The installation of house wrap is a critical step in ensuring the long-term durability and structural integrity of a building. Barricade Building Products and Masons Barricade have developed advanced systems that combine weather resistance, UV protection, and ease of installation. These products are designed to act as air and water-resistive barriers, preventing moisture infiltration while allowing vapor to escape. This article provides a detailed breakdown of Barricade house wrap and weather defense system installation instructions based on the technical specifications and guidance provided in the source materials.
Whether you're a professional builder, a DIY enthusiast, or an IT professional managing a construction project, understanding the proper installation procedures for these materials is essential. The following guide is structured to cover key aspects such as product features, installation steps, safety considerations, and best practices to ensure compliance and performance.
Key Features of Barricade House Wrap and Weather Defense Systems
Barricade Building Products offers two primary house wrap solutions: Barricade Wrap Plus Drainage and Masons Barricade weather defense system. Both systems are engineered for high performance and are suitable for a wide range of residential and commercial applications.
Barricade Wrap Plus Drainage
This product features a non-directional gap design, allowing it to be installed in any direction without compromising its effectiveness. The wrap is constructed from non-perforated, non-woven polyolefin, which provides:
- UV resistance
- Drainage efficiency (90% as per Standard Test Method for Determining the Drainage Efficiency of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems)
- Moisture vapor permeability (18 US Perms rating)
- Resistance to pressure washing and job-site chemicals
The wrap is translucent, which allows builders to see the framing underneath, making alignment and installation more straightforward. It is available in multiple sizes (60–120 inches wide and 100–200 feet long) and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Masons Barricade Weather Defense System
This system is a multi-component solution that includes:
- Fibre cement boards (6 mm and 9 mm, autoclaved, asbestos-free)
- Self-adhesive wrap (trilaminate non-woven polypropylene with polyacrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive)
- Penetration seals (for ducts, pipes, and services)
- Fire-rated components, including sealant and construction foam
The system is suitable for both on-site and prefabricated construction and is designed to provide fire resistance, weather protection, and structural bracing performance when installed correctly. It is compliant with NZS 3604:2011 and requires adherence to specific installation standards to ensure full functionality and compliance.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
The installation of Barricade house wrap and Masons Barricade weather defense system involves multiple stages. Each step is designed to ensure that the final product performs as intended, maintaining the building envelope's integrity.
1. Pre-Installation Preparation
Before beginning the installation, several preparatory steps must be completed:
Review Building Consent Documentation: Access and review the building consent documentation to ensure compliance with local building codes and standards. This includes verifying the scope of use and limitations of the product, as outlined in the pass™ certification.
Confirm Scope of Use: Ensure that the proposed application is within the scope of the product's limitations. This includes checking that the system is appropriate for the type of construction (e.g., stucco, stone veneer, or EIFS) and the environmental conditions of the project site.
Check Related Building Work: Confirm that the structural components (e.g., timber or concrete floor systems) have been constructed in accordance with the building consent or NZS 3604:2011. This includes ensuring that framing is properly aligned and within specified tolerances.
2. Install Framing
Proper framing is essential for the successful installation of the house wrap and weather defense system. The following guidelines apply:
Timber Framing Requirements: Install framing using a minimum of 90 x 45 mm SG8 timber. Studs should be spaced at 400 mm or 600 mm centers, and nogs should be placed at 800 mm centers.
Hold-Down Methods: Use the hold-down method specified in the building consent. For wall bracing, the preferred method is GIB HandiBrac® to frame and bottom plate with either:
- M12 Bowmac screw bolt for concrete
- M12 coach screw or equivalent fixing for timber
Framing Tolerances: Ensure that the framing is straight and true, and adheres to the tolerances outlined in Section 2 and Table 2.1 of NZS 3604:2011.
3. Install Fibre Cement Board
The next step involves the installation of the Masons Barricade weather defense fibre cement board. These boards are non-combustible and provide a rigid wall underlay.
Fixing Method: Use 40 mm x 10 g CSK SS clout fixings to secure the boards to the framing. Fixings should be spaced at 150 mm centers, with a minimum edge distance of 12 mm and a minimum corner distance of 50 mm.
Support During Installation: Ensure that the boards are well supported during cutting and nailing. This prevents warping or damage that could compromise the installation.
4. Install Self-Adhesive Wrap
After the fibre cement boards are installed, the Masons Barricade weather defense self-adhesive wrap is applied. This wrap is a trilaminate non-woven polypropylene material with a self-adhesive backing.
Installation Method: Apply the wrap directly over the fibre cement boards. It is supplied in 50 m² rolls (1.46 m x 31.14 m), and the adhesive allows for secure, long-term bonding.
Lapping Requirements: When installing the wrap, ensure a minimum lap of 150 mm at all seams. Use self-adhesive tape to secure laps and maintain a continuous barrier.
Penetration Seals: If there are penetrations (e.g., pipes, ducts, or services), install Masons Penetration seals around these areas to maintain airtight and watertight integrity.
Door and Window Openings: If the wrap is being used as a temporary cladding system, it can be installed over door and window openings. In this case, install temporary timber members to support larger openings and ensure proper alignment.
