Does Durability Matter When It Comes to Housewrap?

A number of factors influence specification decisions for housewrap, including climate, cladding material, and budget. Another important consideration is durability.  

Not all weather resistive barriers offer equal resistance to impact, abrasion, sun, and chemicals. Paying attention is critical: The housewrap durability you choose, and how the product is installed affects the long-term performance of the product and wall system itself. 

What factors influence housewrap durability? 

Housewrap durability relies on two separate-but-connected factors: How it’s made and how it’s installed.   

When weighing materials, look for criteria on tensile strength, tear resistance, surfactant resistance, nail sealing capabilities, and UV rating/exposure limits. More durable products will offer higher levels of these, including meeting ASTM D5034 for tensile strength and ASTM D1970 for sealability.  

One of the most durable options is tri-laminate construction, such as that of BenWrap, HydroGap, and HydroGap SA. This comprises a micro-porous, non-perforated film between two non-woven layers; the film layer provides breathability and water hold-out while the non-woven layers give extra durability to protect the film from damage during installation. HydroGap SA also has a reinforcement scrim in the adhesive for added tensile strength. 

For optimal protection, look for weather barriers with UV exposure ratings from 120 to 180 days. This will help ensure the housewrap will not  degrade if cladding isn’t applied quickly after installation.  

Installation considerations to ensure housewrap durability 

All housewrap is designed to stand up to typical conditions, and products with added durability even more so. Still, there are some things to keep in mind to avoid damage and ensure the WRBs perform as designed.  

• Exposure time: Housewraps are designed to withstand UV rays for the amount of time specified. After that, there is potential for them to break down and layers to weaken, compromising their ability to hold out moisture and block air infiltration. Be sure to cover the housewrap with cladding within the manufacturer’s recommended timeframe. Also, for open-joint cladding, only use housewraps designed for that application, such as InvisiWrap UV and InvisiWrap SA, which can be used behind siding with openings up to 1” and 2”, respectively. 

• Impacts and abrasions: While it’s OK to lean ladders against most housewraps, caution is still needed to avoid abrasions or tears that can compromise the barrier. Avoid dragging ladders or scaffolding across the surface or roughly dropping those items or other equipment against it. If this does occur, visually inspect the surface for damage. In addition, store housewrap rolls off the ground to avoid foot traffic and debris. 

• Surfactants: Some housewraps will react and break down when exposed to certain construction site chemicals and cleaning agents. Avoid this type of cross-contact during construction to preserve material strength and performance. Also consider a higher-performing housewrap that is more resistant to the oils and chemicals that may get through cladding during rainstorms or power-washing. 

• Pressure/pulling: Follow manufacturer recommendations for pulling housewrap into place, as pulling it too roughly or too tightly may cause some material types to tear. The same goes for applying pressure to self-adhered products: Follow directions for how much pressure to apply and with what tools; using sharp or rough tools could lead to cuts that compromise sealability and durability.  

• Fasteners: For mechanically fastened housewraps, consider cap fasteners over regular staples or nails. During windy conditions, traditional staples and nails are more susceptible to pull-out, which can tear the WRB. Or look to a self-adhered housewrap, like HydroGap SA, and eliminate fasteners entirely. 

Long-term performance without compromise 

Housewraps are designed for durability, but not all are created equal. Look to high-performance options — such as those made with tri-laminate construction and/or self-adhered installation — to protect the viability of your wall systems over time, and ensure your crews understand proper installation techniques to avoid accidental damage on site. Durability combined with diligence can help preserve proper performance and expected longevity. 

Try our durable housewraps by requesting a sample today!