Benefits of Zip roofing
CaseyJahner
| Posted in General Questions on
I am building a new house in zone 6, plan on zip sheathing as my primary air barrier on the walls and sealed drywall on the ceiling. Is there a benefit to using zip roof sheathing on a vented roof assembly. I will not need the air sealing properties and plan on using ice and water shield and underlayment as the wrb on the roof.
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Replies
I didn't need it but used it anyway as my framer recommended it. It provides a nice flat surface for roofing and gets your project dried in immediately. I went months with no roof and stayed dry underneath.
If you are installing the roof right away its just throwing money away. If you plan on going an extended period of time its worth the extra money. Generally speaking, Zip sheathing is far better quality (straighter/less likely to warp) than commodity OSB.
If drying in is a concern, most synthetic underlayments are rated for 6 months exposure. If the choice is between OSb and Zip, then I'd of course opt for Zip, but my preference would be plywood and an underlayment over Zip.