A Structural System Approach to Moisture Management

As builders set their sights on constructing more durable, resilient homes, combating moisture concerns-both during and after the build-is critical. Let's see how professionals are using exterior sheathing as a one part of their moisture management solutions.

LP WeatherLogic^® Air & Water Barrier works to help keep water and air out with an integrated, water-resistive overlay when sealed with seam and flashing tape. Not only does it install like regular sheathing, there’s no need to go around the house a second time adding house wrap. 

Is Sheathing Waterproof?

Waterproof adhesives, which are added to OSB and plywood sheathing, do not degrade in the presence of water. While no wood-based sheathing can be completely waterproof, using a water-resistive barrier product like LP WeatherLogic panel can help manage moisture for a structure.

That’s why many builders—like Jordan Smith, Chief Builder & Owner of Smith House Company—use LP WeatherLogic sheathing on their new builds. While LP WeatherLogic panels aren’t fully waterproof, they do go a long way in preventing and reducing water intrusion.

"With the WRB fully integrated on top of an OSB sheathing product, I have a fully adhered water-resistive barrier on top of my structural sheathing," he explains. Smith finds that installation with LP WeatherLogic sheathing is fast and easy.

“I don’t have to worry about water getting behind a house wrap product,” Smith adds. “That coupled with the 30-year limited  warranty gives me the peace of mind that this build will last a long time.” 

LP WeatherLogic Tape 

The LP WeatherLogic Seam & Flashing Tape helps create a tight seal to help keep air and water out. "When the air comes in, it also brings in moisture, which can cause damage," explains Smith.

Certified to AAMA 711-13, LP WeatherLogic Seam & Flashing Tape features one of today’s highest quality adhesives. 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. Check out the complete LP WeatherLogic installation instructions for more tape usage direction. Smith offers installation tips in this video.  

Flashing Tape Versus Traditional Flashing—Is There a Difference?

Off-the-shelf house wrap and flashing help avoid water and air infiltration; however, there is no assurance water can’t get behind, collecting around windows and doors and wreaking havoc.

Construction Instruction, an independent building science group, conducted side-by-side testing with LP WeatherLogic panels and commodity-grade weather-resistive barrier over standard OSB sheathing. A standard window was installed with LP WeatherLogic tape on one side and window flashing tape on the other. After simulating a 50-mile-per-hour rain storm for 15 minutes, the team found the commodity-grade housewrap leaked into the wall cavity while the side with LP WeatherLogic panels showed no signs of water intrusion.

Water-resistive installation is fast and easy, but it’s important to apply LP WeatherLogic Tape correctly so it doesn’t limit the 30-year limited warranty coverage. Here are three mistakes to avoid when installing the panels and LP WeatherLogic Seam & Flashing Tape.

Moisture Management Technology in Commercial Construction and Residential Builds

LP WeatherLogic^® Water Screen is LP’s latest advancement in moisture management technology and can be used in both commercial and residential construction. The product consists of a quarter-inch thick entangled nylon mesh with a fabric top sheet that resists mildew bacteria and mold growth. 

Kyle Stumpenhorst, owner of Rural Renovators, tested the new LP WeatherLogic Water Screen to see if it easily channeled water away.

"I was curious-how well does this really work?" he asks. "If water gets behind your siding, it's going to move through and be gone quickly before it has time to do any sufficient damage to your sheathing or siding."

The team at Construction Instruction Live added LP WeatherLogic Water Screen to their wall assembly to watch how easily the bulk water drained through it and how rapidly the water exits at the bottom of the wall. 

For Stumpenhorst, the LP WeatherLogic Water Screen allows him to plan for additional resiliency. He describes the product as an "extra insurance policy" to maximize his build's moisture protection.

Want to learn more about managing moisture problems in your commercial or residential builds? Discover what can cause water damage to engineered wood.