Huber Engineered Woods LLC, a leading manufacturer of innovative building solutions, has introduced a new R-9 insulation thickness to its ZIP System^® R-sheathing line. ZIP System^® R-sheathing solutions for residential, multifamily and light commercial construction are structurally approved engineered wood sheathing panels with built-in polyisocyanurate continuous foam insulation. Like the original ZIP System^® sheathing and tape products introduced in 2006, ZIP System R-sheathing solutions include an integrated water-resistive barrier that eliminates the need for housewrap and are completed with advanced acrylic ZIP System^™ flashing tape to seal panel seams.

ZIP System^® R-sheathing is available with a variety of insulation thicknesses to meet different levels of desired R-value. The new R-9 rated ZIP System R-sheathing option was designed specifically to help builders meet prescriptive continuous foam insulation R-value requirements outlined in the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code requirements.

“Some areas of the country, such as New York state and Dallas, Texas, will soon adopt the 2015 IECC codes, which include requirements for continuous exterior insulation. With the introduction of the new R-9 rated ZIP System R-sheathing panel, we will have an insulation solution for all climate zones,” said Allen Sealock, product director for ZIP System products.

In addition to the new insulation requirements in the 2015 IECC, there are also more stringent air tightness requirements. ZIP System R-sheathing has an integrated water-resistive barrier that combined with taped panel seams offer a streamlined approach to helping achieve the reduced air infiltration requirements.  Originally introduced in R-3, R-6 and R-12 rated insulation thicknesses, ZIP System R-sheathing was quickly adopted by progressive, energy-efficient builders across the country who have been able to prove the significant contributions ZIP System R-sheathing and tape has made to help provide higher R-value and reduce air leakage. Massachusetts Passive House architect Steve Baczek has used ZIP System R-sheathing in multiple high-performance, net-zero homes.

“I have been performing blower door tests using ZIP System R-sheathing for 5 years.” Baczek said. “I have seen scores as low as .16 ACH 50 Pa, which I attribute to how this sheathing panel has been designed with multiple control layers built into one system. It reduces steps and material costs and ultimately room for error.”

In addition to providing built-in provisions for insulation, water-resistance and protection against air leakage, all ZIP System R-sheathing thicknesses are approved for prescriptive wall bracing and engineered shear walls.

“ZIP System R-sheathing and tape eliminates the need for multiple, independently installed products like housewrap, foam sheathing, and metal bracing,” added Sealock. “As building codes continue to change, we hope that builders will look to the expanded line of R-sheathing products as a hassle-free, all in one solution that saves time on the job.”

ZIP System R-sheathing and tape is available with the same quality 30-Year System Limited Warranty[1] customers have come to expect from ZIP System^® products. To learn more about ZIP System^® R-sheathing products, visit ZIPSystem.com. 

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About Huber Engineered Woods

Huber Engineered Woods LLC continually strives to create innovative products that suit customers’ needs. Specialty products AdvanTech^® flooring and sheathing, AdvanTech™ subfloor adhesive, ZIP System^® wall and ZIP System^® roof products, ZIP System^™ tape, ZIP System^™ stretch tape and ZIP System™ liquid flash each deliver outstanding performance, easy installation and great strength in single- family, multifamily and light commercial projects. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Huber Engineered Woods has manufacturing operations in Maine, Georgia, Virginia, 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 huberwood.com.