Several times a year, the Foundation for Mechanical Insulation Education, Training, and Industry Advancement (Foundation) provides an update to Insulation Outlook readers on its work to advance and expand the commercial and industrial insulation industry.  

Financial Support of Standards and Industry-Advancing Programs 

The Foundation Board of Directors met in July to review its organizational governance, projects, programs, and the overall financial health of the organization.  

The Foundation is seeing progress with the ongoing development of four mechanical insulation installation standards/guidelines: Vapor Retarders/Vapor Stops, Damaged Insulation, Pipe Supports, and Flanges. Working groups have been meeting regularly to develop drafts. By the end of 2026, drafts of each of these standards/guidelines are scheduled to be completed for review by NIA’s Technical Information Committee. 

In addition, the Foundation is continuing the development of training to integrate into the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) industrial programs, including Treasure Hunts and In-Plant Training. Future activities with the DOE include reengaging with their Industrial Training and Assessment Centers to provide mechanical insulation training materials. 

Finally, the Foundation’s financial support of educational content for the NIA Education Center continues. Topics include driver safety, insurance, and data centers. 

Thank You to the 2026 Contributors 

The Foundation’s work depends on the generous support of companies that share a commitment to advancing the mechanical insulation industry. All industry stakeholders are encouraged to consider contributing to sustain and expand vital educational and outreach initiatives.  

2026 CONTRIBUTORS 

Founding Organization Contributor: National Insulation Association—$50,000  

Gold Elite 

Annual Contribution of $15,000 

Distribution International, Inc. 

Johns Manville 

Knauf Insulation, Inc. 

Owens Corning 

Performance Contracting, Inc. 

ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation 

Specialty Products & Insulation 
 

Gold 

Annual Contribution of $5,000 

Aeroflex USA 

Alpha Engineered Composites 

Armacell 

Bay Insulation Supply 

Caldwell Insulation, Inc. 

Eastern States Insulation Contractors Association 

Insulation Contractors Association of New York City 

Insulation Materials Corporation 

Irex Contracting Group 

JT Thorpe 

Lamtec Corporation 

Silver 

Annual Contribution of $3,000 

Midwest Insulation Contractors Association 

Midwest Materials Company 

R.P.R. Products, Inc. 

Southeastern Insulation Contractors Association 
 

Bronze 

Annual Contribution of $1,000 

Alkegen 

Coverflex Manufacturing, Inc. 

Delaware Valley Insulation and Abatement Contractors Association, Inc. 

DKB, Inc. 

Geo. V. Hamilton, Inc. 

Heat Frost and Thermal Insulation Education Fund 

Irex Advanced Industrial, LLC 

Irex Advanced Specialty, LLC 

Irex Argus Contracting, LP 

Irex Atlantic Contracting, LLC 

Irex Cornerstone Services, LLC 

Irex Energy Solutions, LLC 

Kennedy Insulation Systems, Inc. 

K-FLEX USA, LLC 

Kirby-Cundiff Insulation 

Proto Corporation 

Western Insulation Contractors Association 

WICA Wisconsin Insulation Advancement Fund 

The Legacy Circle Endowment Fund 

The Legacy Circle Endowment Fund was created by the Foundation’s Board to give individuals in the industry a way to leave a personal legacy gift, distinct from the Foundation’s annual business contribution levels. The Foundation welcomed NIA Past President Rick Sutphin and his wife Jan as its newest Legacy Circle Endowment donors. To view the full list of donors, visit www.insulation.org/foundation/contribute/endowment.  

To become a Foundation contributor and learn more about the Legacy Circle, please visit www.insulation.org/foundation/contribute, or email foundation@insulation.org.