If and when you’re going to reside your home, DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!

If the siding contractor you’re working with say you don’t need house wrap if you’re using fan fold insulation, they are cutting corners!

Make sure the contractor applies house wrap, and window/door flashing tape before any siding is installed.

Here are some facts about house wrap and window/door flashing tape.

Does house wrap breathe?

House wraps provide a vapor-permeable layer that resists liquid water from the outside, while also allowing water vapor to escape the assembly, enabling the wall to “breathe” (for example, if water vapor is driven from the interior to the exterior during a heating season, the house wrap will allow the vapor to escape).

Does House wrap stop wind?

No; however, properly installed house wrap weather barriers help protect against loss of R-value in insulation due to wind washing. Even at wind speeds of 5 mph, a wall without an air barrier retains less than 40% of its original installed R-values.

What are the benefits of house wrap?

The Benefits of House Wrap

Increase energy efficiency.

Prevent mold growth, wood rot and other problems related to moisture infiltration.

Make homes more comfortable all year round.

Eliminate air leaks.

Provide some insulating value.

Improve efficiency of HVAC systems.

Your vinyl siding will perform as the primary defense against moisture and air leaks, but your house wrap comes in strong as a secondary defense. ... This will help your house wrap perform better and if you're already siding your house you may as well include it as installing it later will require a complete re-siding.

What is the purpose of window flashing?

Window Flashing Terms to Know Before You Start:

It works to stop water from seeping and pooling at the top of a window unit.

It minimizes the potential for water damage.

Flashing – A water-repellent adhesive that's applied over window flanges and sheathing to seal out any potential leaks in or around a window.

Once the siding has been removed and any soft or rotten spots in the sheeting should be replaced, House wrap installed on all exterior walls and all windows and doors tape off with flashing tape.

Check out some of the install photos for previous siding projects completed by Midwest Construction


When your home is ready for some exterior improvements, give Midwest Construction a call at 1-800-925-664 or Request a Quote at https://www.mwcinc.com/quote/

Our experienced Design Consultant will go over all of the material options, explain the installation process, and leave you with an exact cost down to the penny.

Midwest Construction with 2 locations in Iowa, Grimes & Mason City servicing Central Iowa from border to border. We are a Family Owned and Operated Company focusing on the exterior of homes. Since 1958, Midwest Construction has been providing “Quality Products & Quality Installation” for homeowners in Iowa.


2021-SE 44th Court - Grimes, Iowa 50111               1601-South Taft Avenue - Mason City, Iowa 50501

Midwest Construction installs, American Classic Insulated Vinyl Siding Systems, Everlast Advanced Composite Siding, EcoSmart Replacement Windows and Patio Doors, Progressive Foam Products, ProVia Entry Doors, and Oasis All Season Sunrooms. All of our crews have been certified by our manufacturers to install your energy efficient products according to the manufacturer’s specification for optimum performance.