| "Earlier this year, the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) introduced a new resource for builders that provides guidance on protecting moisture sensitive materials, such as wood exterior sheathing and framing, against decay caused by exposure to moisture. The NAHB Research Center and NAHB's Building Product Issues Committee produced the pamphlet, "Moisture Protection of Wood Sheathing: An Installer's Guide," which is available in English and Spanish.
The Installer's Guide is a primer to installation techniques and practices builders and trade contractors can use to create a water-resistant barrier around a wood-based structural system. Exterior claddings including brick, stucco, vinyl siding, and exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS) all have the same potential for sheathing and stud damage if weather barriers, flashings, and opening protections are not used or are installed incorrectly.
With an influx of consumer litigation, builders now more than ever should consider going beyond code minimum requirements to prevent water and moisture from infiltrating the structures they build. The consequences of failing to do so can be disgruntled customers and burdensome liability. Chronic water intrusion can result in water damage to framing, sheathing, insulation, and interior finish in the form of mold or other water-related deterioration. The pamphlet is available to download from the NAHB  Online source |