Replies

1. 
   GACC_DAllas | Oct 05, 2000 01:22am | #1

   *
   Jame,

   House wrap has received some good press and some bad press. Look in the archives and you will see everyone's opinion.

   Ed. Williams

1. 
   Davo_ | Oct 05, 2000 01:53am | #2

   *Jame,'b "Should we put on housewrap before the steel siding goes on to help keep the condensation away from the fiberglass batts."What are you building? a pole building with purlins and vertical siding? Or are you building something else? Housewrap is usually stapled onto the wall sheathing. Did you frame conventionally,(wall studs and sheathing) and are just using metal siding instead of wood clapboards or vinyl?If you framed conventionally, you could put up housewrap. You also could save yourself some money and staple up roofing felt paper instead. Or, you could even put up no paper and simply apply the metal siding directly to the wood sheathing. In all cases, I don't think you will notice much of a difference.In any case, the metal siding will not be condensing on its underside if the underside is insulated. Since you are installing insulation in the wall cavities, remember to install it so that the moisture barrier is facing the heat side; which in this case would be the interior of the shop. If you are planning on drywalling and painting the interior of your dream shop; this too will help act as a moisture barrier. Unless the heated air comes in direct contact with the cold metal siding, no condensation will occur.If you are constructing a pole style building, without wall sheathing, then you would be better to install batt insulation that is completely wrapped in plastic. If there were any condensation, your fiberglass would not get wet. However, if this is the style of building you are doing (pole style w/ purlins) your building will have plenty of air drafts that will help to keep the underside of the siding dry anyway.This post doesn't sound like I'm offering you much help does it? Well, all I can say is .....housewrap is used for the purpose of closing out drafty air that works its way to the inside. The wrap is vapor permeable, so if there is moisture buildup in your walls, it has a way to escape back out. Housewrap is not made to keep moisture vapor out, only liquids and air drafts. True, if your metal was condensing, the houewrap would protect the sheathing by allowing the water to drip down where it will escape out the bottom of the siding. But, felt paper will do the same thing; protect wood sheathing from liquid moisture. The key to keep your siding from condensing is to install a good, unbroken, vapor barrier on the interior side of your wall.If you want to install the housewrap, go ahead, I'm sure it won't do you any harm; just not sure if it will do you much good either. For the cost, I would opt for the felt paper instead.Davo.

1. 
   Jame_Alexander | Oct 05, 2000 06:04am | #3

   *Thank you for the info. the shop is being conv.framed. He hasn't decided if the siding is going to lay horz. or vertical. It has to with more money,if he goes vertical. It will have radiant floor heat in it.

1. 
   Davo_ | Oct 10, 2000 05:54am | #4

   *Hello again Jame,Since you say your shop is to be conventionally framed; complete with wall studs, wall sheathing, and then metal siding as the finished product....and since money is an issue....I would say go the lower cost route and install 15 lb. felt paper instead of the Tyvek wrap. Davo.

1. 
   Erik_Wordal | Oct 10, 2000 08:12pm | #5

   *I am in the process of builing a dream shop/garage too. A lot of people have discouraged me from building it to the same specs as a house. I did it anyways. Things like putting 6 mil vapor barrier before pouring concrete (probably too late for that if you didn't), using tyvek and wrapping the building before siding it, insulating, sheetrocking, taping and texturing... I also ran a lot of outlets for 220 and 110 (more in areas where stationary tools would be), and I put in pvc pipe for air drops around the walls before sheetrocking. I am sure you could go overboard in some of these areas, but most of the things I mentioned were cheap and sure make it nice later. Good luck in building the ultimate shop.

2. 
   Jame_Alexander | Oct 10, 2000 08:12pm | #6

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   I'm in the process of helping a friend of mine build his dream shop. I am concerned, if we should put on housewrap before the steel siding goes on to help keep the condensation away from the fiberglass batts? Or am I just worried about nothing? I want to do it right the FIRST TIME.
   Any suggestions on this subject would appreciated.