Traditional Wrap vs. Self-Adhered Wrap: Which is One for Your Project?

Traditional Wrap vs. Self-Adhered Wrap: Which is One for Your Project?

Building wrap has been used as an integral component of building envelope design for decades, yet there is still considerable innovation taking place in the segment. Specifically, self-adhered weather resistive barriers, like the new TYPAR DrainableWrap Peel and Stick, are prime examples of how building wrap technology is evolving to meet the needs of the market.

With a growing number of products to choose from, how do you know which is right for your project? When could self-adhered building wrap be the right solution for your project?

Both traditional TYPAR BuildingWrap and TYPAR DrainableWrap Peel and Stick offer strong air holdout and tear strength as well as optimal breathability and drainability, but the installation process looks quite different. Here are four key differentiators between mechanically fastened building wraps and self-adhered products to keep in mind when selecting the best solution for your next project:

  1. Limited fasteners = no penetrations = less potential air leakage

    Traditional building wraps rely on the use of fasteners to adhere wraps to the OSB. The use of fasteners, however, presents opportunities for air leakage and moisture intrusion. Because they do not require fasteners to install, self-adhered wraps provide a tighter building envelope, helping to minimize potential entry points for air and/or water. According to the Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR®, continuous air barriers such as TYPAR traditional building wraps could reduce energy costs by as much as 15% to 20%.

  2. Self-adhering wraps can simplify and speed up installation
    TYPAR DrainableWrap Peel and Stick is made of one-of-a-kind technology that allows for enhanced drainability in an easy-to-install product. Some self-adhering building wraps, when applied below a certain temperature, require adding a primer to the substrate so the building wrap will properly adhere to the wall. This application can take hours of prep work. TYPAR DrainableWrap Peel and Stick is unique in that it only requires this step on applications lower than 10°F (-12°C.) Additionally, TYPAR DrainableWrap Peel and Stick uses an acrylic adhesive and can be repositioned on sheathing to ensure a smooth, wrinkle-free application.

    Traditional building wrap requires additional steps and materials for installation, including seaming tapes and flashings to ensure there are no areas of leakage. With Self-adhering wraps, taping seams is optional, which can save a lot of time and money on the job site. Additionally, TYPAR DrainableWrap Peel and Stick features a unique adhesive pattern that covers the top three inches of the wrap, which assists with the overlap between rolls and offers even more efficient installation.

  3. Seaming tapes and flashings are utilized much less in self-adhered applications
    Traditional building wrap requires additional steps and materials for installation, including seaming tapes and flashings to ensure there are no areas of leakage. With Self-adhering wraps, taping seams is optional, which can save a lot of time and money on the job site. Additionally, TYPAR DrainableWrap Peel and Stick features a unique adhesive pattern that covers the top three inches of the wrap, which assists with the overlap between rolls and offers even more efficient installation.

  4. Traditional building wrap can be more cost-effective than self-adhering wraps
    Despite their efficient installation, self-adhering wraps aren’t for every project. Traditional building wrap is a time-tested, warranty-backed air barrier that costs less than self-adhered wraps. In non-wet climates, where there is less need to protect against air leakage, traditional building wrap is still an effective and economical weather protection solution.

Regardless of the type of building wrap used, proper installation is crucial to ensure the wrap is performing to its maximum potential. While the installation process may vary, TYPAR products – whether traditional or peel-and-stick – offer an effectiveness that speaks for itself. Additionally, when installed as a system, TYPAR offers an industry-leading limited lifetime warranty. TYPAR is always ready to help you find the best solution for any building project.

Click here to watch the best way to install TYPAR BuildingWrap.

Click here to learn more about TYPAR DrainableWrap Peel and Stick.

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