My building superintendent called this AM saying the pink foam sprayed on the exterior walls is on back order from Owens Corning. He said they could get a blue foam with an equivalent R-value from the lumber yard.

It's my understanding these foams are more air-flow related on the exterior of the house with a very minimal R-value.

He didn't know much about the blue foam, only that "other builders use it".

Does anyone know the differences? He didn't know the manufacturer of the blue, only the pink they normally use. It would only be a 4 to 5 day delay on the home construction if I told him to just wait for what they normally use.

TIA

Ask him for the cutsheets (technical description) of the two. I bet they are pretty similar. I don't know details on this insulation, however.

Where is this at? That depends a lot on what sort of construction methods they're using. I would say no until you have the chance to compare the two materials yourself...

I've also never heard of using spray-foam on the exterior of the house here in TX. I thought they used rigid foam with a IR barrier, but more commonly, use OSB and housewrap on the outside, then use spray-foam before putting up drywall on the inside.

Thanks guys.

This is in Allen, TX, builder is Paul Taylor Homes.

I added the phrase "sprayed" and he only said "foam". When I heard him say foam I assumed it was a spray.

[This message has been edited by Adam Ag 98 (edited 5/27/2010 12:06p).]

I just told them to wait. It's only back ordered 4 or 5 days and I'd rather them install what they are doing everywhere else in the neighborhood especially since he wasn't completely familiar w/the alternative product.

Sounds like SIPS, where they install a rigid foam board between OSB or some other material to sandwich the insulation.

The blue foam is made by Dow. The pink foam is made by Owens Corning. They are both extruded polystyrene and there is virtually no difference between them. I sell both and use them interchangeably for my customers.

Owens Corning has had production issues for the last few months so a delay in getting the material is understandable.

Hey, Beerag, could you detail how it's used for those of us who are curious? I haven't personally seen that construction before.

Dow makes a good product. Use to sell insulation in my first job out of college, Owens Corning gets a lot due to name, but there are lots of companies out there that make a good product.

FYI, I dont use the foam at all. the R value is very low. Instead, I wrap all my homes with OSB. Not only does it give it some R value, but it strengthens the home and makes the siding go on easier and straighter.