U.S. Commercial U.S. Residential Canadian Commercial Canadian Residential Answer Center  
 
Printer-friendly View

Dow Building & Construction - Fact Sheet

Overview:

  • Dow Building & Construction (B&C), a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, offers a broad line of product solutions for the building envelope that address the issues most important to builders and home buyers, including: energy efficiency, moisture resistance, durability, and cost.
  • Energy loss and moisture management are two of the most costly issues facing homeowners today. An investment in insulated sheathing pays for itself by reducing energy loss and lowering energy bills.
  • Dow has developed proprietary technology that enables its STYROFOAM™-brand insulation to be used in conjunction with leading edge concrete construction methods (both precast and poured in place technologies), enabling the construction of extremely energy efficient homes that better withstand the forces of hurricanes, tornados and wildfires (when compared with traditional wood frame construction).
  • Dow B&C has a 60-year history in the building & construction industry, a legacy that began with the launch of its flagship STYROFOAM-brand insulation.
  • Dow's rigid foam insulation is manufactured with a closed-cell structure and maintains a stable R-value** over time. It is also lightweight, easy to handle, is easily and quickly installed, and carries a 15-year thermal warranty.
  • Backed by the science and technology of The Dow Chemical Company, the world's largest chemical company, Dow B&C is constantly evaluating new and novel solutions to better meet the needs of today, while addressing the emerging needs and demands of tomorrow.

Products:

STYROFOAM Residential Sheathing

  • STYROFOAM Residential Sheathing is an extruded polystyrene foam insulation board with a plastic film on both sides. It is lightweight, making it easy to handle and its thin plastic film coating enables it to withstand abuse during shipping and on the job site.
  • With an R-Value of approximately 3.0 per one-half inch, using STYROFOAM Residential Sheathing extruded polystyrene insulation on exterior walls boosts the performance of the entire insulation system. When installed in the correct configuration, rigid foam insulation directly over studs can reduce air infiltration better than housewrap over wood panel sheathing such as OSB.
  • STYROFOAM Residential Sheathing is inherently resistant to moisture, which can wreak havoc on other building materials such as cavity insulation, drywall, wood framing and OSB or plywood sheathing. STYROFOAM Residential Sheathing acts as a barrier against wind-driven moisture penetrating a wall system and moderates the temperature in a wall cavity, reducing the potential for moisture accumulation.
  • Uses: Recommended for wall sheathing over studs or over non-insulating sheathing like OSB or plywood in residential applications.
  • Building Requirements: STYROFOAM Residential Sheathing meets IBC/IRC requirements for foam plastic insulations.

THERMAX™ Sheathing

  • THERMAX Sheathing (polyisocyanurate) insulation is a durable, easy-to-install, non-structural, rigid board insulation consisting of a glass fiber-reinforced foam core laminated between pinhole-free aluminum foil facers.
  • The unique composition of THERMAX insulation/finish boards improves fire resistance and dimensional stability. Strong facers help the boards hold up at framing members.
  • A thermal barrier, like drywall, is not required to separate THERMAX boards from the interior of the building.
  • THERMAX Sheathing's R-value of 6.5 per inch offers high insulating value.
  • Uses: New frame wall construction behind siding or other compatible finishes, interior basement applications, exposed installation in attics and the interior side of basement walls and crawl space walls without a thermal barrier.
  • Building requirements: THERMAX Sheathing complies with property requirements ASTM C 1289, Type 1, Class 2 and meets IBC/IRC requirements for foam plastic insulations.

STYROFOAM PERIMATE™

  • STYROFOAM PERIMATE is an extruded polystyrene foam insulation board with patented dovetail grooves cut into one face of the board and shiplap treatment on the long edges.
  • STYROFOAM PERIMATE has an R-value of 7 per 1.5 inches. Its closed cell structure resists water pickup and when installed on the exterior of basement walls, it provides insulation, which reduces the potential for condensation, protects the waterproofing membrane, and helps channel water drainage away from the foundation complementing damp proofing or waterproofing.
  • Uses: Recommended for exterior basement walls in residential applications.
  • Building Requirements: STYROFOAM PERIMATE complies with ASTM C 578 Type IV and meets IBC/IRC requirements for foam plastic insulation.

