ZIP System® Wall Sheathing and Tape Prove Too Tight for Air Barrier Test
Assembly Exceeds Requirements for Code Recognition as an Air Barrier
CHARLOTTE, NC (Aug. 3, 2009) – Huber Engineered Woods LLC, leading manufacturer of innovative building solutions, recently reaffirmed its ZIP System® wall sheathing and ZIP System® tape as the premier air barrier assembly for builders seeking green certification by passing the rigorous ASTM E 2357 Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies. The ZIP System test results exhibited air-leakage rates significantly under the already stringent standard set forth in this test. As a code recognized air barrier assembly, ZIP System wall sheathing and tape contributes to a home’s comfort and energy efficiency. By sealing panel seams with ZIP System tape, conditioned air is kept inside while drafts and unconditioned air are held outside. The department of Energy recognizes that air barriers help prevent air leakage which can account for 30 percent or more of a home’s heating and cooling costs.
In recent third-party air barrier testing, ZIP System wall and tape significantly outperformed a traditional housewrap assembly. The ZIP System panel and tape provide a continuous, rigid air barrier assembly that is not subject to air-leak paths from rips, tears and fastener penetrations. House wrap air-barrier assemblies require detailed installation practices which can be difficult and time consuming on the job site. In standard installation of a ZIP System wall assembly, panels are installed as any traditional OSB (oriented strand board) or plywood panel and the seams are sealed with ZIP System tape. Tighter walls are that simple.
“There is a growing demand among consumers for environmentally-friendly homes, so builders need products and practices that will help them with building performance to meet green certification standards,” said Brent Flotkoetter, ZIP System product manager of Huber Engineered Woods. “There are many factors considered in qualifying a home under green certifications, but air flow and energy efficiency are two of the most critical. Creating a tighter envelope contributes to energy efficiency and is subsequently rewarded in the certification process. Exceptional air barrier performance and simple installation of ZIP System products provide builders with a superior alternative to traditional housewrap systems.”
The ZIP System® wall sheathing is a code recognized structural wall panel, moisture barrier and air barrier all-in-one, providing a tight building envelope and superior moisture resistance during and after construction. ZIP System® tape provides moisture resistance for panel seams, 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 (ESR-2227).
Recently, ZIP System wall sheathing and tape was used to build the first green-certified home in Alabama under the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Green Building Program™, and the second LEED home with platinum status in South Carolina, which is in the process of certification. ZIP System wall sheathing and ZIP System tape provide a simple and effective solution for the wall portion of the air barrier system in a home and contribute to the requirements of the leading green certification programs.
ENERGY STAR® For Homes
Homes meeting strict guidelines set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can be qualified through the ENERGY STAR program. Performance measures are recognized with a goal of making these homes at least 15 percent more efficient than standard homes.
• Installation of an air barrier is required and verified through inspection and blower door testing.
LEED™ For Homes
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has taken the concept of its successful LEED program for commercial structures and developed a performance-based program for residential construction. This program has a tiered recognition based on accumulation of points.
• ZIP System® products contribute within the Energy and Atmosphere section of the LEED for Homes program.
• Prerequisite that the home meets ENERGY STAR performance requirements.
• Points are available for exceeding the performance of ENERGY STAR For Homes. Performance related to a tight building envelope (gathered from a blower door test) provides higher point allocation.
National Green Building Standard
The NAHB and ICC worked together to develop a national standard to bring consistency to sustainable building efforts. The result, ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard was approved as an American National Standard by ANSI in January 2009. Like LEED, this is a point based program.
• Up to 15 points awarded for proper insulation and air barrier installation.
• Points are awarded based on maximum leakage rates as demonstrated in blower door testing.
Huber Engineered Woods LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation, a diversified, multinational supplier of engineered materials, natural resources and technology-based services to markets ranging from paper and energy to construction. An innovative building solution provider for the housing market, Huber Engineered Woods offers such specialty products as AdvanTech® flooring and sheathing, as well as the new ZIP System® wall and ZIP System® roof products. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Huber Engineered Woods has manufacturing operations in Maine, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee and Oklahoma, as well as research and development facilities in Georgia. Huber Engineered Woods also serves industrial markets with products for door manufacturers and the transportation industry. For more information, visit www.huberwood.com.
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