Coastal and Floodplain Construction Inspector's Practice Exam

True or False: Housewrap or building paper serves as an adequate secondary drainage plane.

1. True

2. False

3. Only in warm climates

4. Only if properly layered

The correct answer is: True

Housewrap or building paper is indeed designed to serve as a secondary drainage plane. These materials are applied to the exterior of a building's sheathing to protect it from moisture intrusion while allowing for the escape of water vapor. This function is critical in preventing water from seeping into the building structure, which could lead to mold and structural damage. When installed correctly, housewrap or building paper creates a barrier that directs water away from the sheathing and interior environments. It is specifically engineered to let moisture vapor escape, while keeping bulk water from penetrating through to the building elements, thus ensuring that the drainage plane operates effectively. The effectiveness of housewrap or building paper as a secondary drainage plane may depend on proper installation and layering techniques, but fundamentally, these materials are adequate for this purpose across various climates as long as they are used as intended. Therefore, categorizing this statement as true reflects the purpose and efficacy of these materials in construction practices related to moisture management.