The maker of ZIP System® coated sheathing and tape claims that its product prevents water intrusion while installing 40% faster than DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap®. Naturally, we wondered if it was true. So we contracted three respected independent third-party labs to put the ZIP System® to the test against Tyvek® HomeWrap®. The results? Nothing outperforms Tyvek®.
Installation speed
Not so fast.
Despite claims, ZIP System® didn't install 40% faster than Tyvek® HomeWrap®. The truth was closer to 0.25%. And some installation stages took much longer than Tyvek®.
ZIP System®
- Panels must be installed before taping
- Tape requires careful centering
- Taping corners requires extra time
Over-penetrated nail holes
A fastener too far.
Installing ZIP System® coated sheathing comes with the risk of over-driven fasteners, each of which creates an entry point for water over the life of the structure. With Tyvek® HomeWrap®, flanged fasteners prevent over-penetration.
ZIP System®
- Conventional nails can over-penetrate sheathing
- Coated sheathing is easily damaged by nails
- Each over-driven fastener creates an entry point for water
- Panels must be installed before taping
- Tape requires careful centering
- Taping corners requires extra time
Leaky tape seams
Gaps, wrinkles and fish mouths.
A typical ZIP System® installation requires a quarter-mile of taped seams that can funnel water into the wall system. Tyvek® HomeWrap® only needs taping where sections overlap.
ZIP System®
- Typical install has a quarter-mile of taped seams
- Taped seams are not shingled
- Any gaps, wrinkles and fish mouths allow water to enter the wall
- Panels must be installed before taping
- Tape requires careful centering
- Taping corners requires extra time
Loss of product integrity at corners
Stressed out.
ZIP System® tape is prone to stress and tears at inside corners, creating yet another place for air and water to get into the wall. Tyvek® HomeWrap® folds easily into corners—forming a continuous barrier against air and water infiltration.
ZIP System®
- Requires careful application to get tape tight against corners
- Cladding can put stress on improperly applied tape
- Tape is prone to breakage
- Panels must be installed before taping
- Tape requires careful centering
- Taping corners requires extra time
The truth about ZIP System®.
Third-party testing revealed that the ZIP System® is prone to leaky tape seams, over-penetrated nail holes, damp sheathing and drips around the jambs and studs.
Since most construction-related litigation is due to water damage, problems like these should be a big concern to any builder.
Fast. Easy. Proven.
Proven in millions of installations through over 40 years of service in the field, DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap® delivers excellent performance and is as easy to install as ZIP System® coated sheathing and tape.
For a superior weather barrier that's fast and dependable, insist on DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap®.
