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My builder does not routinely install house wrap on his projects. Instead he simply uses sheathing. In the completion of the exterior, the subs installed some OSB panels rather than sheathing in the eaves area and around some windows. I am having vinyl siding installed, and when I asked the super about whether the OSB would be covered with some sort of vapor barrier, he stated that it would not be, that vinyl siding is waterproof. This sounds a little suspect to me, but I have no experience with vinyl. Any thoughts?
Eric
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Vinyl siding is NOT waterproof by any stretch of the imagination!
Sheathing paper in the form of building paper or housewrap is required. It is NOT optional!
*90% of all the builders n my area never put anything behind the vinyl. I'm not saying it is right, and I don't do it. But it is common.
*the builder could put vinyl siding over osb and no paper or tyvexand then the builder might be heading out of town as soon as the check clearscheck the archives and "search" . I myself have brought this up several times.You know politics and lobby groups.I think that somehow the OSB groups got together enough money to buy enough politicians to really make them believe OSB is a waterproof vapor barrier.what a stinkin joke
*Eric,Ask your contractor this, if vinyl siding is so waterproof why does it come with weep holes along the bottom edge? He must almost be a millionaire by not using building paper on his houses. I mean, think of the savings. $300 a house for Tyvek, $150 a house for felt.
*ERIC, I don't know if it is code or not, but, I consider it a good building practice. Makes a better house, I even wrap garages .It's up to you it sounds to me. I'd do it but it's your call.Good Luck!! Bill D. QWC
*I believe this is a code listing in the International One and Two Family Dwelling Code book that is in use in most of the US of A at the current time. There must be a building wrap!In addition to protecting the building from moisture (even vinyl siding can leak at joints, etc.)damage, it can prevent MUCH of the air and wind infiltration into the building. This alone makes it worth its weight in snug and cozy homeowners.A good housewrapping job protects the substrate and framing against moisture and eliminates drafts.Ken