LAS VEGAS, Nev., January 20, 2009 – Dow Building Solutions announced that its award-winning STYROFOAM SIS™ Brand Structural Insulated Sheathing is now available across the U.S.  Previewed at last year’s IBS, STYROFOAM SIS has won praise from builders who typically use wood sheathing and housewrap, because STYROFOAM SIS allows them to obtain structure, water-resistance and insulation in a single product. Dow will display the product at its booth # C6313 and at Show Village, during the International Builders’ Show (IBS), January 20-23 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“STYROFOAM SIS is a unique, game-changing product for builders who are struggling to balance cost-cutting measures with increasing code changes and the demand for more energy efficient homes,” said John Hammer, residential market manager, North America, Dow Building Solutions. “STYROFOAM SIS makes it easier for builders to satisfy all of these needs. With the newly-published ICC ES code report and production capacity in place, the timing is right for Dow to roll out the product at IBS 2009.”
New ICC ES Report Published
ICC ES recently published code report ESR-2436 for STYROFOAM SIS™, which describes the product’s use as insulated structural wall sheathing for conventional, light-frame wood construction as braced wall panels, and as structural sheathing for continuously sheathed braced walls, both when used in accordance with specified sections in the report. The report also confirms STYROFOAM SIS panels may be used to resist transverse wind loads, and are an alternative to the water-resistive barrier specified in IBC Section 1403.2 and IRC Section R703.2. In attic areas, the ICC ES report states, STYROFOAM SIS may be installed on the exterior face of the exterior wall framing without an ignition barrier on the interior side of the wall framing. (Report Number – 2436).
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New Installation Options and FacerÂ
STYROFOAM SIS can be fastened with nails or staples, giving builders the option to choose, depending on their preference. In addition, a new, bright BLUE™ facer features easy-to-understand pictorials that demonstrate the four steps to installation, with captions in English, Spanish and French, as well as details on correct fastener size and other useful tips. The facer is also printed with hash marks to indicate the recommended nail/staple pattern, for fastening in accordance with ICC-ES instructions.
About STYROFOAM SIS™ Brand Structural Insulated Sheathing
STYROFOAM SIS™ Brand Structural Insulated Sheathing is a first-of-its-kind residential wall system that combines the structural and water-resistive properties of wood sheathing and housewrap, with the added benefit of insulation. Now available across the US, the three-in-one solution enables architects and builders to easily integrate energy-efficient design into usual building practices. STYROFOAM SIS is up to 80 percent post-consumer content (by weight) and is ENERGY STAR-qualified. It is estimated to reduce the average homeowner’s energy bills by $200 to $500 [1] each year and can help builders earn credits in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program and NAHB’s National Green Building Program. Learn more at www.dowsis.com
About Dow Building Solutions
Dow Building Solutions (DBS) collaborates with builders, architects and remodelers, applying its expertise in building science to develop practical solutions that improve energy efficiency; protect against wind, rain and moisture; and contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Its 60-year legacy of providing energy-saving solutions began with the launch of its flagship STYROFOAM™ Brand Insulation, and the DBS portfolio has since grown to include some of the most trusted brands used in residential and commercial building projects around the globe. Visit www.dowbuildingsolutions.com.
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About Dow
With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element” to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.
More information about STYROFOAM SIS Structural Insulated Sheathing is available at www.dowsis.com. For further information, please contact Jan McKinnon, business communications manager, The Dow Chemical Company, at (519) 339-5028, jmckinnon@dow.com or Marissa Peterson, account supervisor, Gibbs & Soell Public Relations, at (212) 697-2600, mpeterson@gibbs-soell.com
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[1] Depending on the heating/cooling system, geographical location, energy costs, wall assembly configuration and thickness of insulation installed.
