Hello all. I am recent lured member of the finehomebuilding website and I have enjoyed the conversation on the forum. Well – I am in the process of planning to build and I am looking for input. I will be GC’ing my project and hiring in for all the services needed. Mainly subbing out the shell (including siding/windows/doors/roof), electric, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, etc. Hoping to dip into some finish work myself, we will see. However, I am looking to do this right and there is no better place than to come to you guys on this site. I am starting with some different questions and I will start off with a quick, easy one. I am torn between people recommending only plywood SHEATHING then consistantly seeing the ZIP system, and/or OSB commonly used. My question is— Would you forget OSB and go ply or would you recommend OSB or better yet the ZIP system? What do you prefer and why?
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Replies
I like the zip wall sheathing the only thing with it.The tape can get expensive but it is worth it.
Plywood is no doubt a bit better than osb, generally speaking, but also more expensive. The devil is in the details, your profile does not show your location, that matters. In my locale and given a sensible design I would go with osb, properly fastened and covered in a timely manner.
I have been researching the same questions for a renovation.
Regardless of cost they all perform well if installed correctly.
Because I will re-sheathing buildings-already insulated- the dried-in feature sold me on the Zip System.
Also it has been said most building infiltration barriers are not installed correctly.
I will probably install 15# felt paper just as a fell good measure
as I install the vinyl siding but it is not necessary.
Buildings sheathed with plywood look more impressive than OSB.
I have not seen a Zip System building in person but I am about to soon.
Sorry about that.
Home to be built in Upstate New York. Get the best and worst of each seasonal climate.
For note I will be insulating walls with Closed Cell Foam.
Just used zip system for addition I am building...Well worth the extra money..Taped the seams and house was weather tight...No paper needed...no paper blowing all over...Still need ice/water shield for valleys, eaves....Didnt spend money on the tape dispenser...Was easy to roll out...One thing I did notice was the surface was more slick than plywood...A roof harness might not be a bad thing to have on when appling the shingles...
Thanks for the input - has anyone had problems with ZIP and when was ZIP first used?
If you use zipwall make sure you use the tape gun or go to their web site. And see if you can get one of their rollers as you have to make the tape is set enough. The tape gun makes a noise if you are appliying enough pressure.