Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 5/25/2011

Question
We are in the process of choosing a builder for our home. One issue is the date that they could start. Our home would be built in the northern part of the US in an area that can have strong winds coming across a lake and cold snowy winters. One of our contractor options says he could start in time to get the house closed in and wrapped, but not to get the siding on. That would have to wait until spring. From Tyvek's web site I have learned that their warranty is for 120 days between wrapping and siding. What would you recommend as a reasonable time between wrapping and siding given our weather conditions?

Answer
Hi Ellen, I don't mind the tyvek being exposed for a month or even two but 120 days is pushing it in my estimate, plus strong winds can blow it off if it isn't properly nailed down.  I don't understand why the builder can't get the siding on in time.  When I was building homes I used to install the siding on the walls and put the windows in before we even stood the walls up.  You leave the corners stair stepped back and stitch them together after the shell is assembled.  I would expect the builder to schedule his trades properly and begin the siding as soon as possible after framing or even during the framing.  Unless you are dealing with a small time contractor that only has a couple of guys and they are doing the work themselves there shouldn't be any excuses for not getting the siding on before winter hits.  Sincerely Bruce Johnson