Learning as we go

10 years ago

We purchased a 100 year old house that needs major TLC. We started with remodeling the kitchen and our contractor was a disaster. He did more damage than good, so we have decided to undertake the project ourselves and are doing a little at a time. Our major concern was an add on that needed new windows and siding. We started last week and were able to remove the old windows (that looked like they came from an old mobile home), replace some 2 x 4's, and added new plywood. Previously there was only old bat and board siding - no plywood at all! So....we purchased the tyvek wrap, but now figured out we should have installed that prior to the windows. Is it going to be difficult to install it now? We are not replacing the siding all at once, as we probably should, but just as we can afford to do it and have the time. We both work, so we only have weekends. As I said, we are learning as we go.

Featured Answer

Debbie Downer

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Word to the wise - dont "learn as you go". Have the job entirely mapped out in your head, from beginning end, what happens and in what sequence, in complete detail. If you cant visualize a step or something doesnt make sense find out. OnlyTHEN you start the actual work. Anything structural or dangerous if its goofed up - a newbie should not do Hire a professional for those.

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Comments (6)

User
10 years ago
The Tyvek is wrapped around the framing of rough openings to provide water intrusion and draft protection. There really is no way to do that with a window installed. And, cutting the opening out to install without removing the window negates most of the reasons for the Tyvek.

Take out the window and wrap the Tyvek properly.

Learning on the job can be a lot easier than it used to be preInternet. There are How To videos(You Tube/Google) for almost every facet of home building/remodeling/repair. Before starting the next step/project, look up those aids.
sambah006
10 years ago
You didn't happen to hire a low bidder illegal alien did you?

The bat and board siding is what was used as sheathing 100 years ago.Or at least when this addition happened to be done.

I'd use felt paper instead of Tyvek.

Be sure to use flashing tape on the window sills and up the sides 6". Oh, and have an angle on the sill first ( If not present now. A piece of lap siding works) before putting window in, then tape. If any water gets in it will drain away from the house. And the flashing tape will prevent water from soaking down into the walls.
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cymraes
Original Author
10 years ago
No, he wasn't an illegal alien but an actual licensed contractor. I think an illegal would have done better work. This guy abandoned the job after fiddling around for over 2 months on a small kitchen remodel. Thanks for the information. I'll share it with my husband before we start up again this weekend.
cymraes
Original Author
10 years ago
We found a you tube video showing how to install tyvek around windows. And current resident.....we did hire a licensed professional and here is a list of just a few things he did that we had to re-do or repair.......removed a load bearing wall without adding any support ( beam, etc), hung new kitchen cabinets by using one screw in each cabinet, dropped my new microwave and damaged the door, rewired kitchen so badly that our electrician said he was amazed the house didn't burn down. That's a fraction of his damages, so thanks anyway, but I think we can do a better job with less damage.
energy_rater_la
10 years ago
hopefully your you tube video shows cutting housewrap in a Y and not

an X. the X cut will funnel water into the wall.

best of luck.