Dow Offers Sneak Preview of First-to-Market Builder Solution at IBS 2008

New STYROFOAM SIS™ Saves Builders and Homeowners Time and Money

Orlando, FL - February 11, 2008

Dow Building Solutions (DBS), a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, will provide IBS attendees with a sneak preview of an industry first that will change the future of building envelope construction.  All new STYROFOAM SIS™ Brand Structural Insulated Sheathing is a three-in-one solution that combines structural shear bracing, insulation and water-resistive barrier protection in one convenient product.  STYROFOAM SIS is lightweight and saves builders time and labor costs by allowing them to complete three steps in one pass around the house, while eliminating the need for OSB and T-bracing or wood let-in bracing.  At the same time, this innovative product will help consumers reduce their energy consumption and improve moisture management.

“Builders who have piloted this product for us on a regional basis have been extremely enthusiastic about our ability to provide a single product that performs three functions very well, is easy to install and saves time and money,” said John Hammer, North American residential market manager, Dow Building Solutions.  “The International Builders’ Show is a perfect opportunity to give more builders a first-hand look at STYROFOAM SIS and we look forward to rolling out its distribution nationwide later in 2008.”

STYROFOAM SIS™ is the industry’s first structural insulated sheathing to meet building code regulations for racking shear (a measurement of strength) while also achieving significant R-values* (insulating properties). To ensure the water-resistive barrier properties of STYROFOAM SIS sheathing and complete the envelope of protection, Dow Building Solutions recommends that all joints be taped with WEATHERMATE™ Construction Tape or covered with WEATHERMATE™ or WEATHERMATE™ Plus housewrap with taped seams.  When installed as a water-resistive barrier, STYROFOAM SIS™ also reduces air infiltration which accounts for approximately 40 percent of heating and cooling costs for a home according to the U.S. Department of Energy.  These insulating and air barrier properties help meet new energy-efficiency codes and credits and lower homeowners’ heating and cooling costs, while enhancing indoor comfort year-round.

STYROFOAM SIS is lightweight and easy to install, weighing less than 16 pounds per 4’ x 8’ board, compared to approximately 45 pounds for OSB and it is made with up to 80 percent post-consumer recycled content.  In fact, using STYROFOAM SIS can help buildings qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits.**

“Builders need cost effective solutions. They are getting squeezed between structural codes and tougher energy codes.  In addition, builders are under increasing pressure to create structures that are energy efficient and reduce environmental impact,” said Hammer. “At the same time, building products need to be easy to work with, fast to install and meet conventional construction techniques.  Dow is committed to helping meet these challenges with innovative new products like STYROFOAM SIS that can reduce wall system costs and prevent energy loss in the finished building.” 

STYROFOAM SIS™ is currently being previewed at IBS and is available by limited, regional distribution.  Nationwide distribution will be available later this year.  For more information about STYROFOAM SIS sheathing, visit the Dow booth at IBS 2008, Booth #W2543, or go to www.insulateyourhome.com

About STYROFOAM™

Recognized by its distinctive BLUE™ color, STYROFOAM™ Brand Insulation helps provide year-round comfort and energy savings through its excellent water resistance, high insulation value and high compressive strength. Available in a wide variety of sizes and thickness, it can be found in almost any insulating application, from rooftops to basements/foundations and all areas in between.

About Dow

®™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
* R means resistance to heat flow.  The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.
**LEED is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council

For Editorial Information:

Jan McKinnon
The Dow Chemical Company
+1 519 339 5028

Elizabeth McDonnell
Gibbs & Soell, Inc.
+1 212 697 2600
emcdonnell@gibbs-soell.com