How to Use Tyvek to Cover a Basement Ceiling

Measure the area of the basement ceiling to determine how many rolls of Tyvek will be needed for installation. Record the measurements for both the height and the width and multiply them together to get a total square footage of the basement ceiling. This will help figure out how many rolls of Tyvek will be used.

Snap a chalk line across the ceiling to ensure the Tyvek is installed straight. Climb a ladder positioned at one end of the ceiling and begin rolling out the Tyvek starting at one end of the ceiling. It is recommended to have two people for this job so the insulation can easily be rolled out. Roll the insulation out and staple rafter caps over the Tyvek and into each rafter.

Roll until the Tyvek runs out, or the end of the ceiling has been reached. Continue applying rafter caps with staples at each rafter. Repeat the process for the next course. The Tyvek will not cover the entire ceiling, so multiple courses will be necessary. Overlap the two courses the recommended distance. This will be printed on the wrap.

Lift the bottom edge of the overlying sheet of Tyvek and peel the release liner from the adhesive strip on the layer beneath. Press the two layers together along the strip to create a tight seal. Continue this process of overlapping the layers and peeling the liner until the entire ceiling has been covered. Always attach a rafter cap with a staple at each rafter and overlap as in the previous steps.

Scan over the entire ceiling to make sure no holes are left and the overlapping has been completed properly.