ZIP System wall sheathing provides a rigid and continuous air barrier assembly to significantly reduce air leakage, contributing to comfort and energy efficiency. Through simple installation of panels and tape, seams and penetrations can be sealed, cutting off leak paths that compromise performance and energy efficiency. A ZIP System wall assembly is code recognized as an air barrier assembly and has demonstrated performance benefits over housewrap systems. But don’t take our word for it – we’ve got third party testing to back it up.
ASTM E2357 – Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies
The ASTM E2357 Standard was developed to provide a uniform method to evaluate a full air barrier assembly. Until this method was developed, one could only evaluate pieces of the air barrier assembly such as the air barrier material alone or the flashing material alone. This method also incorporates wind loads that will push and pull on the assembly, exposing weak areas that could leak air.
In this test, a full air barrier assembly (ZIP System wall panels and tape) was installed as an 8ft by 8ft mock-up of a realistic exterior wall including penetrations for pipes, electrical outlets and a window opening. All noted penetrations were flashed with ZIP System tape. The system was then subjected to positive and negative sustained wind and wind gust loading simulating real life conditions. Air leakage measurements for the ZIP System wall assembly were well below (less than 1/5th) the maximum allowable level.
Comparison Testing - Air Movement in ZIP System Wall and Housewrap Assemblies
In third party air leakage testing, a wall assembly constructed with ZIP System® wall sheathing and tape was compared to an assembly with traditional OSB sheathing and a common housewrap with tape. Both assemblies were identically constructed for a system-to-system performance comparison. In this lab test, the ZIP System wall sheathing assembly allowed significantly less air flow/leakage (as shown in the graph to the right) than the housewrap and tape system. Results indicate that a ZIP System wall assembly contributes to a tighter building envelope. ZIP System wall panels and tape seal panel seams and allow less air leakage, resulting in greater comfort and lower energy bills for the homeowner.
We’re so confident in the air resistance of ZIP System wall and roofing panels that we back them with a 15-year limited system and a 30-year limited panel warranty.*
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*Limitations and restrictions apply. See warranty for full details.