Once the framing is complete, exterior finishes are applied to enclose the home. Wall sheathing is added, and house wrap is attached over exterior walls to keep out water. Roof sheathing is added over trusses, the ridge vent is formed, and building paper and shingles are added. Windows and exterior doors are put in place, and facade materials, such as siding, brick, and stucco, are added to the exterior walls. Finally, the exterior trim and paint are applied. With so many different components interacting with each other, quality steps can be overlooked. A quality issue with any of the exterior finish components can lead to moisture issues and affect the durability of the entire home, leading to costly repairs and customer dissatisfaction.

Best practices for exterior finishes focus on following a plan that carefully considers how the functions of each of the components relate to the other exterior finish components, to ensure that the end result is a quality, durable finish.

Learn More...

Window Installation and Flashing Guidelines
Cathedralized Roofs
Minimizing Window Condensation
Roof Flashing Guidelines
Moisture Issues in Homes with Brick Veneer
Quality Connection E-Letter: Preventing Mold in Walls
Roof Moisture Control
The Home's Defensive Line: A Sound Water Management Strategy for Walls
Best Practices in Providing a Continuous Drainage Plane

Find Additional Resources...

HGTVPro
See these best practice broadband videos we've developed with HGTVPro related to site construction.

The DIY Do It Yourself Network Articles
Read through these articles we developed for The DIY Network as a resource for the Home IQ show.
Making Your House Watertight
Different Types of Windows and Roofs
It's Not Just the Siding!