What is Housewrap | House Wrap Purpose | Housewrap Importance and Benefits of Use
What Is Housewrap?
It’s not always possible to prevent air and moisture leakage during building; a house can’t be completely shielded from the elements. But house wrap has been effective in containing the issue, and many homes still use it today.
However, a lot of homeowners are unsure of what a house wrap is.
The advantages and significance of housewraps for buildings are covered in this article.
What Does House Wrap Do?
What exactly is house wrap and what does it accomplish? House wraps, also known as housewraps, serve as a strong barrier against moisture or wind and keep out draughts, moisture, and mould from entering your home. House wrap can stop damage from water penetration, which makes it particularly beneficial in humid locations with a lot of rain.
What Is House Wrap Made Of?
House wrap is a lightweight synthetic material that is laid over the sheathing and below the siding. It has replaced asphalt-treated paper in recent years. The last line of defence against air leaks, water infiltration and leaks, etc. is the house wrap.
This flexible, thin material serves as a weather-resistant barrier, enabling water vapour to travel to the outside while preventing rain from entering the wall assembly. It can also serve as a home’s air barrier if it is properly sealed.
The Benefits of House Wrap
- House wrap aids: When placed and sealed properly.
- Boost energy effectiveness
- Avoid wood decay, mould growth, and other issues caused by moisture ingress.
- Ensure year-round comfort in homes
- Get rid of air leaks
- Offer some insulating qualities
- increase the effectiveness of HVAC systems
Requirements of a Housewrap
Housewraps come in a variety of styles, and the best kind is chosen based on how well they perform. Studying a few crucial traits will help you better understand the housewraps performance criteria.. This includes:
- Housewraps’ capacity to withstand water
- The longevity of house coverings
- Housewraps’ permeability to vapour
- Housewraps’ air resistance
- The housewraps’ provision drainage
- Housewraps’ resiliency to surfactants
Importance of Housewraps
To keep water away from building sheathing and structure, housewraps serve as supplementary barriers against air and water infiltration. In addition to helping to meet the International Building Code’s (IBC) minimum requirement for outside walls, it also results in a high-performing dwelling.
- Housewraps shield the interior of the house from air and water invasions.
- It stops water from building up inside the wall assembly.
- It builds an outer wall envelope that is weatherproof.
- It offers a cosy, healthful, and energy-efficient household.
- Effective housewrap installation reduces air leaks, which enhances the building’s thermal performance.