Why We Never Install Windows Before Wrapping a Home in a Weatherproof Membrane

At Conscious Construction Co., we believe that how a home is built is just as important as what is built. Every step of the construction process impacts a home’s longevity, energy efficiency, and overall performance. One of the biggest mistakes we see on building sites across Geelong and the surrounding regions? Windows being installed before the home has been fully wrapped in a weatherproof membrane.

We see it all the time—windows delivered to site, or worse, already installed, before the home is properly wrapped. This might be the “fast” way to build, but it’s not the right way to build a high-performance or passive home.

Why Wrapping Comes First

A weatherproof membrane (also known as a building wrap or air barrier) is one of the most crucial elements of a high-performance home. It acts as a protective shield, preventing water, air leaks, and unwanted moisture from getting into the structure.

1. Air Tightness = Energy Efficiency

For a passive home, air tightness is non-negotiable. If you install windows before wrapping, gaps and leaks are almost inevitable. Even tiny air leaks can significantly increase heating and cooling costs, making it impossible to achieve the energy savings that passive homes are known for.

2. Moisture Control & Mould Prevention

When a home isn’t wrapped correctly before windows go in, moisture can creep into the walls. Over time, this trapped moisture leads to mould, rot, and structural damage—problems that can be expensive and difficult to fix after construction.

3. Protection During Construction

A properly wrapped home is protected from rain and wind during the build. If windows are installed before the wrap is complete, water can easily get into the structure, leading to long-term damage before the home is even finished.

4. Sealing Windows Properly for Maximum Performance

For windows to perform efficiently in a passive house, they need to be sealed into a fully wrapped and airtight structure. Installing them too early increases the risk of improper sealing, which means drafts, thermal bridging, and poor overall performance.

Most Builders in Geelong Don’t Follow This Best Practice

Unfortunately, many builders in Geelong and the surrounding areas don’t follow this process. We frequently walk past building sites where windows have been installed before the house wrap is in place. It’s frustrating to see because we know that those homes will never perform as well as they could.

The reason? It’s faster and easier for builders to install windows as soon as they arrive. But fast isn’t always better—especially when it comes to high-performance homes.

Why We Build Differently at Conscious Construction Co.

We take a better approach, even if it takes a little longer.

• We always ensure the home is fully wrapped and sealed before windows are installed.

• We use high-quality, airtight membranes designed for high-performance homes.

• We check and test our seals to ensure no unwanted air leaks.

This approach ensures that every home we build performs exactly as it should—maximising energy efficiency, preventing moisture issues, and creating a comfortable, sustainable living environment.

The Bottom Line: It’s Worth Doing Right

If you’re investing in a high-performance or passive home, it needs to be built correctly from the start. Cutting corners on something as critical as house wrapping will result in higher energy costs, potential moisture issues, and a home that doesn’t perform the way it should.

At Conscious Construction Co., we believe in building better, not faster. That’s why we follow best practices—because in the long run, it’s always worth doing things the right way.

Want to Learn More About High-Performance Building?

We’ve put together a free guide: “The 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Building a Passive House.” It’s full of insights to help you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions.

Download it now and start your journey toward a truly efficient, sustainable home.