“Housewraps, Felt Paper and Weather Penetration Barriers”

n“Siding isn’t weather-proof.  A second line of defense is a critical component in smart…wall designs.”

“Leaky Housewraps”

n“Results from the…Building Materials Laboratory study show some housewraps may do little to block rain intrusion.”

Recommendations from UMass housewrap research:

always use housewrap (even with a vented rain screen)

determine if climate requires a vented rain screen or redundant barrier system

nfor redundant barriers, choose Tyvek, R-Wrap or 15-pound felt

ntape all seams in barrier (please don’t use duct tape)

protect all flashing by overlapping housewrap

avoid use of caulking; concentrate on developing an effective drainage plane

protect all penetrations with appropriate detailing

prime all six surfaces of wood siding (back-priming) before applying top coats

Window is installed first: “Window Flashing Method A”

Housewrap is applied first: “Window Flashing Method A-1”

First published in 1991

Written by same author as EEBA Builder’s Guides

Included many of the same concepts

Reflects a renewed emphasis on moisture control

Shift in fundamental design assumptions

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© 2006 Michaels Engineering Inc.  All rights reserved.