Sam Hagerman seals out air and moisture with a fluid-applied alternative to housewrap.

For a foolproof, watertight fix around windows or an air- and water-resistive barrier for the entire house, Sam Hagerman of Hammer & Hand paints on Prosoco’s R-Guard. “It replaces building paper and goes directly on the structural sheathing to form a 15-mils-thick, continuous, airtight yet vapor-permeable membrane,” he explains. The barrier helps meet stringent energy codes, will not tear or puncture, and creates a seamless transition from flashing to housewrap, according to Hagerman. Fluid-applied barriers can cost three times that of housewrap, but as Hagerman repairs water-damaged walls, he’s convinced the price is worth it in his damp climate.

Prosoco. 800.255.4255. www.prosoco.com.