Joseph Pylka wrote: >> Does anyone know if one side or the other should face out on Tyvek? >> [snip] I wonder about layering it under a breathable fabric as well. >> It probably doesn't work as good as Goretex, but it seems like a cheap >> way to make some gear. Paul M > It's not a breathable material but rather a vapor barrier. That is what > it is ordinarily sold as. I've heard Tyvek described as a "vapor barrier" before, but I think that is very misleading language. Check out Wikipedia's piece on it, in which you will find: "Water vapor can pass through Tyvek, but not liquid water." It is more properly a _liquid_ barrier, inasmuch as it passes water vapor, but not water liquid. The Wiki citation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyvek And, here's the language the manufacturer uses to describe its properties: "This unique balance of properties, which cannot be found in any other material, makes Tyvek. lightweight yet strong; __vapor-permeable__, yet water-, chemical-, puncture-, tear- and abrasion-resistant." Source: http://www.tyvek.com/whatistyvek.htm As far as its use for clothing: it does not last; it does not withstand repeated flexing nearly as well as materials designed for clothing. IIRC, its vapor transmission rate is much lower than Goretex. Finally, it makes no difference which side faces the liquid water, AFAIK. I believe you see it on houses with the logo out just because "that's the way we have always done it." -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Jun 12 2007 - 00:46:54 PDT
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