I seem to remember reading something a while back in FHB about a system which allowed moisture to drain from behind the siding, eliminating the need for strapping. This was probably a textured plastic material but I can’t recall any details. Does anyone have an idea what I should ask for?
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are you speaking about cedar breather?
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
My thanks to all for your informed and informative responses. And my apologies for missing the “H” in sheathing. I suspect “Rainscreen” was the product which caught my bleary eye back in the day. I also think “Home Slicker” is probably the best solution for my situation here. FYI, the building is new, (not occupied yet) small (26 by 38 feet, one bedroom) superinsulated (11.25 inches combined 2 pound sprayfoam and half pound sprayfoam). The exterior is 1/2“ plywood sheathing over horizontal strapping and has been painted, quick and dirty one coat. Finish will be vertical board and batten rough spruce. We are in a low precip region (Southern Yukon), but can expect frequent bouts of forty below weather, and worse on occasion (minus 34 right now). I am aiming for a heating cost of one buck per square foot per year. It has been a fun project and is 98% done.
Sounds like home slicker. Never used it myself, sounds good.
http://www.benjaminobdyke.com/visitor/product/key/homeSlicker
there are a number of products which combine a weather resistant barrier with a drainage plane.
Raindrop, Homeslicker Plus and Tyvek Drainwrap are a few. there is some debate about the effectiveness of these products. some folks use two layers of felt to achieve the same idea, or a combo of plastic wrap and felt. vertical strapping is a time-tested method, if you can allow for the extra depth.
what is the siding material? are the windows and doors bought/installed?
k
I think what you are looking for is called Rainscreen, here is an example I found:
http://www.spycor.com/Mortairvent_Stucco_Rainscreen_p/mav.htm&Click=338?gclid=CPGVyN_rxpcCFQv7agodBw2OTQ
Tu stultus es
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.