Library

The U.S. economy entered the Fourth Quarter of the year with fading momentum and increasing caution signs from some indicators, including a weakening labor market, challenging financial realities, and lingering inflation. Analysts are forecasting GDP growth of only 1.9% for the last three months...

Over the past few decades, many employers have shifted from offering separate vacation, sick time, and holiday benefits to providing a single pool called Paid Time Off (PTO). On the surface, this change is framed as a modern improvement. Employers highlight administrative simplicity, cost...

Before I begin, let me say that I did not always believe that expanded benefits would pay off, or were even possible for most companies. When companies talk about employee benefits, the conversation often turns to cost. Paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave—these all sound like...

Almost two years ago, the MSR Lumber Producers Council (MSRLPC) Board of Directors got serious about putting together a comprehensive timeline for the history of the MSR lumber industry. In their experience, it was one of the few topics that, when Googled, came up short on information. Even...

Within the IntelliVIEW Suite, the iPanel app gives component manufacturers a comprehensive set of tools to design, detail, review, and modify wall panels. From creating wall layouts to reviewing sheathing specs, iPanel simplifies the panel design process to optimize designer efficiency while...

Joist hangers are simple to install, but ignoring details can cause issues with inspectors and lead to project delays. At our office, we often see the same mistakes repeated—simple errors that are easy to avoid with proper care and following best practices. Here are the five most common...

What is an extended top chord bearing truss? For those who don’t see these types of trusses on a daily basis, an extended top chord bearing truss is simply that which contains a top chord extension or tail supported by a bearing. This tail can then bear on a wall, beam, another truss, or...

Join SBCA and the National Framers Council (NFC) for our Quarter 4 Open Quarterly Meeting (OQM) for networking, learning, and a grand time in Napa Valley, CA, December 9–11, 2025. This gathering will bring attendees together for important updates, education, committee meetings, and...

Before there were truss machines, how did fabricators press plates? They were able to use hammers and nails on the Grip-Plate, but when they started using the plates that didn’t need extra nailing, they had a nearly impossible time getting them pressed. When they went to their local...

If you’re like me, you’re away from your computer on the first day of October, choosing instead to attend the industry’s annual trade show, the Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC). Held in Omaha, Nebraska this year, it has promised to be an exciting event. To...