Exterior Wall
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Exterior Wall - Sheathing and Siding

Sheathing the walls is done by the framer. Once this job is complete the only opening left will be the windows and doors. Once these are set you are ready for the vapor barriers. These too can be applied by the sub contractors. Black paper is usually installed with stucco and brick exteriors> Vapor barriers are used between sheathing and siding. They are a fibrous weave designed to release any moisture that does get into the wall as well as prevent outside air from entering. This barrier is stapled to the sheeting. Another plastic barrier should be stapled to the interior walls before the drywall is hung. This double protection offers the best overall return. There are a few brands available for this outside wrap, one popular brand is Tyveck. You can leave these wraps on uncovered for up to 4 months.

There are many types of sidings.

Wood Siding - such as cedar which may be stained various colors or sealed to show its natural color and grain.
Wood Shakes - which look great and are traditional on bungalow homes. These however, are costlier and take longer to apply.
Clapboard  and Board & Button siding are faster as they cover more area in less time.
4x8 Plywood with various veneers.
Synthetics which include vinyl, aluminum and fiber cement siding.
Stone and Brick.

Today vinyl siding is used on more houses than any other type. The ease and speed of installation as well as its low maintenance accounts for its success. Vinyl siding provides no structural support and is hung loosely on partially driven nails so that it can expand and contract with changing temperatures. It is easily cut with shears. Lighter colors are more popular because dark becomes hotter which can cause drooping over time. Dark colors also tend to fade more. There are variations in both thickness and strength. These differences are also reflected in the price. There are many accessories available with this product such as interior and exterior corners. J channel to run around doors and windows (many vinyl windows have built in J channel which I recommend). Starter strips, finish strips, J boxes for lights, electrical recepticles, hose bibs and dryer vents.
 
Cedar Shingles
 
Cedar Shingles should be applied over OSB sheathing or plywood covered by red paper or modern house wrap. Metal flashing should be used around all window and door casings.
 
When starting a wall you should place. 

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