January 2026
Also in the January 2026 Issue:
What Do We Know, and What Do We Wish We Knew?
Government sources of economic data were in a state of flux in the last quarter of 2025, but economists could use other resources to assess what the construction market will look like in the new year. Read about some indicators and drivers that may impact your business.
Technical Tools
How much do you know about the resources available for engineers, designers, facility owners, and specifiers to understand their options and facilitate effective decision making for insulation systems? This five-part special section introduces popular tools from NIA, MICA, and NAIMA.
Mastering Mechanical Insulation: A Guide to NIA’s Insulation Science Glossary
Whether you are seasoned veteran or an industry newcomer, you will be able to navigate terms and jargon using this reliable industry tool.
Unlock Material Insights: A Guide to NIA’s Insulation Materials Specification Chart
Often called the “Spec Chart,” this invaluable tool consolidates physical and material properties of various insulation materials into one single, unbiased resource.
NIA’s Guide to Insulation Product Specifications
As a centralized resource for commonly used specifications, this tool helps everyone in the industry more readily understand and identify the materials referenced within complex project specifications.
Leverage the North American Commercial & Industrial Insulation Standards Manual
Published by the Midwest Insulation Contractors Association (MICA), the MICA Manual is a vital reference tool everyone in the mechanical insulation industry should know how to access and use.
NAIMA’s Technical Tools: 3E Plus® and 3E Estimator®
These two free tools help engineers and designers easily calculate the appropriate insulation thickness for mechanical and industrial applications (3E Plus) and quantify potential financial and energy savings that could be realized from use of mechanical insulation (3E Estimator).
National Insulation Association Standard Practice Update
Outlines for the first four proposed standards to be developed as part of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)/NIA mechanical insulation standards initiative were presented to NIA members at the recent Fall Summit. See what topics are to be addressed first and how you can get involved.
