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Shop Class

How-To

Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sheathing-to-Foundation Connection

See 3 methods for making an airtight connection at the bottom of your walls using sealants or tapes that will adhere to concrete.

By Ben Bogie

The base joint—the point where our framing and sheathing connect to the home’s foundation—is another critical joint that needs to be air-sealed properly. Because of how irregular the surface is on a typical concrete foundation, this is a joint that could be a significant source of air infiltration if not detailed properly.

Three common options for bridging this gap are acrylic tapes rated for use with concrete, ZIP System Liquid Flash, and acoustical sealant. The acrylic tape is the cleanest and most straightforward of the three, but you are likely to get a more consistent seal with a liquid-applied sealant because of the rough texture of the concrete foundation. Watch builder Ben Bogie demonstrate all three methods in this Shop Class video to help you decide which technique is right for your project.

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Videos in the Series

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Fastening

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Fastening

    In this episode of Shop Class, builder Ben Bogie shares tips for laying out and securely nailing wall sheathing.

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Taping Seams and Corners

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Taping Seams and Corners

    Learn some best practices for getting a good bond and consistent coverage when sealing seams with ZIP System flashing tape.

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sheathing to Foundation Connection

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sheathing-to-Foundation Connection

    See 3 methods for making an airtight connection at the bottom of your walls using sealants or tapes that will adhere to concrete.

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Penetrations

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sealing Penetrations

    In this Shop Class video, Ben Bogie demonstrates 3 easy ways to seal around pipes and wires using ZIP System flashing tape, stretch tape, and liquid-applied flashing.

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Rough Openings with Tape

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Rough Openings With Flashing Tape

    See how to use a combination of ZIP System stretch tape and regular flashing tape to make window and door penetrations waterproof and airtight.

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Rough Openings with Liquid Applied

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Rough Openings With Liquid-Applied Flashing

    In this Shop Class video, learn tips for applying ZIP System Liquid Flash to provide a continuous seal around window and door openings.

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About This Video Series

Watch Ben Bogie, residential builder and production manager from Portland, Maine, as he walks us through all the steps necessary to install ZIP System wall sheathing on a home. Zip System is a sheathing-panel system where the air-control layer and water-resistive barrier are integrated as a factory-applied coating on the outside of the panels. Seams and penetrations are sealed with specially made ZIP System flashing tape or fluid-applied flashing membrane to create a weathertight assembly. The installation… More about this Video Series

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More Shop Class

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  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Rough Openings with Liquid Applied

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Rough Openings With Liquid-Applied Flashing

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Rough Openings with Tape

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Rough Openings With Flashing Tape

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Penetrations

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sealing Penetrations

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sheathing to Foundation Connection

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sheathing-to-Foundation Connection

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Video

View All
  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Rough Openings with Liquid Applied

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Rough Openings With Liquid-Applied Flashing

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Rough Openings with Tape

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Rough Openings With Flashing Tape

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Penetrations

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sealing Penetrations

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sheathing to Foundation Connection

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sheathing-to-Foundation Connection

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Water and Moisture Control

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  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Penetrations

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