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Wall sheathing
technology continues to make advances. Zip system wall sheathing is an
alternative to water resistive barriers (WRB) such as Dupont’s Tyvek
housewrap. With Zip system wall sheathing the water resistive barrier is an
integral part of the sheathing, thus eliminating the need to wrap the house
in a water resistive barrier after sheathing the home. By integrating the
water resistive barrier into the sheathing, Zip system wall sheathing saves on
material and labor costs.
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Besides the costs
savings, Zip system wall sheathing is also less susceptible to wind damage that
can occur with a traditional housewrap water barrier that is stapled onto the
exterior sheathing.
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Zip System Wall
Sheathing Cons
Zip system wall
sheathing is constructed out of oriented strand board (OSB) and a protective
water shield coating that is adhered to its outer surface. After fastening Zip
system wall sheathing to the wall studs, the seams must be properly taped to
create a complete water tight seal.
As with any type of
OSB material, if water hits it, the OSB will begin to delaminate and swell. So
it is important to keep Zip system wall sheathing dry prior to installation, and
to seal the seams immediately after fastening it to the wall studs.
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Photo By Mark Donovan |
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Zip system wall
sheathing provides 90 days of Ultra Violet (UV) resistance, whereas Dupont
advertises that its residential Tyvek housewrap provides 120 days of UV
resistance. Consequently with Zip system wall sheathing it is important that it
is covered sooner rather than later.
If damaged during
installation, Zip system wall sheathing is more difficult to repair. The
damaged areas need to be cut out, replaced, and then re-taped.
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Zip system wall
sheathing provides a lower permeability factor, thus if moisture gets trapped
behind it, it takes longer for it to dry out. In addition, condensation can form. If
either of these conditions occurs the OSB could begin to swell and delaminate.
Though there are a few cons with Zip system wall sheathing they can be mitigated
with proper installation and use. Consequently Zip system wall sheathing, in my
opinion, will continue to grow in popularity as it saves on construction costs
and time.
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Additional Framing and Carpentry Resources
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