particular, should be installed over the board as a final layer prior to the installation of cladding. Typar HouseWrap will perform as the secondary water barrier.

A builder client of ours has installed Typar backward at a rim joist location. Should this be of concern?

Typar HouseWrap has a special UV coating on the light side that protects it from sun rays. If it is possible to replace it with the correct (the light) side out you will be assured that the product performance is at its maximum. Also, incorrect installation may void your warranty.

Does Typar HouseWrap have an ICBO number? An inspector has asked my installer for one, but we can’t seem to locate it.

Typar does not use ICBO numbers anymore. The ICC has combined all the old numbers under one new system. The new ICC number for HouseWrap is ICC ESR-1404. You should eliminate your old ICBO numbers and begin using the new ICC numbers.

Do you recommend Typar HouseWrap for older house renovations?

Definitely. The Typar Weather Protection System is an excellent way to protect the integrity of older homes and preserve your renovation investment for years to come. Superior air and water holdout, exceptional moisture vapor transmission, and ultraviolet stability are just a few of the benefits of Typar. In addition, you'll realize greater energy efficiency.

Can Typar HouseWrap be used as an interior vapor barrier?

No. Typar cannot be used as an interior vapor barrier as it is designed to allow moisture to pass through it in the form of gasses. In general, vapor barriers are only allowed to have very low or no breathing capability.

What is a drainage plane?

Drainage planes are water repellent materials like building paper, house wrap and sheet membranes that are used behind cladding to defend against rain and prevent mold.

Is Typar fire rated?

Typar HouseWrap is fire rated with a smoke spread index of 0 and a flame spread index of 30.

What is the difference between Typar Drainable Wrap and traditional house wrap?

TYPAR Drainable Wrap can shed more bulk water at a significantly faster rate than traditional house wraps. It includes an additional integrated drainage plane of integrated polypropylene fibers for added efficiency in shedding excess water.

Will wrapping my home save energy? I am in a house that is not wrapped and my heating bills are too high.

If you are planning to re-side your home, you should consider the Typar Weather Protection System. At the heart of the system is Typar HouseWrap which acts as an air and moisture barrier, while simultaneously allowing moisture vapor to escape from the wall cavity to the outside. Installed before the exterior siding, Typar HouseWrap protects your home from nature's harshest elements and has exceptional tear strength and ultraviolet stability. It also provides energy efficiency for years to come, which is important for energy- and budget-conscious consumers. According to DOE and ENERGY STAR®, continuous air barriers such as Typar HouseWrap could reduce your energy cost by as much as 15-20%.

What is the R-value of Typar?

Typar does not have an R-value in and of itself. It does, however, contribute to the total number of the R-value of the insulation used.

How much water should a house wrap resist once it‘s placed on the wall?

The key here is being able to resist blowing rain, snow, and sleet in the field, not just water in the laboratory environment. Tests have shown that Typar has excellent water holdout for a vertical surface.

What products are compatible with Typar Drainable Wrap?

  • Cladding: Fiber Cement, Wood (including Shingles & Shakes), Vinyl and Insulated Vinyl Manufactured Stone, Stucco Metal
  • Fasteners: Staples, Cap Fasteners
  • Seam Tape: Typar AT Flashing 4-in Sealing
  • Self-Adhered Flashing: Typar AT Flashing
  • Caulks and Sealants: WinTeQ, TeQ::Seal Sealant, Loctite Premium Construction Adhesive, Loctite PL Premium S40 Polyurethane, GeoCel 2300 Construction Tripolymer, GeoCel Pro Flex, Fortifiber Moistop Sealant, Bostik 915 Polyurethane Sealant, Bostik 915FS Polyurethane Sealant, Dow Corning 732 Multi-Purpose Sealant, NPC Solar Seal #900, Titebond Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive, Titebond WeatherMaster, Titebond WeatherMaster ULTIMATE MP, Tremco Vulkem 116, DAP Flexible CLEAR Sealant