Professor John Russo, Construction Engineering faculty
member at Iowa State University in Ames, has served
as a consultant on several cases involving the installation
of wood siding over foam. We asked him to update
us on the problem because he is one of the most
knowledgeable and objective individuals in the U.S. concerning
the issue. This report is based on Dr. Russo's
three years of study and involvement.
by John Russo
Rigid plastic foam was developed in the
1930s as a flotation material, but it has found
many other uses since. One recent and
popular application is its use as an exterior
sheathing material, primarily in the
residential-construction market, because it
provides good insulation at