Some of you are probably aware that Tyvek (a proprietary formula referred to below by the generic term house wrap) is not recommended for use in contact with certain types of siding in wet climates:
In wet climates house wrap sometimes reacts poorly with certain kinds of wood siding. Lignin (a natural occurring substance in many species of wood) is water-soluble and acts as a detergent. Like all detergents, it decreases surface tension and so destroys the house wrap’s ability to repel water. Field research has shown that wood lignin makes it easier for liquid water to pass into the wall. Certain types of wood siding like redwood, cedar, and manufactured hardboard siding seem to accelerate the problem. To avoid this problem, carefully attach heavy building paper (30 pound asphalt impregnated) to the walls as a substitute for house wrap or install felt-paper over the house wrap as a water repellent surface that is unaffected by wood lignin.
It’s also a good practice to use the “airtight drywall approach” on the interior wall finishes too. Both methods together effectively build an airtight wall that will have no moisture problems.
For the full article: http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/factsheets/bd4.html