Does anyone know if there is a functional difference between the vapor barrier material known as “Everbilt” and “Tyvek” ?

TIA

All I know is that Tyvek is a pretty amazing material. They make a bunch of things out of it: protective suits, mailing envelopes, house wrap.

It's strong, just about impossible to tear by hand.

Sorry, this is not helpful, just musing.

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

Very amazing stuff, indeed. I have a couple of Camel Hard Pack jackets that were promotional items from the early 1990's that were made of Tyvek.

AFAIK, Tyvek is the most popular vapor barrier material in use today.

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles

I never knew tyvek to be a vapor barrier. Barrier yes, vapor ... not sure.

Tyvek is an Air Barrier, NOT a Vapor Barrier. Tyvek will let moisture pass but it stops air. Tyvek is not a barrier to water vapor.

Vapor Barriers are materials like 6 mil polyethylene with low vapor transmission. Vapor Barriers must be applied to the warm side of the insulation, whereas Air Barriers like Tyvek are typically applied on the cold side of the insulation.

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“Never attempt to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig.” ― Robert A. Heinlein

Thanks, John.

Yours is an interesting observation and it’s backed up by DuPont’s own comments:

“No, DuPont™ Tyvek® is not a vapor barrier. It is made with unique material science to keep air and bulk water out while allowing moisture vapor inside walls to escape.” http://www.dupont.com/products-and-services/construction-materials/building-envelope-systems/faqs/wb-faq.html

Makes it sound more akin to Gore-Tex or other breathable media.

But the question I have is still about the same. There are other products which claim to do the same as tyvek. Everbilt is one example. Most are obviously woven, where Tyvek is not. In any event my question is: Do they behave about the same as Tyvek?

I make a product that is designed in part to go into high humidity environments within a home. For example, in a kitchen, near a hot tub, near a swimming pool or a bathroom or RV or boat interior, etc. I want to add a finish to the back of this product and am considering using Tyvek or something similar for that purpose. Only problem with Tyvek is that it is about 4x the cost of other products. Gore-Tex is even more expensive so is out of the question.

Consider what is the purpose of this finish and what water vapor transmission characteristics are you wanting it to have.

You would have to check with the manufacturers regarding the properties of the other products, and if those are the properties you want.

__________________
“Never attempt to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig.” ― Robert A. Heinlein