Replies

1. 
   DanH | Jul 09, 2006 03:35pm | #1

   When we did it we'd cut an entire side on the ground, tack the top corner at one end, then stretch it out about 10 feet to establish level. Tack level and stretch the rest. You can do the same thing without cutting first, of course -- just leave the roll leaning against the house -- but it's a bit more of a hassle.

   If you just tack up an end and unroll then you'll be off level because the end wasn't cut/tacked square.

   Be sure to tape the seams between sections with Tyvek tape or sheathing tape -- NOT duct tape or package tape.

   If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison
2. 
   woody1777 | Jul 09, 2006 04:41pm | #2

     If he is right handed, have him go right to left instead. That way his gun hand is on the inside, and he can easily position the housewrap with his left. Otherwise he has to nail left handed or crossover with his right. 

   One other idea, is to install the sheathing and tyvek when the wall is still laying on the deck. We do this and cut the time to do both tasks by a third compared to doing it while the wall is standing.

    

    

    

    

    

   A human being should be able to change a diaper,  plan an invasion,  butcher a hog,  conn a ship,  design a building, write a sonnet,  balance accounts,  build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specializtion is for insects. - robert heinlen    
1. 
   DanH | Jul 09, 2006 04:59pm | #3

   Yeah, IIRC we almost always found it easier to install the stuff upside-down, for some reason.
   If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison

3. 
   davidmeiland | Jul 09, 2006 05:42pm | #4

   If we're installing housewrap (prefer felt), we precut pieces on the ground and then two guys hang them. Short pieces can be done by one guy but it's easier for a right-hander to work to his left. Cutting on the ground allows you to re-roll it so it's rightside up if need be. Installing it upside down is unforgiveable.

4. 
   dieselpig | Jul 10, 2006 12:20am | #5

   Just my two cents, but a new guy working by himself, a 9' roll of paper, and a pneumatic nailer is a recipe for disaster.

   I think the job is best handled by two guys.  One unrolling while the other nails it off.  But it sounds like you want nothing to do with housewrap yourself.  LOL... I can relate.  That's why if I can't install the housewrap while my walls are laying on the deck...well... at that point it officially becomes the sidewaller's job!  And my contract reads as such.  :)

   I'd get him a hammer tacker if you're stuck on having him do it by himself.  A hammer tacker fits in the belt and doesn't have a hose to tangle and trip up on.  Have him set the upper corner, put the tacker in his belt, unroll 8 or 10 feet, and continue tacking off... but just along the top edge.  This way he can focus on keeping that top line 'level' and if he needs to make an adjustment he can just pull the wrap off over the staple.  Once he gets the course all the way across, he can pull one lower corner taut and nail it home and then the other corner taut.  Now he can go back and nail it home with the button-cap nailer for good.

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5. 
   Tyr | Jul 10, 2006 02:32am | #6

   Top to bottom? Anything else would go bottom to top and where the roll doesn't cover (two story) overlap top over bottom. Sheds moisture that way. Bear to put up however. Never tried it with one guy. Tyr

1. 
   judsteam | Jul 10, 2006 02:50am | #7

   thanks for the advice.  i've cut the wall sections on the ground and put them up sections at a time before.  i just was trying to keep it continuous around the corners (better protection and less taping).  we're using a hammer tacker to get things started but it seems like double work to go back over it with the button top nailer (especially on a ladder).  i'll see what works better for him. 

   thanks,

   jud

6. 
   happyframer | Jul 10, 2006 07:50am | #8

   Finally a post I know something about.

   It's best to install when walls are being framed. Of course, you must make sure the sheathing is nailed/stapled properly.

   If the wall is up and you need to install the wrap, start with the roll in your hand and staple-nail with button caps (the best alt.) an inch below the sheathing. Put a bunch in that place so it doesn't rip out.

   Walk the entire span of the wall.

   Pull the tyvek taught. Tack the bottom the same place. One inch below the sheathing.

   Go back to the middle. Tack the bottom in the same place, work the tyvek to the top of the wrap. Then go back to the top on both the sides of the wall.

   I've gotten used to going back after my bosses built walls without the wrap and put it on.

   Their reasoning was that Jesus never used Tyvek.

   There's nothing better than a tight house wrap. There's nothing worse than the alternative.

1. 
   woody1777 | Jul 10, 2006 03:27pm | #9

   -Their reasoning was that Jesus never used Tyvek. -

   I knew there was a reason I've never liked puttin that stuff on......A human being should be able to change a diaper,  plan an invasion,  butcher a hog,  conn a ship,  design a building, write a sonnet,  balance accounts,  build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specializtion is for insects. - robert heinlen    

7. 
   G80104 | Jul 10, 2006 03:52pm | #10

     Just wondering, what what happen if the housewrap was placed on the framing then the sheeting installed on top of the House wrap?

1. 
   davidmeiland | Jul 10, 2006 04:35pm | #11

   The sheathing will get wet...

2. 
   DanH | Jul 10, 2006 04:44pm | #12

   It's done. Advantages are simpler construction and less potential for damage to the wrap during construction. Disadvantages are loss of the water-shedding feature of the wrap and more difficulty dealing with the seams (possibly resulting in leaks at the seams).
   If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison

1. 
   woody1777 | Jul 11, 2006 01:59am | #13

   You are joking, right ? I mean the guy might actually try it and then we would all feel bad when he posts how the  B.I. came by and made him redo all the tyvek and put it on the OUTSIDE of the sheathing this time.......

    

    

    

   A human being should be able to change a diaper,  plan an invasion,  butcher a hog,  conn a ship,  design a building, write a sonnet,  balance accounts,  build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specializtion is for insects. - robert heinlen    

   Edited 7/10/2006 7:00 pm ET by woody1777

   Edited 7/10/2006 7:33 pm ET by woody1777

1. 
   DanH | Jul 11, 2006 03:33am | #16

   Not joking at all. Whether your BI allows it or not, it is done.
   If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison

3. 
   TGNY | Jul 11, 2006 02:08am | #14

   Alternatively, you could put the housewrap over the siding too.

1. 
   davidmeiland | Jul 11, 2006 02:51am | #15

   There is a paint for housewrap that makes it into siding. It's the way of the future.

1. 
   MarkH | Jul 11, 2006 03:51am | #17

   I'm waiting for heat shrink housewrap.

2. 
   TGNY | Jul 11, 2006 04:37am | #18

   At the rate we are going, we will be living in caves in the future, therefore not needing housewrap;-)

1. 
   davidmeiland | Jul 11, 2006 04:38am | #19

   This is hilly country, but there aren't any caves. Maybe I'd better move to Kentucky or upstate New York where I'll have a better chance.