R-Value

This episode of the R-Value Podcast features an insightful conversation with industry veteran Henri Fennell about common issues that can arise with spray foam installations. Fennell shares his extensive experience analyzing spray foam problems and the most frequent causes he encounters, such as improper material handling and processing. He emphasizes the critical importance of precisely following manufacturer guidelines, especially when it comes to material preconditioning and temperature control. Fennell also provides valuable advice on how to properly inspect spray foam projects, troubleshoot issues, and implement effective remediation strategies when necessary. He shares real-world examples that highlight how improper application techniques or conditions can lead to problems like shrinkage, odors, and indoor air quality concerns. This episode is a must-listen for spray foam installers looking to improve their practices and avoid costly callbacks. In this episode: 2:37 - The 2 most common problems that result in call backs 6:24 - How to properly do a test shot 8:17 - How much has material handling been a factor in foam that isn’t properly processed? 16:30 - Testing for shrinkage issues 26:00 - Henri’s best practices to avoid job site recalls 34:00 - Dealing with spray foam odor issues 45:00 - The importance of purchasing reliable equipment brands

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI's Ken Allison welcomes special guests Rick Duncan, Executive Director of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) and John Stahl of the Metal Buildings Initiative to discuss and dispel the myths surrounding the use of spray foam insulation in metal buildings. The conversation focuses on debunking common misconceptions and providing factual information based on research and industry experiences. Duncan and Stahl have put together a task force to conduct studies and share information with contractors about the safe use of spray foam in metal building applications. They share their extensive background in the field, share insights on the compatibility of spray foam with various types of metal buildings, the effects of spray foam on building elements like paint and structure, and the evolving building codes and standards that impact the use of spray foam in the industry.   Learn more about the SPFA and get involved today!   Throughout the episode, the guests delve into the technical aspects of spray foam application in metal buildings, addressing concerns related to thermal bridging, air leakage, and moisture management. They emphasize the importance of understanding the nuances of different building designs, such as standing seam roofs, and the role of proper installation techniques to ensure effective insulation performance. The discussion also highlights ongoing research and collaborations with metal building manufacturers to optimize the use of spray foam and adapt to changing regulations and environmental considerations.   In this episode… 2:45 - John and Rick’s work with SPFA to clarify the compatibility of spray foam with metal buildings 10:00 - What do the studies say about the impact of spray foam on metal building elements (e.g., paint, structure) 15:27 - Should states get started on evolving building codes and standards for insulating metal structures? 22:58 - The next steps for Rick’s SPFA task force 26:18 - How you can help the SPFA get codes changed in your state 38:17 - PFAS and Code Exempt Buildings: The Next Hot Topics for the SPFA

This episode of the R-Value podcast is an exciting listen for any insulation contractor looking to grow their business, but even more so for spray foam contractors! You won’t want to miss out on the great deal offered in this podcast. To learn more and take advantage of this Angi deal, read more below.   In this episode, IDI's Ken Allison welcomes special guest Ryan White, a Corporate Partnerships expert at Angi. They have an in-depth discussion about how contractors can leverage Angi's platform to enhance their business growth, manage leads effectively, and make the most of digital marketing tools. The conversation begins with an overview of Angi (formerly Angie's List) and its evolution in the digital marketplace. Ryan White details how Angi has adapted to the changing needs of both contractors and customers, highlighting their focus on real-time leads and quality control improvements. He emphasizes the importance of presenting businesses effectively on the platform, explaining how Angi assists in building detailed profiles and providing ongoing support to their partners. White also addresses key topics like the distinction between Angie Ads and Angie Leads, the strategic use of zip codes for targeting potential clients, and the nuances of managing and responding to customer reviews. He shares insights into Angi's future direction, including their shift towards a marketplace model, which will enhance customer and contractor interactions by allowing customers to select from a presented list of contractors. Angi has also provided R-Value listeners with a special offer for joining Angi. Email Ryan at ryan.white@angi.com and sign up by 4/15 and they will waive the fee for 2024, give you an account manager to help you build your Angi page, and give you $600.00 worth of leads for $300.00. In this episode:  1:20 - Overview and Evolution of Angi (formerly Angie's List) 5:30 - Angi Ads vs. Angi Leads: Understanding the Difference 9:00 - Angi's Marketplace Model and Future Direction 13:30 - How Angi helps you respond faster to leads 16:30 - Managing Customer Reviews and Lead Quality 20:30 - Lead management on the Angi platform 23:00 - Exclusive Offer for R-Value listeners to Join Angi!

