Georgia Builders Achieve Superior Energy Scores Using ZIP System® Wall Sheathing

Expected Changes in Building Performance Measurements Impact Local Builders

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Huber Engineered Woods LLC, leading manufacturer of innovative building solutions, recently reaffirmed its ZIP System^® wall sheathing and ZIP System^® tape as the premier air barrier assembly for builders. As the state of Georgia prepares to make performance codes even stricter by requiring blower door testing on homes to accurately measure energy performance, builders are turning to ZIP System wall sheathing. Recent blower door tests conducted on a number of homes in Georgia using ZIP System wall sheathing resulted in scores of approximately 5 air changes per hour (ACH) or less, which confirms the home’s superior performance and energy efficiency.

“Builders are already beginning to acknowledge these new requirements and are turning to ZIP System sheathing to achieve lower ACH measurements and an overall tighter home.”

“In the past, builders had a variety of more lenient performance inspection options to determine the compliance of a home. Expected changes later this year will require all builders in Georgia to conduct a blower door test and receive a performance score below 7 ACH, which is accepted by code,” stated Ken Hix, Director of Codes and Standards for Huber Engineered Woods. “Builders are already beginning to acknowledge these new requirements and are turning to ZIP System sheathing to achieve lower ACH measurements and an overall tighter home.”

The ZIP System wall sheathing with a built-in water-resistive barrier is a structural wall panel, moisture barrier and air barrier all-in-one, providing a tight building envelope and superior moisture resistance during and after the construction. The Department of Energy recognizes that air barriers help prevent air leakage in homes, which can account for 30 percent or more of a home’s heating and cooling costs. The ZIP System^® tape gun is used to install both the roof and wall products with the ZIP System tape, which provides moisture resistance for seams, valleys and ridges, can help reduce air leaks as recommended by the Seal and Insulate with the ENERGY STAR^® effort, and is code recognized as window and door flashing tape when used with ZIP System wall sheathing (ESR-2227).

“Builders’ growing interest in environmentally-friendly building standards and government stimulus money are driving adoption rates of more modern energy codes across the country,” stated Allen Sealock, Product Technology Manager for Huber Engineered Woods. “By using ZIP System wall sheathing on a home, builders can meet energy code requirements in Georgia, while also working toward recognition from ENERGY STAR^®, LEED^®, the NAHB National Green Building Standard™ and other certifications.”

For more information on ZIP System wall sheathing, visit www.zipsystem.com.

About Huber Engineered Woods

Huber Engineered Woods LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation, a diversified, multinational supplier of engineered materials, natural resources and technology-based services to markets ranging from paper and energy to construction. An innovative building solution provider for the housing market, Huber Engineered Woods offers such specialty products as AdvanTech^® flooring and sheathing, as well as the new ZIP System^® wall and ZIP System^® roof products. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Huber Engineered Woods has manufacturing operations in Maine, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee and Oklahoma, as well as research and development facilities in Georgia. Huber Engineered Woods also serves industrial markets with products for door manufacturers and the transportation industry. For more information, visit www.huberwood.com.