Zip-R Sheathing

[XR250]

http://www.huberwood.com/assets/user/library/ESR-3373_(Comb._06-2016).pdf

Has anyone here spec'ed this stuff? It is basically OSB with foam attached on the stud side so the fasteners must cantilever out thru the foam when loaded in shear.
They are getting 215 PLf of shear capacity with 10d commons spaced 3"/12" going thru 2" of foam. Wow, I would have never guessed that. I am skeptical enough that I have not endorsed this product on any of my jobs. I am also concerned since most framers use box nails and not common nails so the capacity will be less.
Also, it does not seem to be rated for portal frames.

Thoughts?

 

[EngineeringEric]

This stuff looks good on paper and in laboratory testing but the problem is it/job sites gets dirty. It doesn't work like they advertised. I have seen numerous problems with their joints after the building is in service. but that is the Architects problem

As for the shear panel... if they have the testing and the verified ICC reports i do not have any reason to doubt it. As for the nails... I can only do so much to help contractors who get in their own way. Specify a shank diameter and make it obvious on the plans (do not hide in a book spec). If they use the wrong nail then thats on them, same thing if a contractor wants to use the wrong grade bolt or the wrong size beam.

 

[calvinandhobbes10]

Done it multiple times. It's always been 7/16" plus 1" insulation for me.
It will be driven by Energy Code compliance and structural won't get veto power.
Had it added to a job at 95% last month. Requires us to adapt and get creative.

You won't have nearly the design flexibility as OSB/PW (only two nail spacings, for instance, and no opportunity to increase sheathing thickness). Use the interior GWB to help if you're wind-controlled, and add flat straps or get creative (propritary strong-frames, etc) where that doesn't work. I'd suggest using the perforated shearwall design method for this. Prescriptive designs like "portal frame" aren't intended for this product.

 

[XR250]

Unfortunately, I do not want to get creative! I prefer to keep using prescriptive requirements as they are easy and cheap. The additional fee for me getting creative will likely offset any cost advantages of using this product over adding foam on the outside. One of our local building science outfits also feels that the foam is really on the wrong side of this product anyway.

 

[XR250]

I am not sure this product is even rated for a perforated design. Only isolated WSP or shearwalls and has a min. width of 4 ft. and min. aspect ratio of 2:1.
Also, I guess we cannot count on the OSB holding down the top plate anymore or tying the wall to the floor band.
Sheesh!