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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...

On the right you will see the four week performance of our weekly, short-term August buying strategies. The results show 2x4 #2 SYP, Canadian SPF, and western U.S. Dry and Green Fir as well as 7/16 OSB southeast and southwest. The buying strategies are simple. In rising markets, buy...

A lot of people have been talking about production tracking lately, so now is a good time to talk more in depth about some of the issues involved. With increased demand for the handling of metrics, levels of complexity and ever-changing conditions, manufacturers have been moving toward more...

This article discusses how to select holdowns and tension ties, which are key components in a continuous load path. They are used to resist uplift due to shearwall overturning or wind uplift forces in light-frame construction. In panelized roof construction, holdowns are used to anchor concrete...

Overview Progressive roof collapse is a roof collapse in which the failure of a single structural component triggers a chain reaction of failures that result in a large portion of a roof collapsing onto the contents below. The shifting of continuous lateral restraint is well known as a...

In 2006, when I first opened my two-man garage door business, I never imagined I would have over 80 employees and be expanding all over the United States. Over the last 10 years, people have asked me the No. 1 thing that has made my business so successful. My answer is simple:...

Just as important as enjoying our jobs is belonging to our workplace. That takes effort on our part, especially if we’re new employees or work remotely, like I do. Know that we have a dual purpose; to get our jobs done, of course, but also to become a partner with our associates. Like so...

What can be done to help eliminate hanger gaps when attaching end jacks, or common trusses, at 90 degrees to the girder truss? This month’s installment is a good question with a really easy solution. I was on another jobsite recently when I noticed a series of small (about 8’...

North Meets South in New Zealand Component Manufacturers often ask about our global experiences, how others manufacture products, and if there are better designs that may prove more efficient.  Having travelled North America, China, Australia, and New Zealand visiting and installing...

The astute observer on our website may have noticed some new links appearing. We should also have a little construction sign up though – the new section is very much a work in progress! Where is that article? From time to time, we’re asked to forward individual PDF copies of...