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Housewrap preferences are gradually evolving, according to a recent presentation at the Housewrap 2019 conference on builder and consumer practices by Ed Hudson, Home Innovation Research Labs.
Hudson shared that about 60% of all housewrap and weather-resistant barrier (WRB) material is installed on new homes; the remainder is installed primarily on homes being re-sided.
DuPont’s Tyvek continues to dominate with nearly half the housewrap and WRB installations in new homes. DuPont established leadership in technology and education early and have maintained that leadership for decades.
Traditional mechanically-attached housewraps still make up more than two-thirds of all housewrap and WRB materials installed, but alternatives are making inroads.
Combination WRB and structural sheathing panels, such as Huber’s ZIP System and Georgia-Pacific’s ForceField, now make up about 10% of this market among new homes. Self-adhered membranes are now approaching 10% of the market, as well. Fluid-applied membranes now constitute about 3% of new home housewrap/WRB installations.
Alternatives to traditional housewrap are found more extensively on higher-end homes and multifamily buildings.
