GREAT STUFF(TM) Insulating Foam Sealant Weathers Economic Conditions With Its Energy Savings
MARIETTA, Ga., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- GREAT STUFF(TM) Insulating Foam
Sealant manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW), found a silver
lining to the stormy 2008 economy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there
was a one percent decrease in new orders for manufactured durable goods in
November following an 8.4 percent decrease in October. Additionally, home
construction in November was down 23.4 percent from a year ago. As energy
prices rose and large scale housing renovations declined, foam sealants have
remained popular among do-it-yourselfers and professionals in the repair and
remodeling industry.
"The increase in energy costs, the economic downturn, and the struggling
housing market have created the perfect storm for the product. People are
looking for inexpensive ways to save money on their energy bills and for easy
ways to upgrade their homes," explains Jeff Fancher, Brand Manager. With the
slowdown of the housing market, sellers are making home improvements to peak
buyer interest. Additionally, many people who would be in the market for a new
house if it weren't for the poor economy have opted instead to remodel their
existing home.
The economy has influenced consumers to focus on home improvement projects
that provide practical benefits, such as energy savings. The U.S. Department
of Energy identifies air leakage through holes, gaps, and cracks as the single
largest cause of residential heating and cooling loss, accounting for
approximately 30-50 percent of the energy used. "Consumers are not only
becoming more money conscious, they are becoming more environmentally
conscious as well," states Fancher. "This increased awareness has helped GREAT
STUFF sales." GREAT STUFF is available at home improvement retailers and comes
in five varieties: Gaps & Cracks, Window & Door, Fireblock, Pond & Stone, and
Big Gap Filler.
About Dow
With annual sales of $58 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a
diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology
with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human
progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to
customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with
the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water,
food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products.
References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.
