re: New construction exterior sheathing

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With Zip panels, do y’all flash wall penetrations with the tape or the liquid flash? I’m guessing both liquid and tape might each be better in some applications than the other. If Zip is used for roof decking, would you still top it with IW shield in the valleys, hips, sealed ridges, eves, etc. or just shingle strait on the zip in those areas?

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Liquid flashing will usually outperform tapes in any application but it comes with a cost of labor and materials. Tape is easy and quick to apply but smearing goop is a tedious. The most important thing is to use the tapes and sealants that are made for system. I'm sure things can be mixed up and interchange different manufactures materials but sticking with what we know works is best practice by a wide margin. And of course the ever useless warranty will require to follow the manu's system of products if that matters at all to you.


I think ZIP and Weatherlogic are the two taped panel systems readily available. zip being much more known.


As far as roof decking, thats something the roofer and builder would have to answer and probably also the manu of the panels. Many variables to that. Foamed roof deck, complicated roof lines, weather region..... I would think IW shield in the valleys at least it would always be worth the extra cost.

As much of an improvement these panels are over building wrap, they aren't bullet proof. Rainscreens that let the sheathing dry when is does eventually get wet is fantastic. Also very helpful is generous roof overhangs that keep the bulk of the water off the sides of the house . Problem with that is most architects don't think in terms of home performance and are building homes like freaking legos.


Here is a great youtube of Landus Bennet, the inventor of zip. No longer works for Huber but still is very active in the building science sector. They breakdown the pros and cons of different WRBs. LINK