Dow SIS out (?), Huber Zip System R in (?)

[ThingOfBeauty]

I heard last week that Dow is ending production of its Structural Insulated Sheathing (SIS) product, and got an email today from our rep confirming that rumor.
They say the product performed fine but Dow is closing the factory where it is made for business reasons. The email also said they are working with another company who may start producing it.
We never used it for a few reasons, but I know a bunch of people who thought it was great.

Meanwhile I know Huber is testing an OSB-laminated-with-foam product called Zip System R.
Anyone had a chance to try it? My gut is it seems like a better product than SIS but only time will tell that I suppose.

[Dutchman]

Haven't used it but I wonder why it says this in their installation manual:

"ZIP System R-6 Sheathing products are not recommended for
manufactured housing applications that are built under a federal
building code administered by the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD)."

[charles]

Do I understand correctly that these similar products are to be installed in opposite manner? I.e. SIS installed with insulation outward, ZIP R with insulation inward?

[JayNos]

Do I understand correctly that these similar products are to be installed in opposite manner? I.e. SIS installed with insulation outward, ZIP R with insulation inward?

I don't think SIS had a non insulation component. Reflective backing goes to the inside.

[ThingOfBeauty]

Charles, you have it right.
Huber Zip R is OSB outside with a foam layer that applies on the inside.
Dow SIS is a layer of that waxed-cardboard sheathing material (Thermoply or Energy Brace) with a layer of foam on the outside.

[Yeocomico]

I am using some zip wall now, so was interested in noting the new insulated stuff. I checked and the 1 inch product only has an R 3.6 value. Doesn't seem like a huge gain. I wonder what the advantage over the plain is, other than thermal bridging. I guess something is better than nothing. I would wonder whether the 1.5 inch material starts to loose some rigidity, since there would be almost an inch gap between the osb and the wall.
I am using spray in foam with mine, so air gap is not an issue. Would there be some advantage to having an inch of foam inside of the OSB to prevent condensation?

[Yeocomico]

<<Would there be some advantage to having an inch of foam inside of the OSB to prevent condensation? >> I mean in conventional framing with fiberglass batts.

[calvert]

<<Would there be some advantage to having an inch of foam inside of the OSB to prevent condensation? >> I mean in conventional framing with fiberglass batts.

Right concept, just a matter of how much foam and how humid (winter) a structure. 1" might be enough south of Mason Dixon line ...maybe not enough north of it.