When building or renovating a home, choosing the right house wrap is an important decision. House wraps act as a water-resistive barrier between the exterior cladding and the wall sheathing. The two most popular options on the market are Blueskin and Tyvek house wraps.
But what are the key differences between these two products?
This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, features, and performance factors of Blueskin and Tyvek to help you determine which is better for your project.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | Blueskin | Tyvek |
| Material | Polypropylene film | Spunbonded polyethylene |
| Water holdout | Up to 55cm hydrostatic pressure | Up to 15cm hydrostatic pressure |
| Air infiltration | 0.004 cfm/ft2 at 75 Pa | 0.001 cfm/ft2 at 75 Pa |
| Vapor permeance | 8-57 perms | 28 perms |
| Tear resistance | 9-12 lbs | 12-15 lbs |
| Puncture resistance | 25-30 lbs | 40-50 lbs |
| UV resistance | Up to 9 months | Up to 4 months |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years |
| Cost | $150-$325 per roll | $100-$300 per roll |
Blueskin House Wrap Overview
Blueskin is a house wrap product manufactured by Henry Company, a construction materials supplier founded in 1913.
Some key facts about Blueskin house wrap:
- Made from a patented tri-laminate polypropylene film material
- Comes in sheets 4 feet wide by 100 feet long
- Available in various styles: VP100, VP160, VP160 NF, and EPDM
- Complies with ICC code for water-resistive barriers
- Can be used under several different cladding types
- Has an R-value of R-3.3 which provides added insulation
- Won BuildingGreen’s Top-10 Products Award in 2019
The main benefits of Blueskin offered by the manufacturer include:
- Superior bulk water holdout under hydrostatic pressure
- High permeability rating to allow vapor transmission
- Ability to seal around fasteners due to self-adhering edges
- UV exposure rating of 6 months
- Is nailable and compatible with fluid-applied WRBs
The Henry Company claims that Blueskin is better than Tyvek for its water holdout performance and ability to self-seal around fasteners when installed properly. We’ll explore these claims in more detail in the comparison section below.
Tyvek House Wrap Overview
Tyvek is likely the most well-known brand name of house wraps on the market. Produced by DuPont, Tyvek has been around since the 1960s and was the first synthetic house wrap product.
Here are some quick facts about Tyvek house wraps:
- Made from flash spun high-density polyethylene fibers
- Sold in 5 foot wide rolls up to 200 feet long
- Many versions available: HomeWrap, StuccoWrap, ThermaWrap, CommercialWrap and more
- Meets and exceeds code for water-resistive barriers
- Suitable for use under various claddings and wall systems
- Has an R-value around R-1 which provides minimal insulation
- Recognized and specified widely by architects and builders
DuPont emphasizes these benefits of Tyvek house wraps:
- Extremely high air infiltration resistance
- Excellent bulk water holdout, even under pressure
- Allows walls to breathe and dry out moisture
- High strength and tear resistance
- Up to 4 months UV exposure rating
- Compatible with many tapes, adhesives and sealants
Tyvek is still considered the industry gold standard that all other wraps are measured against in terms of durability and performance. But how does it compare to the newer Blueskin product? Let’s analyze the key factors.
Comparing Water Holdout Performance
One of the most important jobs of a house wrap is preventing bulk water intrusion. So water holdout performance is a crucial comparison point between Blueskin and Tyvek.
According to manufacturer specifications, both wraps meet ICC and ASTM codes for water resistance:
- Tyvek has a water holdout rating of 284 cm
- Blueskin VP160 has a water holdout rating of 289 cm
Real world testing has demonstrated that both materials effectively stop water from penetrating in normal circumstances. Even when soaked and flexed, the wraps prevent leakage.
However, there are a few differences:
- Hydrostatic Pressure: Blueskin is rated to hold up against 55 cm of hydrostatic pressure, compared to just 15 cm for Tyvek. This suggests Blueskin may have superior water resistance in driving rain situations.
- Surface Water Transmission: In ASTM testing, Blueskin allowed 0.0004% surface water transmission while Tyvek allowed 0.01% transmission. Again, a small advantage for Blueskin.
- Working Effectively When Wet: There are reports from builders that Tyvek can become less effective at shedding bulk water when soaked through and flexed. Blueskin’s polymeric membrane seems more resistant to this issue.
So while both wraps offer excellent liquid water holdout, Blueskin may have a slight performance edge in extreme circumstances. This could provide added peace of mind against leaks.
Comparing Air Infiltration Resistance
House wraps also serve as air barriers, so comparing the air infiltration resistance of Blueskin and Tyvek is important.
By manufacturer data, both wraps exceed minimum code requirements for air barriers:
- Tyvek has an air infiltration of 0.001 cfm/ft2 at 75 Pa
- Blueskin has an air infiltration of 0.004 cfm/ft2 at 75 Pa
Clearly, Tyvek has about 4x better air infiltration resistance than Blueskin based on lab tests. Tyvek’s dense spunbond polyethylene fibers appear to prohibit airflow better than Blueskin’s polypropylene film material.
In real world conditions though, proper sealing of seams and penetrations is more crucial than the wrap’s inherent air permeability. When installed correctly, both wraps provide sufficient air leakage protection for energy code compliance.
