More Green Building Blog
GBA’s library of articles and blogs continues to expand. The newest article to be added to the ever-deeper GBA Encyclopedia covers water-resistive barriers (WRBs).
The article pulls together a great deal of information on WRBs, including:
- Code requirements for WRBs, including a curious requirement to use a roofing product on walls.
- A discussion of the differences between perforated and non-perforated housewraps.
- Information on housewrap-damaging chemical extractives that leach out of cedar siding.
- The scoop on liquid-applied WRBs.
- The advantages and disadvantages of Zip System sheathing.
- A caveat on Delta-Dry: the product isn’t approved for use as a WRB.
Click here to see the new article on water-resistive barriers.
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While some of the articles in the Encyclopedia — for example, the article on Exterior Walls — are available to all readers, others (including the new article on Water-Resistive Barriers) are available only to GBA Pro members.
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2 Comments
water resistant barriers
Hello,
I live in Vermont and have recently purchased a small home. I have discovered rotten sills and I am having them replaced soon. My house is sheathed with OSB, no WRB, sided with vinyl cladding. I am doing a remodel and would like to replace siding with cedar shakes. Any suggestions about a house wrap?
sincerely,
C Gray
Response to Cyndy Gray
Cyndy,
For a durable installation, the most important factors are careful installation and good flashing details; the type of WRB you choose is relatively unimportant. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with good old asphalt felt; it has proven itself for decades.
For the best installation, consider including an air gap between the WRB and the siding. If you are installing cedar shingles, the best approach is probably using a three-dimensional plastic mesh product like Home Slicker from Benjamin Obdyke.
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