🏡 What Is House Wrap — And Why Does Your Home Need It?
- Josh
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 30
When it comes to protecting your home from the elements, what's underneath your siding matters just as much as what you see on the outside. One of the most crucial layers in your exterior wall system is the house wrap — and if you’re replacing your siding, it’s something you definitely want to understand.
📦 What Is House Wrap?
House wrap is a synthetic material installed between your home’s sheathing (like OSB or plywood) and the siding. Its job? Acting as a weather-resistant barrier that prevents water and air infiltration — while still allowing moisture vapor to escape.
In simple terms:👉 Keeps water out👉 Lets your walls breathe👉 Boosts energy efficiency👉 Protects your home from rot and mold
Without it, your home is vulnerable to leaks, wood rot, mold growth, and higher energy bills.
🔍 Why Is House Wrap So Important?
Moisture ControlRain and humidity are inevitable — but house wrap helps keep that moisture from reaching your home’s framing and insulation. It acts like a raincoat under your siding.
Air BarrierProperly installed house wrap reduces drafts and air leaks, helping to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and cut down on heating/cooling costs.
Mold PreventionBy keeping water out and letting trapped moisture escape, house wrap helps prevent mold and mildew, which can be both dangerous and expensive to fix.
Siding BackupEven the best siding can’t seal every gap. House wrap is the hidden layer of protection for those tiny cracks or seams — giving your home a second line of defense.
🧱 Types of House Wrap
There are several types of house wrap, each with unique properties. Here are the most common:
1. Micro-perforated Films
Made from polyethylene or polypropylene.
Breathable due to tiny holes that allow vapor to pass through.
Lower cost, but also lower resistance to bulk water.
Common brands: Barricade Wrap Plus, Grip-Rite House Wrap.
✅ Budget-friendly🚫 Less effective in high-wind or heavy rain zones.
2. Spun-bonded Polyolefin (SBPO)
This is the industry standard — used by most professionals.
High performance: water-resistant, highly breathable, and durable.
Often used in new builds and siding replacements.
Common brands: Tyvek® HomeWrap®, Typar®, Raindrop®.
✅ Excellent water holdout & breathability✅ Long-lasting and energy efficient
3. Drainable House Wraps
Designed with wrinkles or grooves to create drainage channels.
Helps guide water down and out, reducing the risk of moisture buildup behind siding.
Great for fiber cement, vinyl, or wood siding.
✅ Ideal in wet or humid climates✅ Superior drying and moisture management
4. Fluid-Applied WRBs (Weather-Resistive Barriers)
Not a wrap, but a liquid membrane that’s sprayed or rolled on.
Seamless protection — good for complex architectural shapes.
Requires professional installation and proper prep.
✅ Seamless and durable🚫 Higher cost and labor-intensive
🛠️ Do You Need House Wrap with All Siding?
Short answer: Yes — in almost all cases.Some siding materials like brick veneer or stucco use different systems, but for vinyl, fiber cement, LP SmartSide, or wood siding, house wrap is essential to protect your investment.
🏠 Trust Sierra Exteriors to Wrap It Right
At Sierra Exteriors, we don’t cut corners. Whether we’re installing James Hardie fiber cement, LP SmartSide engineered wood, or traditional vinyl, we ensure every project includes proper house wrap for long-term protection.
✅ Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
✅ James Hardie Select Preferred Contractor
✅ LP SmartSide Preferred Contractor
✅ Malarkey Emerald Pro Roofing Contractor
📞 Call us today for a free quote or siding inspection — and we’ll make sure what’s underneath your siding is just as solid as what’s on top.