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Insulation installer wins national award

A local insulation installer brought home second place and $5,000 in a national competition this past weekend.

Ray Blackwater competed against 30 insulation installers from across the country at the 13th annual America’s Best Installer competition, Oct. 16-18 in Denver.

Blackwater has been installing insulation for 25 years and currently works for the Durango-based San Juan Insulation and Drywall Inc. He won first place in the competition in 2008 and 2012. This time around, a recently healed rotator cuff injury slowed him down a bit.

“I surprised myself to be in the final top three,” he said.

The event was sponsored by building products manufacturer Johns Manville and Insulate America, according to a news release.

The competitors installed insulation products in two mock home structures, one during each round. Their work was judged on quality, speed and the smart use of materials.

mshinn@durangoherald.com



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