Mar 11, 2020 · To clarify, ZIP R sheathing does qualify as continuous insulation because the layer of polyiso is not interrupted by studs. Therefore, both exterior insulation (a layer of mineral wool installed outside of the sheathing, for example) and ZIP R sheathing mitigate thermal bridging through the wall framing to the degree that their R-value provides.

May 9, 2019 · IMO, even though Zip-R has an ICC-ES report on structural, and you must follow installation instructions, I like to err on the side of caution for installation. In many areas, the builder and labor pool is uneducated about installation guides, and the subs want to get in and out in the least amount of time, so installation quality is something ...

May 31, 2022 · As a result, although I like the concept of Zip-R, when I design exterior insulation in zone 6 I use conventional sheathing (usually Zip) and at least 2" of polyiso. Shawn, the foam isn't vapor open per se but it's slightly more vapor-open …

Jan 23, 2018 · I’ve then debated using Zip sheathing or possibly Zip R to get an additional 3.6R and reduce thermal bridging and then a rainscreen under Boral Truexterior siding. My question is, Zip R has a vapor permeability of less than 1 perm – Zip sheathing has a …

Feb 12, 2019 · I'm not Peter, but I'm currently building my own house with Zip R-9. As far as I'm concerned, this is default sheathing I'll use for other houses I'll be building. The R-9 version works nicely with 2x lumber ripped to block out around window openings, since the insulation is …

May 17, 2022 · This is just my opinion - don't think thick Zip R sheathing has much of a place, well, anywhere. It only provides a fraction of the shear capacity as a nominal 7/16 rated structural panel, and that's even if you can get it nailed right.

Apr 15, 2023 · Zip alone is very roughly around 1 perm when dry and 10 perms when damp. The coating is around 13 perms when dry and higher perm when damp. The polyiso is around 1-2 perms. Foil-faced polyiso is a vapor barrier (<0.1 perms) but the type used on Zip panels has a vapor-open fiber facing and the foam itself allows some drying.

Apr 26, 2014 · A. Zip R-sheathing comes in two versions -- either R-3.6 or R-6.6. If you are framing your walls with 2x6s, neither product is suitable unless you are building in Climate Zones 4 or somewhere warmer. If you are building in Climate Zone 5, the minimum R-value for the rigid foam layer is R-7.5.

Feb 24, 2014 · Zip-R sheathing has a permeance that is below 1 perm; for all intents and purposes, it is a vapor barrier. You are correct that the polyiso layer of Zip-R sheathing faces inward. Since any building with Zip-R sheathing can't be expected to dry outward, adding closed-cell or open-cell spray foam on the interior side of the polyiso layer doesn't ...

Oct 24, 2023 · The Zip is just a better quality OSB than what the local yards stocked. I strongly endorse this. I wouldn't sheath with commodity OSB. My backyard tests have shown it to be wildly less durable than Zip or Advantech. To me the valid comparison is Zip vs. CDX + taping + WRB.