With the rebate Huber is giving on the Zip Wall, I am going to use it. All the research I've done via internet forums has been positive, alot of it from contractors. Around here, I see the Zip Wall being used on most of the new stuff.
My main builder says it sounds great to him, quicker and better than the Tyvek route.
Haven't decided about the Zip Roof system, but we are hiring the roof out, so it will probably be the conventional materials.

I used both the zip wall and roof system on my new home, and with the first time user rebates they have, the cost makes it a no brainer. Spend the extra money on additional insulation or air sealing.

Check comments on past thread.

I'm inclined to DOW SIS or XPS backed by OSB on my next personal home. ZIP is not available in my area.

Interestingly, I am seeing in-fill custom builders here and there eschewing housewrap altogether and just using felt under brick. In a Fine Homes article in 2006, Paul Fisette, director of building materials and wood technology at the University of Massachusetts, says he would build his own home that way.

As a small builder, I find carpenters (who apply the housewrap) have only a vague idea about proper application. And no matter what you tell them, you go off-site and they put it on like they've done in their last project--slap dash in bits and pieces and left flapping in the wind.

Unless housewrap is a requirement of the architect/designer, I'll never use it again, except where it is Code required.

Worthy, so glad to read that. Housewrap was not used on my house, and I have found myself worrying if a mistake was made. Apparently, it is not required here.

Good old fashioned 30# saturated felt with the proper flashings/drainage planes have been done for a very long time and has proven to be reliable and one of the "old school" methods that still works today.

On many remodels and repairs of period homes where felt was used as an underlayment, it's remarkable the condition it's in after all them years. Many new techniques have come out to replace and better older methods, but felt as an underlayment isn't one of them, imo.

They have bettered it on stucco/lath applications out here by using a double ply felt, but it's still good ol' felt!

Just wanted to add the link with Paul Fisette's counterpoint view on housewraps.

What rebate are you guys referring to? Government or manufacturer?

Log Siding?

Here is a link that might be useful: Log siding pictures.

The most important aspects of the design of a wall is the climate, then how the interior spaces will be conditioned, how moisture will be controlled and then consider the structural requirements, cost and compatibility. You can't just start comparing materials; you need to establish the performance criteria for the whole system then select the materials.

mightyanvil
I will have a geothermal system. I don't really understand your response. What do you mean by performance criteria?

If you are worried about moisture control you need to tell us what the climate is.

climate 4. Ohio valley moderate to cold winter/ hazy/ hot and humid summers. I will most likely use biobased open cell foam. Geothermal HVAC.