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Properly trained insulation contractors play an important role in ensuring the energy efficiency and comfort of a home. One of the most popular insulation products available is loose fill fiber glass insulation, which can be used in all areas of a new or existing home, but is especially suited for areas that are difficult to access, such as truss attics or closed wall cavities. Because poor installation of any system can compromise the performance of the product, a new training effort from the High Performance Insulation Professionals Association (HPIP) aims to educate installers on how to optimize the performance of not just blown-in fiberglass, but a variety of other systems as well. The re-branded organization has reviewed and examined numerous systems and products nominated for inclusion as high performance, and has developed a training program that addresses the building science behind these systems.
For nearly 30 years HPIP, formerly known as Blow in Blanket Contractors Association (BIBCA) has promoted high-performance loose fill fiber glass insulation as a premium product for insulation contractors. With the new focus, the organization focuses on training a full range of building industry professionals, including insulation contractors, raters, energy analysts, architects and others who want to learn more about these high performance insulation systems.
HPIP recently partnered with manufacturers CertainTeed, Johns Manville, Knauf Insulation and Owens Corning, IDI Distributors and the Department of Labor to offer online training programs in building science, energy analysis, proper installation techniques and other topics for everyone from beginners to highly experienced insulation installers. The specialized instruction will allow building industry professionals to recognize insulation contractor who is meeting high performance grade-one installation for blown in fiber glass insulation. “Placing a stamp of approval on a well-trained insulation contractor will lift the entire industry to a new level,” Bennett said.
HPIP believes the competitive advantage of having certified and trained installers will prompt more insulation contractors to undergo training. “Providing instruction on the building science behind insulation will help contractors begin offering high performance options if they are not already, Bennett added. “With more training comes more success…our wish is for contractors to be successful and training is absolutely essential to that.”
For more information on HPIP’s certification and training, visit their website at www.hpippros.org and click under “credentials.”
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