In this episode of the R-Value podcast, host Ken Allison and special guest Sam Myers from Retrotec discuss the intricacies and importance of blower doors in testing a home's air tightness. They delve into common mistakes made during blower door tests, such as incorrectly matching the fan range to the gauge, and highlights advancements in technology, like digital manometers introduced in the mid-90s, which improved the testing process through color coding and touch screen features for easier identification and use​​​​.   ***   Find more in-depth Blower Door training here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q-dbq0MnHfU&list=PL62zv4SHL06onv8MYYOXrEK2kBiK=2&pp=iAQB https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4gYU07iYaKU   If you would like to be certified for blower doors, AeroBarrier and IDI sponsor 1-2 classes a year. For more information, reach out to your local rep or the IDI training team.   ***   Sam Myers is a building scientist for Retrotec where he teaches building performance concepts at conferences and training events, conducts field studies, and assists Retrotec with new product designs. He holds a Master’s of Science degree from East Carolina University, is a certified HERS Rater, and is a licensed real estate broker. Sam lives in Wilmington, North Carolina.   Ken and Sam also cover the evolution of blower door testing equipment, including the development of high-powered fans for testing leakier buildings and the integration of apps for efficient documentation and reporting of tests. Myers emphasizes the value of blower door tests not only for energy efficiency but also for identifying issues related to comfort, indoor air quality, and even structural defects. These tests have become a critical tool for contractors, especially in retrofitting and custom home building, serving as a quality control measure to monitor the build process and address any air sealing needs​​.   Ken shares his own experiences and challenges as a first-timer with blower doors, illustrating the practical aspects of this technology. Sam further discusses the growing popularity and challenges of spray foam insulation in home construction, highlighting the role of blower door tests in identifying installation issues. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of blower door testing, emphasizing its critical role in building performance and the evolving needs of the construction industry​​.   In this episode…   2:00 - The evolution of air tightness testing 7:00 - Troubleshooting your blower door for beginners 11:39 - Beyond professional calibration: what you can do to keep your measurements reliable 16:00 - The main considerations in testing a retrofit 22:11 - Where are the areas that contractors miss the most in attics and crawl spaces 25:19 - What ACTUALLY motivates someone to fix their structure

We highly recommend watching the video walkthrough of this podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IDIDistributors In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s own Ken Allison welcomes Apollo Energies CEO and President Mark Stout to show off a tool that will help your customers understand how much they could save by taking advantage of the 179D tax incentive.  Mark and Ken dissect the financial wisdom of insulating and air sealing commercial buildings of any size, revealing what may seem like an expense can actually become a profitable venture for your customers with the 179D tax program. Apollo Energies’ new tool is designed to transform how upgrades are accounted for and valued. The episode guides us through the nuts and bolts of qualifying for tax deductions through energy savings that beat standard requirements, and how to appreciate the nuances of bonus depreciation in the current tax code. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business's profitability with the 179D tax rebate - a winning formula for your pocket and the planet. Get the 179D Incentive Evaluator at https://www.apolloenergiesinc.com/evaluator/index.php In this episode… 0:00 - Exploring the 179D tax rebate 2:43 - Signing up and logging in to the 179D Evaluator 3:36 - Example of adding upgrades like insulation and LED lighting to a commercial building to improve energy efficiency. Shows how this can lead to tax deductions through the 179D that reduce net project cost. 9:05 - Discussion of how Apollo Energies can do an audit, certify deductions, and manage the upgrades to ensure the project qualifies for the maximum incentives. This provides assurance if audited by the IRS.  

