Blow-In-Blanket Contractors Association

BIBCA Remains Strong Supporter of SAVE Act

2013-06-07T10:50:00-06:00

On Wednesday, BIBCA reaffirmed our continued support of the SAVE Act. On behalf of our hundreds of members, this grass-roots organization has once again stepped up to endorse this important piece of legislation.

The SAVE Act [S. 1106], introduced on June 6, 2013 by Senators Bennet (D-Colo.) and Isakson (R-Ga.), is legislation to improve the accuracy of mortgage underwriting used by federal mortgage agencies by including a home's expected energy cost savings when determining the value and affordability of energy efficient homes. Utility bills are usually larger than either real estate taxes or homeowners insurance, but they are currently ignored in mortgage underwriting.

The SAVE Act would help revitalize the hardest hit sectors of the economy by providing lower rate mortgage financing for cost effective energy improvements; giving homebuilders and homeowners the option to recover the cost of efficiency investments; and enabling better federal mortgage underwriting while lowering utility bills for American households.

Benefits include:

No cost to the taxpayers. The bill does not add to the current deficit or rely on taxes or fees; instead it removes current obstacles holding back more efficient building and remodeling of our homes.
Remove an impediment to home energy efficiency from federal mortgage policy. Investments in energy efficiency can offer impressive returns to homeowners, paying for themselves in utility bill savings while also increasing a home’s comfort and mitigating the risks of energy price volatility.
Drive business and job growth in the construction and manufacturing sectors. By removing barriers to energy efficiency investments by home owners and builders, the SAVE Act will increase the supply of and demand for energy-efficient new homes and improvements, putting people in the construction, remodeling, and manufacturing sectors back to work.
Lower utility bills for American households. The typical U.S. homeowner pays $2,500 on home energy bills each year. A small upfront investment in energy efficiency upgrades could reduce a home’s energy bills by 30% or more and protect against energy price shocks, all while improving the comfort and value of the home.
Expand the accessibility and affordability of energy efficient homes. The SAVE Act would allow American home owners to finance cost-effective home energy upgrades as part of their traditional mortgage, improving access to the comfort and money-saving benefits of efficiency without increasing the cost of homeownership. The result is better and cheaper access to capital to invest in making homes better.
Appeals to a broad, diverse coalition. The bill brings together a broad and diverse coalition of supporters ranging from the National Association of Realtors and U.S. Chamber of Commerce to the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Alliance to Save Energy.

Bipartisan, sensible, and right in line with our energy-efficiency priorities. It's a win win win - What more could we ask for?

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2013-06-06T06:41:00-06:00

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How can insulation be done from the inside?

2013-06-04T11:36:00-06:00

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A COMMENT

My condo's HOA will not allow insulating a wall from the outside; it must be done inside. Does this mean the whole wall must come down in order to insulate?

Sally

What is the STC rating of this wall assembly using batts compared to BIBS?

2013-05-15T09:48:00-06:00

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A COMMENT

A customer was surprised that there are STC requirements for mid-floor assemblies. On this project, we have the sub floor of 14 inch joists, resilient channel, 5/8 inch drywall. What would the STC be using BATTS, and what would it be installing BIBS?

Everyone needs a little help now and then.

2013-05-02T12:17:00-06:00

Whether you're brand new to BIBS® or a seasoned veteran, sometimes a technical or business question comes up. We have a team of professionals with many years of experience installing BIBS® and they're ready and waiting to help you. BIBCA members along with the technical staff of our Industry Partners are committed to helping all BIBS® dealers reach the highest level of professionalism possible. Contact us now by using the link below, and you'll have help within 24 hours.

Click Here to submit your questions, or to be matched with a mentor.

HERS Raters Opportunity to Train With BIBCA Members

2013-04-26T12:47:00-06:00

Hands-on Learning Opportunity for HERS Raters:

Blow-in-Blanket ^® System

The Blow-in-Blanket Contractors’ Association (BIBCA), Kinzler Companies, Hanson Homes, Inc. and RESNET are offering HERS raters a chance to learn more about the Blow-in-Blanket® System first hand by attending an on-site training in Ames, IA on May 8-9th. This session is offered FREE to all HERS raters and BIBS® dealers. The program is co-hosted by Kinzler Construction Services in connection with Hanson Homes, Inc. This quality training is made possible through our Industry Partners CertainTeed, Johns Manville, Knauf Insulation, and Service Partners.

At this official BIBCA training, raters will have the option to sit in on the entire training course or can just attend the ½ day hands-on session on the 9th. The hands-on segment of our training will include installation and density testing demonstrations, as well as infrared testing and machine demonstrations. This is the best insulation training in the industry, and it’s your chance to ask the real experts everything you want to know about BIBS®. Raters who wish to attend must be current members of RESNET, and confirm their attendance in advance to receive a free density test kit on site.

Certified training is mandatory for all Blow-in-Blanket® System installers and companies to remain a member of this raise-the-bar association, BIBCA. This training opportunity consists of classroom learning session from 3PM-7PM on the 8th and 8AM-12PM on the 9th and then a hands-on component at a job site, with Hanson Homes, Inc. from 1-5PM. Lunch will be provided on the 9th as well. Additional workshops are planned for 2013, including locations in TX, PA, and WA.

