New Cold Weather Spray Foam for THERMAX™ Wall System Speeds Job-Site Construction
• Spray foam cures down to below-freezing temperature (30ºF)
• Fast-curing for more consistent foam thickness and quality
• Wall system meets "ci," air, moisture and fire requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2007, 2009 IBC/IECC and LEED 3.0
Midland, MI - November 09, 2009
THERMAX™ Wall System now makes spraying foam at below-freezing temperatures quicker and easier with a new, patent pending, cold-weather polyurethane spray foam. The winter formula means contractors in colder climates can spend less time waiting for warmer conditions. The fast-curing formula also offers greater application control and consistency than existing winter spray foams.
"With this new formula, the THERMAX™ Wall System not only extends the work season, but the work day too," says Doug Todd, commercial market manager, Dow Building Solutions, North America. "By spending less time waiting on the space heater, the contractor can get an earlier start and finish - so he can move to another job, and the next trade in sequence can begin."
The THERMAX™ Wall System is a new approach to steel-frame construction designed to dramatically improve energy efficiency by preventing the heat transfer and air leakage associated with traditional gypsum-and-batt wall assemblies. The system replaces cavity batts with 1.5 inches of insulating foam sealant and encloses the steel frame with 1.0" to 3.0" of continuous moisture-resistive, insulated sheathing. By creating a continuous shield against thermal bridging through steel studs, the THERMAX™ Wall System protects both the cavity and the stud, while also preventing air and moisture infiltration.
The Dow Difference
The new winter formula can be used at ambient temperatures of 30ºF to 70ºF and substrate temperatures of 30ºF to 60ºF. In the past, cold weather spray foams have had a tendency to run, which causes uneven curing within the cavity. This creates an inconsistent thickness and can result in cracks, splits and other defects that jeopardize building envelope performance and increase risk of call-backs.
"Dow's patent-pending formula has the right balance of chemistry and cure time," added Todd. "It stays where it's sprayed." This makes it easier for the contractor to quickly apply one or two even layers to achieve a uniform foam thickness.
Dow's patent pending cold weather spray foam for the THERMAX™ Wall System delivers the consistency, speed, accuracy and fire performance benefits that customers have come to expect of Dow's original spray foam, and is proven by Dow's rigorous product and wall assembly tests.
About Dow Building Solutions
Dow Building Solutions has a 60+ year legacy of providing energy saving solutions to the global commercial and residential construction industry, which began with the launch of its flagship STYROFOAM™ Brand Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam Insulation, one of the most recognized brands of insulation in the world. A market-facing business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, Dow Building Solutions offers building science expertise to help builders, designers, architects and home/building owners reduce energy costs and protect against wind, rain and moisture, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. More information about Dow Building Solutions can be found at www.dowbuildingsolutions.com
About Dow
For Editorial Information:
Kelly Chandler
The Dow Chemical Company
1-989-636-0351
Marissa Peterson
Gibbs & Soell Public Relations
1-212-697-2600
mpeterson@gibbs-soell.com