Are you a business owner looking to grow your company's value and profitability in the years ahead? Tune in to this insightful episode of the R-Value podcast, hosted by IDI's Ken Allison with guest economist Brian Beaulieu to get an expert forecast on the housing and construction markets. They dive into projections for housing permits, sales, interest rates, and remodeling through 2026. Brian Beaulieu has been an economist with the Institute for Trend Research since 1982, serving as its Chief Executive Officer since 1987. At the Institute, he has been engaged in applied research regarding business cycle trend analysis. Brian was also an economist for the US Department of Labor where he worked on the health care component of the Consumer Price Index. Brian is co-author with Alan Beaulieu of the books, Prosperity in the Age of Decline, Make Your Move, and children's book But I Want It. Brian provides his candid take on the Federal Reserve's impact, regional trends to watch, and factors like the labor shortage, material costs, and consumer savings rates. You'll come away with an honest outlook on risks ahead and wise counsel on investments, real estate, hiring, and steps to increase your personal net worth. If you want to position your business to not just survive, but thrive, in fluctuating economic times, don't miss this practical, forward-looking discussion. In this episode… 2:26 - Forecasting the 2024 housing market and future rate hikes 6:11 - Is the Fed’s target of retrofitting 110 million homes by 2050 realistic? 10:20 - Regional trends in home building. Where will the housing hot spots be? 14:39 - When will materials pricing come down? 18:00 - Building a business that can weather turbulent economic conditions   For more information on ITR Economics, click here or visit one of their below social channels:  Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

In this episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s Marketing Manager Blake Moreau, IDI’s HR Operations Manager Brenda Mattson and special guest Maddie Hollis dive into the essential aspects of running a compliant and profitable business. They explore the intricacies of employee state laws, overtime requirements, hiring practices, and the importance of transparent communication within the workplace.   Whether you're a small business owner or part of an HR team, the insights shared on wage and hour violations, proper documentation, and the potential fines for non-compliance will be invaluable to you.   Join the conversation as Maddie Hollis, author of the HR blog "HR Department Of One," shares her expertise on providing advice to small business owners, while Brenda offers her perspective on employment records and company culture. From the complexities of exempt positions to the significance of workers' compensation insurance, this episode is packed with practical advice and tools to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of employment law. Tune in to find your true value with R-Value and become an industry leader in your market!   1:39 - Why should you care about being compliant? 4:04 - Why Maddie calls her blog HR Department of One 5:24 - Top 5 things a business owner should do when hiring employees. 7:49 - The importance of transparent, factual communication 12:51 - When do you need to start withholding taxes for employees? 14:54 - Adhering to minimum wage and overtime laws. 19:39 - The difference between salary exempt and non exempt. 21:39 - Comp time vs. Overtime. 26:20 - Transparency and expectations for new hires 28:40 - When will you follow up with the employee?

Building standards and regulations have changed A LOT recently. It can be difficult to keep up with and communicate all of the changes, leading to failed inspections and lost revenue. The pace and volume of change is a major challenge for builders across the country and non-profit organizers are stepping into the maze to help solve the problem.   People like Cardice Howard, Deputy Director of RESNET. RESNET is a not-for-profit, membership corporation that created and maintains the HERS® Index to allow for easy comparison of energy performance of homes. Their mission is to make the energy use of all homes transparent, thereby driving residential sector energy use toward net zero.   Cardice has 27 years of operations management experience as an insulation contractor in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas market along with her passion as an insulation Industry advocate for the RESNET team. Cardice has developed and maintained cohesive relationships with builders, code officials, sales and operations staff over that time. She also has built teams to support over $2 million in sales per month in the Dallas/Fort Worth market, focusing on business development and strategic planning.   Ken and Cardice discuss how the HERS rating can be used as a standalone compliance pathway to meet state energy codes, helping builders to qualify for significant tax credits and making green building practices more economically viable. They also talk about software solutions that help achieve energy efficiency requirements in construction projects, prescriptive vs. performance building processes and the importance of unity and collaborative efforts among builders, insulators, code officials, and third-party raters in achieving overall project success.   In this podcast… 1:00 - How Cardice’s wide range of contracting experience and outside-the-box approach helps her help builders dealing with a number of on-site challenges. 8:40 - How RESNET is working to simplify compliance for builders in the United States 12:00 - The dynamics of the HERS Index and a discussion about new regulations and ratings, including how HERS raters can act as code officials in some jurisdictions 17:45 - How RESNET is working closely with distributors and manufacturers in the construction industry to educate them on the latest standards and regulations. 26:38 - What if I’m working on a project that doesn’t have a HERS rater? 31:56 - BONUS: Cardice shares her experiences with projects that she knew would be improved by a HERS rater

