CertainTeed CertaWrap Instruction sheet

Weather Resistant Barriers
Installation
Guidelines

Installation Guidelines
2
Safety
CertainTeed recommends that Builders, Contractors and
Suppliers of Weather Resistant Barrier products store, handle,
and install Weather Resistant Barrier materials in a manner that
avoids damage to the product and/or the structure.
Fire Safety
Owners and installers should take a few simple steps to protect
Weather Resistant Barrier materials from fire.
Home and Building Owners
CertaWrap is made from synthetic materials and may melt
or burn when exposed to a significant source of flame or
heat. Building owners, occupants, and outside maintenance
personnel should always take normal precautions to keep
sources of fire (such as barbecues) and combustible materials
(such as dry leaves, mulch, and trash) away from Weather
Resistant Barrier products.
Building Trades, Specifiers, Professionals and
Do-It-Yourself Installers
If CertaWrap is exposed to significant heat or flame, the
Weather Resistant Barrier will soften, sag, melt or burn, and
may thereby expose the material underneath. Exercise care
when selecting underlayment materials as many underlayment
materials are made from synthetic materials that may be
combustible. Before installing CertaWrap, make sure you
understand the fire properties of the underlayment materials.
Install all building materials in accordance with local, state,
provincial, and federal building codes and fire regulations.
Slippage
While CertaWrap provides a highly slip resistant surface, it
may become slippery in some conditions. Do not walk on
These instructions describe and illustrate the steps involved in installing CertainTeed CertaWrap™
Weather Resistant Barrier. Their purpose is to provide detailed information and how-to tips that will
simplify the installation process. CertainTeed shall not accept any liability or responsibility under its
written warranty for failure caused by application that does not meet the requirements for proper
installation. These requirements are outlined throughout this book. Any deviations from these
requirements should be addressed and approved in writing by CertainTeed Corporation.
CertaWrap. We recommend using kick jacks or scaffolding
for work above the first floor. If you must use a ladder,
do not allow CertaWrap to fall on or around ladder steps.
For more information about ladder safety, consult ANSI
standard 14.1, 14.2, and 14.5 for ladders made of wood,
aluminum, and fiberglass respectively.
Transporting and Storing
CertaWrap
Store CertaWrap indoors and away from direct sources
of heat and sunlight. Storing products outside may result
in damage. If you are transporting CertaWrap to a job site,
keep the rolls flat and supported along their entire length.
At the job site, take the following precautions when
storing CertaWrap:
• Store on a flat surface and support the entire length
of the roll.
• Store the material away from areas where falling
objects or other construction activity may
cause damage.
• Do not store CertaWrap on black top pavement
during unusually hot weather, under dark tarps or
plastic wraps without air circulation, in unventilated
storage trailers, or in any location where the
temperature may exceed 130° F.
Note: Take care when cutting the shrink wrap protecting
CertaWrap, so as not to damage the roll inside.
Once you have installed CertaWrap Weather Resistant
Barrier, apply cladding within 180 days for Premium or
90 days for Standard.

