From Our Perspective

    Thank you for your continued support and partnership with the Kinzler organization. We are blessed to have relationships and partnerships with such a fine community of customers and vendor partners. The strength, stability and character of these relationships keep us focused during this season of volatile economic conditions, debt crisis, political elections, and uncertain tax structures. While the full impact and breadth of these macro factors are yet untold, we keep our focus on adding and creating the most value possible for our customers and partners in a safe and sustainable manner. One way we can add value is to offer the most innovative portfolio of products and services available. In this newsletter we introduce two exciting new lines to our portfolio - ReWall and Sound Isolation. We also continue to invest our energy, focus and resources in our safety program striving to be best of breed and incident free adding value for our customers by helping keep our work sites safe.

    I am happy to report that Kevin Kinzler, my father and our President and CEO has graciously accepted to serve our peers in the insulation industry as the board president of the Insulation Contractors Association of America (ICAA) this year. We have included a letter that Kevin wrote in a recent newsletter to the ICAA membership focused on safety   in this newsletter.

    I am always eager to hear your feedback on how we are doing and anything we can do to create more value for you.

Thank you and we appreciate you.

My best,

Tanner J. Kinzler, C.O.O. & V.P.

Click here to view the full newsletter.

How tight is too tight?

A common question for those interested in spray foam insulation is “Will it make my home too airtight?” This is a great question because one of the benefits of spray foam is that when installed properly, it serves as an air barrier in addition to providing a high R-value.

The answer to this question is dependent on several factors. The home’s insulation, how the insulation was installed, the mechanical equipment and the number of occupants are just a few of the variables. Regardless of the type of insulation being installed, we suggest testing a home’s air quality when modifications to the home’s envelope are made. The air quality of a home is measured by the amount of natural ventilation the home has, and this is quantified by doing a blower door test. This test allows us to measure the amount of Air Changes in a home and determine if additional ventilation should be added to maintain proper indoor air quality and prevent potentially unsafe conditions with your mechanical equipment.  While spray foam certainly impacts the tightness of a home because of its excellent air sealing properties, every home should be tested regardless of the insulation product used. 

New vs. Existing Homes

New Homes – For those of you building  a new home, we would recommend installing a ventilation system of some sort if you have not already decided to do so. A ventilation system will help achieve the desired indoor air quality in your home. An HRV, or Heat Recovery Ventilator, is one good mechanical ventilation option. Because many building products such as windows, house wraps and sheathings have improved their capability to control air flow over the years, we also recommend exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms and other necessary areas to control the interior relative humidity. If these recommendations are taken, you should have no worries of your home being too tight. Instead, by pairing these with adequate insulation you will be building a home that will not only minimize your energy usage and cost but also promote healthier indoor air quality.

Existing Homes – Improving your homes insulation results in a more energy efficient home, saving energy and money. Improved insulation can also tight up your home, and in some causes this can result in your home being too airtight. Though this is not typical, we still recommend doing an evaluation of your home’s air tightness following any improvements to ensure no concerns, such as the back drafting of naturally drafted appliances, are present.

The bottom line is every home is different, and each home must be evaluated individually. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have – just give us a call – 888.292.2382.

Want to Join our Team?

We are seeking qualified applicants for a number of open positions,so if you’re interested in a career change, stop by or give us a call. We currently have the following job openings.

• Receptionist - (Ames, IA)
• Business Development Manager - (St. Charles, MN)
• Division Manager - (Raymond, IA)
• Sales / Development Professional - (Raymond, IA)
• Drywall Stockers - (Ames & Ankeny, IA)
• Insulation Installers -(Ames, Ankeny & Raymond, IA & St. Charles, MN)
• Diesel Mechanic - (Auto Truck Repair Center - Ames, IA)

Send resumes, or direct inquiries to.
Kinzler Companies
Human Resources
2335 230th Street
Ames, IA 50014

Phone: 515.292.5714
Fax: 515.292.0440
info@insulation.net

Kinzler Construction Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.

Home for Supper

             Our President & CEO, Kevin Kinzler, was inspired to write a few words about safety for our upcoming newsletter. Being Independence Day, tomorrow is a day of celebration. With many people on the road and waterways, we urge you all to keep safety top-of-mind during the festivities as well as in your daily lives. Keep Kevin's words in mind, and have a safe holiday!

I was inspired to type a few words about safety for this newsletter.  My initial thoughts were positive and came during a conversation with my good friend Jeff Jensen with Alas-Co Insulation in AK.  They are currently celebrating 2095 days without a lost time accident.  Way to go Jeff in your advocacy of a safe work environment.  Unfortunately the second inspiration came from news of a terrible farm accident in Iowa recently that killed a young boy. We have a strong culture of safety at Kinzler but the knot in my stomach reflecting on this caused me to pause, think, and re-energized my own attitude about safety for me, my family, and all of those I work with.  I am writing this to a wide array of customers, friends and colleagues but I feel moved to remind us all to fully support those around us in our areas of influence to lead regarding safety.  None of us wants to see a loved one or co-worker harmed so I challenge all of us to be first in supporting safety in our lives.  Let’s not let an unsafe practice exist for a minute.  Please join me in full support making safety a priority in our work and home life through education and training, provision of Personal Protective Equipment, GPS to monitor the safe use of equipment, personal support to crew and staff for correct work practices, and financial support of safe practices.

The financial impact a history of safety can have on a company is obvious.  It not only moves money to our bottom line it can become critical to our very existence and ability to convince an insurance company we are worthy of them taking a risk on us.  So first for the personal safety of everyone and second for the bottom line please join me and let’s get ourselves and everyone around us home for supper.

Stay the course,

Kevin Kinzler 

  

Building Healthy Hearts

Kinzler employees joined 5,000 others last Saturday for the 5th Annual Des Moines Heart Walk.Together walkers raised over $400,000 this year. Our team looks forward to helping that contribution grow in future years. Thanks to all who participated in the event!

Check Out Our Videos

Have you had a chance to check out our Videos?

 Take a look now to:

• Better understand the importance of an Energy Audit and all the components of an Energy Audit.

• Learn about the recommended insulation R-Values for your home.

• Find help for identifying air leaks in your home.

• See for yourself how Icynene(R) spray foam insulation really works.

Just follow this link to view all of our Videos.

What We've Been Up To

Below are two projects that we've been working this spring. The Lakeside Casino is complete, while the DART Central Station project is still under construction. Be sure to take a look at the building's progress if you're in downtown Des Moines.

DART central station. des moines, ia

• project type. commercial. new construction
• general contractor. the weitz co.
• installed. closed and open cell spray foam insulation
• dates. spring & summer 2012

lakeside casino.  osceola, ia

• project type. commercial. addition
• general contractor. larson & larson
• installed. gypsum concrete underlyament,  and batt & blow-in insulation
• dates. april 2012