Top LP WeatherLogic^® Air & Water Barrier Installation Mistakes

No matter the product you are installing proper technique is critical not only to ensure the product performs well, but that improper installation doesn’t limit the warranty coverage. Even the smallest installation mistakes can impact a product’s performance, especially when it comes to air barrier installation!

Let’s focus on LP WeatherLogic^® Air & Water Barrier installation tips. We’ll look at some common LP WeatherLogic installation mistakes and how to prevent them with the correct procedures. With this guide, you can avoid these top mistakes and ensure LP WeatherLogic panels keep air and water out—and that they’re backed by the LP WeatherLogic 30-year limited warranty.

A Closer Look at the LP WeatherLogic Warranty 

Before we take a look at some common LP WeatherLogic installation mistakes, let’s review the product’s 30-year limited warranty with a focus on installation. 

For the product to be covered by the warranty, the LP WeatherLogic system must be installed in accordance with LP’s published installation instructions. Here, you’ll find how to install this water-resistive barrier system to retain all warranty provisions. If there are installation mistakes, some damages may not be covered. Check out the complete warranty here.

This is why it’s critical to be familiar with LP’s required installation procedures. When they are followed the product can perform as it’s intended, and your work will be protected by the LP WeatherLogic 30-year limited warranty.

Installing LP WeatherLogic panels can be easy—they install just like regular sheathing. Only standard woodworking tools are needed and as a strong, Structural I  Sheathing with a built-in water-resistive overlay, it eliminates the additional step of installing housewrap. However, the seam and flashing tape required to complete installation can cause some hiccups. Let’s dig in now to our top installation mistakes. 

Installation Mistake #1: Improper Use of Tape

LP WeatherLogic Seam & Flashing Tape comes with every order of LP WeatherLogic panels, and it must be used as a system with the panels to retain the warranty. When the tape isn’t installed properly it can fail to create a tight seal, which LP WeatherLogic panels need to keep air and water out effectively.

While the tape is easy to use, there are a few guidelines the LP WeatherLogic Installation Instructions dictate for proper overlapping and application. Here are a few tape tips for water-resistive barrier installation:

• Apply tape properly. Install the LP WeatherLogic Seam & Flashing tape when outdoor temperatures are above 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Before applying pressure, you may remove the piece of tape once to reposition. Once it’s in its final position, use the included squeegee to smooth the tape and adhere it completely. The adhesive can take 24 hours or more to fully cure.
• Use one continuous piece of tape to cover seams wherever possible. When using multiple pieces to cover a seam, overlap ends by at least two inches. For vertical seams, the bottom end of the tape above overlaps the top end of the tape below. For horizontal seams, tape can overlap from left to right or right to left.
• Horizontal and vertical seam intersections. Depending on the type of overlap, each piece of tape should be installed in a specific order. Please refer to page six of the complete installation instructions for details.

Installation Mistake #2: Sealing at the Wall/Roof Interface

Ensuring a proper seal at any interface can be tricky, and those areas where walls and roofs intersect can be especially tough. Getting a good seal here by installing LP WeatherLogic tape correctly is critical.

To do so, treat these areas as inside corners (see installation instructions, page eight). Be sure to install flashing at the roof-wall transition as required by building codes and apply LP WeatherLogic tape to seal the top of the flashing, extending at least two inches onto the panel face and covering all fasteners.

Installation Mistake #3: Inadequate Water Protection Behind Unique Claddings

Claddings like stucco, brick and stone (reservoir claddings) can be prone to water intrusion. That’s why it’s especially important to include a drainage plane like LP WeatherLogic Water Screen behind them, which provides another layer of security. With a water screen, water that gets behind the cladding drains and exits quickly. Without one, these types of claddings may not last as long as they would have if water intrusion had been more carefully considered. 

LP WeatherLogic Water Screen is easy to install. It goes on over LP WeatherLogic panels and is attached with standard staples. It can be installed behind all claddings, not just unique options like stucco, for the utmost protection against water. Check out the videos below from Construction Instruction for more water screen installation details.

How to Avoid Top LP WeatherLogic Installation Mistakes

When you closely follow the LP WeatherLogic installation instructions for how to install an air and water-resistive barrier, you’re on your way to a job well done—one that keeps water and air out and doesn’t limit the product’s warranty. Get all the details you’ll need for a successful installation here.

Got more questions about LP WeatherLogic panels? Check out our FAQ here.