Siding Installation Basics: Do You Need a House Wrap?

If you’re planning a siding replacement this season, you may need to decide whether a house wrap should be installed as well. But is this component truly necessary? 

What Exactly Is a House Wrap?

The house wrap refers to a material (usually fabric, paper or board) that covers the exterior sheathing of your home’s walls to protect their framing. Just like how an underlayment is installed between the roof deck and shingles, the house wrap is placed between the exterior walls and siding. That’s because most siding materials are not completely effective at repelling water from wind-driven rain. In cases where water finds its way through the siding, the house wrap is there to prevent it from entering the wall cavity. 

Does Your Home Need It?

While a house wrap is water-resistant, it’s not exactly waterproof. This means that indoor moisture can pass through the barrier and escape outside instead of being trapped in the wall cavity. Having a house wrap installed before the siding helps ensure that your home’s walls can remain safe and intact against possible water damage and rot. Whether or not your home needs it is entirely up to you and what your choice of contractor suggests. 

And if you do get the greenlight for installing house wrap along with the siding, you’ll want to skip the DIY route and work with a professional instead. Renovation Team is familiar with every aspect of siding installation, including the applicability of house wrap. Our team has all the necessary skills and experience to ensure the job will be done perfectly right the first time. 

Schedule Your Home Exterior Consultation

Whether you need high-quality replacement siding or a new roofing system, Renovation Team has got you covered. With our worry-free exterior solutions, we’ll help you maintain a sturdier and more comfortable home. We proudly serve the areas in and around Creve Coeur, Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO. Call us today at (636) 939-1061, or fill out this contact form to schedule your siding evaluation.