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Community and Q&A

Rain Screen or Hydrogap for a New Garage Build?

leon_g | Posted in General Questions on

We’re in the final stages of design of a new detached garage in Portland, CZ 4C.  The garage will be clad with Hardie lap siding.

When I asked the builder about a rainscreen, they said that they use Hydrogap.  I realize that Hydrogap is not a rainscreen, but I want to minimize how much I push the builder to get out of their standard techniques (these folks have built many homes all over the area).

So I’m wondering how important is it to have a true rainscreen for this garage – critical, nice to have, something in between?  Since they seem to be familiar with  Benjamin Obdyke products, would it make sense to ask them to use the Slicker product, which is a rainscreen?

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Replies

  1. Malcolm_Taylor | | #1

    Leon_g,

    I always advocate for a full rain-screen cavity on houses in the PNW, but wouldn't have any reservations about using either Hydrogap or Slicker on a detached garage.

    Both products give you a capillary break and drainage plane, which are the main attributes of a rain-screen. Garages don't have the same moisture drive from the interior that houses do.

    1. leon_g | | #2

      Thanks Malcolm, that's exactly the feedback I was looking for, and this makes me feel much better. I'll ask them about possibly using Slicker, but it's good to know that Hydrogap is also acceptable for this situation. Thanks!

  2. andy_ | | #3

    You didn't mention what type of siding you'll be using. If it's cedar shingles $$$$ then yeah, push for a full air gap behind them using something like cedar breather or Mortair vent. If it's any of the fiber cement products then Hydrogap is already a step up from what most builders use on a home, let alone a detached garage.

    1. leon_g | | #4

      Hi Andy, we're using Hardie fiber cement siding :). Good to know that we'll be fine with the Hydrogap. Thanks!

  3. Eric_U | | #5

    You could also look in to Tamlyn Drainwrap which I believe is a 1.5mm gap compared to Hydrogap's 1mm. I used the Tamlyn on my current build

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