Can I Use Roofing Paper for House Wrap

The short answer is generally no, roofing paper is not a suitable substitute for house wrap in modern exterior building envelopes. House wrap is specifically designed as a weather-resistant barrier that allows some vapor diffusion while preventing bulk water intrusion. Roofing paper, including tar paper or asphalt-saturated felts, has different performance characteristics and installation requirements. This article explains the distinctions, codes, and best practices so homeowners and builders can make informed decisions about moisture management, energy efficiency, and long-term durability.

What Is House Wrap And Why It Matters

House wrap is a synthetic membrane installed over the sheathing and beneath siding. Its primary roles are to shed bulk water, manage air infiltration, and permit controlled water vapor diffusion. Modern house wraps often feature high tear resistance, UV stability, and favorable permeability ratings that support drying of wall cavities. Properly installed, house wrap contributes to energy efficiency by reducing drafts and helping the insulation perform as designed. The material choice and installation details influence durability, mold resistance, and overall performance of the building envelope.

Roofing Paper Versus House Wrap: Key Differences

Roofing paper, or roofing felt, is a traditional moisture barrier used beneath shingles and other roofing materials. It is designed to shed water from the roof surface and to provide a slip-resistant layer during roof installation. When used on walls, roofing paper generally offers lower air-impermeability control and limited vapor permeability compared to house wraps. It is heavier and can trap moisture if humidity and rain exposure occur, potentially contributing to rot in wall assemblies if not properly vented. In contrast, house wrap is engineered for continuous exterior walls, with controlled vapor diffusion and compatibility with wall insulation systems and drainage planes.

Code and Manufacturer Guidance

Building codes and manufacturers typically specify house wrap or other weather-resistive barriers (WRBs) for walls. In the United States, many jurisdictions accept house wrap as the standard WRB behind siding, with vapor-permeance and wind-driven rain resistance tested to specific standards. Roofing papers are generally excluded as acceptable WRBs for walls by code and by most siding manufacturers. Using roofing paper on walls can void warranty and may fail to meet air barrier requirements, which can impact energy performance and moisture management. Always check local code requirements and product installation guidelines before substituting roofing paper for house wrap.

Performance Implications Of Substituting Roofing Paper

Using roofing paper as a wall WRB can introduce several risks. Reduced air barrier performance may increase infiltration losses, reducing comfort and increasing heating and cooling costs. Lower vapor permeability can trap moisture within wall cavities, promoting condensation, mold growth, and wood rot in certain climates. Roofing paper is typically not optimized for long-term exterior sun exposure, UV stability, or wind-driven rain resistance on vertical walls. It may sag or degrade over time, compromising the weather-resistive barrier. In some climates, these issues are exacerbated by high humidity or frequent rainfall.

When Roofing Paper Might Be Considered (And Why It Typically Isn’t Advisable)

There are rare scenarios where some builders consider roofing paper for walls as part of a retrofit or in a situation with unusual constraints. If a project involves temporary protective measures during construction or a short-term patch, limited use might be feasible under specific conditions and with strict oversight. However, this does not equate to a long-term solution, and it does not replace the role of a proper WRB. For any renovation or new construction, using an approved house wrap or WRB is the recommended approach for consistent performance.

Choosing The Right Weather-Resistive Barrier

The best practice is to select a WRB that matches climate, siding type, and insulation strategy. Common options include synthetic house wraps with specified permeability ratings, and liquid-applied membranes or rigid-foam integrated systems in some cases. When evaluating options, consider:

• Permeance rating: balance moisture vapor diffusion with rain shedding to allow wall assemblies to dry.
• Durability: UV exposure tolerance, tear resistance, and compatibility with siding.
• Air barrier performance: continuity with window/ door openings and penetrations for a tight building envelope.
• Manufacturer guidelines: warranty terms and proper method for fasteners, seams, and terminations.
• Climate considerations: hot-humid, dry-hot, or cold-wet environments influence choice and installation.

Installation Best Practices For House Wrap (If Used)

If a house wrap is chosen for new construction or a retrofit, follow these best practices for optimal performance. Start with clean sheathing, ensure the wrap packaging aligns with window and door installation, and maintain weather exposure guidelines. Overlaps should be properly sealed with manufacturer-approved tapes or fluid-applied sealants at all seams, corners, and penetrations. Avoid plastic films or non-permanent materials that do not provide a durable barrier. Remember to integrate the WRB with flashing at openings and with a drainage plane behind siding to prevent water intrusion.

Alternatives To Roofing Paper For Wall Wrapping

Consider these widely accepted alternatives that meet current codes and warranties:

• Synthetic house wraps with rated air and vapor permeability
• Liquid-applied WRBs that create a continuous barrier
• Drained and vapor-permeable siding systems with integrated drainage planes
• Ventilated rainscreen systems that promote wall drying while protecting against bulk water

Practical Takeaways

For most U.S. construction and renovation projects, roofing paper should not be used as a substitute for house wrap on exterior walls. The wall assembly is safer, more durable, and better regulated when a properly rated WRB is used. When in doubt, consult local building codes, product manufacturers, and a licensed contractor to ensure a compliant and durable wall system. Prioritizing a tested WRB improves energy efficiency, moisture management, and long-term performance of the home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can roofing paper be used as a temporary wall barrier during construction? Yes, briefly as a temporary measure, but it should be replaced with a proper WRB before weather exposure during the final build.
2. Will using roofing paper void siding warranties? It can, depending on the manufacturer and code requirements; always verify with the siding manufacturer.
3. Are there climates where roofing paper might perform adequately on walls? In general, no; modern WRBs are designed for wall assemblies across diverse climates, and roofing paper is not optimized for this purpose.

Glossary

WRB – Weather-Resistive Barrier; a membrane that protects the wall from bulk water while allowing vapor movement. Permeance – Rate at which water vapor passes through a material. Air barrier – A system designed to reduce the passage of air through the building envelope.

References And Further Reading

For more detailed guidance, consult the following sources: manufacturer installation guides for house wraps, local building codes, and energy-efficiency standards from recognized authorities. Always verify product compatibility with the specific wall assembly and climate before proceeding.