more... > Exterior Walls & Roof > Walls & Wall Covering > Weather-Proofing Walls with Wraps, Flashings and Drainage Planes It is in the building code-- all homes should have a weather-resistant envelope covering the entire exterior. The weather barrier is made up of several individual materials: housewrap or building paper (the WRB), flashings, sealants and tapes. When installed properly, these materials combine to protect the building from rain-induced moisture damage. If the WBR is sealed to block air flow it also contributes significantly to improving the home’s energy efficiency. Siding Installation and Connectors This fact sheet provides basic installation tips for various types of siding. (Source: FEMA 499: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction, Fact Sheet 25.) Use of Connectors and Brackets [Image: Page 1] In high-wind areas, special hardware is used for most framing connections. Proper use of connection hardware is important for insuring your home can withstand high winds. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series: Fact Sheet 17. Lightweight Steel vs. Wood Frame Construction for Homes Wood framing has been the standard framing method used in residential construction for many years. Commercial construction has used masonry and steel methods and, now, lightweight steel to frame structures. Light weight steel framing is used in approximately 4 % of new homes built in the United States. Either can be used and meet the codes for strength.The pros and cons of using these methods are:  more articles... Ideal Wall Assemblies for Hot-humid and Mixed-humid Climates [Image: Classic Hot-humid Wall Assembly] In a hot-humid climate, moisture flows from outside to inside most of the year. In a mixed-humid climate, moisture flow changes direction in cooling and heating seasons. Using the proper wall assembly in your home is important for controlling moisture. Insulation Systems with Additional Advantages Some types of insulation systems offer additional benefits, in addition to their R-value, that can make a real difference in overall energy-efficiency. These properties should be factored into your cost-benefit comparison. Insulating Corners, Windows and Doors [Image: Raised Top Plate] Advanced framing details provide a much more continuous insulation system than traditional framing techniques and prevent insulation voids that can result in moisture problems. The biggest insulation gaps in the thermal envelope are windows and doors. Insulation Systems with Good 'Whole Wall' R-values R-value is standardized measure of a material’s resistance to heat flow — the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating ability. However, the actual R-value of a wall or ceiling can be a lot less than the R-value of the insulation material in it, depending on the installation. Tight Construction (Air Sealing) [Image: Sealed Rigid Foam Sheathing] Construction gaps and resulting air leakage can increase heating and cooling costs, create comfort and moisture problems, draw in pollutants, reduce fire safety and serve as an entry for rodents and insects. Homes should have a continuous air barrier system that surrounds all conditioned space — a combination of materials linked and sealed together to create a tight building envelope with little air leakage. Characteristics of Insulation Systems R-value and other characteristics of various insulation materials. Strengthening Walls for Wind Resistance To overcome the forces that wind places on a building, construction of the walls with connectors and sheathing is important.