In this episode of The R-Value Podcast, IDI Distributor’s Ken Allison sits down with Chuck Casto, Alignable's business development guru and Head of Content Marketing. Alignable, often described as the largest online Chamber of Commerce or the Facebook for business owners, is a platform that allows small business owners to connect with one another and share resources, ideas, and advice. Ken and Chuck discuss the many advantages for contractors and builders of being on Alignable, such as networking events, a marketing contest, and the visibility that a business can achieve through participating in the platform.   Learn more about Alignable at https://www.alignable.com   Chuck provides valuable insights into the many ways Alignable can help small business owners make meaningful connections, grow their clientele, and establish a strong reputation in their community. With a range of trade groups, contractor groups, and even specific industry sectors like health and wellness, Alignable enables users to learn from and collaborate with like-minded professionals. Whether you're new to Alignable or have been using the platform for a while, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their business, broaden their network, and take their visibility to new heights.   In this podcast… 1:15 - Alignable as a networking platform for small businesses. At the beginning of the episode, Ken Allison and Chuck Casto discuss Alignable and its benefits. Alignable is a platform where small business owners can connect with each other and share resources, ideas, and advice. The platform offers networking events, the marketing contest, and increased visibility for businesses who actively participate. 4:00 - Marketing Networking Contest. Chuck talks about the marketing networking contest, which he brought to Alignable five years ago. These contests celebrate people who help other small businesses by offering them networking opportunities, providing a platform for non-salesy interactions. 8:40 - Joining and participating in groups on Alignable. Chuck and Ken discuss the importance of joining and participating in groups on Alignable to increase visibility and trust. These groups allow users to learn from each other, ask questions, and provide advice. There are specific industry sector groups within Alignable, catering to businesses in health and wellness, construction, and more. 21:45 - How Alignable’s Event Hosting program can get you visibility with potential clients. Alignable offers an Event Host Program where participants can host virtual meetings to educate others about their expertise or industry. This program encourages sharing knowledge and helping others while potentially turning them into future clients. 30:45 - Advice for new Alignable users. Towards the end of the episode, Ken suggests new Alignable users should at least join two to three groups, participate in polls, start or join forums, and check out the activity feed. Chuck adds that joining the platform and actively participating in it will provide opportunities for users to connect, learn, and grow their businesses.  

In this episode, IDI’s Ken Allison speaks live with Steve Skodak, CEO of the Building Performance Association at the organization’s 37th annual National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show.    The Building Performance Association has expanded its focus and reach significantly over the past few years. "Three years ago, we were communicating with maybe 7,000 to 8,000 people in our industry each week. That number is about 23,000 now." Steve emphasizes the importance of supporting market rate contractors and facilitating connections between them and state energy offices to promote energy efficiency retrofits of existing home stocks.   Ken and Steve discuss the importance of the trade show, the availability of $250 million in training dollars for the energy industry, the importance of a whole home approach and much more.    In this podcast… 4:30 - What are some of the challenges that are facing market rate contractors? 10:38 - What is the Building Performance’s role in the industry? 16:14 - How the National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show is different from other conferences. 20:22 - What’s the future of energy policy in the US? 27:00 - “There's a lot of consumers out there not quite as concerned about energy savings as what we in the industry are. They want a cozy home, they want a safe home.” 35:23 - How the Building Performance Association can get contractors the education they need.  39:02 - There is no way the number of contractors we have today are going to be able to do the amount of work that needs to be done  42:41 - What got Steve excited about this industry?

Winning bids and creating a profitable business doesn't just happen accidentally. It takes great people, great products, great work, and a team dedicated to learning and adapting to constant market changes. Today we're talking to an expert in the field of building successful contracting businesses, Joe Arrigo. He shares his 5 best practices for building a contracting business that becomes profitable and more importantly, STAYS profitable.  Joe Arrigo is the President/Owner of Resource Development Partners, a company that provides training, certification, and education for building material manufacturers. Joe specializes in building science education for residential and light commercial builders and trade contractors. In this podcast... 1:01 - Creating a culture that wins 3:40 - Looking for talent everywhere 10:00 - Running the right software for your work 14:20 - Factoring market changes into your bidding process 15:50 - The conversation that insulation contractors should be having with general contractor

