Huber Engineered Woods

Huber makes the building materials contractors reach for when standard products won’t cut it — magnesium oxide panels that deliver fire ratings without multiple gypsum layers, integrated sheathing systems that eliminate housewrap, and specialty tapes designed for Montana’s temperature extremes.

EXACOR MgO Panels and ZIP System Innovation

EXACOR MgO panels deliver the fire ratings commercial contractors need without the labor headache of multi-layer gypsum. These magnesium-oxide sheathing panels hit Class A surface burning ratings with embedded fiberglass mesh reinforcement. The real value shows up in multifamily and commercial work where fire-rated assemblies eat into budgets and timelines.

The panels carry serious density at 2.7 pounds per square foot — heavier than standard sheathing but lighter than comparable fire-rated assemblies. Montana contractors dealing with freeze-thaw cycles appreciate the moisture resistance. EXACOR hits STC ratings of 57-60 and IIC ratings of 50-56, solving sound transmission between units without additional layers.

ZIP System changed the game by combining structural sheathing with integrated water-resistive barrier. No more housewrap flapping in the wind or tearing on nail heads. The panels carry Structural 1 ratings for high-wind zones with air infiltration rates of ≤0.037 L/s·m² at 75 Pa. That’s tight enough to meet the strictest energy codes without additional air sealing.

Specification	ZIP System	Source
Exposure Rating	180 days	manufacturer
Vapor Permeance	12-24 perms	manufacturer
Temperature Range (tape)	0°F to 120°F	manufacturer
Panel Thicknesses	7/16”, 1/2”, 5/8”	manufacturer
Span Ratings	24/16 to 40/20	manufacturer

High-Temperature Underlayment and Liquid Flash Solutions

Montana’s metal roofs demand underlayment that won’t fail when summer sun hits dark steel. ZIP’s high-temp peel-and-stick handles 260°F service temperatures versus 180°F for standard versions. That 80-degree difference matters when you’re installing standing seam over south-facing slopes in July.

The 40-mil thickness provides 200 square feet coverage per roll at 51 pounds. Vapor permeance stays at ≤0.05 perms, creating a true vapor barrier. Works down to 2:12 pitch with 120-day exposure rating. The embedded pull-cord splits the liner on demand — genius feature when you’re working on a steep roof in wind.

ZIP Liquid Flash fills the gaps tape can’t reach. Window sills, pipe penetrations, irregular flashings — anywhere water finds a way. The STPE polymer bonds to damp or dry substrates with visual thickness confirmation when substrate disappears. Tack-free in 20-40 minutes means you’re not waiting around.

Specification	Liquid Flash	Source
Target Thickness	12 mil	manufacturer
Tack Free Time	20-40 minutes	manufacturer
Full Cure	≥4 hours at 12 mil	manufacturer
Temperature Range	35°F to 110°F	manufacturer
Vapor Permeance	23-24 perms at 15 mil	tested
Compliance	AAMA 714-15	third-party

Three packaging options match job scale: 10.3 oz covers three window sills, 20 oz handles six, 29 oz does nine. The math’s simple — one ounce per linear foot of sill flashing.

The Bottom Line

Huber built their reputation on AdvanTech subflooring and ZIP System sheathing, but their expansion into fire-rated assemblies and specialized flashings shows where the market’s heading. Commercial contractors need single-source solutions that speed installation while meeting code.

The company runs as a sixth-generation family business under J.M. Huber Corporation, focusing on engineered wood systems for roofs and walls. Their 125-year commitment to safety and quality shows in products engineered for real jobsite conditions.

Skip EXACOR if you’re doing simple residential framing — it’s overkill. But for multifamily projects where fire ratings and sound transmission matter, the labor savings justify the premium. Same with ZIP System — the integrated WRB saves a full installation step, but only pays off if your crew understands proper taping technique.

The high-temp underlayment’s essential for metal roofing in climates with temperature swings. Standard underlayment softens and fails under hot metal. Liquid Flash solves real problems but requires learning new application techniques. Train your crew first.

FAQ

Q: What’s the actual thickness of ZIP Liquid Flash when properly applied?

The target thickness is 12 mils. You’ll know you’ve hit proper thickness when the substrate is no longer visible through the application. The product becomes tack-free in 20-40 minutes depending on temperature and humidity, reaching full cure at 12 mil thickness in approximately 4 hours under ideal conditions.

Q: Can ZIP high-temp underlayment handle Montana’s temperature extremes?

Yes. The high-temperature version maintains integrity up to 260°F — critical for metal roofing applications. The self-adhering rubberized asphalt membrane handles freeze-thaw cycles, and the 120-day exposure rating gives plenty of time before roofing installation. The ≤0.05 perm rating creates a true vapor barrier, and the material self-seals around fastener penetrations.

Q: How do EXACOR MgO panels compare to traditional fire-rated assemblies?

EXACOR panels achieve Class A surface burning ratings in single-layer application versus multi-layer gypsum systems. The embedded fiberglass mesh provides structural reinforcement while maintaining fire resistance. At 2.7 lb/sq ft, they’re heavier than standard sheathing but eliminate the need for multiple installation passes required by traditional fire-rated assemblies.

Q: What makes ZIP System tape work in cold weather?

The tape maintains adhesion from 0°F to 120°F application temperatures — wider range than most competitive products. The acrylic adhesive technology bonds to the panel’s coating even in freezing conditions. Proper roller pressure remains critical for cold-weather application to ensure full adhesive contact.