Housewrap on the gable (non-living attic walls) or not?
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| Posted in Green Building Techniques on
My framer will not put Tyvek, house wrap on an gable wall where there is no conditioned air. (non living space above the house. I have found proper attic sealing, venting, insolated articles to back this and to dispute it. Please advise.
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Replies
William,
House wrap wasn't invented for use as an air-sealer, it was a new version of building paper. Building paper and sheet WRBs provide a secondary boundary against water infiltration through the cladding, and are also used that way under roof shingles. What justification does your framer offer for not including one?
William,
Section R703.2 of the 2012 International Residential Code requires builders to install a layer of number 15 asphalt felt or “other approved water-resistive barrier” over the studs or wall sheathing. Here is a link to the code requirement:
http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/icod_irc_2012_7_sec003_par003.htm
Tyvek or other WRB has nothing to do whether or not there is conditioned space inside the wall. It has everything to do with protecting the structure. If the framer is also installing the windows, doors, siding and trim, I'd want to know what other shortcuts he is taking.