John and Karen Thomas, owners of Thomas & Thomas Architects + Design/Build on Bainbridge Island, Wash., recently built a home using ZIP System® roof and wall sheathing for a local couple who were left homeless after tragically losing their waterfront home of 48 years to a fire. Thomas & Thomas rapidly designed and built a 1,350-square-foot cottage for Ron and Ethie Williamson, long-time residents of Bainbridge Island and some of the most giving members in the community. With hopes of putting a roof over the Williamson’s heads and getting the home done as quickly and efficiently as possible in the wet Washington climate, Thomas & Thomas selected ZIP System roof and wall sheathing due to its moisture resistance and quick-installation properties.
“We were on a tight deadline and needed to complete the cottage as quickly as possible in the moist weather conditions to get this couple back into a home. With the help of ZIP System roof and wall sheathing and many contributing community members providing materials and moral support for the build, we were able to quickly complete this unique home for the Williamsons,” stated John Thomas, AIA, LEED AP. “After decades of leadership, service and giving to the Bainbridge Island community, we were glad to see the community give back to this deserving couple by working together to build them an eco-friendly home.”
ZIP System roof and wall sheathing are structural panels that have built-in protective barriers which eliminate the need for felt, H-clips and housewrap. The seams of the roof and wall panels are taped using ZIP System® tape which provides moisture resistance for seams, valleys and ridges, can help reduce air leaks as recommended by the Seal and Insulate with the ENERGY STAR® effort, and is code recognized as window and door flashing tape when used with ZIP System® wall sheathing (ESR-2227). Since ZIP System roof and wall sheathing are faster to install than traditional methods and provide an instant 120-day rough dry-in, builders can schedule subcontractors sooner, ultimately completing the house in less time.
“I don’t know why someone didn’t develop products like ZIP System roof and wall sheathing sooner. In my opinion, the all-in-one system allowed us to install the products faster and helped us to build the house sooner than expected for the Williamsons,” stated Karen Thomas. “Also, I believe the tight envelope continues to give us the protection we need against the high-level of moisture we face due to rainy weather conditions and having the home located right at the water’s edge.”
Following the tragic news of the Williamsons’ loss, the Thomases offered their design and construction services to build the couple a custom-designed and eco-friendly cottage which would replace their destroyed waterfront home. Thomas & Thomas, who purchased their products from local building supplier, Kingston Lumber, did its best to create something special for the couple who had been pillars of the community for decades.
“When we learned of the Thomases’ plans for designing and rebuilding a home for the Williamsons, we immediately knew ZIP System roof and wall sheathing products were right for the job due to their quick-installation and moisture-resistant properties,” stated Burch Baylor, regional sales manager for Huber Engineered Woods.
“We knew that there would be many challenges associated with this particular build,” stated Karen Thomas. “We were able to create a beautiful, comfortable, sustainable home for this deserving couple constrained by a tight schedule and budget requirements with the help of ZIP System roof and wall sheathing.”
For more information on ZIP System roof and wall sheathing, visit www.zipsystem.com.