For decades houses have been built using OSB (oriented strand board) on the outside of the framing. This method took the place of using 1×6 or 1×4 board diagonally fastened to the outside of the framing. Both methods required a vapor barrier on the outside of the sheathing to keep water that may get behind the siding. Both methods worked if done correctly. OSB sheathing only came about because if was found to be cheaper and faster to build. It was a welcome advance to building science and practice.
But fortunately building technology has advanced even further.
Products like Huber’s Zip System and LP’s WeatherLogic have been developed and present another option to use in construction of America’s homes. These products are, in a nutshell, OSB with a waterproof barrier already on the outside. So when the sheathing is installed all that has to be done is sealing the seams with the rubberized tape also made by Huber and LP.
This system is a considerable upgrade to the soundness of a house built using this method. It isn’t all sunshine and roses as it is more expensive for the materials and slightly more labor intensive. This typically means a 2%-4% increase in total build cost. But as with most advances in technology, the added juice is worth the squeeze.
The majority of homes are still built using the OSB/house wrap method and when done correctly it is fine. But why build a home “good enough” when you can use better practices and materials to improve the finished product? Zip and WeatherLogic are just a couple of examples of products and methods that I am excited to see taking hold in the construction industry.
Posted August 24, 2022