Library

When a connector has been installed on a joint and it is determined the plate does not meet the requirements of the design standard, then the truss designer has to make a decision. The connection can be repaired by removing the plate, or there may be a way to facilitate the repair leaving the...

In the first part of the Primer for Wall Panels, we discussed the fundamentals of wall panel production and how they may figure into your wood component business. In summary, we asked the reader to remember that wall panels were built for decades with little more than a blueprint,...

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...

"Why do we do the things we do?" is not a rhetorical question or psychological evaluation. It is important that we understand the reasons why we work in a specific category of the lumber industry...or any profession. It is important because, subconsciously, our customers and suppliers...

The evidence is all around us that the “art” of component design continues to advance. This I clearly witnessed last week in a Northeast Atlanta suburb. Down the road from a jobsite I visited over 40 years ago, a highly customized project is rising (see photos on page 20). In the...

Do Building Officials really want education on the trusses we produce? On Monday, March 14, I had the honor and privilege of presenting to a group of Building Officials (BOs) and Building Designers (BDs) [over 350 individuals live and in-person!] at the Finger Lakes Building Officials...

Last month, The Advertiser hit a milestone – its 200th issue! To recognize that achievement, let’s take a quick look back at how this magazine has evolved from its humble beginnings. 8 Years Ago and 8 Pages When The Advertiser was launched in the fall of 2008, it was 8 pages...

This is the continuing recollection of the good people I have crossed paths with over the years, but may remain unknown to most folks in the industry. Keep in mind, I may have a bit of a romanticized perspective…..could be due to adult beverages at the time of our last meeting. Don...

Many would agree that it is wise to implement an effective incentive program (IP) that actually increases productivity and lowers costs. However, very few companies actually have implemented such an effective IP, especially one that affects every group within an organization (including...

Day after day we rely heavily on computers, smart phones and tablets. The power of each device makes our jobs faster, more efficient and hopefully easier each day.  Our own corporate policy sets a four year life cycle for each computer. As technological advances in both...