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shayneabe

House wrap installation

She Abe
9 years ago

Okay, so I needed to save money and agreed to go with a lower quality woven polypropylene house wrap, against my better judgement (but was assured that it was "fine" and "standard" by my building team).

Check out this pic. The installation leaves a lot to be desired. They mainly used a staple gun and a random assortment of the plastic washer head nails. They did not leave at least 2 inches extension over the foundation and the horizontal overlaps are not always 6 inches (as the installation instructions suggested). The tape is not sticking in many locations.

I am not sure if I need to insist that it be redone. We are supposed to install windows tomorrow.

Does this look fine to you?

Comments (14)

  • worthy
    9 years ago

    If that 's a perforated housewrap, it's not of much use anyway.

    But even then, to minimize water damage, it should be installed as per instructions. That means specified overlaps, taping seams and details, especially around windows and doors. (And plastic cap staples!)

    Sorry, that's not "fine and standard" practice in my books.

    This post was edited by worthy on Mon, Nov 3, 14 at 19:42

  • energy_rater_la
    9 years ago

    saving money on something that keeps moisture
    out of your walls isn't a good place to save $$ at all.
    now you'll pay the crew to make it tight with the
    correct overlaps, tapes & fasteners.

    you should also review the install directions
    for the cut of the housewrap for the window install.
    there is a set on every window.
    if the housewrap is cut in a large
    x, you will be funneling moisture into your walls.
    seeing the diagrams & required flashing details
    will help you to make sure your install is right.

    don't go out after they've installed the windows,
    go there before & talk with the carpenter.

    one of the most important things in building is
    to keep the water out, or you face issues down
    the road.

    I spent the day overseeing removal of bricks around
    windows for lack of proper flashing today. it is going to
    be a very pricy repair for a couple of hundred bucks
    for proper flashing.

    best of luck

  • worthy
    9 years ago

    Window flashing properly integrated with the housewrap will forestall many problems later on. At the least, there should be a self-adhered flashing to the jambs, a back dam and head flashing. Chances are though, the builder will not be doing anything more than taping around the windows with builder's tape.

    These are details that should have been specified on the plans, not presented to the builder the day he's installing the windows.

    This post was edited by worthy on Wed, Nov 5, 14 at 12:24

  • millworkman
    9 years ago

    Plus one to the above and I will add if that is the way they install something as basic as housewrap (even basically useless housewrap) I would hate to see how they install windows....

  • She Abe
    Original Author
    9 years ago

    Thank you. I will be there first thing in the morning to discuss and put a hold on any window install.

    Yes, I have large "X" cuts in all window penetrations that wrap around the sides and flap over the bottom of the window sills. You can still see portions of the OSB at the most vulnerable points in the corners.

  • worthy
    9 years ago

    X cuts were once the rule. But not for the past 20 years.

    See here for flashing and housewrap details.

    If this is a true custom and the builder takes your instructions, expect an upcharge. Also, expect to hear the usual, "We do it this way all the time and we've never had a problem. Don't believe all that crap you hear on the Internet."

    Best of luck!

  • energy_rater_la
    9 years ago

    now is the cheapest, easiest time to get it right.
    remediation of moisture is big business, expect
    to pay several times over the cost you'd pay now
    to get it right.

    you are early enough in the process to set the tone.
    if you start now accepting things that you've learned
    are wrong, it won't get better.

    with the power of the checkbook you can stop work
    until housewrap is corrected. give some thought as
    to what shape the house will be in in the next 5 years.
    (5 years being the time it takes for mold to grow through
    insulation & sheetrock to show inside the house in my
    climate...time subject to change in other climates)

    btw...window mfg's put install directions on the windows
    for a reason. for builder/homeowner/installers to read.
    not following the mfg directions can void warranty.
    leak would not be window issue...but wrong install
    of window.

    best of luck.

  • lethargo
    9 years ago

    If the contract between the builder and owner states that materials are to be installed as per manufacturer's directions/ instructions, could the builder still try to do an upcharge or fee for wrong installation? (I'm assuming the installation instructions aren't dictating this manner of installation. )

  • She Abe
    Original Author
    9 years ago

    Not sure about the upcharging. Luckily, the builder and team has been responsive to my concerns. They are working hard to make everything right. I do have it in my contract that all materials are to be installed according to manufacturer's instructions.

    I even told them I wanted to keep all install instructions for all large materials (i.e., windows, doors, house wrap, siding) used in the home. They seemed surprised and said "no one ever asks for that."

    I totally realize that this is the time to make it right. As the homeowner, I am watching like a hawk to make sure I protect my interests :)

    Thanks everyone.

  • energy_rater_la
    9 years ago

    good for you.

    I deal with so many window issues that stem from
    lack of proper flashing, that I've made it a point to
    flash one window for the homeowner.
    this way they have one window that is done correctly
    for installers to mimic. works well I've found.

    are they replacing the housewrap?
    how do they propose to fix the X cut at the windows?

    unless you read mfg install directions, you won't know
    if it is right or not.
    unfold those window install directions & start reading!

    best of luck.

  • abekker
    9 years ago

    Excuse me if this is a dumb question, but at what point are they supposed to wrap the house before windows are installed or after?

    Thanks.

  • energy_rater_la
    9 years ago

    before.

  • abekker
    9 years ago

    Thanks, that's what I thought, but for some reason I thought my builder said after, maybe I misunderstood.

  • Brian_Knight
    9 years ago

    When we use zip sheathing, weve installed it after to get a better shingle style lap in vulnerable locations.