What Is Zip Board
Zip Board is a system developed by Huber Engineered Woods that combines ZIP System sheathing and tape with ZIP System liquid flash to create a durable and efficient building envelope.
It is designed to provide moisture and air protection, as well as structural performance.
This innovative system is easy to install and solves the challenges of water, air, and vapor control in construction.
It can be applied in various weather conditions, including rainy and wet conditions.
Did You Know?
1. Zip Board, also known as a skimboard, originated in the 1920s as a way for lifeguards to quickly navigate the beaches.
2. The earliest versions of Zip Boards were made from wooden planks, but modern-day models are often constructed using lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass.
3. Zip Boards are designed to glide across the ocean’s surface, allowing riders to catch waves that are too shallow or small for traditional surfing.
4. The sport of Zip Boarding gained popularity in the 1960s, with the establishment of the first formal competitions in Southern California.
5. Professional Zip Boarders can achieve impressive speeds, with some reaching up to 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour) on the water.
Durability And Water/Air Sealing: Nolyn’s Priorities
When it came to building his own home, Nashville-based custom builder Nolyn Croy had one main priority in mind – durability. He wanted to create a home that would withstand the test of time and provide him with a comfortable and energy-efficient living space. One of the key aspects of achieving this was ensuring that the water and air sealing of the building was sound.
Water and air infiltration can lead to a variety of issues in a home, including moisture damage, mold growth, energy loss, and decreased indoor air quality. Nolyn understood the importance of effectively sealing joints and windows to prevent these problems from occurring. With this goal in mind, he turned to ZIP System liquid flash, a cutting-edge solution designed to provide superior air and water sealing.
Zip System Liquid Flash: A Solution For Cracks And Window Sealing
ZIP System liquid flash is a revolutionary product developed by Huber Engineered Woods. It is specifically designed to fill in cracks and seal windows, creating a durable and airtight barrier against the elements.
Nolyn chose to use this product to seal the joints and flash the 87 windows in his own home, ensuring that they would be protected from air and water infiltration.
The liquid flash is applied to the desired area and quickly forms a thick layer on the window pans, effectively sealing any gaps or cracks. This not only prevents air and water from entering the home but also improves the overall insulation of the building envelope.
With the use of ZIP System liquid flash, Nolyn was able to achieve a high level of protection for his windows, ensuring their longevity and performance.
- It is a revolutionary product developed by Huber Engineered Woods.
- Specifically designed to fill in cracks and seal windows.
- Creates a durable and airtight barrier against the elements.
- Applied to the desired area and quickly forms a thick layer.
- Prevents air and water infiltration, improving insulation.
- Achieves high level of protection for windows.
The Innovation Of Zip System Sheathing And Tape
The ZIP System liquid flash is a key component of the comprehensive ZIP System building envelope solution. Developed by Huber Engineered Woods in the early 2000s, this innovative approach involves the use of ZIP System sheathing and tape to create a strong and efficient building envelope.
The ZIP System sheathing is designed to offer both structural performance and moisture protection. It features engineered wood panels that are layered with a weather-resistant barrier, providing reliable defense against the elements. Additionally, these panels come with an integrated tape system that simplifies installation and ensures proper sealant of the joints. Together, the sheathing and tape form a durable and secure building envelope, effectively preventing water, air, and vapor infiltration.
To summarize:
- The ZIP System liquid flash is part of the wider ZIP System building envelope solution.
- Developed by Huber Engineered Woods.
- The system consists of ZIP System sheathing and tape.
- The sheathing offers structural performance and moisture protection.
- Equipped with a weather-resistant barrier and an integrated tape system.
- Forms a secure and long-lasting building envelope.
“The ZIP System liquid flash is just one aspect of the larger ZIP System building envelope solution.”
Benefits Of The Zip System: Structural Performance And Easy Installation
The ZIP System offers several benefits that make it an ideal choice for builders and homeowners alike.
The first and most significant benefit is its durable structural performance. The engineered wood panels used in ZIP System sheathing provide strength and stability to the building structure, ensuring its longevity and resistance to external forces.
Another advantage of the ZIP System is its ease of installation. The integrated tape system eliminates the need for traditional taping methods, saving time and effort during construction.
This innovative approach simplifies the building process and reduces the likelihood of installation errors, ensuring a properly sealed building envelope.
Streamlined Protection: Water, Air, And Vapor Control With Zip System
One of the main challenges in building construction is controlling water, air, and vapor infiltration. The ZIP System addresses this challenge by offering a streamlined structural system that provides integrated protection against these elements. The combination of ZIP System sheathing and tape creates a continuous and robust barrier, preventing water and air from entering the building while allowing water vapor to escape, reducing the risk of moisture buildup and associated issues, such as mold growth.
For Nolyn and architect Bob Butler, the ZIP System was the perfect solution to their design goals. They wanted to create a modern home with an abundance of natural light, which meant incorporating a large number of windows. The 87 windows in Nolyn’s home were expertly flashed and sealed using ZIP System liquid flash, allowing for maximum natural light while maintaining a high level of energy efficiency and protection.
In conclusion, ZIP System is a comprehensive building envelope solution that provides:
- Durability
- Water and air sealing
- Structural performance
- Ease of installation
With its innovative products like ZIP System liquid flash and integrated sheathing and tape system, it offers a streamlined approach to protect against water, air, and vapor infiltration. Whether it is used in residential or commercial construction, the ZIP System provides peace of mind for builders and homeowners alike, ensuring a well-sealed and long-lasting building envelope.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is zip board better than plywood?
While both the Zip system and plywood have their advantages, it is difficult to say definitively which is better. The Zip system offers the benefits of simplicity and energy-efficiency, with long-term performance being dependent on the quality of the taped layers. On the other hand, plywood panels are favored for their affordability and versatility. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the specific needs and preferences of the builder or project at hand.
Is Zip board worth it?
In evaluating whether Zip board is worth it, it is important to consider the benefits it provides. With its unique feature of fusing weather-resistive barrier directly to the panels and sealing seams with acrylic tape, Zip System sheathing offers enhanced protection for roofs and houses. This can be especially valuable in areas prone to high winds and storms, as it provides a built-in layer of protection against shingles blowing off and potential water damage. Therefore, investing in Zip board can be a worthwhile choice for homeowners looking to reinforce the durability and safeguard their properties from external elements.
What is zip board made of?
The zip board is composed of durable OSB wood structural panels that are designed to provide strength and stability to the structure. These panels are then reinforced with an exterior facer made of medium density phenolic-impregnated polymer-modified material. This combination of materials ensures the zip board’s resilience and protection against various external elements, making it a reliable choice for construction projects.
What are the disadvantages of zip sheathing?
Zip sheathing has several disadvantages that should be considered. Firstly, achieving a tight tape application against corners can be challenging and requires careful attention. Improperly applied tape can become stressed under the pressure of cladding, leading to potential issues. Additionally, the tape used in the sheathing is prone to breakage, which may diminish its effectiveness and require additional maintenance.
Another downside of zip sheathing is the requirement to install panels before taping. This sequential process adds to the overall installation time and complexity, making it less efficient compared to other siding options. Furthermore, taping corners demands extra time and precision, as it necessitates careful centering to ensure proper sealing. These drawbacks should be taken into account when considering the use of zip sheathing for construction purposes.