--- title: Blog | Insulation Institute | Grade I installation description: Grade I installation | 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) ## [Get Free Online Grade I Training](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/get-free-online-grade-i-training) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/image003-1.png)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/get-free-online-grade-i-training) According to the U.S. Department of Energy, improperly installed insulation and air leakage can waste 20 percent or more of the energy used to heat and cool a home.[\[1\]](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/topic/grade-i-installation#_ftn1) For builders, this can wreak havoc on productivity, resulting in callbacks, jeopardizing code compliance, reducing HERS scores, and delivering homes that are less energy efficient... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/get-free-online-grade-i-training) Feb 25, 2022 8:13:07 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Blown-in Insulation's Measures and Checks](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/blown-in-insulations-measures-and-checks) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Chris%20Conway%20Insulation%20Ruler.jpeg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/blown-in-insulations-measures-and-checks) Blown-in insulation installers know that measuring it in an attic is key to delivering the required thermal performance and receiving a [Grade I install.](https://insulationinstitute.org/tools-resources/grade-1-insulation-certification-training/) That is typically accomplished by installing attic rulers throughout the space, so there is one for every 300 sq. feet of attic space. Accurate measures are needed to meet code requirements,... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/blown-in-insulations-measures-and-checks) Aug 12, 2021 6:24:19 PM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Boost Your Skills With Online Resources](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/boost-your-skills-with-online-resources) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Picture%20056.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/boost-your-skills-with-online-resources) Insulation contractors can take advantage of extra down time to learn new skills and techniques to help on the job with NAIMA’s extensive catalog of training resources. [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/boost-your-skills-with-online-resources) Mar 27, 2020 11:26:48 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Our Top 10 Blog Posts of 2019](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/our-top-10-blog-posts-of-2019) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Picture%20007.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/our-top-10-blog-posts-of-2019) Like last year, some of our best-performing blog posts focused on air sealing and proper installation and application of fiberglass and mineral wool insulation, which is no surprise, since we’re the Insulation Institute. However, other topics like energy efficiency design trends and the prioritization of energy efficiency over energy generation... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/our-top-10-blog-posts-of-2019) Dec 20, 2019 9:31:48 AM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Meet America's Best Installer](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/meet-americas-best-installer) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Americas%20Best%20Installer%201.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/meet-americas-best-installer) Gerardo Macias, an insulation installer with Northern Insulation in Wauconda, IL, is the winner of the 2019 “[America’s Best Installer](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191113005927/en/Gerardo-Macias-earns-2019-%E2%80%9CAmerica%E2%80%99s-Installer%E2%80%9D-Title)” competition, held Nov. 7-9 in Denver, CO, and won the event’s top prize of $10,000. The annual competition, hosted by Insulate America and Johns Manville, saw Macias compete against contenders for the title in the... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/meet-americas-best-installer) Nov 14, 2019 5:05:20 PM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [3 Things to Stop Doing with Batts](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/3-things-to-stop-doing-with-batts) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Picture%20056.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/3-things-to-stop-doing-with-batts) Strong new home starts and an uptick in hiring in the construction industry means that new insulation contractors are added to company payrolls every day. With the rise of high-efficiency construction driven by certification programs such as HERS, ENERGY STAR, and LEED, quality installation is more important than ever. To combat common insulation... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/3-things-to-stop-doing-with-batts) Oct 31, 2019 1:15:36 PM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [Award-Winning Builds...Even at the Low End](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/award-winning-builders-even-at-the-low-end) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Shawn%20Jessup-Award%20Winning%20Builds.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/award-winning-builders-even-at-the-low-end) For the second time in three years, North Carolina [Builder](http://www.sdjessup.com/) Shawn Jessup has won a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Housing Innovation Award. While Jessup’s scale may be small, at two to three builds per year, he is in high demand. S.D. Jessup Construction fields constant requests from potential customers in Raleigh, NC and other areas more than two... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/award-winning-builders-even-at-the-low-end) Aug 15, 2019 4:16:06 PM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [3 Basics for Visibly Great Insulation Jobs](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/3-basics-of-visibly-great-insulation-jobs) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Yudah%20Schwartz-1.jpeg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/3-basics-of-visibly-great-insulation-jobs) We’ve seen hundreds, if not thousands of photos of fiberglass insulation jobs here at NAIMA, some good, some not so good…and some superb. When we came across Yudah Schwartz’s post on LinkedIn, it immediately caught our attention because we recognized an exceptional batt insulation job. The precision shown in installing the batts properly was... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/3-basics-of-visibly-great-insulation-jobs) Aug 1, 2019 3:19:05 PM [Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/stacy-fitzgerald-redd) ## [The Best Time to Air Seal](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/the-best-time-to-air-seal) [![](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/hubfs/Frame%20Photo%20for%20Air%20Sealing%20Story.jpg)](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/the-best-time-to-air-seal) According to Home Innovation Research Labs’ recent Builder Omnibus Survey, air sealing ranks number four among a list of 18 top challenges for builders in meeting current energy efficiency requirements for new homes. Roughly 10 percent of builders reported difficulties meeting new airtightness levels. With contractors playing a significant role in... [Details](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/the-best-time-to-air-seal) Jan 24, 2019 9:27:48 AM [Michael Schettine](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/author/michael-schettine) [All posts](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/all) [Next](https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/topic/grade-i-installation/page/2) ### ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? 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