Here in the NW we’re getting a string of storm after storm after pounding storm off the Pacific. trees down, ferry service suspended, even school closures. Winds gusting to over 70 MPH and more on the way.
I’m building a high structure at the top of one of Seattle’s seven hills. The wind-pounding is absolutely incredible and I still haven’t ‘buttoned up’ so I’m still in the ‘tarps’ stage of attempting to protect it. I’m up and outside and climbing the stairs two or three times a night to check on things. Living in a surreal dream.
My question is, is it OK to go ahead and put up the felt and the siding OVER very wet plywood sheathing? Or should I wait who knows how long for some degree of ‘drying out’ before working with the siding. On areas of the structure I’ll be using 24/26 gauge steel … not much ‘breathing’ through it. I’m thinking that any moisture can evaporate inward through the inside framing, but I wanted to ‘run it by the pros’. Right now I’m focused on getting 11 vinyl windows in.
Any thoughts one way or the other on this?
thanks –
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Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
In an ideal world, yeah, you'd wait for things to dry out a bit before proceeding. Unfortunately mother nature has a cruel sense of humor and we all still need to make a living. I would go ahead and do what you have to do to get the outside covered up. The walls will eventually dry to the inside, as long as you wait on insulating and drywalling for a while. Invest in a moisture meter to periodically check on the framing. When it's below 14% or so you should be ok to cover it up.
Are you using a rain screen detail on your siding? Using one would help things dry out faster now and in the future.
Mike Maines
Are you using a rain screen detail on your siding? Using one would help things dry out faster now and in the future.
What's that? A rain screen detail? Donno what you're refering to. Could you enlighten me on that?
thanks -
nb
If you search the site for "rain screen" or do a google search you'll find a ton of information. Basically the idea is to create a drainage plane between the siding and the sheathing. One way to do it is by using Benjamin Obdyke's "Homeslicker", another way is to use 1x2's or rips of 1/2" plywood.
Since it's pourous, as soon as you get the felt on it starts to allow the moisture underneith to evaporate so you may not have as much water under there as you think.
If I remember right tyvek is much more breathable than felt, so it could be used for a time until the moisture evaporated then cover that with felt and the siding.
Regardless, as soon as you can get significant heat inside the building it will dry out in no time.
If it were a project of mine that was a concern, I'd wrap the exterior in Tyvek, get a second hand propane furnace out of a trailer house, a 100 lb bottle and pour the heat to it.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
You can also purchase former articles in FHB for a nominal price at the Taunton home page. If you do a search for "rain screen" Its March 2001 page 86. Down load the article. Excellent article