Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 12, 1999 06:02am | #1

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   Alex, I have always put a house wrap over any additions or new work if it is for a living space, It only benefits the homeowner for added insulation.
   cc

2. 
   Steve_C_ | Jan 12, 1999 06:56am | #2

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   Alex FredL hit the proverbial nail right on the head { but not to hard or the siding can't move }. It's been my experience that FredL is exactly right. Vinyl siding is not a moisture break nor is it intended to be. It's primarily a decorative facade that protects the actual moisture break beneath it.

1. 
   runmtn97 | Jan 12, 1999 07:07am | #3

   *Hey Alex, I see this all the time on new construction jobs and room additions, but on my projects i use house wrap or fanfold insulation its not much more and gives me piece of mind about moisture problems that could arise had I not used it.Mike

3. 
   Guest_ | Jan 12, 1999 08:27am | #4

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   Alex.

   Your assumption is correct. Vinyl siding is a decorative finsih only. It does nothing to stop water from penetrating around the perimeter, the joints, at termination points etc. and into what ever it's covering. A good house wrap or felt will do fine if it's properly installed.

4. 
   Don_ | Jan 12, 1999 09:35am | #5

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   Fred,

   I agree completely with you that a underlayment is needed under the vinyl. You mentioned using felt, roofing felt perhaps? If moisture was to collect behind the vinyl could it not cause the tar in the felt to leach out staining the vinyl by seeping through the built in weep holes? forgive me if I have overstated leaching in felt.

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   Alex_Alexander | Jan 12, 1999 07:27pm | #6

   *Fred--Your reply confirmed my fears. I'm not sure what to do now as the project is completed and paid for. I'm going to contact my general contractor and see if he has any suggestons or comments on this. Do you think I should demand removal of the vinyl and addition of the underlayment? It sounds pretty critical to me as to the life of my addition and avoiding future leakage/rot problems.

5. 
   Alex_Alexander | Jan 12, 1999 07:27pm | #7

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   I recently had an addition to my house built. It was traditional frame construction, clad with vinyl siding to match the existing house. When I arrived home one afternoon, the siding contractor was installing the vinyl directly over the pressed wood walls. I was under the impression that a plastic "house wrap" or some similar type of material should be applied before the siding went on. My siding contractor says it isn't necessary. Any thoughts on this?