Tag: Drainable Housewrap
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Building Envelope Basics: 7 Common Installation Mistakes That Can Compromise Performance
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A high-performing building envelope starts with good design and the right materials, but installation is where those plans become reality. Even small gaps, incorrect overlaps, or poorly detailed transitions can interrupt the control layers that manage water, air, vapor, and heat. Throughout our Building Envelope Basics series, we’ve explored how these layers…
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Building Envelope Basics: Why Flashing Is Critical to Building Envelope Performance
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When discussing building envelopes, products like weather-resistive barriers, insulation, and exterior cladding often receive the most attention. Yet one of the most important components is frequently hidden from view: flashing. Flashing may not be the most noticeable part of a wall assembly, but it plays a critical role in directing water…
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Building Envelope Basics: Why Vapor Permeability Matters
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When people think about protecting a building from moisture, they often focus on keeping water out. While that’s certainly important, an equally important question is: What happens if moisture gets inside the wall? No building envelope is completely immune to moisture. Construction moisture, humidity, small air leaks, and seasonal environmental changes can…
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Building Envelope Basics: Air Barriers vs. Weather-Resistive Barriers
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As building codes continue to evolve and structures become more energy efficient, understanding the role of each building envelope component has never been more important. Two of the most commonly discussed systems are air barriers and weather-resistive barriers (WRBs). Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they serve different purposes within a wall…
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Building Envelope Basics: Understanding the Four Control Layers
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Modern buildings are designed to do much more than provide shelter. They are expected to improve energy efficiency, manage moisture, enhance occupant comfort, and withstand years of environmental exposure. Achieving these goals requires more than selecting quality building materials—it requires designing a building envelope that functions as a complete system.…
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Why a Continuous Building Envelope Matters
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The performance of a building depends on more than the materials used to construct it. It depends on how those materials work together as a system. While insulation, exterior cladding, and structural components each play an important role, the building envelope serves as the first line of defense against air,…
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Why Wall Systems Need to Dry in Both Directions
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Modern building envelopes are designed to manage moisture, improve energy efficiency, and protect structures from the elements. While much attention is given to preventing water intrusion, an equally important consideration is how a wall system dries once moisture enters the assembly. Because no building is completely immune to moisture, successful…
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Why Moisture Management Starts Before Water Gets Inside
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When people think about moisture management in a building envelope, the focus is often on keeping water out. While preventing water intrusion is important, effective moisture management actually begins much earlier in the design process. Modern wall systems are built with the understanding that some moisture will inevitably find its…
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Why Breathability Alone Isn’t Enough in House Wrap Design
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Modern wall systems are designed to manage both air and moisture, making house wrap performance more important than ever. For years, breathability has been a major focus in house wrap design because it allows water vapor to escape from wall assemblies. While vapor permeability is important, breathability alone does not…
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How to Prevent Moisture Damage Behind Exterior Walls
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Moisture damage behind exterior walls is one of the most common and costly issues in residential and commercial construction. While it may not be immediately visible, trapped moisture can lead to mold growth, wood rot, insulation failure, and long-term structural damage. Preventing these issues starts with understanding how moisture moves…