Building for Any Climate: Why Aron Jones Relies on ZIP System^® Sheathing on Grand Manan Island

When you’re building in a high-wind, coastal environment like Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick, Canada, durability and efficiency aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential. That’s why Aron Jones, a seasoned builder and owner of Big Dog Construction, has made ZIP System^® sheathing and R-sheathing his go-to choice for creating airtight, weathertight, and code-compliant homes, no matter the conditions.

One Step to a Stronger, More Resilient Build

For Aron, the biggest advantage of ZIP System R-sheathing is its all-in-one approach. “When I’m framing, I can lay down a 4x8 sheet, tape the seams and in two steps, I’ve got my continuous exterior insulation, my air control layer, my water control layer, and my structure,” he explains. “That’s 32 square feet done, just like that.”

Check out this video for the time comparison.

With traditional house wrap, builders often must deal with multiple steps—applying sheathing, adding an air barrier, installing a weather-resistant barrier, and making sure everything stays intact in harsh weather. ZIP System eliminates those extra layers of work while providing excellent performance. “It doesn’t blow off in high winds. If I don’t get to siding for three months, ZIP System sheathing doesn’t care. Meanwhile, a conventional house wrap would be shredded and flapping in the wind, and I’d have to waste time fixing it before I could move on.”

Seamless Protection from Walls to Roof

The same durability and efficiency apply to the entire structure. “When we move up to the roofline, it’s the same thing,” Aron says. “I put it down, and I automatically manage for water and structure. If I tape my seams on the roof, I’m rough-dried in ahead of time.” That means even if unpredictable weather rolls in, Aron’s projects stay protected.

On the inside, he takes the same approach with AdvanTech^® X-Factor subflooring. “By putting X-Factor down on the floor during the build and taping the seams, I immediately reduce the moisture load on the building during construction,” he says. “It keeps bulk water out and gives me a dry, solid surface to work on. It also means I don’t have to waste rain days waiting for the floor to dry out.”

Made for Harsh Environments

Building in the Canadian Maritimes comes with its own set of challenges, from heavy storms to extreme temperature shifts. Aron needs materials that will not only meet the code but exceed expectations in a tough climate.

“Any mechanically fastened house wrap doesn’t survive in my market,” he says. “The wind shreds it. But ZIP System sheathing stays put. I never have to fix it before siding.” That reliability saves time and money while ensuring every home he builds stands up to the elements.

Beyond just the products, Aron values the support that comes with using Huber Engineered Woods’ systems. “Their technical reps are some of the most knowledgeable I’ve met. They don’t just understand the products—they understand building science. If I have a question, I can call, and I get the information I need fast.” You can also email your questions to techquestions@huber.com.

A Recommendation Built on Experience

Aron isn’t just recommending ZIP System sheathing to others—he trusts it on his own home. “I would never recommend something I wouldn’t use myself,” he says. “ZIP System sheathing is a high-performance option that works in my climate, my region, and my building code. I’d recommend it to anybody.”

For builders looking to improve efficiency and durability, Aron has one piece of advice: “Check out the resources Huber provides. Read the installation instructions, watch the content from experienced installers, and you’ll see how easy it is to integrate ZIP System products into your builds. Once you use it, you won’t look back.”

Click this link to try ZIP System out for yourself.

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