For years, builders and contractors have used DuPont FlexWrap to prevent the entry of unwanted air and moisture through windows and door sills.
Apart from offering protection against water damage, mold, and corrosion, this window flashing from DuPont also significantly lowers HVAC bills while improving air quality.
There are many benefits of choosing DuPont FlexWrap. But there are also a couple of reasons why you may be interested in its alternatives. DuPont FlexWrap is quite expensive.
And if you have plenty of windows to seal, this may not be a cost-effective solution. Also, you may not find DuPont FlexWrap in nearby stores. And you may have to wait for days if you order it online.
Due to the above reasons, it’s a good idea to identify some of the best DuPont FlexWrap alternatives. In the guide below, I will list and compare some window flashing options that can be used instead of DuPont FlexWrap.
1. James Hardie Wrap Flex Flashing Tape
James Hardie isn’t a new name in the construction industry. Just like DuPont, this company also manufactures its window flashing tape. This tape adheres firmly to doors and window sills. It is stretchy and relatively easy to use.
What stands out the most for this DuPont FlexWrap alternative is that it’s free of VOCs, asphalts, and other solvents that may contaminate the air inside your home.
The window flashing tape from James Hardie is highly resistant to water. But it’s also breathable. Therefore, it allows the walls to expel moisture so that they can remain dry. This contributes heavily to the prevention of mold growth.
Due to its design, the James Hardie Wrap Flex can be used on non-standard-shaped windows. That’s a feature it shares with DuPont FlexWrap.
The James Hardie Wrap Flex has a thickness of 60 mils, whereas DuPont FlexWrap has a thickness of 64 mils. Therefore, the latter is thicker and offers better resistance against water.
DuPont FlexWrap can withstand UV exposure for up to 270 days. James Hardie Wrap can only withstand UV exposure for 180 days. Also, DuPont FlexWrap has a tensile strength of 30 lbs/in compared to James Hardie’s 18 lbs/in.
Even though James Hardie Wrap Flex is a suitable alternative, it can’t perform better than DuPont FlexWrap.
2. Poly Wall Window Seal
Another popular DuPont FlexWrap alternative is the Window Seal from Poly Wall. This window flashing tape is 20 mils thick and can be used on windows, door frames, and other types of seams in construction. Poly Wall window flashing tape is self-sealing and self-adhering, making it a durable option.
Similar to DuPont FlexWrap, Window Seal is relatively easy to apply. Poly Wall Window Seal is more suitable for custom-shaped or round windows. You can also use it over fasteners, nails, and staples.
It does a marvelous job of preventing moisture entry, thus preventing mold growth. It’s also elastic. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about it tearing apart when exposed to structural movements.
Window Seal is designed to withstand temperatures ranging from 40°F to 120°F. Unlike DuPont, which is made of butyl, Poly Wall Window Seal is made of rubberized asphalt.
3. ArcFlash Window Flashing
If you have been looking for a thicker DuPont FlexWrap alternative, your search should stop at ArcFlash.
Unlike DuPont window flashing, which has a thickness of 64 mils, ArcFlash is 70 mils thick. That means you get an extra layer of protection against water damage.
ArcFlash is also a product of Poly Wall. It is a self-adhering and self-healing stretchable asphalt tape. As the name suggests, it’s strictly designed for arch-shaped windows.
So, if your windows are curved or round, you should use this flashing tape which is strictly made for such applications.
It can be used over nails and fasteners. Plus, it’s highly resistant to cracking. One of the distinctive features of ArcFlash is that it’s laminated with a polyethylene backing. That makes it more durable than its counterpart DuPont FlexWrap.
4. Tite Seal Original
Made by Cofair, Tite Seal Original is another excellent DuPont FlexWrap alternative.
It is made using rubberized asphalt, and just like DuPont FlexWrap, it adheres well to a wide range of materials such as wood, metal, vinyl, brick, stucco, and siding. Therefore, there is no limit to which substrate you can use this product on.
Once installed, Tite Seal Original prevents the entry of unwanted air and moisture. One of the reasons Tite Seal is so popular is that it’s widely available. You can get it on Amazon or your nearest Home Depot store.
Tite Seal Original has a polymer surface that serves as the UV stabilizer. During construction, Tite Seal can be exposed to sun rays for up to 6 months.
That’s not as long as DuPont FlexWrap can withstand UV exposure, but it’s enough time for you to finish your project.
5. WindowWrap Flex
Out of all DuPont FlexWrap alternatives, the WindowWrap Flex is the only option that outperforms it in many sectors. This tape can be used on windows, doors, and even joints.
Unlike DuPont FlexWrap, which only offers protection against water and air, this wrap also reduces noise while preventing insects from passing through, irrespective of how small they are.
It is a rubberized asphalt window flashing. But on the surface, it is laminated by a polythene film. It is stretchable and exceptionally durable.
It has strong adhesion and can be used on many surfaces, including drywall, steel, aluminum, OSB, and plywood. You don’t have to worry about using fasteners and nails on it because it self-heals.
Even though it’s a powerful window flashing, it can only be exposed to UV rays for three months. This window flash can be used on the exterior to enhance waterproofing capabilities.
It fits perfectly on curved windows and doorways. It can also be used as an alternative to metal flashing and kraft paper. As if that’s not enough, with this DuPont FlexWrap, you get a 10-year limited warranty.
How Does DuPont FlexWrap Compare to Its Alternatives?
We can all agree that DuPont FlexWrap is one of the best window flashing tapes on the market. When you compare the tensile strength, temperature, water, UV, and air resistance, it performs better than most tapes.
Therefore, as you consider its alternatives, you need to be aware of its superior performance.
Nonetheless, we can’t ignore the fact that DuPont FlexWrap is expensive. Therefore, the above options can come in handy if you are on a tight budget.
Also, should you not be able to find DuPont FlexWrap stocked in your nearby store, you can ask for these alternatives.
Can You Use These Alternatives with DuPont Tyvek Home Wrap?
A building envelope should be created using materials from the same company. If you are installing Tyvek house wrap, please stick to DuPont FlexWrap.
Combining window flashing tape with other house wraps can be disastrous because the adhesion may not be compatible.
The same applies to the above window flashings listed as DuPont FlexWrap alternatives. Whether it’s Cofair or Poly wall, stick to their wraps, and you won’t run into any problems.
You should also keep in mind that combining house wraps and window flashing can void the warranty.
Where Can I Get DuPont FlexWrap?
One of the main reasons people look for DuPont FlexWrap alternatives is that they can’t find it in nearby stores. If you are wondering where you can get it, the best place to look is at your nearby Home Depot store.
If you don’t find it there, you should buy it online. The only problem with the latter solution is that delivery will take longer. If you are in a hurry, you definitely can’t miss any of the alternatives listed above.