For more information or to reserve your seat, please email BIBCA directly: kristin@bibca.org.

***

Questions from HERS Raters on BIBS Density and R-Value

2013-04-10T12:58:00-06:00

CLICK HERE TO RESPOND. Do not reply to this email.

I will soon be putting my density kit to use.

If they blow 1# per cubic foot it is R-13 and 1.8 # it is R-15.

Can they blow a higher density to make the R-20 for the 2012 IECC in CZ four?

HERS RATER, KS

Over Seventy Requests for Density Kits from HERS Raters the First Day!

2013-04-08T16:15:00-06:00

The response has been overwhelming to the press release sent today by RESNET. It is obvious that HERS Raters not only care about correct density, they care about whether a BIBS dealer is certified. If you'd like your local rater to receive a kit, please contact the office. Now is a good time to be sure that your membership is current! Check your status HERE. If you're not on the map, contact us to ensure your presence amongst raters.

April 8, 2013

RESNET and BIBCA Working Together to Ensure Proper Insulation Installations

RESNET and the Blow in Blanket Contractors Association (BIBCA) work together to make density kits readily available for raters to test loose-fill wall insulation installations.

Although loose-fill wall insulation systems are a desirable insulating method for achieving Grade I insulation jobs, the most common method of inspection for proper installation is visually. While obvious gaps or under-blown areas may be detected by sight, density testing is the only way to truly verify the job has been done.

For years, certified insulation installers of the Blow-in-Blanket® System (BIBS®) have used density kits to verify proper density of the installed wall insulation. These kits are now available at no cost to HERS Raters through their local certified BIBS® dealers.

�With the constantly growing interest in conserving energy, making density kits more available to the HERS community makes a lot of sense,� said Kristin Bennett, Executive Director of BIBCA. �Energy raters are often the ones making sure the whole house will perform as planned and a light density wall just won�t work like it�s supposed to. We�ve partnered with RESNET because we know the value of teaming up raters with qualified installers. We want density checks, but we also want good relationships between raters and BIBS® installers�

Raters should note that they will need to know both the material being used and the desired R-value, as there is some flexible in installation options. The most common density is 1.8 lbs/ft3, which will generally achieve an r-value of 15.

To find out more about the process or to get connected to their local certified BIBS® dealer, please contact the BIBCA office at (605) 949-2427, or email Kristin@bibca.org. For more information on BIBCA, visit www.bibca.org.

Life Legacy, Rest In Peace Terry Gardner

2013-04-04T08:02:00-06:00

We are sad to lose one of our founding fathers.

Terry D. Gardner, 76, of Idaho Falls, Idaho passed away April 1, 2013 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center after a long courageous battle with COPD.

Terry was born February 10th, 1937 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Nathaniel Gardner Jr. and Zelda Jacqueline Van Vleet Gardner. He grew up on the family farm in Osgood, ID where he learned to love horses and work with his hands. He attended grade school in Osgood and high school in Idaho Falls, but due to the early death of his father he was forced to quit and support the family by working on the farm.

He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Brown and together they had 3 children. They divorced 20 years later. In 1978 he married Betty Moulton Blake whom he loved to the last day of his life. He worked as a firefighter for the City of Idaho Falls where he loved his job and served for over 25 years. He retired from the Fire Department in 1984 with the rank of Battalion Chief. He was instrumental in creating the pension fund that Idaho firefighters enjoy today. Just before retiring from the fire department he started Quality Insulation and through his hard work and business ethic, it grew to be the largest insulation company in South East Idaho. He had dealings with international insulation companies and was highly influential in the insulation industry. He served as a board member in several national insulation organizations. His passion and drive was evident in every aspect of his life, and he developed many close friendships with co-workers, customers and fellow contractors.

Terry and Betty built a cabin in Island Park and spent many great years there enjoying the outdoors. Being at the cabin was Terry’s sanctuary. While there, he often pondered on God’s wondrous creations and was grateful for his way of life. Some of his favorite things were boating, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling, building birdhouses and doing jigsaw puzzles. However his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends and rejoicing in their accomplishments.

Terry is survived by his wife Betty of Idaho Falls;
Sister, Sharon Nixon of Idaho Falls;
Daughter, Jeanne (Royce) Larsen of Fruitland, ID;
Son, Tony (Eva) Gardner of Idaho Falls;
Son, Mark (Deitra) Gardner of Idaho Falls;
Son, Hal (Iola) Blake of Idaho Falls;
He has 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, Jay, Garry and Dennis; 2 sisters, Jacqueline and Diane; and son Dayle Blake.

His family would like to a send a special thank you to the staff at the Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Department of Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Terry had a special motto he gave them, “You take medicine to stay alive; you exercise to live.” They have it posted on their wall.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2013, at Wood Funeral Home, Chapel of the Pines, 273 North Ridge Avenue with Bishop James Durrant officiating. The family will visit with friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday and from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Monday. Burial will be in the Fielding Memorial Cemetery. Terry will be honored by the Idaho Falls Firefighters Pipes and Drums.

