Air barrier under vinyl siding – GreenBuildingAdvisor

Hi,

I am a GC in Greenville, SC. Climate zone 3A. I have a client who wants to replace the existing vinyl siding with new vinyl. We have already built them a garage and remodeled their kitchen, so I know there is no WRB at all behind the vinyl siding, just the sheathing.

I already suggested we go with Henry Blueskin to capitalize on the opportunity to tighten up their house. They will spend money within reason but since I’m already having to convince them to take the extra steps and cost toward an air barrier not just the WRB, I want to be budget-conscious.

My question is, should I rather tape the sheathing seams and then do a drainable wrap like Hydrogap SA? Maybe just use Blueskin at more exposed areas around windows etc? If so, what do I tape the seams with? The seam tape and Hydrogap approach also fits better with my siding contractor, who has never used a peel-and-stick membrane like Blueskin before. Open to any advice, including alternate products.

Thanks!