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Tips & Techniques

Weatherized Wall Framing

Protect the top of newly framed walls from snow with strips of water-resistive barrier or a similar material.

Issue 319 - November 2023

Building houses in Minnesota during the winter can be challenging, but the more winters you have under your belt, the more tricks you learn that help keep the work moving forward. Here is one that will not only save time but also improve job-site safety. If the overnight forecast calls for snow and we have ended the day with framed walls stood up and ready for roof trusses or floor joists, we always protect the top side of the walls. We simply staple on strips of water-resistive barrier (WRB), plastic, felt paper, or whatever we have on hand. Installing and removing this protective layer is much faster than brushing off snow or chiseling ice.

—Jeremy Wenstad, Lakeville, Minn.

Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller.

From Fine Homebuilding #319


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