Have you done your research on requirements for DOE compliant Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH)? Are you worried about changes and new code regulations? Well, here’s some good news — depending on where you work as a contractor, you may already be building homes to the ZERH standard. Several states and jurisdictions have already adopted the 2021 code and its higher insulation requirements and continued focus on air leakage. For those that are using the new code, it’s not much of a jump to go after the 45L rebates or even Net Zero or ZERH. In this month’s Building Science Corp. newsletter, Dr. Jo ..read more

Timothy Johnson is well known for building beautiful sunrooms and went to bid one the week after he came to an IDI Training class. As a home builder/remodeler who was getting into spray foam and insulation, his favorite part of the training course was building science. Little did he know, he was about to use his newfound knowledge to rectify a bad situation. What Is Building Science? Building science is the understanding of a building as an entire system with the end goal of improving air quality, energy efficiency and comfort. It’s a topic that we cover in our training courses extensively ..read more

Use this guide and step-by-step video to learn how to safely use a new spray foam trailer for the first time. Then, learn crucial SPF trailer best practices that could mean the difference between a long-lasting rig (and ROI on your investment) and costly errors. Don’t have a spray foam trailer yet, but considering investing in one? First, you’ll need to understand the essential equipment you need for your spray foam trailer. Next, you’ll need to build your rig. An SPF rig can bring immense value to your business by upping your ability to take on more insulation contract work and larger proje ..read more

Operating a business can be demanding and stressful, even when everything is going as planned. Unfortunately, workplace injuries happen, but they are not something you want to be unprepared for. On a normal day your team deals with everything from lifting heavy items, to climbing in and out of a truck (sometimes in wet or icy conditions), from working on stilts, ladders, or scaffolding, to handling chemicals, high pressure equipment, and the list goes on. The question is, do you have a plan to respond to workplace injuries and does everyone know the procedures to ensure they are handled prop ..read more

Attic ventilation is a big deal in many parts of the country. From ice damming, to rotting a roof deck, or even comfort issues, it’s not hard to find attics not doing what they should be. Now if you’re thinking we published a blog on this a while back, yes, we did. But since then, another good one came out that may help you be a resource for your customers. Psst… this one’s from Energy Vanguard and Dr. Allison Bailes. Yep, a doctor who focuses on attic ventilation… okay, that and HVAC. Is Venting an Unconditioned Attic Necessary? We find this blog particularly shareworthy based on three main ..read more

Have you, or your customers wondered what benefits come with each different type of spray foam insulation? The different forms of this insulation are used to insulate, air seal, strengthen, protect, provide buoyancy and prevent moisture drive in both residential and commercial buildings. It has a comparable R-value to other types of insulation, but also features other characteristics that can make it a great product for your job. Below you’ll learn about the different types of spray foam insulation, what they’re used for and why. As we explore these topics, remember this is only scratching th ..read more

If you want your insulation business to grow, diversifying your services and investing in a spray foam rig is crucial. Spray foam insulation is constantly growing in popularity due to its favorable characteristics such as its resistance to heat transfer and better air sealing capabilities. A spray foam rig is essential for any sizeable job. When you get a custom spray foam insulation rig from IDI, you can be sure that it’s fitted with everything you need for your projects, making your team more efficient. Invest in a rig that will support your business for years to come. Learn more about ever ..read more

A spray foam box truck is so much more than a work vehicle. It’s a base camp for your team and a mobile plant to create high-quality spray foam insulation. When outfitting your truck, any of your decisions could impact installation efficiency, the health of your team or the quality of your product. That’s why it’s important to know what to consider when choosing a spray foam box truck. Read ahead to learn about the truck itself, the equipment you’ll be using and features that every mobile spray foam vehicle should have. How and Where Will You Use Your Mobile Unit? Choosing the right option am ..read more

A spray foam rig is a mobile manufacturing plant that doubles as a workstation, while being able to be pulled right up to your work site. Functioning as a base for your workers and a mobile plant for mixing spray foam, a rig can skyrocket your work efficiency if done right. Setting up your rig with the correct features, configuration and equipment is a key component for operating out of a trailer smoothly. Certain features can affect the foam quality itself while other components may give your team the ability to operate more quickly. That’s why Spray Foam Rig Setups are so important! You don ..read more

Over the years, even though the insulators didn’t build the roof, hang the siding, design the mechanical, or put plumbing in an outside wall, I’ve been surprised how often insulators are called to be part of the “fix”. Even worse, in many cases they are being asked to participate in this “pro bono” because someone else tried to attribute part of the cause to them. Can I start by pointing out that I’ve never seen properly installed spray foam cause moisture or water intrusion into a building? My inspiration for this article was a blog I read from Edward Pon on Facilities.net. The blog, How to ..read more