There’s no question that the quality of the insulation installation has a tremendous impact on the comfort of a home. With temperatures dipping across the country and fall weatherization on the minds of many homeowners, insulation contractors are likely seeing an uptick in interest from consumers in adding insulation to their homes — particularly with news that roughly 90% of U.S. homes are under insulated. As homeowners look to hire qualified professionals to complete the job, the skills of the workers installing the insulation will have significant impact on its performance — and ultimately on the comfort of the home. Therefore, encouraging installer excellence is a worthy goal, particularly if done in a fun, competitive way.
Co-sponsored by Insulate America, a cooperative of locally owned, independent insulation contractors across the United States, the “America’s Best Insulation Installer,” competition was held on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24. The event pitted top-notch batt insulation installers from around the country in fierce competition that saw its winners walk away not just with bragging rights, but big bucks — a grand prize of $10,000 and cash prizes for runners up.
The event, in its thirteenth year, had a record number of competitors this year at 40, besting last year’s entrants by 13 and creating additional excitement amidst the friendly competition.
“Each year we look forward to recognizing the best insulation installers in the country,” said David Beam, president and CEO of Insulate America. “This competition recognizes the competitors’ commitment to industry standards and the highest levels of professionalism,” Beam added.
The winners of the competition are as follows:
- Grand Prize Winner: Jose Hernandez – AC&R Insulation – $10,000
- First Runner-Up: Javier Gonzales, Astro Insulation — $5,000
- Second Runner-Up: Ray Blackwell, San Juan Insulation —$3,500
- Third Runner-Up: Stan Tatara, Northwind Insulation — $2,500
For more info on how to properly install insulation, check out our detailed installation guidance.
