Water, air, and vapor control have always been a tough challenge when it comes to building homes. Traditional housewrap was once the standard—rolled over sheathing, stapled in place, and taped at the seams.
But today, many pros are turning to a more advanced approach: ZIP System® sheathing and tape from Huber Engineered Woods. This innovative building solution replaces the need for separate housewrap with an integrated, high-performance panel that combines strength, moisture management, and energy efficiency in one.
What is ZIP Sheathing?
ZIP sheathing is an engineered wood panel with a built-in water and air barrier that replaces traditional OSB and housewrap. The Huber ZIP System® integrates weather protection directly into the sheathing, helping builders save time, reduce air leaks, and create stronger, more energy-efficient homes.
Understanding the Advanced Protection of ZIP Sheathing
The ZIP sheathing system from Huber is a next-generation structural roof and wall panel that combines strength, weather protection, and efficiency in one streamlined package. Compared to traditional housewrap systems, ZIP sheathing eliminates extra installation steps and offers superior long-term moisture defense.
Each panel is rated Structural 1, meaning it offers exceptional strength and durability while meeting stringent code requirements for both roof and wall assemblies.
Once installed, seams and flashing details are sealed using ZIP System tape, creating a continuous, rigid barrier against air and water.
The system is code-compliant (ESR-1473) as an air and water barrier and backed by Huber’s 180-Day Exposure Guarantee and 30-Year Limited Warranty, giving builders long-term confidence on every project.
The Top 7 Advantages of ZIP Sheathing for Builders
The Huber ZIP System offers builders a faster, more durable, and more energy-efficient alternative to housewrap—combining structure, protection, and performance in one product.
#1. Quick and Easy Installation
Installing conventional OSB with housewrap often means circling the structure twice: once for sheathing and again for wrapping. With ZIP sheathing and tape, the barrier is already built in. That means fewer trips around the building, less material handling, and faster overall progress.
The simple two-step process—install the panels, then tape the seams—translates into valuable labor savings while still achieving a fully weatherized shell.
In short, the ZIP sheathing system lets crews achieve full structural sheathing and weatherproofing in one step—cutting time and labor without compromising performance.
#2. Superior Drainage
The outer surface of the ZIP sheathing system isn’t just protective; it’s engineered for water management. Its unique textured coating helps direct bulk water downward and away from the structure.
Independent testing under ASTM E2273 (the standard for drainage efficiency) confirmed the ZIP sheathing system achieved over 90% drainage, while top housewrap brands delivered less than 10%. That’s a massive difference in performance, especially over the life of a home.
#3. Rip and Tear Protection
Anyone who’s ever walked a jobsite in the wind knows how easily housewrap can rip, tear, or puncture. Those small damages can compromise the entire weather barrier and expose the structure underneath.
The ZIP sheathing system eliminates that risk. Because the water-resistive barrier is fused directly to the structural panel during manufacturing, it’s built to withstand rough jobsite conditions. No flapping, no tearing, no need for constant patching.
#4. Improved Drying Capability
Moisture happens, but how a wall assembly handles it makes all the difference. The ZIP sheathing system is designed to promote outward drying, reducing the risk of trapped moisture that can lead to rot or mold.
The integrated weather barrier features a permeability rating of 12–16 perms, allowing vapor to escape to the outside while keeping bulk water out. Because the barrier is permanently bonded to the panel, there’s no chance of water getting trapped between layers—an issue that can happen with traditional OSB and housewrap.
#5. Impressive Energy Savings
Air leakage isn’t just a comfort issue; it’s an efficiency killer. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25-40% of a home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through uncontrolled air movement.
In standardized testing (ASTM E2357), ZIP sheathing and tape created a tighter, more durable air barrier than housewrap. While traditional wraps failed under high-pressure conditions, ZIP panels maintained their seal and helped builders achieve tighter envelopes and higher energy ratings.
