On September 26, The Advertiser’s publisher, Thom McAnally, traveled to Naples Lumber & Supply where we were greeted by David E. Weston, COO. Here’s what we learned about Naples Lumber’s preparedness, commitment, and heart. Make a Plan and USE It If you’re a...

With Hurricane Irma wrapping up, the cleanup after Hurricane Harvey’s devastation underway in Houston and more big storms already churning in the Atlantic, it seems like a good time to discuss hurricanes and high wind. There is a great deal of good information out there to help us better...

Since 2003, deck researchers and representatives of the code community have worked to improve and expand the deck provisions in the International Residential Code (IRC). I believe the deck-related provisions of the 2015 IRC, coupled with best practices in the American Wood Council DCA6-2012,...

For the past several years, my research at Virginia Tech has examined the safety of workers who are constructing metal plate-connected wood truss roofs at height. This work can be very hazardous without proper fall protection systems and procedures in place. Falls from height are the result of...

Lately, competing building materials have been using construction fires as an opportunity to attack wood construction. It’s true; fires do occur in buildings under construction. But they occur in buildings of all material types, including concrete and steel. However, because wood...

The new Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s electronic recordkeeping rule to improve tracking of workplace injuries and illness became effective on January 1, 2017. The rule includes provisions to protect those who report injuries or illnesses from retaliation by their...

Being that it is early spring, it may be a good time to think about taking steps to protect your family in the event of a tornado. The 4th Edition of FEMA P-320, introduced below, contains a “treasure” of design information for constructing a residential safe room, either in the home...

The winter season is upon us, and families across the country are decorating their homes for holiday festivities. Unfortunately, this time of year is also marked by an increase in fires – with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reporting the highest occurrence of candle and...

The American free enterprise system has been the greatest engine for prosperity in world history and has the potential to deliver a promising economic future for our country and around the globe. However, manufacturing in the United States faces significant challenges in an increasingly...

Dear Anna: A recent long span truss collapse during installation reminded me of the new 2009 (and later) IBC bracing requirements for the Owner of a project with metal plate connected (MPC) wood trusses spanning 60 ft. and greater (churches, schools, commercial, retail, and so on)....