Tyvek vs. ZIP System: Why We Wrap Our Homes Differently
When you’re building a home, many of the most important decisions are made long before finishes and fixtures are selected. What goes on behind the walls plays a huge role in how your home performs for years to come.
One question we’re often asked is:
“Why do you use Tyvek instead of the ZIP System?”
It’s a fair question—and the answer comes down to proven performance, flexibility, and building homes that stand up to Oklahoma’s climate.
What is Tyvek?
Tyvek is a high-performance house wrap designed to act as a weather-resistant barrier. Its job is to help keep bulk water out of the home while still allowing moisture vapor to escape—an important balance for maintaining a healthy wall system.
Tyvek has been used in residential construction for decades, and when installed correctly, it continues to be one of the most trusted barriers in the industry.
What About the ZIP System?
The ZIP System combines structural sheathing with an integrated weather barrier, with seams sealed using a proprietary tape. It’s a solid product and works well in certain applications.
However, it also requires extremely precise installation and long-term tape adhesion to maintain its performance over time. In our climate, where heat, wind, and seasonal expansion all come into play, those details matter.
Why We Choose Tyvek
At Two Structures Homes, every material we choose has to earn its place. Tyvek remains our preferred option for several key reasons:
1. Proven Track Record
Tyvek has decades of real-world performance behind it. We know how it performs in Oklahoma weather and how to install it correctly for long-term reliability.
2. Excellent Moisture Management
Tyvek allows walls to breathe while still protecting against water intrusion. That balance helps reduce the risk of trapped moisture, which can lead to mold or structural issues over time.
3. Flexible and Forgiving
Homes move—materials expand and contract with temperature changes. Tyvek’s flexibility allows it to adapt without compromising the integrity of the wall system.
4. Reliable Installation Process
Because Tyvek is installed as a continuous wrap with properly sealed seams, it creates a dependable weather barrier without relying solely on taped panel joints.
Is the ZIP System a Bad Product?
Not at all.
The ZIP System can be a great choice in certain builds. But after evaluating performance, installation requirements, and long-term durability, Tyvek remains the system that best fits how we build and the conditions we build in.
Built for a Lifetime—Even Behind the Walls
Most homeowners never see the house wrap once construction is complete—but its impact is felt every day in comfort, efficiency, and durability.
Using Tyvek is one of the many behind-the-scenes decisions we make to ensure your home performs the way it should, not just on move-in day, but for years to come.
Because at Two Structures Homes, every detail matters—especially the ones you can’t see.