Replies

1. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Apr 17, 2013 05:06am | #1

   Jim,
   Every exterior wall must have a water-resistive barrier (WRB). It is required by code. Your WRB can be housewrap, but there are other options. There is such a thing as a liquid-applied WRB -- but ordinary paint is not a WRB. To learn more about the wide variety of WRB products available, see All About Water-Resistive Barriers.

   Concerning the vinyl windows: the gap between the rough opening and the window is a potential air leakage site and must be sealed against air infiltration. This can be done with spray foam (carefully -- you don't want to use too much), a special gasket, or (in some cases) with caulk. It cannot be left unsealed. The building code requires all such cracks to be sealed against air infiltration.

   For more information, see New Air Sealing Requirements in the International Residential Code.

2. 
   jinmtvt | Apr 17, 2013 09:55am | #2

   The builder doesn't think housewrap is necessary...

   lol

   If he does so, let him propose his "approved" scheme for water management ,
   and then call in your inspector to verify !

   Paint would need to be approved product ?
   Then it needs to be able to stretch small voids and shrinkage cracks.
   Very risky business if you ask me. Tyvek et all. are very safe, easy and cheap.

   """"""
   Secondly- using vinyl windows, they do not spray foam aroound them as they say if the window gets moved during construction they cannot adjust the fit once it's been foamed. True or BS?""""""""""

   please explain " get moved during construction " ??
   are they putting the windows in before the walls ?? :p
   again let him propose is "sealing" plan and have it checked

   it does sound like BS :)

3. Expert Member
   ARMANDO COBO | Apr 17, 2013 10:04am | #3

   Get a REAL Builder