House Wrap Comparison

ZIP System® wall has a built-in, water-resistive barrier that lets you say good-bye to house wrap forever. Simply install the panels, tape the seams, and you have a complete structural wall system and water-resistive barrier all-in-one. As a code recognized water-resistive barrier, ZIP System wall provides an optimal solution to keep water out of your walls during and after construction

Why is ZIP System wall superior to housewrap?
>Provides both structure support and protection from moisture.
>Eliminates the risk of trapped water between the house wrap and wood sheathing.
>15 year system warranty for air and water penetration and 30 year panel warranty against delamination and product defects
>Optimal systempermeance – Allows wall system to dry while holding out external moisture.
>No call backs for rips, tears or wrap that has blown off.
>Simple installation provides continuous air barrier for greater energy efficiency.

DURABILITY
ZIP System® wall combines a structural panel and water-resistive barrier in a complete system that offers the strength and durability of an OSB panel and cannot rip or tear like traditional house wrap. If the surface of a ZIP System panel is damaged, only the specific damaged area of the underlying sheathing is exposed to external moisture. In contrast, a tear in house wrap allows water to expand across the surface of the underlying sheathing.

UV RESISTANCE
UV Protection is important between installation of the wall sheathing and the exterior wall cladding. ZIP System wall allows for up to 120 days of exposure before being covered by exterior cladding. House wraps exposed for this period of prone to ripping or blowing off, exposing the underlying sheathing and allowing moisture to penetrate the wall assembly.

Additionally, ZIP System wall offers a 15-year limited system warranty for water and air penetration properties as well as a 30-year limited warranty covering ZIP System panels against delamination and product defects during and after the construction cycle.

WATER RESISTANCE
ZIP System wall sheathing is recognized by the International Code Council as a water resistive barrier (ESR-1474). Once the panels and tape have been installed, ZIP System wall provides a lasting protective barrier. Because the Stormex™ water-resistive barrier is a permanent part of the structural panel, it is impossible for water to become trapped between the panel and barrier. Properly installed ZIP System panels and tape keep water from entering the wall system and provide a drainage plane to help water exit.

WALL SYSTEM DRYING
ZIP System wall panels are engineered with the optimal permeance to allow the wall system to breath and dry out, while also preventing intrusion of exterior moisture.

A water-resistive barrier must have a higher permeance than the OSB panel to allow for outward drying of the system. On the other hand, the barrier must not be overly permeable and allow exterior water vapor to enter the wall sheathing and system. This is a common issue when moist cladding such as brick, stucco or stone is exposed to heat from the sun. The higher the permeance of the house wrap, the greater the level of moisture which can penetrate the system in vapor form.

COMPATIBILITY
ZIP System wall sheathing is an excellent substrate for a broad range of exterior wall coverings including brick, vinyl, stone, cedar shakes, natural and engineered wood siding, fiber-cement, EIFS and traditional hard-coat stucco.

ZIP System wall sheathing satisfies all of the testing required by International Code Council Evaluation Service to adequately perform as both a wood structural panel and a water-resistive barrier.

ZIP System™ tape has passed or exceeded all testing prescribed by ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria 148 for flexible flashing materials. The tape's bond is three to five times greater than required by code giving the user peace of mind that water will not find a leak path due to poor sealing or theoretical reverse flashing.

All third party data Huber has gathered and Huber’s recommended installation instructions have been submitted to, and reviewed by the International Code Council Evaluation Service.

EASE OF USE
ZIP System wall sheathing installs quickly with two easy steps – fasten panels and tape the seams. And once completed, the system provides moisture protection during and after construction. The fastening guide printed on the ZIP system panels allows faster, easier, and more accurate installation. It also helps siding installers who need visibility of stud placement.

Builders no longer have to worry about installing house wrap on a windy day or having to return for re-work due to rips, tears or wrap that has blown off the home. ZIP System wall panels are also manufactured with a screen texture which provides added grip for ladders and handling. Many housewraps are smooth and slippery, creating a safety hazard for ladders leaning against the structure.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Today’s building trends continue to move toward a tighter building envelope. Standard installation of ZIP System wall provides a continuous air barrier which decreases air leakage, maintains effective R-value of insulation, and contributes to energy efficiency. Many housewrap manufacturers provide special instructions for air barrier installation. Besides being difficult and costly to implement, these installations can actually increase the risk of moisture related issues. For example, the bottom edge of a house wrap must be sealed to perform as an air barrier. In the case of a leak, water will be held in this pocket within the wall system. ZIP System wall provides an air barrier while eliminating the risk of trapped water.

ENGINEERED THROUGH BUILDING SCIENCE
ZIP System wall was created through an extensive development process. A team of industry experts with combined experience of over 100 years in Building Science brought the product from concept to the job-site.

During product development, a full-scale performance testing facility was constructed to monitor the performance of various building practices and materials. Within this facility, various wall assemblies could be used to capture data and performance measurements for long-term monitoring. This “test hut” simulated real world performance of various wall systems and compatibility with various sheathing and construction practices. Hundreds of sensors placed within the walls are monitored 24 hours a day. Extreme conditions or worst case scenarios such as water leaks can be introduced and monitored. Data collected from this facility has allowed Huber Engineered Woods to produce a wall system incorporating optimal performance in structure, moisture resistance and air movement.