The Inflation Reduction Act may have already passed but there are still lots of questions about the credits, incentives and rebates contained within. How will the funds be distributed? Which states will benefit most? What’s the best way for contractors to ensure they can deliver these incentives to customers? Today we hope to answer these questions and more, which is why we’ve brought the foremost expert on the Inflation Reduction Act onto the podcast, Kara Saul Rinaldi.    Kara is the principal and founder of the Anndyl Policy Group and she joins IDI’s Ken Allison in a wide ranging discussion on this important legislation. Kara and her group acted as a vital conduit between legislators in Washington D.C and home builders to make sure that the Inflation Reduction Act provided as much value as possible to contractors.    In this podcast…   1:53 - Updates on the Inflation Reduction Act?   3:52 - Is the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act mostly industrial or consumer available money?   6:21 - Shaping policy for every stakeholder from contractor to consumer   10:23 - What’s the difference between tax credits vs rebates?   15:54 - What are some of the states that are most excited about the 179D?   20:43 - Different states have different needs    23:55 - How can you work with your state’s energy office to get these rebates on the streets?   26:45 - What are some of the elements that are of particular interest to all of the contractors and manufacturers who are going to have to move this into the marketplace?

For contractors and consumers 2023 really is the “year of the rebate” courtesy of the Inflation Reduction Act. Potential customers are just starting to learn about how they can utilize these rebates to start new projects, which raises the question. How should you adjust your marketing plan to best capture the interest of these new prospects in your market? Today on the R-Value Podcast, you will get golden nuggets of masterful marketing with our host, IDI’s own Ken Allison, and guest Peter Troast, the founder and CEO of Energy Circle. Peter is recognized as one of the country's foremost authorities on marketing for home performance, HVAC and other efficiency related contracting companies. He authors the widely-read Energy Circle blog and is a passionate advocate for the power of the whole house home performance business model. He and his team work with over 350 companies in 49 states grow their business through services like website design and development, search engine optimization, lead generation and strategic content production. In this podcast… 2:53 - Is there already consumer interest online on for the inflation reduction act and energy efficiency topics? 7:51 - What is a building science approach and how does it work? 10:02 - What are the buckets of search terms around insulation that are most important? 15:35 - Why long-form landing pages are the ticket to the future. 18:36 - The most important forms of marketing that you need to focus on. 26:09 - When will tax credits be available and how should that affect marketing timing? 29:05 - Should I be reaching out to non-profit program managers in my area? 35:24 - What Google is looking for in your business profile. 38:24 - Other things you can be doing to move the needle higher on Google.

According to Forbes, over 40% of the US construction workforce is expected to retire over the next decade. The fact is the construction industry faces a workforce shortage and according to Associated Builders and Contractors that shortage is up to 650,000 in 2022. This means every worker is critical including workers that came to our country looking for work. For many installation contractors, migrant workers fill key roles in the operation of their company. But the rules, regulations and liabilities around these practices can be confusing for workers and employers alike. We’ve invited immigration attorney Jorge Molina on the show to chat with IDI’s Business Development expert Ken Allison. They discuss the best practices to protect your employees and your company.   Jorge Molina is the founder of the J. Molina Law Firm in Arlington Texas. He has worked hard to protect and help build his clients’ American Dreams and prides himself in leveling the playing field for his clients. Whether defending someone facing deportation, or a company trying to expand its business.   In this podcast… 3:11 - What type of help are people looking for from an immigration attorney? 6:39 - The long road of immigration court 10:00 - The best advice to give to your undocumented workers 18:29 - “Can undocumented workers operate company equipment?” and other liability questions 21:09 - The importance of the worker’s perspective 25:04 - How business interests could be the key to solving the immigration crisis in the U.S.

A lot of changes are coming to tax credits and other ways to save contractors and their clients money with the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. This includes not only new programs, but also adjustments to regulations and extensions around exisitng credits like the 179D. It’s one of the most underused credits but it can save business lots of money. Knowing more about these credits can be a critical game-changer for your business.   In this episode, IDI Distributors’ Ken Allison sits down with Bill Harbeson, CPA/Manager at one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the country, Cherry Baekert. Cherry Bekaert provides guidance and support that helps clients move forward to reach their organizational goals. They discuss the benefits and nuances of the 179D and how it can make a big impact our on your business.   In this podcast: 1:59 - What is the 179D tax credit? 8:00 - What’s necessary to qualify for the 179D tax credit? 21:47 - Who can claim the deduction for the building? How did the Inflation Reduction Act change this? 25:29 - What’s the best “bang for your buck” projects for insulators as it relates to this deduction? 29:00 - Which buildings are the best targets for this deduction? 30:45 - What if you own your own shop? 37:20  - What is Cherry Baekert’s role in helping contractors with 179D?