This past Friday, September 30th, some members of the University of Michigan Rugby Football Club volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity® build in nearby Ypsilanti Michigan. The players were helping Habitat remodel a house that they had purchased from the city. Throughout the day, the players helped paint doors, remove unneeded walls, caulk doorways and vents, and placed the housewrap (the waterproof lining underneath the siding) on the house. The players all had a wonderful time and jumped at the opportunity to help the community. Freshman Liam Clancy said, “It was rewarding to give back to my community.” Even the experienced players learned something about how Habitat operates. President and fourth year player Matthew Kasten was surprised to learn that Habitat does not just give away the houses they build, “We learned how HFH builds houses not just to give them away, but to sell them at a very affordable rate to families that show they are responsible.” Several players learned a lot about house construction and how houses are built to withstand the elements. Third year player Guy Burke was surprised to learn that the siding on the houses is not the waterproofing element on modern houses, but rather found out that there is a layer of waterproof ‘housewrap’ that goes on, and it is not all that easy to put on, “I learned that the housewrap under the siding needs to be flat, and that’s much harder to do than I thought.” The players had a great time helping Habitat out, and look forward to future events with them.
Captain Jeremy “Dozer” Reid (Senior) and “Buddy” Guy Burke (Junior) attach the housewrap.
Alex Carson (Junior) holds the ladder for Liam “Tuna” Clancy (Freshman) as he attaches housewrap.
