Housewrap

Housewrap (or house wrap), also known by the genericized trademark homewrap (or home wrap), generally denotes a modern synthetic material used to protect buildings. Housewrap functions as a water-resistant layer, preventing rain or snow from getting into the wall assembly while allowing water vapor to pass to the exterior. It is NOT a weather resistant layer, as weather elements include sun, and housewraps can only be exposed for a few months before being damaged, and temperature, and housewraps do not insulate. If moisture from either direction is allowed to build up within stud or cavity walls, mold and rot can set in and fiberglass or cellulose insulation will lose its R-value because of the heat-conducting moisture. House wrap may also serve as an air barrier if it is sealed carefully at seams and supported to resist wind loads.

Housewrap is a replacement for the older tar paper or asphalt saturated felt on walls. It is lighter in weight, available in much wider rolls, stronger, and both faster and easier to apply.

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