Use and Care Guide

Slab-on-Grade
Building codes require that a foundation
extend below the local frost line. In cold
climates, this can mean a foundation is
more than 5' below grade.
Interior Insulated Basement
Rigid foam insulation from Dow can be installed on the interior of masonry walls
with no need for studs or a vapor barrier, providing a solid layer of moisture-resistant
insulating comfort.
For example, STYROFOAM
™
Brand WALLMATE
™
Insulation with slotted vertical
edges is installed on the interior of basement walls with furring strips and covered
with gypsum board for a finished appearance. Also, THERMAX
™
Sheathing with its
reflective foil facers or THERMAX
™
White Finish Insulation with an embossed white
acrylic-coated aluminum facer can be installed on the interior of basement walls and be
left exposed to the basement without a thermal barrier, for a semi-finished appearance.
As part of a frost-protected shallow foundation,
STYROFOAM™ Brand XPS Foam Insulation allows the
construction of a much shallower foundation, which saves
on building costs.* The insulation regulates heat loss around
the foundation and changes the depth of frost penetration
into the soil under frost-protected shallow foundations.
In a slab-on-grade radiant floor heating
design, concrete disperses hot water heat
from radiant heat tubes. Without adequate
insulation, this heat can be lost as it moves
toward the edges of the slab or downward
to the soil. Rigid foam insulation at floor
edges and under the slab helps keep heat
in the house, maintaining a comfortable
floor temperature while
saving energy.
Note: In states with heavy termite infestation (Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Eastern Texas), rigid foam insulation in new
construction is not allowed in contact with the soil on the exterior foundations of home or light construction where wood is found in the structural components of construction.
Contact a Dow representative for alternative insulation methods for these areas.
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®™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
*As found in section R403.3 of the 2009 International Residential Code.