STYROFOAM DURAMATE™ Plus

  • STYROFOAM DURAMATE Plus is the strongest extruded polystyrene sheathing manufactured by Dow. Although lightweight and easy-to-use, an extra-tough laminated film on both sides of the board helps it stand up to shipping and job site abuse.
  • STYROFOAM DURAMATE Plus offers superior insulating power with an R-Value of 3.0 per one-half inch.
  • Installed over studs or non-insulating sheathing like OSB or plywood, STYROFOAM DURAMATE Plus insulation reduces thermal bridging and air infiltration, two of the leading causes of energy loss. In addition, it helps improve the performance of the wall assembly by keeping the wall cavity warmer to reduce potential condensation and resisting moisture.
  • Uses: Recommended for wall sheathing over studs or over non-insulating sheathings like OSB or plywood in residential applications.
  • Building Requirements: STYROFOAM DURAMATE Plus meets IBC/IRC requirements for foam plastic insulation.

STYROFOAM SCOREBOARD™

  • STYROFOAM SCOREBOARD is an extruded polystyrene foam insulation board with square edges on all four sides. It offers high moisture resistance and durability in foundation and basement insulations.
  • SCOREBOARD is scored at 16" centers across the width of the board which makes it easy to snap into convenient widths without cutting.
  • The product has an R-Value of 5.0 per 1-inch reducing energy loss.
  • Uses: Recommended for residential foundation insulation applications.
  • Building Requirements: STYROFOAM SCOREBOARD complies with ASTM C 578 Type IV and meets IBC/IRC requirements for foam insulation.

STYROFOAM Tongue and Groove

  • STYROFOAM Tongue and Groove extruded polystyrene insulation is a foam insulation board with tongue and groove edges on the long sides of the boards. It is lightweight, easy to install, offers exceptional moisture resistance and has a high compressive strength, making it ideal for ceiling, foundation and wall applications.
  • The tongue-and-groove edge treatment makes the product effective against air infiltration, one of the leading causes of energy loss in a home. When installed in the correct configuration, rigid foam insulation directly over studs can reduce air infiltration better than housewrap over wood panel sheathing such as OSB.
  • STYROFOAM Tongue and Groove is available in a variety of thicknesses and has an R-value of 5.0 per inch. Its closed-cell structure enables it to resist moisture, so it maintains a stable R-value over time.
  • Uses: It is primarily used for exterior walls, over studs or over non-insulating sheathing like OSB or plywood; for interior walls, over concrete block; for ceilings, cathedral, vaulted or flat ceilings and finished attics; for exterior and interior foundation walls and crawl spaces.
  • Building Requirements: STYROFOAM Tongue and Groove complies with ASTM C 578 Type IV and meets IBC/IRC requirements for foam plastic insulation.

STYROFOAM WALLMATE™

  • STYROFOAM WALLMATE is an extruded polystyrene insulation board designed as a quick, easy-to-install, and durable option for insulating and finishing the interior of basement walls.
  • It is moisture-resistant, durable and lightweight.
  • It features slotted edges on the long sides of the boards that when butted together form a space between the boards that accommodates a wood nailing strip. Drywall is installed over the wood nailing strips.
  • STYROFOAM WALLMATE has an R-value of 5.0 per inch and resists moisture helping to keep the basement warm and dry.
  • Uses: Insulating and finishing of interior basement walls.
  • Building Requirements: STYROFOAM WALLMATE complies with ASTM C 578 Type X and meets IBC/IRC requirements for foam plastic insulation.

