Tyvek users

**TFC Rick** · 10-16-2011, 09:12

I have a new Tyvek tarp and need to do tie outs etc. While I am at it I'm wondering if you guys "hem" your edges with tape? I know it's tuff stuff, but my fear is if a small tear develops, there would be nothing to stop it from running.

Thanks,
Rick

**dangerous** · 10-16-2011, 09:55

I have played with Tyvek a little bit, and first off I don't think a tear would run in Tyvek. For my tie outs I used a 1 1/2 inch wide by 8 inch long strip of Tyvek folded in thirds length ways then folded in half so as to pinch the corner of my tarp then held in place with Tyvek tape. So far its held up to a few casual days but no serious wind has been thrown at it yet. I'll try to get some pics uploaded later to show what i'm talking about. (edit) here are the pics
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**AaronAlso** · 10-16-2011, 11:28

Type 10 Tyvek is very hard stuff to tear, even if you are trying, and a tear certainly won't run very far. Though I've not made a tarp from tyvek, I probably would tape hem the edges just for some added stability along those edges. It just seems like a good idea.

**DemostiX** · 10-21-2011, 14:04

The fibers in Tyvek are randomly aligned. It is not woven. Between, the strength, and the binding, it doesn't tear in any direction.

Don't even think of DuPont Tyvek tape for a hem. That would supply more strength than you need, and much more than you want to pay. Unless you carefully slit it, fold it, and apply that as a hem.

There are other Tyvek tapes on the market, where the properties and Tyvek brand are the selling point. Art supply houses sell 50 yard lengths for about $15. I don't know, though, whether the glue on those has the same 20-50 year expected life that goes into the the DuPont stuff made for completing house wrap. Sure, you don't need 20 years. But, you do want a really tenacious bond to the Tyvek wrap which is not weakened by conditions in the field.

**Aardvark** · 10-21-2011, 15:48

No hem on mine, it stood to 30 mph winds with no appearance of stress.

**Strung out** · 10-21-2011, 17:05

No hem on mine and it's been abused.
Had 60mph winds on an island in one storm.

**DemostiX** · 10-21-2011, 22:08

Anybody at HF who wants Tyvek experience can start by putting an opened USPS or FedeX or UPS mailing envelope in the washing machine with a load of clothes. . Then put it in the dryer. Rinse and repeat.

**JayS** · 10-21-2011, 22:32

Originally Posted by DemostiX

Anybody at HF who wants Tyvek experience can start by putting an opened USPS or FedeX or UPS mailing envelope in the washing machine with a load of clothes. . Then put it in the dryer. Rinse and repeat.

I know about putting it in the washer but why the dryer?