3
Fastening CertaWrap
To secure the Weather Resistant Barrier, use the appropriate
recommended fasteners and fastening schedule for your
application.
Wood-based Sheathing
When attaching CertaWrap on wood-base sheathing, such as
7/16" OSB or 15/32" plywood, apply plastic-capped staples or
plastic-capped nails every 32" vertically and horizontally.
Open-stud Construction or
Non-structural Sheathing
When attaching CertaWrap on open studs or non-structural
sheathing, apply plastic-capped staples or plastic-capped nails
long enough to penetrate the stud a minimum of 5/8" every
32" vertically and horizontally.
Steel Framing
When installing CertaWrap over steel framing, use
screws with minimum 1" diameter washers every 32"
vertically and horizontally.
STUDfinder™ Vertical Wall
Installation Instructions
The STUDfinder Installation System combines precisely
engineered fastening locations
with graphics that help ensure
quick, accurate, and secure
installation. STUDfinder
graphics are spaced at 1.6"
intervals to guide accurate
fastening both vertically and
horizontally.
1. Install CertaWrap
horizontally to exterior walls
prior to the application of
exterior cladding. Vertically
position CertaWrap roll
at the corner of the structure
with the printed side out.
2. Locate the first stud and verify it is
plumb. Align first stud with the
nearest vertical STUDfinder line,
allowing for a minimum 12" flap
(305 mm) to wrap the corner for
attachment to the adjoining wall.
Extend the bottom edge of the
CertaWrap 2-4" (51- 102 mm) over
the sill plate. Apply plastic-capped staples or
plastic-capped nails every 32" vertically along the
first stud to secure the weather resistant
barrier into position.
3. Unroll the CertaWrap along the
exterior wall. Wrap CertaWrap
completely around the building,
covering window and door openings,
plates, sills and corners.
4. To secure the Weather Resistant Barrier,
use the fasteners and fastening schedule
that is appropriate for your application.
The STUDfinder marks will quickly guide you to your
desired fastening location without the need for chalklines.
Each letter is spaced 1.6" apart, and each series spans 16
inches. To achieve 32" spacing between fasteners, first
locate the letter that the first row of fasteners covers.
The second repeat of that letter is at 32".
5. Pull the CertaWrap snug and fasten it to the studs or
sheathing and to the top and bottom plates.
6. When starting a new roll in the
middle of a wall, overlap vertical
and horizontal laps in the field
a minimum of 6" (152 mm).
When starting a new roll at an
inside or outside corner, overlap
vertical and horizontal seams a
minimum of 12" (340 mm). All
vertical and horizontal seams are
to be installed in a weatherboard fashion. Lap CertaWrap
over all existing flashings (e.g. z-flashing, roof-to-wall
flashing, drip cap, et al.).
7. Flash or tape all vertical and horizontal seams and
penetrations.
16”
8”
32”
8”
32”
Overlap 6"
Overlap 6"
2-4"
12"
12"
Plastic-capped
Nails
plastic-capped staples plastic-capped staples screws with minimum
plastic-capped nails plastic-capped nails 1" diameter washers
every 32" vertically every 32" vertically every 32" vertically
and horizontally and horizontally and horizontally
nails/staples must
penetrate 5/8"
Wood-based Open-stud Steel Framing
Sheathing Construction
Non-structural
Sheathing

4
STUDfinder™ Tilt Wall
Installation Instructions
The STUDfinder*Installation System combines precisely
engineered fastening locations with graphics that help ensure
quick, accurate, and secure installation. STUDfinder graphics
are spaced at 1.6" intervals to guide accurate fastening both
vertically and horizontally.
*Note: STUDfinder is only printed on CertaWrap Premium.
When you install CertaWrap Weather Resistant Barrier on tilt
walls, follow these steps.
1. With the wall on the
ground, cover the
entire wall
section with
CertaWrap,
aligning the guide
marks on the Weather
Resistant Barrier with the studs.
2. Allow a minimum of 6" (152 mm) of additional CertaWrap
around the bottom and sides of the perimeter of each wall
section for overlapping, while allowing a minimum of 12"
(304 mm) of additional CertaWrap at all interior and
exterior corners of the structure.
3. To secure the CertaWrap, use the fasteners and fastening
schedule that are appropriate for your application.
The STUDfinder marks will
quickly guide you to your desired
fastening location without the need
for chalklines. Each letter is spaced
1.6" apart, and each series spans 16".
To achieve 32" spacing between
fasteners, first locate the letter that
the first row of fasteners covers.
Move to the second repeat of that letter and you are at 32".
For CertaWrap Standard, reference diamond indicators that
are spaced 8" apart for guidance.
4. Raise and secure the wall sections, allowing the excess
material on each section to overlap the bottom plates
and corners.
5. Secure the overlap at the sides and bottom and tape all
vertical and horizontal seams.
6. When starting a new roll in the middle of a wall, overlap
vertical and horizontal laps in the field a minimum of 6"
(152 mm). When starting a new roll at an inside or outside
corner, overlap vertical and horizontal seams a minimum of
12" (340 mm). All vertical and horizontal seams are to be
installed in a weatherboard fashion. Lap CertaWrap over all
existing flashings (e.g. z-flashing, roof-to-wall flashing, drip
cap, et al.).
Flashing Penetrations
Seal the CertaWrap Weather Resistant Barrier around
all electrical, HVAC, and plumbing penetrations with
CertaTape™.
Flashing Exterior Penetrations
Without Flanges
If installing CertaWrap after all utility
rough-ins have been completed, cut
around the edge of the penetration to
allow Weather Resistant Barrier to lay
flat against the wall.
1. Make a 2", 45° cut at both the left and right side of the
penetration, creating a flap. Fold back and secure flap
temporarily above penetration.
plastic-capped staples plastic-capped staples screws with minimum
plastic-capped nails plastic-capped nails 1" diameter washers
every 32" vertically every 32" vertically every 32" vertically
and horizontally and horizontally and horizontally
nails/staples must
penetrate 5/8"
Wood-based Open-stud Steel Framing
Sheathing Construction
Non-structural
Sheathing
16”
8”
32”
8”
32”

