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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...

In multiple jurisdictions across the country, building code authorities questioned the viability of the curiously shaped metal plates being used on trusses during the last half of the 1950s. In South Florida, for example, four radically different looking plates appeared, with different...

Wall frame fabricators across North America are facing tighter timelines, fewer skilled workers, rising material costs, and increasing variation in project build types (from single-family homes to large-scale multi-unit developments). All of this comes while they strive to maintain quality and...

Last month’s article, “Pure Online Magic with Paragon, TDC Time Standards, and AppWright Job Management,”introduced the new and powerful synergy of Paragon and AppWright, which includes the TDC time standards offering. TDC time standards (R.E., S.U., or Man-Hours based on time...

Inspired by frequent requests for a quick reference, I’ve created a single-sheet ANSI/TPI 1 Chapter 3 guide—similar to a CliffsNotes version of the standard. Please note that important details are omitted; for a complete understanding, consult the full standard, National Design...

More than 120 proud RetroC owners will tell you that the auto-feeding of lumber is the most powerful feature of the Enventek RetroC automated component saw. Auto-feeding is made possible with Enventek’s SmartConveyor integrated with the RetroC’s clamping material feed chains. To...

Still defaulting to rim boards at every floor edge? In modern wood-framed construction, it’s worth taking a closer look at several detailing options including ribbon boards or top chord bearing detailing. These options can simplify construction and reduce blocking material while still...