By Tristan Bertram, Director of Industry Affairs
Hello, TIAC members!
I am very excited as TIAC’s leadership and the conference committee have adopted a “foundational focus” for 2024. This decision provides an excellent opportunity to highlight one of TIAC’s core values and drive alignment within our community. The Pursuit of Excellence is a perfect place for us to start, as precision and quality have always been benchmarks of success in the mechanical insulation industry.
For many years, the TIAC Best Practices Guide (TIAC BPG) and the North American Commercial and Industrial Insulation Standards Manual (NACIIS Manual) have been reliable companions for industry professionals. As these resources continue to evolve, they not only elevate standards but also support TIAC’s president’s goal of “Thermal EfficienSee: Forging a Sustainable Future with Mechanical Insulation.” While most of you are well-versed with TIAC BPG, the NACIIS Manual is a relatively new resource in the Canadian marketplace. As such, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a brief overview of these documents, highlighting some differences and, ultimately, their impact on the Pursuit of Excellence.
TIAC Best Practices Guide: A Legacy of Ensuring Excellence
The TIAC Best Practices Guide has been a fundamental part of our industry’s growth, success, and commitment to quality for many years. Providing invaluable information, the TIAC BPG plays an important role in enhancing the economic viability and quality of insulation systems in Canada.
The TIAC BPG covers various topics, from commercial and industrial applications to insulation codes, standard practices, and system design basics. It has been a go-to resource for professionals, offering checklists and essential information that can help streamline estimating processes and improve project accuracy and overall quality. It’s important to note that while the TIAC BPG serves as a valuable industry reference, it does not supersede federal/provincial specifications or other project-specific requirements. It is the specification writer’s responsibility to ensure that all products and application processes comply with applicable codes and regulations. The TIAC BPG is intended to be a comprehensive reference document for use across various insulation projects in Canada.
Although the TIAC BPG has been integral to our industry’s success, you may have noticed it’s a little outdated. As our industry continues to evolve, the technical committee, chaired by Cory Gray (Thermo Applicators), is taking the reins to review and update the TIAC BPG. The committee aims to improve the industry by incorporating the latest insights and advancements. The goal is not only to maintain the quality of insulation systems but also to enhance the guide’s effectiveness, providing industry stakeholders and asset owners with improved insights and information.
NACIIS: Building Consensus, Fostering Transparency
Complementing the TIAC BPG, the NACIIS Manual adds another layer of excellence to the insulation industry. Developed by the Midwest Insulation Contractors Association (MICA) in partnership with TIAC, the NACIIS Manual is a comprehensive resource for insulation professionals across commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors.
The NACIIS Manual offers an extensive overview of insulation materials and properties, a design guide for insulation systems, a specification writing guide, and much more. The core focus of the NACIIS Manual is the fillable plates. These plates offer a quick and effective way to illustrate how each section of a job will be completed, with the ability to specify the materials and installation methodology used. Completing and submitting these plates with a job estimate not only fosters consensus and transparency but also adds an additional layer of security in case discrepancies arise. As a TIAC member, you can access the NACIIS Manual for free. Please scan the QR code below to get a glimpse of the manual. To get your free copy, please email info@tiac.ca or tristan.bertram@tiac.ca.
As an active member of MICA’s NACIIS Manual committee, I take pride in contributing to ongoing initiatives, ultimately helping ensure excellence in mechanical insulation practices. The committee is diligently working on the 10th edition, adding new plate categories, among other innovative additions. My role on the committee is to ensure that Canadian content is prominent within the NACIIS Manual, reflecting our dedication to fostering excellence in the Canadian mechanical insulation industry.
Forging a Sustainable Future with “Thermal EfficienSee”
As our president’s vision of “Thermal EfficienSee” remains at the forefront of our industry, the TIAC BPG and NACIIS Manual continue to play pivotal roles. These resources contribute to the quality of insulation systems and align with our broader industry goal of achieving sustainability through efficiency. The ongoing efforts of TIAC’s technical committee in reviewing and updating the TIAC BPG underscore our commitment to excellence and the evolution required to meet the industry’s adapting landscape.
Excellence in mechanical insulation is encapsulated in the dynamic partnership of TIAC BPG, the NACIIS Manual, and other exciting TIAC initiatives (stay tuned). As these resources adapt to the industry’s needs, they not only empower professionals with knowledge but also contribute to realizing a sustainable future. With TIAC’s technical committee and MICA’s manual committee leading the charge, the industry is poised for a future where mechanical insulation is at the forefront of climate rehabilitation—ultimately establishing Canada as the global example of energy efficiency and a clean economy. ▪
Reach out to Tristan Bertram, Director of Industry Affairs, at 825-522-4834 or tristan.bertram@tiac.ca