#6. Long-Term Durability
The Structural 1 rating of Huber ZIP System panels ensures they meet performance demands in seismic zones and high-wind areas. You can count on both their structural integrity and the weather protection to last long after your project is done.
#7. Competitive Warranty Coverage
Peace of mind matters. The Huber ZIP System offers a 30-year limited warranty, which is three times longer than most leading housewrap warranties. Plus, it comes with a 180-Day Exposure Guarantee for flexibility during construction. That’s long-term protection builders can trust.
Comparison Chart: ZIP Sheathing System vs. Housewrap
Wondering how the ZIP sheathing system stacks up against traditional housewrap? Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison.
|
Feature |
ZIP Sheathing System |
Traditional Housewrap |
|
Weather Barrier |
Integrated directly into panel |
Separate layer installed over OSB |
|
Installation Speed |
Single pass (sheathing + barrier) |
Two-step process (sheathing + wrap) |
|
Air and Water Protection |
Continuous, rigid barrier |
Dependent on taped seams and staples |
|
Drainage Efficiency |
>90% |
Usually <10% |
|
Durability |
Rip- and tear-resistant |
Prone to damage during install |
|
Drying Capability |
Promotes outward drying |
Risk of trapped moisture |
|
Energy Performance |
Tight, rigid air barrier |
Can be leaky at seams and penetrations |
How the Huber ZIP System Works
The Huber ZIP System isn’t just one product. It’s a complete lineup of integrated solutions designed for every part of the build:
Sheathing Products
- Roof Sheathing: Combines integrated sheathing with advanced flashing tape or liquid flashing to create a sealed, water-resistant roof system. It installs flat, fast, and ready for a wide range of coverings including metal, tile, and asphalt shingles.
- Wall Sheathing: Delivers an all-in-one air and water barrier for walls. Available in multiple thicknesses and dimensions for optimal performance across project types.
- Insulated R-Sheathing: Adds built-in exterior insulation for enhanced thermal protection. The integrated design simplifies air, moisture, and thermal management, helping maintain consistent indoor comfort.
- Long Length Sheathing: Designed to minimize horizontal joints and blocking. Available in multiple lengths to streamline large wall applications while eliminating housewrap entirely.
Tape Products
- Flashing Tape: Engineered with high-performance acrylic adhesive for a long-lasting bond. Creates watertight seals at panel seams and flashing details, even in tough temperatures.
- Multi-Purpose Tape: A durable, year-round solution for sealing and protection on a variety of surfaces: wood, metal, plastic, and vinyl.
- Stretch Tape: Flexible, all-direction stretch for easy application around sills, corners, and curves. Locks out moisture even on irregular surfaces.
- Liquid Flash: Fluid-applied flashing for rough openings and complex details. Its STPE formula delivers the durability of silicones with the toughness of urethanes.
Underlayment
- Peel and Stick Underlayment: A waterproof roofing underlayment that seals around nails and provides leak-free protection, backed by Huber’s Leak-Free Guarantee.
Additional Barrier
- Rainscreen: Streamlines drainage and ventilation behind cladding systems, ensuring compliance with new code requirements for air gaps and secondary barriers.
When Should Builders Use the Huber ZIP System?
The ZIP sheathing system is ideal for projects that demand fast installation, reliable air and water protection, and long-term durability—especially in high-wind or moisture-prone regions.
Streamline Your Next Build with the Huber ZIP System
The ZIP sheathing system from Huber Engineered Woods is transforming how builders think about weatherization.
By integrating the air and water barrier into the panel itself, ZIP sheathing delivers faster installs, fewer callbacks, and more efficient, durable homes—making it a top choice for builders seeking performance and productivity.
We’re proud to offer the full line of ZIP System products along with everything else you need to take your projects from framing to finish. The Northern Building Supply team understands the challenges builders face and is here to help you choose the right materials for lasting performance and efficiency.
Ready to simplify your next build? Get in touch with us today to learn more about ZIP sheathing or request a quote.