Knauf Insulation Board w/ Ecose

[Myriad_Rocker]

I didn't see a thread on this, but I wanted to post a topic about it so it could be discussed. Supposedly, this stuff performs almost exactly like OC703 but without the chemicals that are in the binder of OC703. I am also attaching the data sheets so you guys can make your own call. Obviously the numbers are a bit different in the low to low mids area (I think). But it does perform better above that mark than the OC703. Now...is that a good thing? Or no? I'm not sure. That's why I'm posting. Thing is...I'm gonna order either OC703 or this Knauf stuff. I'd prefer the Knauf stuff because of the binder. But the big caveat is, does it perform at least the same?

KNAUF_ECOSE_BOARD_DATA.pdf

OC_703_BOARD_DATA.pdf

 

[Sky Blue Lou]

I don't know enough to judge by the specs but they look close enough. What's the cost difference?


lou

 

[Myriad_Rocker]

I don't know enough to judge by the specs but they look close enough. What's the cost difference?

They do look pretty close. And I've asked others, too. I tend to get the same answer. They're incredibly comparable in terms of acoustical properties. By the numbers, OC703 performs slightly better in the low to low mids. But the Knauf performs better above that range. I think, however, that the differences are somewhat negligible when you're talking superchunks and stuff, though. I could be wrong.

The price difference just depends on who you ask. You'd think you'd pay a premium for the ECOSE stuff because of it's more friendly nature...they don't use questionable chemicals in their binder. Then again, there's not much of these chemicals in OC703, but it is still there. And if they perform closely to one another, I'd prefer to peice of mind of the Knauf ECOSE stuff. Oddly enough, the place I found the ECOSE stuff at comes in boxes of 10 at $75 per box. The cheapest OC703 (2") rolls in at about $75 per box and only has a box qty of 6.

 

[Jeff_D]

Looks like a fine substitute to me. 703 is 3PCF and looks pretty close the the 3PCF Knauff product. actually the 2.25 PCF is pretty close to. Unfortunately, the OC lit doesn't give numbers for the 3" and 4". Also curious about availability and pricing. the commercial supply place I got me OC703 from couldn't get me small quantities from Kauff.

 

[Sky Blue Lou]

I paid half that for 703 from Kamco. $73 and change for a box of 12 2'x4'x2"


lou

 

[Myriad_Rocker]

I paid half that for 703 from Kamco. $73 and change for a box of 12 2'x4'x2"

You have the luxury of being close to a place that sells it. I have checked locally and they either can't get it or won't get it. I'd be getting the Knauf at $6.75/sheet and your OC was about $6.08/sheet. That's fairly comparable and I'd pay the upcharge for the ECOSE. The $hit of it for me is that I have to pay shipping, which further drives up my cost. But like I said, no one local so...I do what I can.

 

[Sky Blue Lou]

Where are you? I had to do a little digging to find Kamco. They are more of an industrial/construction supplier. Have you checked with commercial insulation contractors? They might be willing to middle-man for you or at least give you their vendor's name. Home theater installers? I'm not sure what a minimum purchase might be - at least a case/box I would think. How much are you looking to get?

Good luck.

lou

 

[Myriad_Rocker]

Where are you? I had to do a little digging to find Kamco. They are more of an industrial/construction supplier. Have you checked with commercial insulation contractors? They might be willing to middle-man for you or at least give you their vendor's name. Home theater installers? I'm not sure what a minimum purchase might be - at least a case/box I would think. How much are you looking to get?

Good luck.

lou

90 sheets of 2" or half of that in 4". I've called around to commercial insulation companies in my area. They either don't carry rigid fiberglass (and won't order it) or don't respond to my messages. I even got contact info from my contractor that built my house for his personal insulation guy...he never responded back.

 

[Sky Blue Lou]

Yeah - I've heard similar stories. You need to try to track down guys that put up industrial buildings - you know, the classic Butler Building tin shack like an airplane hanger? Or guys that build movie theaters. They're out there. They have their own networks you just gotta crack in to one. Not the easiest thing, I know. Find the nearest/newest commercial building and ask the people in it who built it.

Another angle might be to call Owens-Corning and Knauf direct and find out who their nearest distributor is. Bitch at them that you can't get anyone to sell to you and they might help - especially on an order that size. I bought 5 bundles/60 sheets and Kamco was a pleasure to deal with. There has to be someone within reasonable distance of you unless you are way out in the boondocks.


lou