5
2. Using window flashing, flash the base of
the penetration where it meets the wall
of the structure. Apply all flashing in a
weatherboard fashion, beginning at the
bottom of penetrations and working
your way up.
3. Unsecure flap, fold down into place
and tape both edges of the flap with
CertaTape to secure.
Flashing Exterior Penetrations With Flanges
Exterior penetrations with flanges must be flashed prior to the
installation of CertaWrap.
1. Cut a piece of CertaWrap 12" high
and at least 18" wider than the
flange-to-flange horizontal
measurement of the widest point
of the penetration. Insert this piece
behind the bottom edge of the
penetration.
2. Apply flashing in a weatherboards fashion to the
bottom, sides, and top of the penetration covering the
nailing flange completely as specified below:
a. Cut one piece of flashing that is 12"
wider than the widest point of
the flange-to-flange horizontal
measurement of the bottom of the
penetration. Apply the flashing at the
bottom of the penetration, overlapping
the flange.
b. Cut two pieces of flashing 12"
longer than the tallest point of the
flange-to-flange vertical measurement of
the sides of the penetration. Apply it at
each side of the penetration,
overlapping flange.
c. Cut one piece of flashing that is 12"
wider than the widest point of the
flange-to-flange horizontal measurement of
the top of the penetration. Apply at the top
of the penetration, overlapping flange.
3. Overlap the CertaWrap Weather
Resistant Barrier onto the flashed
penetration, cutting a hole to
accommodate the penetration.
4. Beneath the center of the penetration,
make a 6" vertical cut. At the
bottom edge of the vertical cut,
make a horizontal cut wide enough to
accommodate the flap created in step 1.
5. Insert the bottom edge of the Weather Resistant Barrier
piece you cut in step 1 through the opening you created
in step 4.
6. Tape the penetration, first horizontally then vertically, in a
weatherboards fashion.
Installing CertaWrap Around
Windows and Doors
New Construction/New Windows
1. Cut a horizontal line in the Weather Resistant Barrier
across the top of the window
opening.
2. Start at the top center and make a
vertical cut running two-thirds of
the way down the opening.
3. From that stopping point, cut
diagonally from both the lower
right and left corners, creating
an inverted or upside down “Y.
This “Y” cut will make three
CertaWrap flaps.
4. Pull each of the flaps tightly
inside the rough opening and
attach them to the frame with
nails, staples, or tape.
5. Now install the window or door
according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. The final step is
to tape or flash all seams and
flanges securely.
Existing Windows
If windows and doors are already installed, flash according
to the flashing installation guidelines. Then trim CertaWrap
close to the flange area and seal with CertaTape.

