Why Jake Bruton Trusts ZIP System^® Sheathing and Tape for Airtight, Reliable Builds

For over 40 years, Aarow Building has been at the forefront of quality construction in Kansas City and Columbia, Missouri. Chief Builder Jake Bruton has been part of the team since 1993, watching the industry evolve and adapting to new building science advancements. One of the most significant changes for Aarow Building came in 2012, when they first started using ZIP System sheathing and tape.

The Shift to ZIP System

Like many builders, Aarow Building initially relied on traditional house wrap for water management. However, they noticed gaps in performance particularly in achieving adequate control over the indoor environment. "We weren’t providing the level of indoor environment control our clients needed," Jake recalls. "Our house wrap wasn’t delivering the water control we expected, and once we started focusing on air control, we realized house wrap was making things unnecessarily complex."

This realization led Aarow Building to experiment with ZIP System sheathing and tape. The immediate improvement in both water and air control made the transition an easy choice. After using the standard 7/16” ZIP System sheathing for a few projects, they moved to ZIP System R-sheathing panels in 2013, despite the challenge of sourcing it in the Midwest at the time.

Why ZIP System Remains the Go-To Choice

Over a decade later, ZIP System sheathing and tape remains a staple in Aarow Building’s projects. "It’s simple: ZIP System performs as promised," Jake states. "Huber has consistently delivered on their commitments, and we’ve seen the results firsthand."

The durability, ease of installation, and integrated weather-resistant barrier provide long-term benefits without added complications. Builders working with ZIP System products appreciate not only the performance but also the streamlined process of achieving a tight, energy-efficient building envelope.

Check out below how Jake puts ZIP System to use prior to siding.

Advice for First-Time Users

For those new to ZIP System products, Jake has a straightforward recommendation: "Follow the installation instructions. Huber offers a robust library of online manuals and technical resources that cover almost any question you might have. Once you complete your first project with ZIP System, the benefits become clear."

For more helpful tips from Jake, check out his Instagram and YouTube as well as his contributions to the Build Show.

Would Jake Recommend ZIP System?

Absolutely. "When a product consistently delivers without complications, recommending it is easy," Jake says. "ZIP System has never let us down, and I’ve been recommending it for years."

The Power of Simplicity

At its core, the reason Jake and his team continue using ZIP System comes down to simplicity. "The best products are those with a minimal learning curve, ones that can bridge language barriers, different skill levels, and still perform flawlessly. ZIP System embodies this idea. The concept is straightforward, the engineering is sound, and the science behind it isn’t overcomplicated."

For Aarow Building, ZIP System sheathing and tape aren’t just a choice...they’re a no-brainer. "With years of proven performance, it’s a product you can trust."

Interested in learning more about how ZIP System products can improve your build?

Visit huberwood.com to explore the full range of solutions.