Tyvek Membrane: description, characteristics and applications

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Professional builders today are familiar with Dupont materials. They are made in Luxembourg and cover many industries, including:

• agriculture;
• construction;
• energy;
• food industry;
• electronics.

However, the article will focus on hydro-windproof membranes, which are offered for sale in several varieties.

Description

In the domestic market, Dupont offers materials for waterproofing, which are produced under the Tyvek brand. They look like compact rolls, and according to their technical characteristics, they can be divided into the following varieties:

• "Soft".
• "Solid".
• "Solid Silver".
• "Supro".
• "Tape.

Waterproofing films have excellent vapor permeability, therefore they are known to the consumer as diffusion membranes. Their properties allow them to play the role of hydro-wind protection of thermal insulation.and timber roof structures. The Tyvek membrane removes vapors from the insulation layer, eliminating the formation of condensate on the surface of the material. The latter breathes in the direction of the covering layer of the roof. For this reason, membranes have also found their application in facade decoration.

The Tyvek membrane is different in that moisture does not enter inside, does not overcome the film layer, while air escapes due to the high vapor permeability of the layer. The described features are relevant for all types of Dupont waterproofing.

Basic Features

Tyvek membranes are actively used in hydro and wind protection of private and public buildings due to the fact that the protective functional layer has quite impressive thickness. This parameter can reach 450 microns, which indicates the effective operation of the material throughout the entire service life.

The membrane is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, because the film is made on the basis of polyethylene. If we compare the membrane with analogues on this issue, then the latter will be more sensitive to high temperatures. As for the Tyvek membrane, it can withstand temperatures up to 100 °C. In addition, with its use, the consumer can save on an additional counter-lattice. The material has a high degree of diffusion, so it can be placed on the insulation without forming a gap. The service life of the structures is increased, as is the energy efficiency of the building.

Scope of Tyvek Solid application

If you decide to purchase a diffusion membrane, you should first familiarize yourself with the scope and main characteristics. As for Tyvek Solid, this material is a roofing film that has increased strength. It can be laid on insulation in roof structures, where there will be one ventilation gap.

The membrane is extremely durable, so it can be used in structures and ventilated curtain walls and brick private houses, as well as the facades of wooden buildings. The latter can be faced with siding. The Tyvek Solid membrane can be installed even in cold roof structures and on roofs with a double ventilation gap. In this case, a wind load will occur, but even it cannot damage the roofing material.

This breathable membrane is one of the most common roofing membranes for private housing construction. It has been used in Russia for 15 years. The material has one layer made of high strength polyethylene. It has a unique structure and provides vapor permeability over the entire surface. Due to this, excess moisture is removed from the structure, and the crate and rafters remain dry. The Tyvek Solid membrane is laid with the white side down, the pattern should be turned up. The film is light in weight, so it is quite easy to install on the roof.

Tyvek Solid Specifications

ThisThe material is able to protect not only from wind, but also from precipitation. It belongs to G4 flammability class. In terms of flammability, it belongs to class B2. The nail tear strength along and across is 90 and 85 H, respectively. The water column that acts on the material can be equal to a height of 2.35 m.

Diffusion thickness is equivalent to 0.03 Sd. Vapor permeability is 683g/m² for 24 hours. The vapor permeability resistance is 0.1 m2 • h • Pa/mg. The Tyvek membrane, whose characteristics should help you make the right choice, can be operated at temperatures ranging from -40 to +100 °C. The material weighs 82g/m², its thickness is 0.22mm. One roll has a mass of 6 kg. Its size is 50x1.5m (75m^2).

Scope of application of Tyvek Soft

This breathable waterproofing membrane can be used to insulate frame houses with siding wall cladding. The material is also used for pitched roofs, which have one ventilation gap. Material installation can be done by either party.

If we are talking about angles, then their slope can be equal to 15 ° and more. In places of overlap, the canvas should be glued with a butyl rubber-based tape. The width of the ventilation gap should be 50 mm. It is necessary to form a counter-lattice in the ventilation gap, which will provide free air passage.

Rails must be used to mount the Tyvek windproof membrane. Staples or nailsmaterial cannot be taken. Leaving it in this state in the rain is unacceptable. If there is no vapor barrier in the insulated attic or there are gaps and holes in it, the insulation may get wet, ice may freeze on its surface. The membrane can be left exposed to sunlight for up to 4 months, but no more.

Tyvek Soft Specifications

The Tyvek Soft waterproofing membrane described above can be installed on mansard roofs. It belongs to the flammability class G4, in terms of flammability it belongs to the class B2. Breaking force along and across is 165 and 140 EN.

The water column acting on the material can have a height of 1.85 m. The diffusion thickness is 0.02 Sd. Vapor permeability in 24 hours reaches 744 g/m². The vapor permeability resistance is 0.09 m2 • h • Pa/mg. The test was carried out according to GOST 25898-83. The heat resistance of the material is equal to the limit from - 40 to + 100 °C. The membrane weighs 58 g/m². Its thickness is 0.18 mm. One roll has a mass equal to 4.5 kg. Its size is 50x1.5m (75m^2).

Membrane cost

Tyvek membrane, the price of which is 68 rubles. per square meter, can last up to 50 years. The material is non-toxic. It is delivered to the territory of Russia from Germany. By the way, this is why many consumers choose this windproof material, because it meets European quality standards.

Membrane "Tyvek Soft" youcan be purchased for 6200 rubles. In order for the material to perform its functions, it is important to ensure its correct installation. So, when the wooden elements of the crate are treated with chemicals, they should be left to dry for 24 hours. Rails should be used for mounting Tyvek Soft.

Conclusion

Vapour-permeable membranes play one of the important roles in the protection of buildings, which may be residential or industrial. By purchasing quality solutions like the Tyvek membrane, you create protection that provides reliability and confidence. These materials can increase the energy efficiency of the building and ensure their long-term operation.