When building a house, you need to decide how to protect it from the weather. Two popular choices are ZIP System sheathing and synthetic house wraps. Let’s look at what makes each one different.

ZIP System sheathing presents a compelling alternative to traditional housewrap. Made with high-quality, water-resistant OSB, these panels get an integrated water-resistive barrier during the manufacturing process. This is evident in their distinct green and brown coloration.

In contrast, housewrap is often a separate component from the OSB sheathing. It’s installed on-site as an extra step in the framing process. This synthetic material comes in large rolls and is fastened to the wall with staples and or cap nails and sealed at the seams with tape.

Synthetic housewrap, such as Tyvek, has been a trusted choice for home builders and contractors since the 1970s. While ZIP System sheathing, introduced by Huber Engineered Woods in 2006, has quickly gained popularity due to its durability and user-friendly nature.

Housewrap can easily tear, particularly in windy conditions or if it’s accidentally damaged during construction, leading to additional labor and expenses for repairs. 

In contrast, ZIP System sheathing is more resilient against tears because its water barrier is integrated into the wood itself, reducing the likelihood of damage from harsh weather or accidents. 

In this comparison ZIP System sheathing distinguishes itself as a better choice, but this enhanced performance may come with a slightly higher cost compared to synthetic house wraps. 

Both options are easy to install and successfully prevent air and moisture infiltration, accomplishing the primary function of a weather-resistant barrier.