If you are planning to have your North Carolina or South Carolina home sided soon, you might have started thinking about whether or not you should have house wrap installed first. Most homeowners have a lot of questions about house wrap, based largely on the fact that there is confusion about what it actually does. Some people have been told that house wrap is necessary to prevent mold growth, for instance, while others believe that it prevents drafts and improves insulation. In reality, house wrap can do all of these things and more.
The more you know about house wrap and how it functions, the easier it will be for you to have an educated conversation with your siding installer. Here, you will uncover answers to several common questions regarding house wrap and its benefits. By the time you reach the end of this guide, you should have a much better understanding of this particular home improvement product.
What kinds of houses need house wrap?
The way your Carolina home was constructed will dictate whether or not house wrap is required. Improperly installed house wrap can actually do more harm than good, causing mold infestations and even water damage to occur. It is wise to let a professional decide whether or not your house needs to be wrapped before your new siding is installed. Not only will he or she be able to tell you if house wrap is necessary, but what type should be used. There are several sorts of house wrap, including moisture barriers and wind barriers.
How does the type of siding impact house wrap?
Although nearly any sort of siding can ultimately allow water to seep through, certain materials are more susceptible to water damage than others. Wood siding, for instance, is much more likely to have standing water behind it than fiber cement siding is. Vinyl and aluminum siding can also sustain water damage, particularly where the boards’ seams meet. If you are going with any of these materials for your upcoming siding project, house wrap is a necessity.
Even if your home has masonry on the exterior walls, house wrap may be a wise investment. It is important to note, though, that certain sorts of house wrap, such as micro-porous varieties, should not be used in conjunction with masonry. Your Carolina contractor will be able to help you select the right house wrap style for your project.
What are the benefits of house wrap?
As mentioned at the start of this guide, two of the major benefits of house wrap are improved insulation and moisture resistance. It is, however, imperative to understand that house wrap can actually have the opposite of the desired effect if it is not installed correctly. If you ever become concerned about whether or not your existing house wrap is doing its job, such as if cooking odors don’t seem to dissipate after several hours, a qualified North Carolina or South Carolina contractor should perform an inspection.
The Hatch Homes team is proud of the siding work we do throughout the Carolinas. If you are interested in having us inspect your current house wrap or install new house wrap before a siding job, give our office a call. We look forward to answering any questions you have about our service offerings and we are excited to start on your project in the near future!