Questions about my barn build

[1966chevelle]

I have been talking to a few builders about a barn. I am looking at a 40x40x12 or a 48x36x12 with the 36 being the depth. I was under the impression that I should wrap the walls in some type of house wrap (TYVEK). The 2 builders I have been talking to lately suggest just putting a vapor barrier on the roof and nothing on the walls. I explained to them that I was installing insulation on the walls and a insulated ceiling. They both said they would install it for $750-1000 extra but it is a waist of money. Is this true? What are you thoughts on the wrap?

 

[JVarhol]

All tyvek really does is prevents water from penetrating the wood on the outside of the structure to help prevent mold growth. It has almost zero insulation benefits. Putting it on the room would help better seal it however it isn't actually needed on the walls or the roof.

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[1966chevelle]

My fear was the insulation getting wet and molding.

 

[JDCrae]

Vapor barrier does more than than keep water out, it allows vapor through to escape. Any insulated building benefits from having a wrap (vapor barrier) installed. It has nothing to do with insulation and 100 percent to do with keeping water out, but allowing water vapor to pass from inside to out. That helps dry out any water that gets behind the siding.

I am building my shop right now, which will have T1-11 siding, and am housewrapping right over the studs. It's not normally used in this fashion, but every competent contractor I spoke to said absolutely yes, as I will be insulating, as well as conditioning the space.

 

[GYPSY400]

I've never seen house wrap used on a roof.

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[The Tool Tyrant]

i've never seen house wrap used on a roof.

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^^ x2

 

[1966chevelle]

Sorry the roof will be a double bubble vapor barrier material.

 

[FMC1959]

Tyvek is not a vapor barrier. A vapor barrier always goes on the warmer side of the wall, which means inside wall except for homes in the deep south.

Tyvek is an air/wind barrier. In older homes before house wraps were used, moderate to very windy days, you could feel air near electrical outlets, frames and other seems. Tyvek is intended to block air and turbulence that is created behind whatever siding you have on a house. It does stop water penetration but allows water vapor to go through.

Your barn, do you want it to be cozy warm as your living room, or mid 60's so you can work without freezing? If the external siding, wall cladding, insulation and then interior wall (drywall, OSB...?) are done properly, you can skip the Tyvek.

Sounds like you are having the barn built rather than do it yourself, so you are probably looking at $30k or more. From this perspective, the Tyvek, although not essential, an extra $750 for the little added protection won't blow the budget.

 

[1966chevelle]

Tyvek is not a vapor barrier. A vapor barrier always goes on the warmer side of the wall, which means inside wall except for homes in the deep south.

Tyvek is an air/wind barrier. In older homes before house wraps were used, moderate to very windy days, you could feel air near electrical outlets, frames and other seems. Tyvek is intended to block air and turbulence that is created behind whatever siding you have on a house. It does stop water penetration but allows water vapor to go through.

Your barn, do you want it to be cozy warm as your living room, or mid 60's so you can work without freezing? If the external siding, wall cladding, insulation and then interior wall (drywall, OSB...?) are done properly, you can skip the Tyvek.

Sounds like you are having the barn built rather than do it yourself, so you are probably looking at $30k or more. From this perspective, the Tyvek, although not essential, an extra $750 for the little added protection won't blow the budget.

Yes I am having the barn built. The barn is either going to be $16,400 for the 40x40 or $17,800 for the 36x48. This is minus the concrete. I see what you are saying about what's another $750-1000 compared to the $16k-$18k but I'm trying to spend my money smart. This is pretty much at the top of my budget so if I can save the extra $1k I want to. But I also don't want to have mold and other problems down the road.
Thanks everyone for the help.

 

[willjogervais]

Every little thing helps, although it isn't necessary. I have started to and will continue to use it on any pole buildings that i may build in the future. If they are to be insulated that is. If it fits in your budget, it is a no brainer

 

[FMC1959]

Yes I am having the barn built. The barn is either going to be $16,400 for the 40x40 or $17,800 for the 36x48. This is minus the concrete. I see what you are saying about what's another $750-1000 compared to the $16k-$18k but I'm trying to spend my money smart. This is pretty much at the top of my budget so if I can save the extra $1k I want to. But I also don't want to have mold and other problems down the road.
Thanks everyone for the help.

If budget is important, I would skip the Tyvek.

Its primary use is as an air/wind for today's up to standard homes, which usually also require air exchangers because they are so darn air tight. For a barn/workshop scenario, I personally would not bother.

If your barn will have an exterior siding that is metal, aluminum, or vinyl, and the siding is put on a wall that has some kind of cladding, like OSB, your insulation should not ever have any issues with getting wet.

As with all construction, when the job is done right, you should not have any issues. If your guys are a couple of hacks, the Tyvek or anything else won't save you from having issues.

 

[1966chevelle]

The builders I am talking to are both amish. I have looked at a lot of there barns and I think they have done great work. The outside of my barn will be metal. I will eventually be installing roll insulation in the walls and ceiling with metal interior panels. The insulation and interior metal will be down the road but that is the plans. I'm trying to due this with cash so I am going as big as I can for now then add the final creature comforts later. But $1,000 will almost cover the ceiling metal