This space is known scientifically as a drainage plane and it is most effectively created by installing a product commonly referred to in the industry as a drainage mat.
Drainage plane behind siding.
Building america recommends a gap of at least 1 16 inch behind lap siding and a drainage space of inch between stucco and plastic house wraps to control liquid phase water penetration.
Behind vinyl siding you definitely need a water resistant barrier wrb.
With wood siding the drainage space is typically intermittent and depends largely on the profile of the siding.
A 1 inch air gap is needed behind brick veneer as required by the 2009 international residential code irc baechler et al.
Above the window is the same deal water can drain out air can flow in.
With vinyl and aluminum siding the drainage space is more pronounced and furring is not necessary.
So why use a drainage mat product behind your stucco cultured stone man made stone thin brick hardboard siding or other veneer.
Siding is applied directly over the drainage mat so water can drain out and air can flow in.
Since you have tyvek you re all set.
Ideally wood siding should be installed over furring creating a drained and vented air space between the drainage plane and wood siding.
You don t need a separate air gap between the vinyl siding and the tyvek because vinyl siding is installed loosely and doesn t sit tight to the sheathing.
Below the window air can flow up and out behind a notch in the trim board.
There s probably some truth.
Old timers will tell you there s no substitute for using tar paper under siding.
Extend siding life with drainage planes all siding leaks.
Provides a continuous drainage plane behind rainscreen systems and stone and stucco veneers download product overview wallnet wallnet allows moisture to easily flow to the weeps promotes drying to help prevent mold growth and moisture damage and can help extend the life of siding materials by helping them dry from the back.
It makes its own drainage gap.