6
Installing Flashing
Tools
• Caulk Gun
• Utility Knife or Scissors
• Gloves
• J-Roller
Surface Preparation
• The substrate must be smooth, clean, dry and free of
defects; otherwise it will adversely affect the installation
and adhesion of flashing.
• Clean loose dust or dirt from the surface wherever
flashing is to be applied by wiping with a clean, dry cloth or
brush. The surface must be smooth and free from nails or
staple heads, uncured solvents, and silicone caulk.
• For best adhesion, prime OSB, plywood, and cement
surfaces with primers such as 3M™ Super 77™.
Application Instructions
• Apply flashing at temperatures above 40° F during clear
weather conditions. In low temperature conditions,
use a heat gun or primer to improve adhesion.
• Do not apply flashing to flexible vinyl surfaces.
Rigid PVC is acceptable.
• For good bonding, apply pressure on the flashing with a
J-roller.
• When applying flashing, remove all wrinkles and bubbles.
Installing Flashing
Around a Rectangular Window
To install flashing around a
rectangular opening:
1. Make diagonal cuts in the
weather-resistant barrier at the
upper corners of the top (head) of
the rough opening. Gently lift and
tape the flap temporarily in place.
2. Cut a piece of flashing
for the bottom (sill) that is
12" longer than the width of
the rough opening. Remove
the backer from the flashing
and begin applying one end
to the jamb of the rough
opening 6" above the sill.
(NOTE: the tape will extend over
the exterior edge of the jamb.)
Applying even pressure to the
tape with your hands, work your
way down the jamb, across the
sill, and up the opposite jamb,
finishing 6" above the sill. Flex
the overhanging tape down onto
the wall covering the weather
resistant barrier in weatherboards fashion,
again applying even pressure to ensure adhesion.
3. Before installing the window,
apply a continuous bead of
sealant to the interior of the
window’s mounting flange.
Install the window according
to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Note: Flashing should be installed in accordance
with the window manufacturer’s instructions and in
compliance with ASTM 2112.

7
4. Cut two strips of flashing
for the sides (jambs) of the
window. Jamb flashing tape
should extend a minimum of 3"
above the top of the jambs of
the window unit and a
minimum of 1" beyond the
bottom flashing tape installed in
step #2, covering the width of
the previously installed flashing
at the base. Slowly peel release paper off as you press the
flashing in place. Ensure the flashing covers all nails and
mounting slots on the window's mounting flange.
5. Cut flashing for the top (head)
of the opening so it will extend
beyond both ends of the jamb
flashing Ensure the flashing
covers all nails and mounting slots
on the window's mounting flange.
6. Finally, lay weather resistant
barrier over the head flashing.
Apply CertaTape over both
diagonal cuts.
Installing Flashing
Around a Geometric Window
To install flashing around a geometric window or other
round opening:
1. Cut horizontal slits where the curve
starts on the window, out to a
distance equal to the width of the
flashing that will be used. From
there, continue cutting at a 45° angle
upwards until you are above the top
center of the window by at least the
width of the flashing. Temporarily
tape this flap up out of the way.
2. Cut a piece of flexible flashing
for the bottom (sill) that is 12"
longer than the width of the rough
opening. Remove the backer from the
flashing and begin applying one end
to the jamb of the rough opening 6"
above the sill. (NOTE: the tape will
extend over the exterior edge of the
jamb.) Applying even pressure to the
tape with your hands, work your way
down the jamb, across the sill, and up
the opposite jamb, finishing 6" above the sill.
Flex the overhanging tape down onto the wall covering the
CertaWrap in weatherboards fashion, again applying even
pressure to ensure adhesion.
3. Apply a continuous bead of sealant to
CertaWrap where interior of window's
mounting flange will be applied.
Install window per manufacturer's
instructions.
4. Cut two strips of flashing for the sides
(jambs) of the window. The jamb
flashing tape should extend a minimum
of 3" above the horizontal mullion of
the upper and lower window units, and
a minimum of 1" beyond the bottom
flashing tape installed in step #2. It
should cover the width of the previously
installed flashing at the base. Slowly
peel off the release paper as you press
the flashing in place. Ensure that the
flashing covers all nails and mounting
slots on the window’s mounting flange.
5. Cut a piece of flexible flashing for the
head of the window. The tape should be
cut to the length of the curve, plus twice
the width of the flashing. Slowly peel the
release paper and press the edge next
to the window frame. Cover all nails and
mounting slots.
6. Fold down the flap (from step #1)
over the head flashing, and tape
the horizontal and diagonal slits in
weatherboards fashion with CertaTape.
For More Information
Complete instructions for installing all CertainTeed
products are available from your local distributor, at
www.certainteed.com, or by calling our Sales Support
Group at 800-233-8990.

CertainTeed Corporation
20 Moores Road
Malvern, PA 19355
www.certainteed.com © 01/18CertainTeed Corporation, Printed in the USA Code No. CW005
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