Question of the Day: Code Change Proposals on Wood Trusses Stan Sias Why are we seeing all the code change proposals regarding wood trusses in the current ICC code change/update process? It is true that there were several proposals submitted pertaining to wood truss restraint and bracing and another requiring special inspection of the installed truss... Read More October 2016 Issue #09207 Page 4
Make Safety a Priority: Key Considerations for Residential Deck Design Robert Glowinski As we head into the fall, families across the country have been spending more time in the backyard, often on their porches or decks. This fact serves as a good reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety of the outdoor spaces we enjoy so much. Unfortunately, deck collapses all too often... Read More September 2016 Issue #09206 Page 42
The Critical Link Between Lean Thinking and Production Problem-Solving for LBM and Component Manufacturers Ben Hershey Sometimes people give me a variety of answers when I ask them to describe lean: tightening the belt; doing more with less; reducing inventory; cost-savings program; waste elimination; quality program; reducing head count; and turnaround tool. The word has meaning to many different people... Read More August 2016 Issue #09205 Page 58
High Wind Guides for the Hurricane Season Robert Glowinski With hurricane season underway, several regions of the United States face the threat of wind-related damage to buildings. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), high winds cause millions of dollars in property damage each year, with roofs representing 85 to 95... Read More July 2016 Issue #09204 Page 42
Rethinking Ways to Encourage Permanent Truss Bracing Frank Woeste For Component Manufacturers (CMs), it is generally well known that the Registered Design Professional (RDP) is responsible per ANSI/TPI 1 for the design of the permanent bracing system for the wood truss system. However, the issue of responsibility is only the first part of the actual design and... Read More July 2016 Issue #09204 Page 59
Continuous Improvement Ben Hershey Continuous Improvement – Success is achieved, not from the program, but from the mindset Theory of Constraints. The Houlihan Labor Method. Quick Response Manufacturing. Six Sigma. Lean. Total Productive Maintenance. Total Quality Management. The lexicon, tools, and methods... Read More July 2016 Issue #09204 Page 62
AWC Offers New Apps Developed for Designers and Code Officials Robert Glowinski Modern technology helps to simplify our daily lives in many ways with the touch of a button—and now, today’s technology plays an important role in the way the wood construction industry is improving speed, efficiency and safety, and even compliance with the latest building... Read More May 2016 Issue #09202 Page 43
Fire is No Accident Robert Glowinski Large construction site fires have been gaining attention in the media and have resulted in large financial losses. With so much at risk, it’s essential that fire safety policies and procedures be in place at all construction sites. In cooperation with FireforceOne, the American Wood... Read More April 2016 Issue #09201 Page 39
Quality Assurance, Safety, and the Benefits of a Non-Biased Audit Glenn Traylor When folks hear the term audit, they generally think of an IRS audit. Not a pleasant thought. The term invokes an image of hot lights, endless questions, pouring over boxes of records, all in the attempt to find wrong doing on the part of the tax payer. When you consider a quality assurance... Read More March 2016 Issue #09200 Page 34
Maintaining Production by Performing Preventative Maintenance Dennis Schieffer Everyone wants to avoid trouble. We don’t want things to break down, and we don’t want to lose time and money. But sometimes, it’s the actions you can take before something goes wrong that will help you the most. That’s why a preventative maintenance program is important... Read More March 2016 Issue #09200 Page 38