Cut Edges: Once openings have been made, apply the wrap over the cut edges with a minimum lap of 150 mm. Use self-adhesive tape to secure all laps and ensure continuity.
5. Seal and Finish
After the wrap is installed, additional steps may be necessary to complete the weather defense system and ensure fire-rated performance.
Fire-Rated Assemblies: If the project requires a fire-rated assembly, apply Hilti CP 606 Firestop acrylic sealant to all joints. This includes seams, penetrations, and any other potential points of compromise.
Weather Sealing: When attaching brackets, cleats, or other components to the weather defense surface, ensure that the back surface is weather-sealed. This can be done using double-sided butyl construction tape or closed-cell PVC self-adhesive medium-density construction foam. The foam must be compressed by at least 30% to ensure proper adhesion and sealing.
Priming Surfaces: On porous surfaces such as cast concrete, a primer may be required before applying the wrap or any subsequent layers. This helps ensure proper adhesion and long-term durability.
Best Practices for Installation
To ensure a successful and long-lasting installation, consider the following best practices:
1. Cut House Wrap to Workable Sizes
When working with large rolls of house wrap, it can be beneficial to cut them into smaller, more manageable sizes, especially on windy days. A circular saw can be used to cut through the roll as deeply as possible, then the roll can be twisted until the cut is complete. While this increases the number of horizontal seams and requires additional taping, the labor savings and improved handling make it a worthwhile trade-off.
2. Prime Wood Siding Before Installation
Since house wrap can cause condensation to form on its surface, it’s important to prime or seal the back of every wood siding board before installation. This prevents moisture from wicking into the wood and potentially damaging the finish or paint. A quick coat of primer adds minimal cost but provides long-term protection.
3. Coordinate with Subcontractors
If you're the general contractor, ensure that extra rolls of house wrap are available on-site for framing crews, electricians, and other subcontractors. Include clear instructions for how to install the wrap around their work (e.g., soffit stringers, trim boards, and electrical meters). This helps prevent gaps or improper sealing that could compromise the building envelope.
4. Tack, Straighten, Fasten
During installation, it’s important to tack, straighten, and fasten the house wrap to prevent sagging or misalignment. This ensures that the wrap remains in place and maintains a continuous, airtight, and watertight barrier. Use self-adhesive tape at all seams and check for proper alignment before moving on to the next section.
Storage and Safety Considerations
Proper storage and adherence to safety protocols are essential to ensure that the materials remain in good condition and that the installation process is conducted safely.
1. Storage Guidelines
Fibre Cement Boards: Store boards in a flat area that is covered and off the ground. Place them on a pallet or supported by timbers running the length of the boards to prevent warping or damage.
Wrap Rolls: Store wrap rolls in a dry location that is covered and off the ground to prevent moisture absorption and degradation.
2. Health and Safety
Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation or use mechanical dust extraction when cutting or drilling fibre cement boards to reduce exposure to dust.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate safety equipment, including eye protection, gloves, and respiratory protection, when handling materials. Ensure that all tools are sharp and in good working condition.
Tool Safety: Use all tools in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and good trade practices. Never force tools or attempt to cut materials beyond their intended use.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
During the installation process, several issues may arise. Understanding how to address these can help prevent delays and ensure a high-quality outcome.
1. Improper Lap Sealing
One common issue is improper lap sealing, which can create gaps in the barrier. To avoid this, ensure that all laps are at least 150 mm and sealed with self-adhesive tape. Check for continuity and reseal any areas where the tape may not have adhered properly.
2. Misaligned Fibre Cement Boards
If the fibre cement boards are not aligned properly, they may shift during installation or under load, leading to an uneven surface or compromised performance. To prevent this, ensure that the boards are properly supported during installation and that the framing is straight and true.
3. Improper Penetration Sealing
Failure to properly seal around penetrations (e.g., pipes, ducts, or services) can create air or water leaks. Always use the appropriate penetration seals and ensure that they are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Inadequate Fire-Rated Sealing
For projects requiring fire-rated assemblies, it is essential to apply Hilti CP 606 Firestop sealant to all joints and penetrations. Failure to do so may result in non-compliance with fire safety standards and could compromise the integrity of the building envelope.
Conclusion
Barricade house wrap and Masons Barricade weather defense systems are advanced solutions that offer excellent weather resistance, UV protection, and ease of installation. By following the detailed installation instructions provided in the source materials, builders and DIY enthusiasts can ensure a durable, long-lasting, and code-compliant building envelope.
Key steps include preparation, framing, fibre cement board installation, wrap application, and sealing. Additional best practices—such as cutting wrap into manageable sizes, priming wood siding, coordinating with subcontractors, and tacking, straightening, and fastening the wrap—help enhance efficiency and performance.
Proper storage and adherence to health and safety guidelines are also essential to maintain material quality and ensure safe working conditions. Finally, troubleshooting common issues—such as improper lap sealing, misaligned boards, and inadequate fire-rated sealing—can help prevent delays and ensure a successful outcome.
For those seeking to install Barricade or Masons Barricade products, this guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to achieving a high-performance, weather-resistant building envelope.