Okay, now you know the basics of managing moisture. You’re on the right path to save time and money, and ensure that your occupants are safe and healthy. Now, it’s time to get into the details. There are two main elements to managing moisture. The first is the cladding. Getting Beyond the Basics The Cladding
• The cladding is the outermost layer of the structure that faces the elements. • Typical claddings in the residential and light commercial space would be things like fiber cement siding, stucco, and wood, along with vinyl and metal siding panels.
• In addition to the cladding, the building envelope provides a secondary layer of defense for the structure. • Elements of the building envelope include house wraps (also known as weather- resistive barriers), flashings, and sealants.
It’s important to know that no cladding system is 100% impenetrable 100% of the time; it is physically impossible to keep all unwanted moisture out of building components. That is why moisture is “managed,” not “eliminated,” and why “dry enough” is the objective instead of “dry.” To this end, assemblies must be designed for water to find a way out when it gets in and for components to dry quickly when they get wet.
The Weather-Resistive Barrier • A weather-resistive barrier (WRB) is the anchor of a weatherization system.
• Although exterior cladding (siding, stucco, etc.) will never be 100% impermeable, the role of the WRB is to provide a second layer of protection that keeps the wall assembly dry and free from moisture damage should some water find its way through.
• A WRB protects the walls of a structure from water that penetrates the cladding.
Choosing the right weather-resistive barrier is critically important to the effectiveness of any building envelope system. Understanding the key differences between weather-resistive barriers will help ensure you make the best decision for your next project. There are two main things to consider when selecting the WRB for your project: the application method and performance characteristics.
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