Does anyone have experience using the building product Tyvek as a shelter?

I am looking for a web site that might have plans/suggestions for making a good shelter or tent.

Thanks in advance.

Just treat it as a tarp. Tie small rocks on the edges to make guy line points and have at it. By the time you get the appropriate spray glue and sewing time you would be better off just buying a small tent.

I have some experience with tyvek clothing. It works fine as an expendable item - like coveralls you might use, get filthy and then toss.

In fabricating something more elaborate, I would use silnylon, a fabric that is much more durable, making the investment of my time more plausible.

How would tyvek stand up to even moderate winds - say 35 to 45 mph? I have no idea, but I'll bet there are more suitable materials.

Tyvek and Barricade building wraps are quite strong. Stronger than the Tyvek typically used in industrial disposable coveralls. Both of those brands are rated for 90 days exposure to UV as I understand it. Which is better most tents. Nylon on tents is thin and susceptible to UV.

Nylon tents in my experience have lasted much longer than 90 days, even when predominately used in a high altitude environment. They are susceptible, however, and will rot out. In recent years many tent flys are fashioned from polyester which resists UV much better.

Thanks for the distinction between grades of tyvek. How does the construction stuff perform in high winds?

"How does the construction stuff perform in high winds?"

DuPont says it has high tear and wind load resistance, and can withstand 270 days of UV exposure. Water will roll off, but vapor can pass through. Car covers are made from it.

Sue

Yes. It works. I don't think it is as good as polytarp for most uses but it can make a decent tarp or tent.
Here is an idea of what is possible.
http://www.tarptent.com/sublite.html
But you likely won't get so fancy with yours.

If you are using it for covering a shed it works too.

Tyvek has been used for sails on cheap people's boats. Hey, it is cheap and it works.

Anybody know if Tyvek keeps mice out? Do they avoid it or chew right through it?

I can't imagine why they wouldn't drill right through it, depending on their motivation (sensing food or not).

A friend of mine left some M&Ms in a parks pocket, throwing it into his tent. Mice came right up through the ground cloth, tent floor, and parka to nibble on the goodies. A good example of why you should not keep food in a tent.

Just don't get Tyvek enviro suits made with pastel yellow tyvek. We learned the hard way that bees like that color of yellow, a lot!