My homeowners ask the question, “Do I need house wrap behind my vinyl siding?” To this, our team says, “Yes, absolutely!” and here’s why. While modern siding is durable and meant to withstand harsh weather, the cracks and seams between your siding are not. Moisture can reach the sheathing behind the siding if not properly protected, creating costly damage that can halt your project. At Sutton’s Inc., our team installs high-quality house wrapping technology to protect your home and siding for years to come. Our team considers house wrap a necessity when replacing or installing new siding and therefore includes it as a step in our siding process. Keep reading below to learn more about what house wrap is and why you need it for your exterior project in Chatham, IL.
What Is House Wrap?
House wrap is a thin synthetic material that is installed on the exterior of your home, beneath the siding or cladding. Our house wrap at Sutton’s Inc. is designed to provide an additional layer of protection against water infiltration, air infiltration, and moisture buildup. Typically made from a polyethylene or polypropylene material, this layer of protection is extremely breathable, allowing water vapor to escape from inside the house while still blocking water from entering from the outside. To ensure the protection of your home and siding, our team installs house wrap on all siding installation and replacement projects in Chatham, IL for high performance and protection.
Why Do Homes Need House Wrap?
Even if local building codes in Chatham, IL don’t require you to have house wrap, there is no reason why you shouldn’t have it installed. Vinyl siding is undoubtedly one of the most protective and aesthetically pleasing materials for your home. Even with proper installation, small gaps in between each piece can damage your wall’s sheathing and minimize insulation. Sutton’s Inc. is the #1 choice for house wrap due to our high-quality materials and guaranteed results.
There are several reasons why house wrap is considered an essential component of siding installation and replacement services. A few of the key benefits include the following:
- Moisture Management: House wrap acts as a barrier against moisture, preventing water from entering the walls of your home. This can help prevent mold growth and rot, which can cause significant damage to your home and create health hazards.
- Air Infiltration: House wrap helps prevent air leaks, which can lead to energy loss and uncomfortable drafts. By creating an airtight barrier around your home, you can improve its energy efficiency and reduce your energy costs.
- Protection from the Elements: In addition to moisture and air infiltration, house wrap also provides protection against the elements, such as wind and rain. This can help prevent damage to your home’s structure and ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come.
How to Install House Wrap
Installing house wrap is a relatively straightforward process that can be done by a professional contractor like Sutton’s Inc. in Chatham, IL. There are five basic steps involved when installing house wrap before laying your new siding. Our contractors start by preparing the outer walls of your home, making sure they are clean and dry and that any dirt or debris is removed from the surface. Next, the house wrap is cut to the height and width of your walls and installed from the bottom of the wall to the sheathing using cap nails or staples. Our experts will overlap the edges of the house wrap by six inches and seal any seams with special tape before cutting out openings for windows, doors, and other features. Once the house wrap is set, the flashing is then installed around the opening of your windows and doors to further prevent water from entering around the edges.
To learn more about the house wrap installation process and how you can prepare for our visit, contact our team at 217.528.3911.
How Long Does House Wrap Last?
When you choose Sutton’s Inc. for your house wrap installation, you’re investing in life-long protection. In fact, when you choose to have your siding replaced, we make sure it’s the last job you’ll need, thanks to our quality products and technicians. Just like your siding, our house wrap is guaranteed to last the life of your home, providing decades of protection from moisture, wind, and pests. In conclusion, house wrap is a necessary component of modern siding installation that offers numerous benefits, from moisture management and added insulation to mold and mildew prevention. Contact our team in Chatham, IL to request a free estimate on your upcoming siding project.