Beat the high cost of energy. Reinsulate when you renovate!

Why Reinsulate?

Moisture can come from many sources, including roof and foundation leaks, rain, humidity, HVAC systems and condensation. Moisture destroys a wall system's R-value and can cause huge energy loss in your home. Trapped moisture can damage the insulation, further reducing its long-term effectiveness.

  • The cost of energy has steadily increased over the years. Adding the right rigid foam insulation from Dow under new siding is a wise investment in long-term energy efficiency - and savings.
  • Between 1996 and 2007:
    • Personal income increased 56.3%
    • Home heating oil prices increased nearly 432%
    • Natural gas prices increased 492%
  • Home heating and cooling payments are the second largest portion of most household budgets (based on a 2000 survey by Cahners Residential Group and HousingZone.com.)
  • Insulation reduces air movement, condensation potential and energy loss.

Dow STYROFOAM&trade Rigid Foam Insulated Sheathing

  • Low moisture absorption (0.1% to 0.3%) versus the high rate of 3%-4% for EPS.
  • Stable, long-term thermal performance (R-3.8 at .75").
  • A water-based dye easily seeps between the gaps of EPS. The closed-cell structure of STYROFOAM extruded polystyrene insulation is impermeable to liquid.

Reduce Thermal Bridging

Without rigid foam insulation, heat moves easily through the uninsulated framing members.

Thermal energy is lost through uninsulated framing (yellow indicates highest heat loss).

Full coverage with insulated sheathing insulates the whole wall including framing.

  • Thermal bridging through wood framing members accounts for up to 25% of the energy loss in a typical home.
  • In a wall insulated with cavity insulation alone, heat moves easily through the uninsulated wood framing members, creating voids where energy is lost and moisture can accumulate.
  • Rigid foam insulation provides a continuous layer of thermal protection, covering framing and other areas cavity insulation can't reach. Rigid foam insulation from Dow reduces air infiltration and moderates the wall cavity temperature, thereby reducing the potential for moisture accumulation, mold and mildew within the wall assembly.