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WRB and House Wrap Installation Guide

House wraps and weather barriers can play a critical role in a high-performance wall assembly. In fact, some people consider the WRB to be a BFD
November 10, 2023
Image Credit
Kellen Berg
Kellen Berg

A WRB is variously called a Water Resistive Barrier (in the IRC) and a Weather Resistive Barrier (in the building science community); the difference is that weather contains water, but it also includes wind.

According to the International Residential Code (IRC), a Water Resistive Barrier (WRB) must be installed to shed liquid water that gets behind the siding and incorporated with horizontal flashings.

To bump up the WRB's performance, high-performance builders and building scientists call for upgrading the job description from a water barrier to also work as an air barrier. This typically includes taping the seams and sealing the edges. Though, all of those staples and siding nails throw a bit of a wrench in that task.

Here is a collection of animations, videos, and podcasts about WRB installation, air barriers, and liquid water control:

  • Air Barrier Information
  • House Wrap Installation
  • Window Flashing
  • Rainscreen Info
  • Roof/Wall Flashing

Air Barrier Information

House Wrap Installation

Window Flashing

Rainscreen Info

Roof/Wall Flashing

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