Does housewrap go on before insulation?

Author: Callie Bechtelar  |  Last update: Monday, July 14, 2025

Combining these two products makes your home more insulated against wind and weather. When installing house wrap with rigid foam, it should typically go under the insulation. However, it's best to follow your contractor's advice, as not all professionals agree on the order.

What goes first, Tyvek or insulation?

Tyvek gets installed first, insulation goes on top

Installing the WRB directly to the sheathing allows for the best possible moisture seal around windows, doors, and other penetrations. Tyvek DrainWrap is the recommended WRB to use under any panelized product, including rigid insulation.

Does house wrap go on before insulation?

Keep in mind that, when you're planning to install house wrap with rigid foam, it typically goes under the insulation and not around it.

What goes on after a house wrap?

After sheathing, house wrap (a protective barrier that prevents water from entering the structure and causing mold or wood rot) is also applied. Finally, windows and exterior doors are installed and the siding and roof are constructed.

Can you put insulation board over Tyvek?

Yes. DuPont Tyvek® is compatible, and can be installed with foam insulation products.

3 Reasons You Need To Use House Wrap

Does house wrap go under sheathing?

It goes between the sheathing and the rigid foam.

Can you put boards on top of insulation?

Boards for loft flooring can be installed on top of insulation using plywood, wood, or plastics. Installing loft flooring and boarding over insulation helps save space, prevent heat loss, and increase home value. Adequate loft insulation can also help reduce CO2 emissions by 125kg annually.

What goes under house wrap?

Homeowners often ask if house wrap can be installed with foam insulation. The answer is yes. Combining these two products makes your home more insulated against wind and weather. When installing house wrap with rigid foam, it should typically go under the insulation.

In what order is a house built?

Every successful building project starts with a sturdy foundation. Once the property is cleared and ready for construction, the next step is threefold: laying footings, laying the foundation, and then framing the house. Here is a quick look at the critical steps within this stage: Footings and Foundations.

What is the proper way to install house wrap?

For max protection, aim for 2-4” Building wrap should be installed from the foundation upward, making sure to overlap joints with the higher course overlapping the lower. First, start at the bottom of one end of the wall with the printed side facing out. When starting at a corner, overlap by a minimum of 12”.

Should house wrap be taped at the bottom?

Repair of larger tears in house wrap requires a taped 6-inch overlap of house wrap. Not sealing the bottom edges of the house wrap can lead to air leaks. Air leaks can occur if the house wrap is cut to lie flat before installing siding, but not repaired.

What part of a house should you insulate first?

1. Attic. The attic is arguably the most important area in your home to insulate. This is because air rises when heated.

Do you put vapor barrier before insulation?

You should always put down the vapor barrier before installing insulation. That way, you don't end up with gaps in the insulation that allow moisture to get into the wall cavity, floor joist, or on a crawlspace floor. Once the vapor barrier is installed, then you can have your insulation installed.

What comes before insulation?

Before insulating, seal any air leaks and make roof and other necessary repairs. If it is located in a conditioned part of the house, also remember to insulate and air seal your attic access. Insulate and air seal any knee walls -- vertical walls with attic space directly behind them -- in your home as well.

Does house wrap count as insulation?

House wrap acts as a barrier between your home and the outside elements, helping to keep air out during winter months and heat out during summer months. This helps improve energy efficiency by keeping conditioned air from escaping through the walls of your home or building. This means improved insulation all year long.

What do you put before insulation?

Before Installing Insulation

Seal gaps that allow unconditioned air into the space you're insulating. Pay attention to areas where plumbing, ductwork or wiring enter the space. See Do-It-Yourself Spray Foam Insulation and How to Caulk. In crawlspaces and basements, make sure there are no cracks in the foundation.

What comes after insulation when building a house?

After the home is insulated, the drywall is added. Drywall, sometimes known as sheetrock, plasterboard, wallboard, or gypsum board, is used to create interior-facing walls and ceilings. Once that's up, drywall mud hides the joints and covers nail heads.

What is the correct order of construction?

Phases of construction
  • Phase 1. Closure of the building site. ...
  • Phase 2. Land and foundation. ...
  • Phase 3. The structure of the construction. ...
  • Phase 4. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) ...
  • Phase 5. Insulation and waterproofing. ...
  • Phase 6. Finishes and closures.

What is the loudest stage of construction?

Pile driving, demo, excavation is by far the loudest.

What goes on first, house wrap or insulation?

Yes, House Wrap Does Come First!

Often, those installing foam insulation ask, “Do I put house wrap on first or second?” Whether you're installing James Hardie siding or not, house wrap is always applied first. The experts place the material in the proper orientation to achieve maximum insulation.

Should house wrap be stapled?

Plastic cap nails or plastic cap staples are highly recommended for fastening the building wrap. Simply put, the use of caps seals holes made by the penetration of the fasteners.

Where does housewrap go?

Housewrap is a thin, lightweight sheet of synthetic material – similar to asphalt-treated paper – that is installed behind the siding and over the sheathing of your house. It can be used in conjunction with any of the following siding materials: Wood. Vinyl.

Should you leave a small gap between the insulation and the boards?

It is important to leave a small air gap between boards and the mineral wool in order to stop damp forming. Remember that insulating between the joists will create a cold roof space as the heat is kept underneath the insulation like a blanket.

Can I lay plywood over insulation?

Can I put plywood over insulation in the attic? Yes you can install plywood subflooring directly over the floor joists and insulation on your floor. You need to install rigid insulation boards on top of the attic flooring joists and then install plywood over the top.

Do you need plastic sheeting over insulation?

Yes, covering your insulation with a vapor barrier plastic before installing drywall is crucial. It prevents moisture buildup that can lead to mold, rot, and even structural damage. A polyethylene vapor barrier also adds a layer of fire protection, making your home safer.

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