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Weather-resistive barrier before siding checklist

A pre-siding weather-resistive-barrier checklist for substrate condition, membrane type and orientation, shingle-lapped seams, corners, openings, penetrations, kickout and roof intersections, base drainage, fastener damage, transition membranes, rainscreen or drainage gaps, temporary exposure, and photographic evidence before cladding hides the wall.

6 items to check

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Sheathing is sound and WRB coverage, orientation, and exposure are correct

Critical item

The membrane should be applied to a suitable substrate and within product exposure limits.

Horizontal and vertical seams, corners, and repairs shed water in approved sequence

Critical item

Laps and tapes should follow the product and wall assembly without reverse-lapped paths.

Windows, doors, vents, meters, and wall openings are integrated with the WRB

Critical item

Opening flashings should connect to the drainage plane without sealed-in water.

Roof-to-wall, deck, balcony, foundation, and wall-base transitions direct water outward

Critical item

The drainage plane should terminate or transition at adjacent assemblies with approved flashing and clearances.

Required drainage gap, furring, exterior insulation, and cladding attachment are coordinated

Critical item

The wall assembly should preserve intended drainage and ventilation while transferring cladding loads.

Damage corrections and full-wall photographs are accepted before siding

Every elevation should be documented because defects become inaccessible.

Use after wall sheathing and WRB installation but before siding, masonry veneer, stucco, exterior insulation, or trim conceals the drainage plane. Do not use unsafe ladders, walk roofs, remove structural support, or disturb lead, asbestos, or mold-containing assemblies. Require qualified building-envelope, structural, roofing, window, door, and siding professionals where appropriate.

Reference standards

  • Approved wall, window, door, roof, deck, siding, drainage, and structural details; adopted state and local building and energy code; permit and inspection conditions; authority having jurisdiction requirements; signed scope; and exact flashing, membrane, sealant, fastener, cladding, window, door, and drainage manufacturer instructions
  • Exact WRB, tape, flashing, cladding, rainscreen, exterior insulation, and penetration instructions

    • Tools

  • Approved drawings, opening and product submittals, wall-section details, permit records, and authorized changes
  • Tape measure, level, flashlight, camera, and owner-safe ground-level observations
  • Dated pre-cover photographs and manufacturer-compatible material records showing drainage-plane continuity

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