Design Connections: What Will Customers Want, Need, and Pay to Have Geordie Secord Over the last couple of articles, I’ve spent some time discussing improvements that would improve both the energy efficiency and the ability of the truss system to withstand extreme weather conditions. If you’ve read those articles, you will know that I think it is ridiculous that we... Read More May 2024 Issue #16298 Page 90
Design Connections: Resilient Designs Cost Less Than You Think Geordie Secord In last month’s article, Designing for Resiliency, I present some of my thoughts on how changing the design approach for wood trusses could aid in making future homes more resilient to the types of climate extremes that seem to be ahead of us. Whether you think that climate change is a... Read More April 2024 Issue #16297 Page 86
Design Connections: Designing for Resiliency Geordie Secord As I write this, I am sitting inside a warm office in Northern Ontario, looking out the window at near blizzard conditions, with heavy snow falling and –35° wind chill. Although it is very unpleasant outside, this isn’t necessarily unusual weather for this location, but what is... Read More March 2024 Issue #16296 Page 90
Design Connections: Designing the Unusual Structures Geordie Secord Over the course of 38+ years in the truss and component business, I’ve had the opportunity to see many unusual approaches to designing single family homes. Some I’ve thought were interesting, some were puzzling, and some were just odd – at least to my eye. Here are some that... Read More February 2024 Issue #16295 Page 82
Design Connections: Where Does the Responsibility Lie? Geordie Secord In “Cost-Saving Measures and Memorable Debacles,” I discussed the problems encountered on a site where the owner was acting as general contractor for his new house build and problems that ensued when an inexperienced framer was tasked with installing a complex truss roof. In that... Read More January 2024 Issue #16294 Page 80
Design Connections: My Letter to Santa for 2024 Geordie Secord As this issue of The Advertiser is being published December 1st, I thought I would share my wish list for truss and component manufacturers this year. Feel free to use this in your letter to Santa, too! Dear Santa, I promise I tried to be a good component designer this past year. My... Read More December 2023 Issue #15293 Page 88
Design Connections: Investing in Your Success Goes Beyond Your Equipment Geordie Secord I’m sure we have all been guilty of being bowled over by the latest new and improved gadget, whether in our personal lives or in our company. A new coffee maker promises the best cup you’ve ever had, a new set of golf clubs promises to immediately shave strokes off your game, and the... Read More November 2023 Issue #15292 Page 90
Design Connections: Make Competition About More Than Price Geordie Secord A near certainty in the component business is that your customers will, to some extent at least, shop your price against your competition. Depending on the relationship history you have with your client, you may have the opportunity to match a lower price, but your competition will still be used... Read More October 2023 Issue #15291 Page 98
Design Connections: At the Intersection of Reality and the Codes Geordie Secord As I approach four decades in this industry (!), the list of building code and design requirements that seem odd to me continues to grow. I am the first to acknowledge that the primary goal in designing a home is, and should be, occupant safety. But there are some requirements and... Read More August 2023 Issue #15289 Page 84
Design Connections: Reducing the Risk of Truss Collapse Geordie Secord Last month’s article, Preventing Truss Collapses, talks about some of the job site mistakes that can lead to truss collapses. I have no scientific data to back this up, but it is my belief that all truss collapses could be prevented by following proper lifting methods and bracing of the... Read More July 2023 Issue #15288 Page 84