STURDY-R™

  • STURDY-R is one of the strongest, most damage resistant foam sheathings available. It has a patented high-performance polyisocyanurate foam core with proprietary fiberglass facers. These fiberglass facers are strongly bonded to the foam core giving STURDY-R exceptional strength and making it the best choice when durability is the primary consideration.
  • STURDY-R insulation is lightweight and easy to cut to specific shapes and sizes. A range of available thicknesses and board sizes enables energy-efficient designs at low material cost. It is also produced in a wide range of R-Values to fit builders' specific needs.
  • As with all insulated sheathings, STURDY-R covers the entire wall surface, not just the area between the studs, providing comprehensive insulation coverage thereby reducing energy costs.
  • As a rigid substrate, STURDY-R can be used for nearly any type of siding. It is easy and cost-efficient to install under most exterior claddings and provides a smooth, strong base for residing.
  • Uses: Recommended for wall sheathing in residential applications.
  • Building Requirements: STURDY-R complies with ASTM C 1289 Type II, Class 2 and meets IBC/IRC requirements for foam plastic insulation.

Super TUFF-R™

  • Super TUFF-R polyisocyanurate insulation combines strength and R-value to deliver one of the most durable insulation products offered today. It is ideal for builders who need insulation that stands up to the rigors of shipping and harsh job site conditions while at the same time delivering energy savings for the homeowner.
  • Super TUFF-R has a patented, high-performance foam core with patented three-ply poly/aluminum foil facers laminated to the core, giving exceptional durability. The facers enable the foam R-value to stabilize at higher levels. One side is blue and does not reflect heat. The other side is a reflective foil to provide radiant barrier qualities. The facers combine for stiffness, durability, handling ease, superior R-value and vapor diffusion retarder properties that reduce water and water vapor infiltration.
  • Super TUFF-R insulation reduces air infiltration through the wall by covering cracks between framing members and sealing tightly against the studs.
  • The Super Tri-Plex facer provides a durable surface that can be nailed, stapled or glued. It is ideal for brick, stone, aluminum, vinyl, wood, composite and fiber-cement applications.
  • Super TUFF-R is available in one-half (1/2"); three-quarters (3/4") and one-inch (1") thicknesses to meet various design needs.
  • Uses:
    • New frame wall construction behind masonry and siding
    • Interior retrofit of existing walls under a new interior finish of one-half inch (1/2" minimum) gypsum board, or equivalent, thermal barrier
    • Exterior retrofit of existing walls under new exterior sidings
    • Underlayment beneath roof shingles, over roof decks and in cathedral ceilings
  • Building Requirements: Super TUFF-R insulation complies with ASTM C 1289, Type I, Class 2 and meet the IBC/IRC requirements for foam plastic insulation.

TUFF-R™

  • TUFF-R is a patented high-performance polyisocyanurate foam core with radiant barrier-quality aluminum foil facers on both sides (one side reinforced).
  • TUFF-R reduces water and vapor intrusion from the outside. First, it warms the wall cavity, reducing the potential for dew point condensation forming in the walls. Second, it acts as a component in a secondary drainage plane, allowing wind-driven rain to move quickly down the sheathing surface and out the bottom of the wall.
  • With a long-term R-Value of 6.5 per inch, TUFF-R offers the highest insulation value of any foam sheathing, translating to significant energy savings.
  • TUFF-R consists of one three-ply facer and one pure aluminum facer, and both are a radiant barrier quality reflective foil.
  • Uses:
    • New frame wall construction behind masonry and siding
    • Interior retrofit of existing walls under a new interior finish of one-half inch minimum gypsum board, or equivalent, thermal barrier
    • Exterior retrofit of existing walls under new exterior sidings
    • Underlayment beneath roof shingles, over roof decks and in cathedral ceilings
  • Building Requirements: TUFF-R complies with ASTM C 1289 Type 1, Class 1 and meets IBC/IRC requirements for foam plastic insulation.

STYROFOAM WEATHERMATE™ Plus

  • STYROFOAM WEATHERMATE Plus is a non-woven, non-perforated, polyolefin-based housewrap. It offers an effective option for builders who prefer non-insulated sheathing along with housewrap.
  • STYROFOAM WEATHERMATE Plus is translucent to allow clear view of studs and sheathing surfaces. More tear- and moisture-resistant, it also has lower air porosity than other non-woven, non-perforated wraps and can remain uncovered for 120 days.
  • The product forms a continuous protective membrane around a home, protecting walls from damaging bulk water and air infiltration.
  • Uses: Installed over exterior wall sheathing prior to installing windows.
  • Building Requirements: STYROFOAM WEATHERMATE Plus complies with ASTM C1677 Type I.

