What Is the Difference Between Halo Exterra and Zip Sheathing?

Share this story!

What is the difference between Halo Exterra and ZIP Sheathing?

Halo Exterra are rigid foam board insulation panels that feature a graphite polystyrene (GPS) foam core that is laminated on both sides with a layer of perforated polypropylene film. Halo Exterra panels marry a water-resistive barrier (WRB) to continuous exterior insulation, eliminating thermal bridging as well as the step of adding a separate layer of house wrap.

Halo Exterra
Exterra Product Section
Zip Sheathing

ZIP System panels are made up of OSB wood structural sheathing with an exterior facer of medium density phenolic-impregnated polymer-modified material. ZIP system sheathing marries the water-resistive barrier (WRB) to the wood sheathing, eliminating the step of adding a separate layer of house wrap.

Halo Exterra Used With Zip Sheathing Corner Bracing

For more information on this detail, visit our post “Fully Sheathed or Braced Exterior Walls?”

So when seam taped, both products eliminate the need for a separate layer of house wrap. Halo Exterra does it as you install a layer of rigid continuous insulation, ZIP System does it as you install the wood sheathing.

Halo Exterra: How-To Install
About the author:
President, Logix Brands Ltd.