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OSB with integrated insulation

Hinton308 | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

I have just finished up design of new home construction in Spartanburg, SC zone 3. I would like opinions on the three companies I am considering for exterior wall insulation. I am planning on blown in insulation on interior walls. My thoughts are for R19 for combination of insulation. The product for the exterior I am considering is integrated insulation on OSB.

1- Huber Zip R sheathing. 
http://www.huberwood.com/zipsystem/products/zip-system-rsheathing

2-ThermalStar 
https://www.thermalstar.com/products/one-structural-wall-insulation

3-Composite Panel Building Systems — C-SIS
https://compositepanelbuildingsystems.com/products/composite-structural-insulated-sheathing/

Feel free to suggest other companies. I know some do not like Huber as OSB is outbound of 2×4″ and my be not as structural. The outside of the house will be combination of brick and rock. Was planning on attaching Delta Dry Stucco and stone to above product.
Thank you
Don

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Replies

  1. BrianPontolilo | | #1

    It sure seems like the building industry accepted ZIP sheathing and even ZIP Rsheathing as a dependable and cost effective product. Nearly every house we published at FHB in the past few years used it. Of course there is the "never OSB" crowd, but I would like to hear if anyone has experience with either of these alternative insulated sheathing options (or even alternatives to regular ZIP, like Georgia Pacific Force Field, but that should be the topic of another thread).

    Anyone...?

  2. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #2

    Don,
    I suggest that you read this article: "Nailbase Panels for Walls."

  3. jberks | | #3

    I would like to use zipR on my next build, but I also don't enjoy trying to find the studs to hang furring/siding.

    I saw a recent risinger video where they used advantech for the sheathing for the propose of screwing furring into.

    I might consider using 3/4 ply for sheathing specifically for this purpose, the material cost might outweigh the labour time on the siding phase. (I Normally do fibre cement panels, so it's a lot of vertical and horizontal furring)

    So to stay almost on point with the topic, I don't see why the majority of the exterior insulation can't be fastened to the sheathing at the framing stage before the walls are raised, in comparison to using osb/foam sheathing like zipR.

  4. JC72 | | #4

    Thermal Star requires a proprietary nailing gun.
    S-SIS system seems more labor intensive.
    ZIP has it's own issues (over driven nails, tape dispenser) but you're not using overly thick sheets of ZIP-R and you don't live in a high wind/seismic zone and I suspect crews will be more familiar with it.

  5. Zdesign | | #5

    Zip R, with the appropriate nailing schedule and panel edge blocking, can be used in shear wall and high wind load structures. Its best to have a tube of acoustical sealant on you at all times to cover up over-driven nails as well. Also the Zip tape has to be rolled and can't be pressed on by hand. There newer roller has a little "Z" built into it which shows in the tape when it's rolled so Huber can check during warranty claims.

  6. Hinton308 | | #6

    Thank you for the input. I looking at Zip the problems seem to be poor taking jobs and exposed nail staple holes. I am probably going to use Huber Liquid Flash and use this product to cover seams and nail holes as seen in this video:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn5KaKu-tt0&t=207s
    My thoughts on windows weatherproofing is to use either PolyWall or Prosoco liquid flashing membrane.
    Martin-Thank you for the link

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