Why We Use the Huber Wood ZIP System®

When designing and building an exterior structure such as an addition, garage, or studio for our clients, there are several issues to consider. First we consider the purpose of the building when creating our design. The building needs to be functional, but it also needs to be aesthetically pleasing as it’s likely going to take up a large part of your yard. Because of this we carefully consider how the style of the building will work with your home’s architecture as well as how it fits into the surrounding landscape. Since the outbuilding is likely not physically connected to the main home, we consider utility needs and how those systems may need to tie into the new structure. Finally, since the building will not be connected to the main home’s heating and cooling system, we have to consider ways to make the building comfortable as well as efficient.

Last year we built a studio for a client in Malvern Gardens whose design offered a tight building enclosure that required specialized design elements such as sliding barn-style doors and a modern, sleek design. We wanted to make sure the studio was comfortable inside, regardless of the weather outside, but to keep the cost of heating and cooling it down we needed to find materials that would be energy efficient while being durable enough for this outdoor application. Materials matter a lot to us - they can make the difference between a pleasant room or an unbearably hot or cold unusable space.

For this project, we did our research and decided to use the ZIP System® by Huber Woods. This system is a one-of-a-kind structural roof and wall system with a built-in energy-efficient barrier that keeps moisture out and reduces air leakage, while still allowing panels to properly dry. In addition to being more efficient than traditional house wrap, this system also installs faster, meaning we finished the project quickly and our client was in their studio sooner.

What makes the ZIP system® different is four-fold: 

1. The structural sheathing panels we used are made of engineered wood which is durable and strong - something necessary for outbuildings that see a lot of weather.

2. The materials have a built-in vapor permeable, water-resistive barrier that eliminates the need for traditional house wrap or felt. In other words, the materials keep water out, but allow vapor to pass through to promote drying, which also keeps temperatures inside the building comfortable.

3. The materials have a rigid air barrier which means that less air escapes from inside the building and less air gets in from outside the building. So whether you install a heat system or are just using a space heater, that energy stays inside.

4. The Zip System® uses a specially engineered tape with acrylic adhesive that bonds directly to the ZIP System® panels, creating a permanent bond with less leakage and increased insulation.

Using one exterior insulation material makes the job site more efficient.

The other great thing about this system is that one panel does it all - walls and roofs. This streamlines the jobsite when we only have to work with one main exterior insulation product. The ZIP System® can be used under just about any other material including brick or siding. And of course, most importantly, the product works well and lives up to the hype.

The ZIP system can be used on the walls and the roof. 

So if you need a shed for all those Christmas decorations you’re struggling to find space for, a studio to pursue your hobby or get more work done, or a garage to keep your car warm during the winter then contact us. Our goal is to design and build a space that is not only functional and beautiful, but safe, comfortable and efficient as well.

The completed projects looks great, is functional and extremely efficient.