Energy-saving new sealant earns praise

Design Journal recognizes Owens Corning invention

5/31/2013
BY KRIS TURNER
BLADE BUSINESS WRITER
Design Journal awarded Owens Corning its 2013 ADEX Platinum Award for Design Excellence for the Toledo-based firm's new sealant. The sealant plugs exterior joints, reducing air flow.
Design Journal awarded Owens Corning its 2013 ADEX Platinum Award for Design Excellence for the Toledo-based firm's new sealant. The sealant plugs exterior joints, reducing air flow.

A pliable, energy-efficient sealant that was pioneered by Owens Corning has received Design Journal’s 2013 ADEX Platinum Award for Design Excellence.

The EnergyComplete Sealant fills gaps that otherwise would allow air flow in homes and commercial buildings. Toledo-based Owens Corning developed the product after its researchers saw a need to plug exterior joints that account for 40 percent of a home’s heating and cooling costs.

“The building market has seen a growing awareness for air sealing of people’s homes,” said Doug Walden, product manger of air sealing at Owens Corning. “Sealing out unwanted air makes homes more energy efficient and comfortable.”

The sealant also protects against insect infestation, but it does not eliminate moisture. Owens Corning bills the product as “the only air sealing solution that creates a gasket between lumber and drywall.”

“It is always rewarding to have our products recognized, particularly by our industry’s top influencers and experts, as we strive to elevate the building-materials industry with our design and manufacturing innovation,” Julian Francis, vice president and general manager of Residential Insulation at Owens Corning Insulating Systems LLC, said in a statement.

Mr. Walden, who didn’t specify the project’s cost or how long it would remain effective, said EnergyComplete mainly has been used in new residential and commercial construction.

The product could be used in home renovations, but an insulation contractor would have to apply it, he said.

EnergyComplete is not yet available for do-it-yourself projects.

“Our chemistry is a new-to-world chemistry that we invented at Owens Corning and it is patent protected,” Mr. Walden said. “I certainly think that we have the best way to air-seal a building, but you certainly understand there are competing strategies that we sell against.”

A message left Thursday at Design Journal was not returned.

Kris Turner can be reached at: kturner@theblade.com or 419-724-6103.