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Green Building Blog

A New Encyclopedia Article on Water-Resistive Barriers

GBA Pro members have full access to dozens of informative articles in the GBA Encyclopedia

GBA’s library of articles and blogs continues to expand. The newest article to be added to the ever-deeper GBA Encyclopedia covers water-resistive barriers (WRBs).

The article pulls together a great deal of information on WRBs, including:

  • Code requirements for WRBs, including a curious requirement to use a roofing product on walls.
  • A discussion of the differences between perforated and non-perforated housewraps.
  • Information on housewrap-damaging chemical extractives that leach out of cedar siding.
  • The scoop on liquid-applied WRBs.
  • The advantages and disadvantages of Zip System sheathing.
  • A caveat on Delta-Dry: the product isn’t approved for use as a WRB.

Click here to see the new article on water-resistive barriers.

Subscribe to GBA to enjoy all of the benefits of GBA Pro membership

While some of the articles in the Encyclopedia — for example, the article on Exterior Walls — are available to all readers, others (including the new article on Water-Resistive Barriers) are available only to GBA Pro members.

To enjoy all of the benefits of GBA Pro membership, subscribe to GBA Pro today or try our 14-day free trial.

2 Comments

  1. cyndygray | | #1

    water resistant barriers
    Hello,
    I live in Vermont and have recently purchased a small home. I have discovered rotten sills and I am having them replaced soon. My house is sheathed with OSB, no WRB, sided with vinyl cladding. I am doing a remodel and would like to replace siding with cedar shakes. Any suggestions about a house wrap?
    sincerely,
    C Gray

  2. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #2

    Response to Cyndy Gray
    Cyndy,
    For a durable installation, the most important factors are careful installation and good flashing details; the type of WRB you choose is relatively unimportant. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with good old asphalt felt; it has proven itself for decades.

    For the best installation, consider including an air gap between the WRB and the siding. If you are installing cedar shingles, the best approach is probably using a three-dimensional plastic mesh product like Home Slicker from Benjamin Obdyke.

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