House wrap is a protective layer that is installed between the metal siding of your building and the wood framing. It helps protect against water damage, air leakage, and the elements. Without it, your building can be much more vulnerable to long-term damage from weather conditions such as wind, rain, and temperature swings.
But what does house wrap do exactly?
Its two main purposes are to create an airtight seal around your home, and to provide a vapor barrier between the walls of your building and outdoor air. The airtight seal prevents drafts from entering your conditioned space while also allowing some ventilation so moisture doesn’t build up inside walls. Allowing wall insulation to “breathe” is an important item that some people forget by coating both inside and outside with non-breathable plastic.
House wrap comes in a variety of materials ranging from polyethylene-coated paper sheets to woven polyethylene fabrics. The type you choose should depend on where you live – if you live in more extreme climates with high winds or significant rainfall/snowfall, then using higher quality house wrap with sturdier materials might be necessary for optimal protection.
House wrap installation is something that should be taken seriously in order to ensure proper protection for your home; any gaps or holes could allow moisture or drafts into walls thus leading to future problems like mold growth or wood rot. To get the most out of it: make sure all seams overlap properly and are wrapped as tightly as possible, stapled in place and taped where needed.
Cover windows/door openings tightly with flashing tape, aluminum flashing or rubberized membranes for extra protection.
Do you need house wrap on every single building type? Maybe not some Ag or open sided building types, but it is a low cost option to further protect your building investment and make it more comfortable year round for 95% of the buildings we construct.
Check out this video we made for more info on house wrap on a post frame building:
Have any other questions about house wrap on your post frame building? Contact us and we will be glad to help you out!