Need to get certified for BIBS? Need to update your training? Save the date!

2013-04-03T09:36:00-06:00

BIBCA will host the first of it's 2013 workshops in Ames, IA at the Kinzler Construction Services facility May 8-9th, 2013. This training is free to existing members, but you must RSVP to attend. Special thanks to KCS for co-hosting our best-of-the-best contractors as they maintain their certification.

SAVE THE DATE and watch for details!

Schedule:

May 8th, 2013
4:00 - 7:00 PM Classroom training (building science, BIBS)

May 9th, 2013
8:00 - 12:00 Classroom training, continued (building science, infrared training)
1:00 - 4:00 PM Hands-on installation training

RSVP: 605-949-2427
or
kristin@bibca.org

Please Check Accuracy of Your Listing on our Web Site

2013-03-29T12:30:00-06:00

Have we got it right? We get thousands of visitors to this 'find a contractor' map each year. It's important that we have your information listed correctly as a BIBS dealer.

Please take a moment to review your listing. CLICK HERE TO SEE MAP.

Let us know if any changes or updates are needed. 605-949-2427.

Your partners in success,

BIBCA
Kristin Bennett, Executive Director

Calling all great BIBS jobs...

2013-03-27T14:13:00-06:00

If you're not in the habit of photographing your work, you should be! There's nothing more beautiful than a perfectly installed BIBS wall. We'd like to showcase your work on our web site and in our social media. Do you have any interesting projects you've tackled? Tight spaces?

Send us your photos and we'll help promote your business with them. We are particularly interested in specialty applications and tricky spots; this is where BIBS really shines.

Do you offer thermal imaging services? We'd also like to see what you're doing with BIBS to paint a prettier thermal image.

These do not have to be professional-grade photos. Shoot a few and email them to kristin@bibca.org.

You could also text them to BIBCA at 605-949-2427. Check out the gallery of photos from Intermountain West Insulation.

What is the STC Rating of a Standard Residential 2x4 Wall with 1/2? Drywall on both sides?

2013-03-21T09:46:00-06:00

CLICK HERE TO ENTER YOUR RESPONSE, DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL!

What is the STC Rating of a Standard Residential 2x4 Wall with 1/2” Drywall on both sides?

R-11 Batts
R-13 Batts
R-19 Batts
3-1/2” BIBS

What is the STC Rating of a Standard Residential 2x6 Wall with 1/2” Drywall on both sides?

R-19 Batts
5-1/2” BIBS

Thanks for your help,

Doug Kooyman, Kooyman Lumber

87 social network sites set up for members. What are you waiting for?

2013-03-15T16:16:00-06:00

Still not sure about this deal? It's easy; all our members are eligible to eliminate the social media puzzle from your to do list. Common questions:

1. How does it work? You give us permission to set up social media for you, and you see increased business.

2. I don't have time for this!? We know, that's why we're doing it for you.

3. What about keeping it updated? We'll do that too. We will post updates to your Facebook page and Twitter feed 2x/week.

4. What if I am not a member next year? The sites remain, but ongoing posting and updates would be your responsibility.

5. What's the cost? $50 PER YEAR for premium members, $!00 for regular members.

6. How long does it take? We can typically have you set up within a day.

7. What if I don't have a web site? We will set one up for you FREE.

8. What if I don't even have an email address? We will set one up for you, but we will not check your email for you!

9. If you set it up, can I still make postings too? Yes. But when you don't have time, you'll know it's being taken care of by us too.

10. I offer a lot of products, not just BIBS. What about that? 90% of our members offer multiple products and services. If you are a member, we will make our regular building-science and energy efficiency postings. If you want to promote gutters, fireplaces, foam insulation - you can make those additional postings with no trouble. We'll even show you how.

11. My customers don't care about social media, right? Wrong.

12. I'm an Affiliate member, am I still eligible to have you set this up for me? Yes, but the cost is $200 instead of $100.

13. Can I talk to a current member who is participating? Absolutely. Call the office and we'll connect you with a board member who is utilizing this service.

14. What do the postings look like? Check out Henges Insulation Facebook page as an example.

15. Sign me up! Call 605-949-2427 and you'll be an internet sensation in one day!

There is no other membership group or organization who will make you this GENEROUS offer! Call today and find a whole new level of value in your membership!

Are You Documenting Your Density Checks?

2013-03-13T10:47:00-06:00

Manufacturer warranties require proper installation to be valid. How do you prove proper installation of an insulation job? When it's BIBS^® you do a density check, but DON'T STOP THERE! Document your work and your company information with our electrical box sticker. These stickers will be redesigned soon, and to blow through existing inventory we're offering a special deal on them.

We'll send 250 stickers to you for $50 (including shipping) regardless of whether you're a premium member or not. Call the BIBCA office to have your stickers shipped out today.

Got a good story to share on the value of these stickers? Let's hear it!