15Owens Corning庐 FOAMULAR庐 NGX庐 250 Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Rigid Foam Insulation, a closed-cell, highly moisture-resistant foam board, can help boost homes鈥� energy efficiency by providing a layer of continuous insulation to the exterior to help reduce thermal bridging and increase the wall鈥檚 R-value. It鈥檚 also a necessity for meeting code in some jurisdictions.听
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But foam board insulation is still somewhat of an afterthought for many builders. Consider these strategies to help sell foam board products like聽.听
1. Ramp Up Product Knowledge
Make a point of knowing more about the products you sell than your customers do. Doing so can not only position you as a trusted resource and an extension of your customer鈥檚 team, but it can also help ensure your customers source the right materials the first time. It also will present more opportunities to potentially upsell. Reach out to your manufacturer sales reps for help; they can provide training sessions for your staff and your customers, literature, continuing education courses, and more.听
2. Understand Continuous Insulation
Similarly, it鈥檚 helpful to understand the category of continuous insulation and where and when it鈥檚 beneficial. Adding FOAMULAR 250 XPS insulation board provides an extra layer of insulation of R-5 per inch while reducing thermal bridging. XPS insulation can increase a home鈥檚 effective exterior wall R-value, helping homeowners save on energy costs.听
More importantly, continuous insulation is a key material for meeting more stringent wall R-value code requirements in some climate zones. The current version of the International Energy Conservation Code includes prescriptive requirements that, in some climate zones, can only be met by combining interior cavity insulation with a layer of exterior XPS insulation.听
For technical information on specifying and installing both residential and commercial continuous insulation, one resource is .听
3. Embrace the Industry鈥檚 Energy Direction
Code-required or not, many dealers are getting pushback from customers about the need for continuous insulation. But now is a good time to raise the question of 鈥渨hy鈥� they鈥檙e so resistant. The industry is increasingly headed in the direction of greater energy efficiency鈥攊ncluding net-zero homes and buildings鈥攂oth through codes and through the recognition that such goals save money in the long run. Builders who get on board now can differentiate themselves as well as better prepare for inevitable tighter standards to come. It can be daunting at first, but many pros see tremendous benefits and don鈥檛 look back.
4. Understand the Options and Where They Can Be Used
The applications for FOAMULAR 250 go far beyond traditional exterior foundation walls; the versatile product also is suitable for slab foundations, and basement foundations and crawlspaces. In addition, Owens Corning offers other versions of FOAMULAR Insulating Sheathing for above-grade walls and remodels. Pre-scored Foamular Scored and Square Edge versions are ideal for light commercial CMU buildings like fire stations. The opportunities are endless to meet a range of customer needs, especially if you know how to help.
5. Don鈥檛 Forget Accessory Products
Along with XPS insulation, be sure to sell and understand the adhesives, tapes, and fasteners used to install it. Consult with the manufacturer about which products are tested and recommended; stock those and be prepared to talk about their features and benefits.听
6. Showcase High-Performance Wall Systems
Just like selecting a beautiful finish, seeing is believing when it comes to understanding well-designed building envelopes. Work with your manufacturer representatives to create a display of cutaway walls, showing the products you sell and how they work together as a system. The displays not only showcase the importance of proper building science, but they can also be used as an educational tool about the products you sell and their compatibility.听
Weyerhaeuser Distribution is committed to delivering the reliable, consistent products you can rely on.听聽about insulation solutions available in your market.
