[Greenbuilding] rainscreen, siding, and yellowjackets

[John Messerschmidt]

We are about to install pre-stained cedar siding.  The plan so far is to
install 1" rigid insulation over the sheathing, then a vapor retarder like
Tyvek, then the siding.  I'm starting to think about the Benjamin Obdyke
"Rain Slicker" product, but am afraid that it may be too expensive and
unnecessary.  Thanks to this email, I'm just realizing we would probably
need some kind of insect barrier.  I would be most grateful if someone could
answer these questions:

Is it necessary to have the extra drainage provided by the Rain Slicker or
similar product?

Will the stained cedar breathe on it's own?



Thanks,

John


-----Original Message-----
From: greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org]On Behalf Of Stephen
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 3:02 PM
To: GREENBUILDING at listserv.repp.org
Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] rainscreen, siding, and yellowjackets


I am going to use a rainscreen detail on my house (see my question
regarding
Manual J calcs) using cement fiberboard (not HardiBoard because they
"insist" on the product being painted). I am deliberating using 1" or 3/4"
air space (1" is the recommended spacing but it appears that this is for a
max of 4 (?) stories and my house is basically one story). To
provide insect
barriers I am thinking of using recycled polyester open weave mesh material
(sort of like 3M's magic scrub without the abrasive). This is a
product used
in the masonry trades for weep holes and cavity fillers. It would be
oversized for the opening and held in place by friction fit with something
like 85 - 90% open area. I comes in several colors. This use is off label
but at least one of the manufacturers was interested in supplying it in
special sizes.

I have samples in the office but have not yet priced the material for the
size and quantity that I need. I am not in my office now so I cannot give
more specific info. Look for CavClear, mortar net, etc.

Stephen Levine


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