“All About Water-Resistive Barriers” blog by Martin Holladay
Just came across this blog (“All About Water-Resistive Barriers”) when researching WRB for 4-plex I’m building.
I thought this was a great blog, and it covered a lot of ground, but still left me somewhat confused about the definitive choice for a good stucco job at a reasonable cost.
In the comments section at the end of the blog, on Jan 26, 2011 at 6:20 PM, someone by the name of Andrew commented that he used a product called GAF Deck Armor beneath exterior wall finish successfully. There didn’t appear to be any response to his comment.
Has anyone else used this product on exterior wall sheating(OSB)? I’m considering using it as a replacement for Double D beneath stucco and Hardi Plank.. Would appreciate feedback on Andrews comments. I’m building in the SF Bay area, East Bay specifically.
Thanks.
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GAF Deck Armor is a brand of synthetic roofing underlayment. It is sold for use on roofs, not walls.
Most building codes require that building materials must be installed according to manufacturer's instructions. If you install GAF Deck Armor on a wall, you are probably violating the manufacturer's installation instructions.
If any problem develops, you won't have any warranty protection or support from the manufacturer.
For more information on the choice of WRB for use under stucco, see To Install Stucco Right, Include an Air Gap.
-- Martin Holladay
Thanks Martin,
Understand about the lack of warranty. Just curious if others have had anything to say abut its' being used on a side wall besides Andrew. His experience is intriguing, considering the many failures of "superior synthetic wall coverings", especially his anecdote of having left some exposed for a couple of years.