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Is ZIP R-6 the right choice?

RWEMERY | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

Hi All,
I am in the planning stages for a job on Martha’s Vineyard in Mass climate zone 5 . The house is 2×4 construction with R13 built in the 70s the plan is to remove the existing cedar shingles, trim and windows. Then install Zip R6 Sheathing over the existing sheathing, install new construction windows,new  pvc trim and cedar shingles. My question
is if you think the zip R6 is a good fit in this situation?
Thanks Rich

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Replies

  1. DCContrarian | | #1

    Zip-R is a good product. What does your local code say in terms of required R-value for walls? Is this a "stretch" municipality?

  2. DCContrarian | | #2

    I would put some sort of rain screen between the zip and the shingles, you get wicked storms out there.

    1. RWEMERY | | #3

      No stretch code that I am aware of and the energy code calls for 13+5
      I agree the rain screen is a good idea

  3. GBA Editor
    Brian Pontolilo | | #4

    HI Rich.

    The ZIP R sounds like a good solution for this project to me and R-6 is enough continuous insulation to keep the existing sheathing warm in your neighborhood, so you'll have a nice durable assembly. I second DCContrarian on the rainscreen detail, for drainage and improved drying potential for the ZIP OSB and Cedar siding.

    I'm just wrapping up an article on working with ZIP R-Sheathing that will be love in a couple of weeks, FYI.

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