Heads up, cross-border shoppers

NEWS RELEASE

OWENS CORNING CANADA LP

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The real cost of crossing the border for insulation
 
Owens Corning Canada LP warns Canadian homeowners that installing U.S. insulation may not comply to Canadian Insulation Standards
 
TORONTO (April 23, 2012) - As Canadians look for ways to increase the value of their home, many opt for simple renovation projects that can be completed with little time or money.

Attic insulation is a popular choice as it promotes energy and cost savings, but unfortunately the number of Canadians choosing to cross the border to purchase American-made insulation is increasing.

While this may impact the price of the product, American-made insulation does not meet strict Canadian standards.
 
Owens Corning, a leading provider of innovative building materials and glass-fiber technology, wants to remind Canadian homeowners and building contractors that it is crucial to install insulation that meets the stringent, high-quality regulations that have been established by Canadian building codes.
 
“Canadian homeowners and some contractors may find it appealing to travel south of the border to purchase American-made insulation, but insulation made in the USA is manufactured to comply to US product standards, and may not comply to Canadian product standards which may be different,” says Andy Goyda, market development manager at Owens Corning Canada. “If a home inspection was to reveal insulation that does not meet Canadian requirements/codes, the American insulation products could be rejected and the homeowner may be forced to replace the insulation at their expense in order to comply to the Canadian material standards referenced in the applicable building code.
 
“We urge Canadian homeowners to make sure that the insulation to be used meets Canadian requirements,” says Goyda.
 
In order for insulation to meet Canadian standards it must meet specific requirements prescribed in the standard. 

Material values must be calculated and reported according to specific test methods clearly defined in the Canadian standard which may vary from the U.S. standard.

In Canada, using verified products, such as Owens Corning EcoTouch® PINK™ FIBERGLAS® Insulation helps homes meet the strictest energy efficient codes while keeping homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
 
Canadian insulation products are third-party certified and carry a listing by the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC).

It is critical to ensure that all building materials such as insulation meet the Canadian building codes when initiating new building or remodeling projects.
 
“Ensuring that your home is properly insulated can reduce energy costs and save you money in the long run*,” says Mr. Goyda. “Installing the right product that meets specific performance requirements referenced in the applicable Canadian product standard will ensure that you are getting the value you are paying for and help ensure long term performance.  Installing insulation that is not compliant to Canadian Standards could negate these cost-saving measures, reinforcing the importance of using verified products such as Owens Corning EcoTouch® PINK™ FIBERGLAS® Insulation.”  
 
About Owens Corning
 
Owens Corning (NYSE:OC) is a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass-fiber reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems. 

A Fortune® 500 Company for 57 consecutive years, Owens Corning is committed to driving sustainability by delivering solutions, transforming markets and enhancing lives. 

Founded in 1938, Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass-fiber technology with sales of $5.0 billion in 2010 and about 15,000 employees in 28 countries on five continents. 

Additional information is available at [this website].  
 
*Savings vary depending on original amount of insulation in your home, climate, house size, air leaks, and personal energy use and living habits.

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