Core TradesQuestion 161 of 700
A continuous water-resistive barrier (building paper or house wrap) installed behind exterior cladding functions primarily to:
a.Add thermal insulation value to the wall
b.Provide a drainage plane that sheds incidental water and protects the sheathing
c.Add structural shear strength to the wall
d.Block sound transmission through the wall
Explanation
The water-resistive barrier creates a continuous drainage plane so any water that gets past the cladding runs down and out rather than soaking the sheathing and framing. It provides negligible insulation, no structural strength, and little sound control; those come from other assemblies.
Law Reference: 2025 CA Residential Code §R703.2Practice all 700 questions free — no signup required.
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