Business Details
32 Years
experience
Accredited Building Material Testing Services
Founded in 1994, R&D Services has established itself as a global leader in building materials testing and inspection. Our expertise in insulation testing, process evaluation, and product knowledge stems from decades of research and collaboration with industry pioneers. Accredited by the International Accreditation Service, we adhere to rigorous international standards like ISO/IEC 17025, ensuring our clients receive globally recognized, reliable results. With over 30 years of experience and a team of seasoned professionals, we specialize in developing tailored testing solutions for diverse client needs. Our commitment to integrity, quality, and innovation drives every project, from routine inspections to complex material evaluations.We work closely with code enforcement bodies and standards organizations to advance testing methodologies and improve industry practices. Headquartered in Watertown, Tennessee, our state-of-the-art facility supports clients across six continents. Our core values emphasize open communication, professional growth, and ethical conduct, fostering trust with clients and partners. By combining technical expertise with personalized service, we consistently exceed expectations in delivering precise, actionable insights. This dedication to excellence has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner in the building materials industry.
Services
Building Materials Testing
Inspection Services
Product Listings
Accredited Testing
Laboratory Analysis
Code Compliance Evaluation
Material Certification
Thermal Insulation Testing
Quality Assurance
International Standards Compliance
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer over 200 accredited and non-accredited test methods for building materials.
- Our team includes founders with 1970s-era insulation research expertise from Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
- We maintain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation through the International Accreditation Service.
- Our services reduce client costs through efficient, multi-inspection travel planning.
- We collaborate with ASTM and CAN/ULC to develop industry-leading testing standards.
Associations and certifications
- NVLAP
- IAS TL-566
- ISO/IEC 17025
What people say
Accurate results
Global accreditation
Expert team
Cost-effective inspections
Timely reports
Services
Building Materials Testing
We conduct over 200 accredited and non-accredited tests for thermal insulation and building materials. Our services include ASTM, ISO, and CAN/ULC standard compliance testing for manufacturers worldwide. Clients benefit from customized testing protocols and expert interpretation of results.
Inspection Services
Our accredited inspection team performs in-plant evaluations and annual compliance checks for insulation manufacturers. We coordinate multi-inspection trips to minimize client costs while ensuring adherence to international quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Product Listings
We offer product listing services that verify compliance with industry standards through ongoing evaluation. Listed products receive official recognition and may display the R&D Services Listed logo for market credibility and regulatory acceptance.
Accredited Testing
As an IAS TL-566 accredited laboratory, we perform ISO/IEC 17025-compliant testing for thermal insulation materials. Our accreditation ensures global acceptance of test reports by regulatory bodies and approval agencies.
Thermal Insulation Testing
Specializing in insulation material evaluation, we test for thermal performance, durability, and safety compliance. Our services support manufacturers in optimizing product efficiency and meeting evolving energy conservation standards.
People
Michael Joyce
President, Owner
Michael Joyce leads R&D Services' strategic growth while maintaining technical oversight. With extensive industry experience, he ensures the company's continued innovation in building materials testing and client service excellence.
Stuart Ruis
Vice President, Owner
Stuart Ruis co-owns R&D Services and manages operational execution. He oversees daily laboratory functions and client relations, leveraging his technical background to maintain the company's accreditation and quality standards.
David W. Yarbrough
Founder
Dr. David Yarbrough co-founded R&D Services after pioneering insulation research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His 40+ years of expertise in thermal insulation testing continue to shape the company's technical direction and industry contributions.
Carla King
Reporting Manager
Carla King supervises R&D Services' technical reporting team, ensuring accurate documentation and timely delivery of test results. Her leadership maintains the company's reputation for detailed, client-focused reporting processes.
John Doak
Director of Finance & Human Resources
John Doak manages financial operations and HR for R&D Services. He ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting the company's growth through strategic resource allocation and employee development programs.
Questions
What types of insulation materials do you test?
We test all major insulation types including cellulose, fiberglass, foam plastic, and reflective barriers using over 200 standardized methods.
Are your test results internationally recognized?
Yes, our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation through IAS ensures global acceptance by regulatory bodies and approval agencies.
How do I request testing services?
Contact us to discuss your scope, receive a proposal, then send samples for testing with results delivered in custom reports.
Do you offer product certification?
Yes, our product listing service verifies compliance with industry standards and allows use of our Listed logo for market credibility.
What locations do you serve?
We work with clients across six continents from our Watertown, Tennessee headquarters and through international partnerships.
How long does testing typically take?
Turnaround varies by test complexity but we prioritize timely delivery while maintaining rigorous quality standards.
