When it comes to moisture management in construction, many builders default to the traditional system of using commodity OSB sheathing and housewrap. As homeowner objectives shift toward resiliency and durability, it’s important to explore alternative moisture management systems that can effectively combat moisture concerns—not only during construction but for decades after the build. Let’s dive in and find out more.
Why Moisture Management Matters in Building Construction
As any builder knows, it’s easy for small amounts of water to enter a wall cavity during construction. When water evaporates, it becomes a gas—more commonly known as water vapor—and it needs to escape. If walls can’t dry out completely, a home is likely to experience mold and rot.
While fighting moisture during construction is tough, the challenge is even bigger when a family moves in. Everyday activities like washing dishes and clothes, showering and cooking create water vapor, which collects and fights to get outside.
Typically, older homes were so leaky that water vapor could easily escape. As builders learned the benefits of water barriers, the issue of moisture management moved to the forefront. Just as water needs to be barred from entering the home, moisture vapor needs a path to escape.
What Is the Main Purpose of a Water-Resistive Barrier?
OSB can get wet during normal construction periods since it’s typically made with water-resistive adhesives, but a water-resistive barrier (WRB) helps protect the sheathing from future damage in the event water gets behind the exterior cladding. One benefit of a high-quality WRB is permeability so it allows water vapor to escape, helping keep a wall dry from any moisture trapped in the wall cavity.
Building code requires a WRB to be installed. While many builders opt for commodity OSB and traditional housewrap, alternative moisture management systems are available, like LP WeatherLogic® Air & Water Barrier, a structural OSB sheathing with an integrated water-resistive barrier that continues to provide vapor permeability to allow trapped moisture to dry.
Commodity OSB & Traditional Housewrap vs. an Integrated WRB With Premium OSB
If new home construction is located in an area that experiences strong storms, wind and rain, using a premium integrated air and water barrier can help safeguard the home from water intrusion.
LP WeatherLogic® System reduces air leaks up to 87% better than house wrap.*
LP WeatherLogic® Air & Water Barrier helps safeguard the home from water intrusion with an integrated, water-resistive overlay when all panel joints are sealed with LP WeatherLogic® Seam & Flashing Tape or Sealant. Not only does it install like regular OSB sheathing, there’s no need to go around the house a second time to add housewrap.
LP’s limited warranty demonstrates the confidence the company has in its products. With a 30-year limited warranty, LP WeatherLogic® Air & Water Barrier system is proven to help seal out moisture and air for years to come.
Featuring one of today’s highest quality adhesives, LP WeatherLogic® Seam & Flashing Tape is certified to AAMA 711-22. Tape rolls are included with panels and come in 3-3/4-inch and 6-inch widths. The wider Seam & Flashing Tape is used for window flashing and inside and outside corners. If your trades are more comfortable with sealant, LP WeatherLogic® Seam & Flashing Sealant is a liquid-applied flashing material certified to AAMA 714-22.
*Results of this testing commissioned by Louisiana-Pacific Corporation are based on single point positive pressurization air leakage testing using a Minneapolis Blower Door™ at 50 Pa test pressure; the LP WeatherLogic® System and house wrap were separately installed and tested with tape applied to seams and around windows/doors; no tape or sealant was applied at the bottom sill to slab transition for both products. Results may vary and may not be indicative of actual field performance.
Wherever you build in the U.S., moisture management is a crucial consideration for long-term comfort. While traditional commodity OSB and housewrap systems are widely used, more advanced systems like integrated LP WeatherLogic Air & Water Barrier can help offer better protection against water intrusion, in most cases.
For LP WeatherLogic sheathing installation tips, visit the LP WeatherLogic Installation page.
