When discussing moisture management solutions in the building industry, it’s important to recognize and accept one simple and indisputable reality: water gets into buildings. No matter how tightly a building is constructed, no matter how well it’s insulated, no matter what type of exterior cladding is chosen or how expertly it’s installed—moisture will always find a way into the building enclosure. Moisture infiltration can undermine structural integrity, cause exterior surfaces to deteriorate, and shorten life of paints and stains. It can also foster mold and rot, that not only causes structural damage but also poses serious health hazards. Ridding the wall assembly of liquid water and water vapor as quickly as possible (before it can damage structural components) is what moisture management is all about.
There are many moisture management products currently on the market, including traditional felt paper, rainscreen systems, sealants, and self-adhered flashing membranes. Choices are expanding, driven by advances in technology, evolving building codes, growing customer concern with mold prevention, and many other factors. Each of the aforementioned moisture management products has its place, depending upon local environmental conditions and project details. Increasingly, synthetic housewraps are being viewed as an essential component of a well-designed, well-constructed low-rise building in virtually any environment.