This is one of the most common questions contractors ask before ordering custom house wrap. The short answer is no — when manufactured by a reputable producer, custom printed house wrap performs the same as unprinted house wrap. Here is why.
How Printing Works on House Wrap
Custom house wrap printing applies ink to the outer surface of the weather-resistive barrier material. The ink sits on top of the wrap rather than saturating or penetrating through it. The microscopic pores in the material that provide vapor permeability remain open and functional after printing.
For details on the printing methods used, see how custom house wrap is printed.
Vapor Permeability
Vapor permeability is the ability of moisture vapor to pass through the wrap so walls can dry. It is measured in perms — higher numbers mean faster drying. Building codes typically require a minimum of 5 perms for a WRB.
Quality custom house wrap maintains the same perm rating as the unprinted version of the same base material. The ink layer is thin enough that it does not obstruct vapor transmission. Independent testing confirms that printed wraps continue to meet or exceed the minimum perm requirements.
Water Holdout
Water holdout measures the wrap's ability to block liquid water from passing through. This is the primary function of any weather-resistive barrier. Custom printed house wrap maintains the same water holdout performance because the ink bonds to the surface and does not create holes, pinholes, or weak spots in the material.
Tear Strength and Durability
The printing process does not weaken the base material. Custom house wrap retains the same tear strength as standard wrap, meaning it resists ripping during installation and holds up to wind, weather, and construction activity during the exposure period.
The printed ink is also formulated for UV resistance, preventing fading or degradation during the typical 3 to 6 month exposure window before siding is installed.
Code Compliance and Testing
Reputable custom house wrap manufacturers test their printed products to the same standards as unprinted WRBs:
- ASTM E2556 — standard specification for vapor-permeable, water-resistive barriers.
- ICC-ES AC38 — acceptance criteria for water-resistive barriers used in the International Building Code.
- ASTM D5034 — tensile strength testing.
- ASTM E96 — water vapor transmission rate testing.
When ordering custom house wrap, ask the manufacturer for test reports confirming that the printed product meets these standards. Any reputable supplier will provide this documentation.
For a side-by-side look at printed vs unprinted wrap, see custom house wrap vs standard house wrap.
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