Insulation is one of those building products that must be installed correctly in order to work efficiently, and a Kansas man can claim to be the best in the country at it.
Insulation pro Norris Allen of Olathe, Kan.-based Henges Insulation beat out more than 35 other competitors to secure the title of “America’s Best Insulation Installer” for 2016 earlier this month. He was awarded the $10,000 grand prize after a fast-paced competition that highlighted how properly installed insulation can lead to a more comfortable and energy efficient home.
The America’s Best Installer competition was created in 2003 by Denver-based building products manufacturer Johns Manville (JM) and Insulate America, the nation’s largest independent insulation contractor organization. The competition showcases how properly-installed insulation can positively impact heating and cooling bills, home energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
The final stage of the competition consisted of two identical wooden mock home structures complete with construction obstacles, including electrical outlets, pipes and a vaulted ceiling. Each competitor was tasked with installing JM formaldehyde-free insulation batts into one of the mock home structures. Performance was judged using several real job site criteria, including quality of workmanship and installation, speed, and material use.
“Year after year, we look forward to challenging and recognizing our competitors for their commitment to quality insulation installations and their contributions toward building more energy efficient homes,” said Fred Stephan, senior vice president and general manager of Insulation Systems at Johns Manville. “America’s Best Installer is a great opportunity to showcase the industry’s best practices and raise the industry standard.”
The competition also recognized a first runner-up, Rosario Ruiz-Cardenas of Pleasant View, Utah-based J&K Insulation, with a $5,000 cash prize. Luis DeLuna of Residential Commercial Insulation, Inc. in Round Lake Beach, Ill. was recognized as second runner-up with a $3,500 cash prize and Brian Simmons of Morris Black and Sons in Allenton, Pa. was recognized as third runner-up with a $2,500 cash prize.
Additional cash prizes were awarded to runners-up from the preliminary rounds of competition:
- Steve Bishop of Henges Interiors, Earth City, Mo. ($1,000)
- Javier Gonzales of Astro Insulation, Ringwood, Ill. ($1,000)
- Leonel Lora of American Residential Products, Inc., Orlando, Fla. ($1,000)
- Pedro Castenada of Insulating Inc., Raleigh, N.C. ($1,000)
- Scotty Crook, G5 Enterprises, Inc., Springfield, Mo. ($500)
- Carlos Arturo Delgado, Garland Insulating, Dallas ($500)
- Thomas Pilon, Cullen Insulation, Fargo, N.D. ($500)
- Matthew Crouse, Northwind Insulation, Orchard Park, N.Y. ($500)
