Is housewrap required by code?

Yes. The IRC requires a water-resistive barrier (WRB) on all exterior walls behind siding. Housewrap (Tyvek, etc.), asphalt-impregnated building paper, or self-adhered membranes all satisfy this requirement. The WRB is your primary defense against wind-driven rain penetrating the wall cavity.

Can I use felt paper instead of housewrap?

Yes, #15 asphalt-impregnated building paper (tar paper) is still code-compliant as a WRB. However, synthetic housewraps outperform felt in most metrics: they are lighter, stronger, more vapor-permeable, and can withstand longer UV exposure. Felt remains popular in stucco and stone veneer applications where two layers are traditionally specified.

How many rolls of housewrap do I need?

Divide your total exterior wall area (perimeter times wall height) by the roll coverage (typically 1,000 sq ft for standard Tyvek rolls). Add 15% for horizontal and vertical overlaps, window and door wrapping, and waste. A 2,000 sq ft wall area typically requires 2 to 3 rolls.

What tape should I use for housewrap seams?

Always use tape recommended by the housewrap manufacturer — Tyvek tape for Tyvek, for example. Contractor sheathing tape (Zip, 3M 8067, or similar) also works on most WRB products. Do not use duct tape, masking tape, or standard packing tape, as these will fail quickly and compromise the air and water barrier.

Does housewrap go over or under window flashing?

The housewrap is cut at window and door openings in a specific sequence. The sill flashing goes over the housewrap at the bottom, the jamb flashing overlaps the sill flashing, and the head flap of the housewrap laps over the top flashing to create a shingle-lap water management system. Incorrect sequencing is the number one cause of window leaks.

How long can housewrap be left exposed before siding?

Most housewrap products, including Tyvek HomeWrap, can be left exposed for up to 120 days (4 months) before UV degradation reduces performance. Some premium products offer 6 to 12 month UV exposure ratings. Plan to install siding within the manufacturer's specified timeframe to maintain warranty coverage.

How many rolls of house wrap do I need?

Divide your total exterior wall area by the roll coverage — standard Tyvek HomeWrap rolls cover 1,000 sq ft (9 ft × 100 ft) or 1,500 sq ft (9 ft × 150 ft). Add 15% for horizontal and vertical overlaps, window wrapping, and waste. A typical 2,000 sq ft home with about 2,400 sq ft of wall area needs 3 rolls of the 1,000 sq ft size.

How much does a roll of Tyvek cover?

A standard Tyvek HomeWrap roll (9 ft × 100 ft) covers 900 sq ft, though it is commonly marketed as 1,000 sq ft. The larger roll (9 ft × 150 ft) covers 1,350 sq ft. After accounting for the required 6-inch horizontal overlaps and 6 to 12-inch vertical overlaps, effective coverage drops to about 850 and 1,250 sq ft respectively.

Do you overlap house wrap?

Yes, overlapping is required for a continuous weather barrier. Horizontal seams must overlap at least 6 inches, with the upper course lapping over the lower course (shingle style). Vertical seams require a 6 to 12-inch overlap. All overlaps should be sealed with manufacturer-compatible tape to maintain air and water resistance.

How many cap nails per roll of house wrap?

Plan on using approximately 200 to 250 cap nails per 1,000 sq ft roll of housewrap. Cap nails (with 1-inch plastic caps) should be placed every 12 to 18 inches along studs, with extra fasteners around windows, doors, and at all horizontal and vertical overlaps. A 3-roll job typically requires one box of 2,000 cap nails.

Free Housewrap Calculator — Rolls & Coverage (2026)

Free Tyvek housewrap calculator — instant roll count for 3 ft, 5 ft & 9 ft rolls. Accounts for 6" overlap and waste. Get your material list now.

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Enter Your Measurements

How to Use This Calculator

1Calculate total exterior wall area (perimeter × height).
2Enter roll coverage (standard Tyvek HomeWrap = 1000 sq ft/roll).
3Click Calculate.

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About This Material

Housewrap is a synthetic weather-resistant barrier (WRB) installed over wall sheathing and behind siding to protect the building from bulk water infiltration while allowing water vapor to escape from inside the wall cavity. DuPont Tyvek HomeWrap is the most widely recognized brand, but other options include Tyvek DrainWrap (with built-in drainage channels), Henry Blueskin VP100 (self-adhered), and ZIP System sheathing tape (integrated WRB). Standard housewrap comes in 9-foot by 100-foot or 150-foot rolls covering 900 to 1,500 sq ft per roll, priced at $100 to $200 per roll. The key performance metrics are water holdout (resistance to liquid water penetration) and vapor permeance (ability to let moisture vapor pass through). All seams, penetrations, and window/door openings must be sealed with manufacturer-compatible tape. Housewrap must not be left exposed to UV for more than 90 to 120 days, as sunlight degrades its performance.

Next Steps:

Vinyl Siding Calculator →Hardie Plank Siding Calculator →Window Flashing Calculator →

Installation Tips

•Start at the bottom, working upward. Overlap horizontal seams 6" minimum.
•Tape all seams, penetrations, and window openings with compatible flashing tape.
•Install windows and doors before cutting holes in housewrap.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not taping seams — most air infiltration occurs at seams and penetrations.
Installing upside down — Tyvek is directional.
Leaving housewrap exposed to UV for more than 90 days (degrades performance).

Free Housewrap Calculator — Rolls & Coverage (2026)

How to Use This Calculator

About This Material

Installation Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

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