Originally designed to prevent air and water infiltration, housewrap products now place a greater emphasis on managing moisture: that is, preventing water intrusion from the exterior while allowing wetness from inside the home to escape the wall cavity and diffuse to the outside.

"The main problem in the home today is bulk water; if water doesn't have an avenue for drainage, there are still problems [that can occur]," says Kurt Kronauge, national sales manager for Valéron Strength Films, maker of Valéron Engineered Vented Drain technology.

Several manufacturers are taking a more aggressive approach to moisture management by incorporating drainage channels and strips that direct bulk water to the bottom of the wall assembly.

"Preventing an environment that mold and mildew can occur in is very important," points out Scott Gettelfinger, North American business manager for DuPont Building Innovations, maker of Tyvek HomeWrap.

"Providing some sort of drainage path built into the housewrap itself allows water to quickly escape the wall cavity," agrees Mike Coulton, business development manager for Benjamin Obdyke, maker of the HomeSlicker Plus Typar housewrap.

Brian Nobile of Nobile Construction in Branford, Conn., hasn't tried the new housewraps, but thinks they're a good idea. "Most of my work is on the coast, and it's windy and rainy," he says. "I want to find something that is more weatherproof."

Still, some pros question whether the newer products are necessary. "We've never had any problems with [moisture]," says remodeler John Francis McCloskey of J. Francis Co. in Pittsburgh, who uses Tyvek HomeWrap. But, he adds: "You can't rely on houswrap alone. We feel that flashing around windows, head flashing, etc., is very important."

IBC Requirement

The use of weather-resistive barriers such as housewrap as a key step in managing moisture in wall assemblies now is required by the International Building Code (IBC), and this requirement has been adopted by many—but not all—local code bodies. And builders who use housewrap are well-versed in its benefits, according to Dan Partrich, marketing manager for Pactiv, maker of GreenGuard RainDrop housewrap.

However, pros in parts of the country where weather-resistive barriers are not required may not know how housewrap works. "There is a large percentage of builders who still don't understand the need for it," says Pat Marcoullier, director of construction products for BBA Fiberweb, maker of Typar housewrap.

Manufacturers predict that the IBC's weather-resistive barrier requirement eventually will be adopted by more municipalities. This means that builders who've never used housewrap will have to quickly bring themselves up to speed on the available products and their relative performance, and how to install them effectively. BP

–This story first appeared in ProSales magazine.
–Victoria Markovitz contributed to this report.

Owens Corning

Owens Corning. Pinkwrap Plus housewrap is designed to be more breathable and water-resistant than other products in its class, the maker says. The product's corrugated surface creates tiny air spaces that prevent water from being trapped in the wall assembly. The housewrap also resists tearing around staples and nail holes and is UV resistant, resulting in a product that is durable enough to withstand weather until exterior finishing materials are applied.
800-438-7465. www.owenscorning.com.

BBA Fiberweb

BBA Fiberweb. Typar housewrap is a secondary weather barrier that protects sheathing and frame from water damage during construction. Later, as an integral part of the finished building envelope, it continues to resist moisture penetration, helping prevent mold, mildew, and water damage, the company says. As a Type I air barrier, Typar is the equivalent of 5/8-inch particleboard in stopping air leakage.
800-284-2780. www.typarhousewrap.com.

Dow

Dow. Styrofoam Weathermate Plus is a non-woven, non-perforated polyolefin-based housewrap that offers an effective option for builders who prefer to use non-insulating sheathing along with a housewrap. It is translucent to allow a clear view of application surface. Compared to other leading non-woven, non-perforated housewrap, Styrofoam Weathermate Plus offers superior tear resistance and outstanding durability, the company says. It can remain uncovered for up to 60 days.
800-441-4369. www.dow.com.

Benjamin Obdyke

Benjamin Obdyke. Home Slicker Plus Typar rainscreen and water resistive barrier reduces installation time by combining two moisture-management products into one. Each roll contains the patented Home Slicker 3-D matrix bonded to Typar housewrap. It easily cuts with a utility knife, making for a fast installation, the company says.
800-346-7655. www.benjaminobdyke.com.

Pactiv

Pactiv. GreenGuard Flashing and GreenGuard SuperStretch Flashing offer advantages over other flashing materials when used in conjunction with GreenGuard housewraps such as GreenGuard RainDrop drainage housewrap, the maker says. The products deflect water that would otherwise enter around windows and doors, channel it down the face of the wall, and direct it away from the structure, the firm says.
800-241-4402. www.pactiv.com/green-guard.

Dupont

DuPont. Tyvek HomeWrap forms a protective skin around the house while also allowing moisture to get out, preventing costly water damage, the company says. The housewrap helps keep insulation dry and is building code-approved as an air infiltration barrier. It can be used under all cladding types.
800-448-9835. www.tyvek.com.