Evaluating Vapor Permeance
Letting moisture vapor pass through the wall assembly is also important for proper moisture management and drying. Here are the vapor permeance ratings:
- Tyvek has a vapor permeance of 28 perms
- Blueskin VP100 has a vapor permeance of 8 perms
- Blueskin VP160 has a vapor permeance of 57 perms
Based on these specs, Tyvek and Blueskin VP160 have high enough vapor permeability to be considered vapor open. Blueskin VP100 has a lower vapor permeance and acts more as a vapor retarder.
In cold and mixed climates, the higher vapor permeability products are generally recommended. The vapor open characteristics allow interior moisture to pass through while still providing water holdout.
Comparing Tear and Puncture Resistance
Durability during installation and under cladding pressure is an important consideration as well. The ability to resist tears and punctures ensures the wrap’s performance and longevity.
Both Tyvek and Blueskin are tear and puncture resistant:
- Tyvek has a tear strength of 12-15 lbs and puncture strength of 40-50 lbs
- Blueskin has a tear strength of 9-12 lbs and puncture strength of 25-30 lbs
The independent testing shows that Tyvek has a slight advantage in resistance to tears and punctures over Blueskin. Tyvek’s spun synthentic material is simply tougher and will be less prone to accidental damage.
However, Blueskin’s self-adhering edges can help prevent rips and holes from propagating.
Overall, both wraps should perform sufficiently unless badly damaged during construction.
Proper precautions should be taken around staples, rough openings, and cladding friction points.
Evaluating UV and Weathering Resistance
House wraps are exposed to many months of UV rays and weather elements while the building is under construction. Extended UV and weathering resistance ensures the wrap remains intact if permanently exposed.
The UV resistance ratings show Blueskin with an advantage:
- Tyvek house wraps are warrantied to resist UV deterioration for up to 4 months.
- Blueskin VP160 NF has a UV exposure rating of up to 9 months according to testing.
While neither wrap can stay exposed indefinitely, Blueskin appears to withstand UV and outdoor weathering better than Tyvek in real-world conditions. Proper covering and timely cladding installation remains important with both products.
Comparing Costs and Warranties
When selecting any building product, it helps to compare the costs and warranties:
- Pricing for both wraps is in the $150 to $325 range for a 9 ft x 100 ft roll. Tyvek is generally a little less expensive than Blueskin.
- Henry offers a 10-year limited warranty on Blueskin products.
- DuPont offers a 10-year limited warranty on Tyvek house wrap products.
The cost per square foot works out very similarly between the two wraps. Builders should price shop locally to find the best deals on either wrap brand.
You can expect to pay a small premium for Blueskin, but the product warranties are equivalent. This makes Blueskin a reasonable value for the performance it provides.
Key Differences At a Glance
To recap, here are some of the main differences between Blueskin and Tyvek house wraps:
Blueskin Advantages:
- Better water holdout under hydrostatic pressure
- Minimal surface water transmission
- More water resistant when soaked and flexed
- Superior UV and weathering resistance
- Self-adhering edges help reduce rips and penetrations
Tyvek Advantages:
- Much higher air infiltration resistance
- Slightly better tear and puncture strength
- More proven performance record over decades
- Usually a lower product cost
Similarities:
- Both meet ICC codes for water and air barriers
- Allow proper vapor permeability and wall drying
- Offer 10-year manufacturer warranties
- Compatible with tapes, adhesives and many cladding systems
- Require proper installation for maximum effectiveness
There are clear benefits to both house wrap products. In many ways, they are more alike than different. The right choice often comes down to the specific building details and the installer’s personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some builders believe Blueskin offers marginal improvements in bulk water holdout, especially under pressure. The higher vapor permeability of Blueskin VP160 may also be preferred in certain wall assemblies. Additionally, Blueskin has better UV stability for prolonged weather exposure. Overall though, Tyvek still performs excellent as a house wrap. Many contractors use the terms Tyvek and house wrap interchangeably.
For the relatively small per square foot price premium over Tyvek, Blueskin offers competitive performance. The self-adhering edges provide added value for easier sealing around fasteners. If you prioritize the water holdout capabilities most, Blueskin is likely worth the extra cost. It also helps support competition and innovation in the house wrap market.
There’s no definitive “best” house wrap for every situation. Both Tyvek and Blueskin are top-rated products trusted by professionals. Tyvek has decades of proven results and name recognition. Blueskin offers a few incremental performance enhancements. In real world conditions, properly installed wraps from major suppliers like DuPont and Henry perform admirably. Paying more for specialty wraps rarely provides value.
Blueskin house wrap is a synthetic water-resistive barrier from the Henry Company used under exterior cladding. It consists of a tri-laminated polypropelene membrane film, available in different versions. Blueskin house wraps compete with Tyvek as an alternative to traditional building papers. Benefits include bulk water holdout, vapor permeability, and UV/weather resistance. Overall Blueskin is an excellent quality house wrap brand.
Closing Remarks
When comparing Blueskin vs Tyvek house wraps, there are many similarities but also a few key differences. Both meet code requirements and provide essential protection against bulk water and air infiltration.
Minor performance advantages for Blueskin exist in the categories of water resistance, vapor permeability, and UV stability. Tyvek still excels at air barrier properties.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either of these two market-leading products. Proper installation is the most vital factor. Focus on sealing seams and junctions, taping flashings, and integrating with other building layers.
Blueskin and Tyvek both deliver the durable drainage plane vital for any home when installed correctly.
Hopefully this detailed overview gives you the knowledge to pick the ideal house wrap solution for your building project. Let me know if you have any other questions!