--- title: Blog | Insulation Institute | Building Science description: Building Science | Stay up to date with the lastest industry news provided by the Insulation Institute. --- [![Insulation Institute](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/NAIMA_Jan2016_Theme/layout/logo.png)](https://insulationinstitute.org/) - [About NAIMA](https://insulationinstitute.org/about-naima/) - [News & Industry Issues](https://insulationinstitute.org/news-industry-issues/) - [Blog](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog) - [Tools & Resources](https://insulationinstitute.org/tools-resources/) - [Contact Us](https://insulationinstitute.org/contact-us/) [![Insulation Institute](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/NAIMA_Jan2016_Theme/layout/logo.png)](https://insulationinstitute.org/) - [About NAIMA](https://insulationinstitute.org/about-naima/) - [News & Industry Issues](https://insulationinstitute.org/news-industry-issues/) - [Blog](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog) - [Tools & Resources](https://insulationinstitute.org/tools-resources/) - [Contact Us](https://insulationinstitute.org/contact-us/) - [Residential](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/) - [Comparing Insulation Types](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/comparing-insulation-types/) - [Why Insulate](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/whyinsulate/) - [Installation Guidance](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/) - [Grade 1 Installation](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/grade-1-installation/) - [Installation Considerations](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/installation-considerations-2/) - [Moisture Management](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/moisture-management/) - [Vapor Retarders](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/vapor-retarders/) - [Attics and Ceilings](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/attics-and-ceilings-2/) - [Walls and Knee Walls](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/walls-and-knee-walls/) - [Floors](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/floors/) - [Codes & Standards](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/codes-standards/) - [Health & Safety](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/health-safety/) - [Commercial](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/commercial/) - [Comparing Insulation Types](https://insulationinstitute.org/comparing-insulation-types/) - [Why Insulate](https://insulationinstitute.org/why-insulate/) - [Installation Guidance](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/commercial/installation-guidance/) - [Installation Considerations](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/commercial/installation-guidance/installation-considerations/) - [Moisture Management](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/moisture-management/) - [Vapor Retarders](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/vapor-retarders/) - [Ceilings](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/commercial/installation-guidance/ceilings/) - [Walls and Knee Walls](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/walls-and-knee-walls/) - [Floors](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/residential/installation-guidance-2/floors/) - [Codes & Standards](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/insulating-air-handling-systems/codes-standards/) - [Health & Safety](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/commercial/health-safety-2/) - [Metal Buildings](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/commercial/insulation-for-metal-buildings/) - [Air Handling](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/insulating-air-handling-systems/) - [Why Insulate](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/insulating-air-handling-systems/why-insulate/) - [Installation Guidance](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/insulating-air-handling-systems/installation-guidance/) - [Codes & Standards](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/insulating-air-handling-systems/codes-standards/) - [Health & Safety](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/insulating-air-handling-systems/health-safety/) - [Piping](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/piping/) - [Why Insulate](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/piping/why-insulate/) - [Installation Guidance](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/piping/installation-guidance/) - [Codes & Standards](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/piping/pipe-insulation-codes-standards/) - [Health & Safety](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/piping/insulation-health-and-safety-for-piping-systems/) - [Industrial](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/industrial-insulation/) - [Comparing Insulation Types](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/industrial-insulation/comparing-insulation-types/) - [Why Insulate](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/industrial-insulation/why-insulate/) - [Installation Guidance](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/industrial-insulation/installation-guidance/) - [Codes & Standards](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/industrial-insulation/codes-standards/) - [Health & Safety](https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facility-professional/industrial-insulation/health-safety/) # Insulation Institute Blog # Insulation Institute Blog ## [Training on the Cheap (Even Free)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/training-on-the-cheap-even-free) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/iStock-1444969737.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/training-on-the-cheap-even-free) It’s no secret that well-trained insulation installers are more likely to deliver high-quality work leading to builder and homeowner satisfaction. And though the job of insulation installer seems pretty straightforward, if you ask anyone who has been in the business of evaluating insulation installation jobs, they’ll tell you that top-quality jobs... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/training-on-the-cheap-even-free) Nov 17, 2023 12:04:10 PM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Trading Off Thermal Resistance is a Very, Very Bad Idea](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/trading-off-thermal-resistance-is-a-very-very-bad-idea) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/iStock-1022727968-1.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/trading-off-thermal-resistance-is-a-very-very-bad-idea) If you’ve been following our blog for some time now, you know that we write regularly about basic building science. In fact, we completed a primer, [Building Science 101](https://insulationinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/N082-Building-Science-101.pdf) with Building Scientist Allison Bailes a few years back. Dr. Bailes, a Georgia resident, recently [wrote](https://insulationinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/April2021_48-55_building-sciences_Joe_April-2021...pdf) the state’s Department of Community Affairs to object to a proposal that... