Construction Law
Exploring the Different Types of Building Wraps
Building wraps are an important component of any building. Once a building wrap is installed, it’s typically there for life, which makes selecting the correct type of building wrap an important factor for preventing latent defects and defective work claims. Choosing the best wrap for the job could mean the difference between a happy owner who employs your services again and a frustrated owner who blacklists your company.
In this article, the Clearwater contractor lawyers at Disclaimer – Cotney Canada explore the different types of building wraps that contractors can utilize to prevent water infiltration and control airflow. Remember, moisture infiltration has been linked to roughly seventy percent of construction litigation, and Florida is one of the most vulnerable states. If you are dealing with a defective work claim, consult our Clearwater contractor lawyers.
Keft Wrap
Keft wrap is high in softwood fibers and low in recycled fiber, which makes it longer and thinner than felt and less likely to tear. When building wraps tear, water is permitted to enter the walls of the structure, leading to deterioration of drywall, mold, and more. Keft wrap is best used for buildings constructed of stucco, masonry, and brick. There are many types of keft wrap with varying levels of water resistance up to 150 minutes.
Woven Polymeric Wrap
Composed of crosshatched plastic tapes, woven polymeric wraps are another building wrap option for contractors who want to prevent moisture-related defects. Woven polymeric wraps are coated with a waterproof film that helps keep the structure dry. They may also be dotted with micro-perforations designed to let vapor travel out of the structure. UV inhibitors are optional with woven polymeric wraps. This type of building wrap is typically used on buildings constructed with fiber cement siding, wood, and vinyl.
Nonwoven Polymeric Wrap
Another type of polymeric wrap is the nonwoven polymeric wrap, named for its spun-bonded polymer resins, which are melted down and pressed into a fabric-like substance that can be applied to the exterior of a structure. The major benefit of this type of wrap is its ability to resist spray-on construction chemicals, like power washing solutions and detergents.
Liquid-Applied Wrap
Liquid-applied wraps differ greatly from the other types of wraps we have mentioned so far. This is because liquid-applied wraps must be contained in a bucket and applied using a roller, trowel, or spray rig. Once you apply this type of wrap, it must sit and cure for roughly four hours. Once the curing process is complete, your building will have a rubbery coating that protects it against water.
Hybrid Wrap
Finally, a hybrid wrap is a combination of two types of materials. In other words, it reinforces the wrap by providing a secondary layer. For instance, a nonwoven polymeric wrap can be applied beneath an asphalt-based wrap to provide double coverage.
If you would like to speak with one of our Clearwater construction lawyers, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.