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My house was built in the 60s and doesn't have normal plywood sheathing. It has that old sheet-rock-like sheathing (it's black, I think it is exterior gypsum). Basically the walls (right now) go, exterior gypsum > tar paper like stuff > foam board > vinyl siding.

I am not re-sheathing the house, so I am unsure if a house wrap is needed when re-siding. I'm hiring a company to do the siding and the owner said it wasn't necessary to install a house wrap, I was hoping to verify that with someone who knows siding.

BMitch
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justinw
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Whether or not you want it has nothing to do with siding.

It makes no difference to the siding.

The point of housewrap (brand-neutral) is that it is vapor-permeable air-barrier - as such it can reduce drafts and air movement, and thus potentially reduce your heating and/or cooling costs.

Ecnerwal
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Being that you are on the upper east coast, I would say yes if you do not currently have a house wrap. This will decrease moisture/air issues and is a good bang for your buck.

I also agree with Ecnerwal - the siding is its own thing - you really need both. If the siding company tells you that you don't need it then it is possible that they believe you have a housewrap performing OK now or that they don't usually do housewraps (or feels like the profit isn't worth it or whatever) and don't want you talking to a siding installer that does.

DMoore
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Building wrap is used as an infiltration barrier. Before materials like Tyvek were widely available, tar paper was used as appears to be the case with your home.

Materials like Tyvek superseded tar paper because their lighter weight allows wider rolls and thus more efficient installation. But tar paper is fine. As with building wrap, proper installation is more important than differences among suitable materials.

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I believe if you don't have a moisture problem the way the house sits right now ie. Mold or mildew or popping plaster. Then you don't need the added cost for labor and materials for a siding job.

Mark Flick
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