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/trading-off-thermal-resistance-is-a-very-very-bad-idea) May 13, 2021 4:23:42 PM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [IAQ Drives Home Design Trends](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/iaq-drives-home-design-trends) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/More%20Popular.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/iaq-drives-home-design-trends) A plethora of new reports indicate that coronavirus is shaping home design trends in the U.S. and globally. Among them, the American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends [Survey](http://info.aia.org/AIArchitect/2020/0911/aia-interactive/index.html#!) shows that more outdoor features and flexible spaces are highly desirable. The survey also shows products that improve indoor air quality, thermal moisture control,... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/iaq-drives-home-design-trends) Nov 5, 2020 4:54:57 PM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Taking Performance to a Whole New Level](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/naph-kenlevenson-passivehouse) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Ken-Levenson-Taking%20Performance%20to%20a%20Whoel%20New%20Level%20(1).jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/naph-kenlevenson-passivehouse) **Taking Performance to a Whole New Level** [North American Passive House Network](https://naphnetwork.org/) last month named Ken Levenson, co-founder of [475 Performance](https://foursevenfive.com/our-team/), as its new Executive Director. Levenson, an architect by trade, is a longtime advocate of building science and an [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/naph-kenlevenson-passivehouse) Sep 11, 2020 9:31:48 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Builder Spotlight: Insight's Innovation Win](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/builder-spotlight-insight-homes-innovation-win) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Insight%20Homes%202019%20DOE%20Innovation%20Winner.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/builder-spotlight-insight-homes-innovation-win) DOE’s Housing Innovation Awards recognize the best in home building innovation on the path toward Net Zero. Among this year’s winners in the production home category is [Insight Homes](https://www.itsjustabetterhouse.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwxaXtBRBbEiwAPqPxcOOelaYl1o1bdVfymCzVjNU2w_OOd29Jw2oCaMvKgg4-Hu_UTYI_FBoC23UQAvD_BwE), a Delaware builder and previous innovation award winner. Insight’s ability to evolve its construction practices to take advantage of the latest in building science... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/builder-spotlight-insight-homes-innovation-win) Oct 18, 2019 10:11:45 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Bentley's 4 Rules for High-Performance Homes](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/bentleys-4-rules-for-high-performance-homes) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/jeffreybentley.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/bentleys-4-rules-for-high-performance-homes) Jeff Bentley is a fifth-generation home builder who’s built more than 4,000 houses and sold more than 2,000 homes in more than 45 years in residential construction. He’s also a HERS rater, LEED Green Builder and REALTOR® whose counsel on energy-efficient home building is highly sought after. Insulation Institute reached out to Bentley to find out... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/bentleys-4-rules-for-high-performance-homes) Aug 30, 2019 8:35:29 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [The Air Sealing Learning Curve](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/the-air-sealing-learning-curve) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Jonathan%20Lang.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/the-air-sealing-learning-curve) When newer editions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) are introduced in states, often there’s a learning curve for home builders, especially when it comes to verification of a home’s air tightness with a blower door test. Some builders are having a tough go of meeting the new requirements. Increasingly, they’re relying on energy... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/the-air-sealing-learning-curve) May 30, 2019 4:49:14 PM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Matt Whitbeck's Three Tips for Framers](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/matt-whitbecks-three-tips-for-framers) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Crowd%20at%20IBS-Whitbeck-FINAL.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/matt-whitbecks-three-tips-for-framers) Matt Whitbeck, Co-Owner and President of [Whitbeck Construction, LLC](http://www.whitbeckconstruction.com/) specializes in custom framing, exterior sustainability, and residential remodeling. He’s serious about quality craftsmanship and energy efficiency. So much so that he is a popular speaker at building industry conferences on those topics. Whitbeck and Kevin Ireton spoke to a... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/matt-whitbecks-three-tips-for-framers) Apr 3, 2019 3:59:22 PM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Under Construction: A Resource for the Skilled Workforce](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/under-construction-a-resource-for-the-skilled-workforce) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Ryan%20Miller%20NCBPA.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/under-construction-a-resource-for-the-skilled-workforce) Building professionals across the country [acknowledge](https://www.curbed.com/2018/1/23/16910310/construction-homebuilding-labor-shortage-jobs-vocational-training) one of the central challenges facing construction today is recruiting talented tradespeople. Ryan Miller, Founder and Executive Director of North Carolina Building Performance Association ([NCBPA](http://buildingnc.org/)), a five-year-old not-for-profit association, is working on a solution: a toolkit of career... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/under-construction-a-resource-for-the-skilled-workforce) Jan 31, 2019 3:27:04 PM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Technology is a Bullet Train, Home Building a Bicycle](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/technology-is-a-bullet-train-home-building-a-bicycle) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Charles-Hendricks-1-380x380.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/technology-is-a-bullet-train-home-building-a-bicycle) If technology is a bullet train, home building is a bicycle. Technological changes occur at a dizzying pace, but the main design of the bicycle – like that of a home, has changed very little in centuries. However, while home design principles haven’t changed much, architects and builders have more knowledge than ever before of [building science](https://insulationinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/N082-Building-Science-101.pdf) and... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/technology-is-a-bullet-train-home-building-a-bicycle) Nov 29, 2018 4:51:19 PM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) [All posts](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/all) [Next](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/topic/building-science/page/2) ### ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? 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