Architectural Record 2015-04

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CONTINUING EDUCATION
Effective and Affordable House Wraps
New textured and breathable weather-resistant barriers
maximize drainage capabilities and protection against
water and air infiltration
Sponsored by Kimberly-Clark
Moisture intrusion. It has bedeviled
builders and homeowners for
centuries. Moisture in the building
envelope can cause problems for the structure
and its occupants, including rot, mold,
mildew, and microbial growth. Left untreated,
unwanted moisture can jeopardize a building’s
integrity, leading to customer dissatisfaction,
callbacks, and, in some cases, even structural
failure, litigation, significant claims against
builders, and expensive repairs and
remediation. Compounding the problem is
that even severe moisture damage can occur
without telltale signs.
In recognition of the potential pitfalls
associated with moisture intrusion, building
codes are becoming stricter with regard to
moisture management, and building architects
and owners more attuned to the often onerous
implications of improper moisture control.
Many in the building community rely on house
wraps, or weather-resistant barriers (WRB) to
prevent moisture entry into the wall cavity and
to create continuous protection around
the structure, covering gaps, cracks, and other
holes between the sheathing and the cladding.
Over the years, house wraps have evolved,
with some of today’s versions better able to
also protect against air infiltration and easily
drain any water that has penetrated the wall
cavity, and allow water vapor to escape the
home—all at an affordable price. This article
will highlight the basic characteristics of house
wraps, compare the various types of house
wrap products on the market, and identify the
features to consider in properly specifying a
house wrap in a residential structure.
HOUSE WRAPS: THE BASICS
While many builders and homeowners assume
that the siding on a house is sufficient protection
against water infiltration, this is not the case.
Even perfectly installed, high-quality siding
cannot perform that task, as water, particularly
wind-driven rain, will inevitably find its way
through gaps and cracks in the wall assembly.
Many in the building
community rely on house
wraps, or weatherresistant
barriers (WRB),
to prevent moisture entry
into the wall cavity.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
EARN ONE AIA/CES HSW
LEARNING UNIT (LU)
Photo courtesy of Kimberly-Clark
Learning Objectives
After reading this article, you should be
able to:
1. Discuss the ways in which house wraps
contribute to moisture management and
enhance green building goals.
2. Compare various types of weather-resistant
barriers in terms of their ability to effectively
minimize moisture and air infiltration and
allow drainage of water in the wall cavity.
3. Identify the key considerations in the
proper specification of a house wrap
product to ensure occupant health and
safety and consistency with sustainability
objectives.
4. Explain how to overcome potential
problems in the installation process in
order to maximize the effectiveness of the
specified house wrap material.
To receive AIA/CES credit, you are required
to read the entire article and pass the test.
Go to ce.architecturalrecord.com for
complete text and to take the test for free.
AIA/CES COURSE #K1504B