When installing house wrap, it is essential to limit the wrap’s exposure to outside elements like the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, wind, and dirt. However, delays in construction often make this difficult. A high-performing house wrap is air- and moisture resistant along with vapor-permeable; it is a vital component of an energy-efficient, healthy, and quiet home or building.

Exposure of the synthetic house wrap to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down the wrap so that it becomes less resistant to tearing, water, and permeability. Also, heavy winds and the accumulation of dirt under the house wrap may tear the wrap and lessen its resistance to moisture. The damage or deterioration reduces the house wraps permeability which can lead to moisture accumulation in the walls and the growth of mold and rot.

Mold is a concern because it produces allergens and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold may cause allergic and asthmatic reactions in some people. Rot impacts the strength of the building. The result is a less energy-efficient, healthy, durable, and comfortable home. Installing house wrap correctly, carefully, and in a timely manner contributes towards creating a healthy, energy-efficient, and safe home or building.

It is best to limit exposure of house wrap at the job site; however, delays in construction often occur. There are a number of reasons a project may get off schedule. Construction projects may fall behind if materials don’t reach the project site on time, there is a shortage of materials or even theft of materials or equipment. Of particular relevance today is a lack of enough employees, especially those that have the skills needed to produce quality work. In fact, a survey by the Associated General Contractors of America found that 70 percent of U.S. construction firms report difficulty finding qualified workers. Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the country’s need for workers in the skilled trades is increasing much quicker than the growth of overall employment. A lack of qualified workers may produce poor workmanship. Redoing careless work leads to further delays on the project. Whatever the cause for the delay, it is essential to protect the wrap from UV exposure. Contractors must choose house wrap with maximum UV protection to prevent damage from UV exposure.

Spun, high-density polyethylene fibers that are water-resistant and vapor-permeable are often used to make high-performing house wrap. UV inhibitors laced in the coatings and fibers of a high-quality house wrap additionally protect the wrap against UV damage. The inhibitors preserve the house wrap by absorbing or chemically neutralizing the photochemical reactions or reflecting the sun’s energy back to the atmosphere.

Manufactures typically assign the house wrap a UV-rating based on the strength, elongation, and water resistance of the product after UV exposure. The UV-rating associated with a house wrap is the maximum time the wrap can endure exposure from the sun before becoming damaged. House wrap left exposed longer than its intended UV-rating can degrade. A high-quality house wrap with UV inhibitors should have at least a 3-month UV rating to protect it against deterioration due to the sun’s UV rays.

An excellent choice for a high-performing house wrap with superior ultraviolet stabilizers is Barricade® Building Wraps. All five Barricade® Building Wraps are UV-rated between 4 and 12 months.

Barricade Plus™ house wrap has special ultraviolet stabilizers that protect against UV rays for up to 9 months.

Barricade® Building Wrap has special ultraviolet stabilizers that protect against UV rays for up to 12 months.

R-Wrap® has special ultraviolet stabilizers that protect against UV rays for up to 9 months.

Barricade® Building Wraps are also high-performing moisture and air barriers and pass all the tests used to measure a house wrap’s water resistance: ASTM D779 (boat test), CCMC 07102 (pond test), and AATCC Test Method 127. Barricade® Building Wraps have exceptional air resistance and are in accordance with IRC Section N1102.4.1 and IECC Section 402.4 and 502.4. Barricade® Building Wraps are also all permeable to vapor with perms greater than five.

Ideally, the less a house wrap is exposed to the sun the better. Unfortunately, construction delays often occur, which can leave house wrap exposed to damaging UV rays. Selecting a house wrap with a high UV-rating, like Barricade house wraps, will ensure the product will not degrade during the delay. Please visit Barricade for more information on the impact of exposing house wrap to outside elements, like the sun, wind, and dirt.