STYROFOAM WEATHERMATE

  • STYROFOAM WEATHERMATE is woven, perforated, polyolefin-based housewrap that is both tough and tear-resistant. It offers an effective option for builders who prefer to use non-insulating sheathing along with housewrap.
  • STYROFOAM WEATHERMATE housewrap, when installed over sheathing in residential wall construction, reduces costly air and moisture filtration. It covers cracks and gaps between sheets of wood panel sheathing and features microsize pores that allow vapor to escape from behind the housewrap.
  • STYROFOAM WEATHERMATE housewrap is translucent, giving builders a convenient, clear view of studs and the sheathing surface during installation. Microporous coatings on both sides of the fabric help it resist tears, punctures and exposure to sunlight so it can remain exposed for up to 60 days.
  • Uses: Installed over exterior wall sheathing prior to installing windows.
  • Building Requirements: STYROFOAM WEATHERMATE complies with ASTM C1677 Type II

STYROFOAM T-MASS™ POURED-IN-PLACE™

  • STYROFOAM T-MASS Poured-In-Place Technology incorporates STYROFOAM extruded polystyrene insulation with prefabricated "buttons," composite connectors and traditional concrete forms to create poured-in-place walls. The finished insulated concrete walls are conveniently cast on-site.
  • STYROFOAM Poured-In-Place Insulation System has an R-Value of 5.0 per inch and improves the energy efficiency of poured foundations by sandwiching the insulation between the concrete. This reduces the need for interior and exterior finishes that are typically required when foam insulation is exposed.
  • Any traditional poured-in-place concrete wall forms can be used with STYROFOAM T-MASS Technology. Once the concrete has cured and the forms are stripped, the finished product will be a wall that provides superior energy efficiency and extreme durability.
  • Uses: Insulation of concrete walls and foundations.
  • Building Requirements: T-MASS PIP systems are engineered to meet soil, wind and seismic conditions of the building site.

STYROFOAM T-MASS PRECAST

  • STYROFOAM T-MASS PRECAST is a T-MASS Technology that incorporates STYROFOAM extruded polystyrene insulation, composite connectors and concrete to create precast wall systems.
  • Sandwiched between layers of concrete, the STYROFOAM insulation core and composite connectors provide a solid, attractive, energy-efficient, durable wall that reduces moisture issues, air infiltration and unwanted sound while reducing construction and homeownership costs. Wall sections are precast for fast, easy, cost-effective installation.
  • PRECAST is a mass wall system that has the capability to store significant amounts of thermal energy, which delays heat transfer and allows a T-MASS wall with R-10 insulation to equal the thermal performance of a R-32 light frame wall, depending on the climatic zone.
  • PRECAST walls offer a wide range of choices for exterior or interior finishes. Exterior finishes include cast brick, siding, stucco, and stone. Depending on the design, the interior surface may only need a drywall treatment at panel joints and a coat of paint.
  • Uses: Precast wall system.
  • Building Requirements: T-MASS precast wall systems are engineered for the wind and seismic condition of the building site.

STYROFOAM Sill Seal Foam Gasket

  • STYROFOAM Sill Seal Gasket, a flexible polyethylene foam gasketing strip, is primarily used to reduce air infiltration between concrete foundation and sill plate or around windows. During installation, this gasket is compressed, sealing gaps between the foundation wall and sill plate or around windows, thus cutting heating and cooling costs.
  • STYROFOAM Sill Seal helps eliminate air leaks where the top of the foundation meets the frame wall sill plate. The top of the foundation is often irregular and not smooth, and a gap often develops at this junction. Up to 40 percent of a home's heat can be lost due to air infiltration, much of this through this gap, and while some products merely filter the air, STYROFOAM Sill Seal blocks it completely.
  • Uses: Recommended for residential applications, specifically for sealing the gap between the foundation and sill plate. STYROFOAM Sill Seal can also help fix almost any gap, joint, crack, or crevice in which air can enter and without it, homes are not truly sealed
  • Building Requirements: Not applicable.

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

®™* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow
**R-value means resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. R-values are expressed in ft2oho°F/Btu.