Wall Sheathing with an Integrated Water Resistive Barrier
By Mark J. Donovan
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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.
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. |
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.
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. |
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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.
| 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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