How to Buy Johns Manville Insulation: A Practical Guide for Facilities Managers

I manage ordering for a mid-sized company—about 250 employees across three locations. My job covers everything from office supplies to building materials. Insulation is one of those items we don't order often, but when we do, getting it right matters.

Over the years, I've placed about a dozen orders for Johns Manville products, ranging from pipe insulation for a boiler replacement project to fiberglass batts for a small office expansion. Here's my practical checklist for anyone tasked with buying JM products.

This guide is for you if:

• You're a facilities manager or administrative buyer needing insulation for a commercial project
• You're comparing suppliers and trying to understand JM's product line
• You need to verify product specs before placing an order

Let's walk through 5 steps I've learned the hard way.

Step 1: Identify Exactly What You Need (Not Just 'Insulation')

This is the most common mistake I've made and seen others make. 'Insulation' isn't specific enough. JM makes dozens of products across different categories.

What to specify:

• Product type: Fiberglass batts, spray foam, pipe insulation, or rigid board? I've ordered JM's fiberglass batts (Thermal & Acoustical) and their pipe insulation (Micro-Lok). They're different products with different installation methods.
• R-value: What thermal performance do you need? This is driven by local building codes. I once ordered R-13 batts for a wall that should have been R-15. Cost me a change order.
• Dimensions: Length, width, thickness. For pipe insulation, you need the pipe diameter and wall thickness. Don't guess—measure.

Pro tip: JM's product datasheets list all specs. Download them before you call a distributor. (I've learned this after wasting time on calls where I didn't have the right info.)

Step 2: Verify Product Contents (The Question You're Probably Asking)

I get asked about this a lot: Does Johns Manville insulation contain asbestos?

The short answer: No. Not in any current products.

Here's what I've verified from JM's own documentation and industry sources:

• Johns Manville stopped using asbestos in its insulation products in the 1970s. Their fiberglass insulation uses glass fibers, not asbestos fibers.
• Current products (fiberglass batts, spray foam, pipe insulation) do not contain asbestos.

"Per JM's own safety data sheets and product specifications, all current insulation products are asbestos-free. If you're dealing with insulation installed before the 1970s in an older building, have it tested by a professional before assuming it's safe."

My personal experience: In 2023, we had to remediate insulation in a building built in 1965. We brought in a certified inspector to test samples before any removal. The results showed no asbestos in that particular batch, but I will not skip testing for pre-1980 installations.

What about installation safety? Even without asbestos, fiberglass insulation requires proper PPE—gloves, long sleeves, a mask. I've had crew members with itchy skin after handling batts without gloves. Don't skip the safety gear.

Step 3: Understand Installation Requirements (Especially for Goboard)

If you're ordering JM's GoBoard (their foam tile backer board), installation is different from cement board. I learned this after our contractor initially treated it like cement board—and it didn't go well.

Key points from my experience (and JM's installation instructions):

• GoBoard is cut with a utility knife (score and snap), not with a saw. Our guys tried cutting it with a circular saw at first. Messy.
• Fasteners: Use coarse-thread screws specifically for foam board. Standard drywall screws don't hold well.
• Taping: JM recommends their specific waterproofing tape for joints. You cannot use standard drywall tape—it won't adhere.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for gaps and spacing. We had movement when we didn't leave adequate expansion gaps.

I keep a printed copy of JM's installation guide on-site whenever I'm ordering GoBoard for a project. It's saved me from callback issues twice.

One thing I missed early on: The instruction sheet says to use a specific primer on cut edges before waterproofing. We skipped that on our first GoBoard install and had a leak at a corner joint. Now I verify that step specifically.

Step 4: Compare Suppliers—Don't Just Order from the First Name You Find

Johns Manville products are sold through distributors and dealers. You cannot buy direct from JM (at least not for most commercial orders).

My comparison process:

• Call at least three distributors in your area. I've found pricing variations of 15-30% for identical products.
• Ask about lead times. In 2022, we waited 6 weeks for spray foam because of supply chain issues. Some distributors had stock; others didn't.
• Verify they stock the specific product you need. Not all distributors carry the full JM line.

Question to ask each supplier: 'Do you have [product name/model number] in stock? If not, what's the lead time?' Don't accept 'usually' or 'typically.' Get a firm date.

I once ordered pipe insulation from a supplier who said 'should be here in a week.' Four weeks later, it arrived. The project was already delayed. Now I get it in writing.

Step 5: Manage Internal Expectations (Especially on Timeline)

This is the step I both love and hate. It's not about the product—it's about managing the people who depend on the product.

My approach:

• When I place a JM order, I tell my internal stakeholders the delivery date plus 3 business days. If it arrives early, I look like a hero. If it's delayed, I have buffer.
• I confirm receipt of the order confirmation from the supplier. 'We placed it' is not the same as 'we have a confirmed delivery date.'
• I send a brief update: 'Insulation ordered for the Smith building. Expected arrival [date]. Installation scheduled [date].' Keeps everyone informed.

What I learned from a mistake: In 2021, I ordered JM fiberglass batts for a project. The supplier confirmed the order but never confirmed the delivery date. I assumed it was on the way. Two weeks later, the project manager asked when the material would arrive. It hadn't shipped. The supplier was backordered. Cost: two weeks of project delay and a very uncomfortable conversation with my VP.

Now I always confirm: 'Has this order shipped? Do you have a tracking number?'

Final Notes: What I'd Do Differently

After about 15 orders for JM products over 4 years, here's what I'd tell my past self:

• Read the product datasheet before you call anyone. You'll ask better questions and get better answers.
• Verify installation requirements before the contractor arrives. Your installer might be great, but they might not read the manufacturer's guide.
• Get everything in writing. Price, lead time, shipping details. Verbal promises are worth the paper they're printed on.
• A friend told me: 'The best price is nothing if the product doesn't arrive when you need it.' After my backorder incident, I agree.

One more thing: Prices vary. I've paid $X for pipe insulation from one distributor and $X + 20% from another for the same product. Shop around. Check current pricing with your local JM distributor—don't rely on prices from my past orders.

Hope this helps you avoid the mistakes I made. Good luck with your project.