The Last Word on Panelization – Floor Panels are Coming

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The Last Word
Issue #12246 - January 2020 | Page #129
By Joe Kannapell, P.E.

Framing a house in one day will require floor panels, or “cassettes” in modern parlance. So be ready for this final phase in componentization, creating new opportunities, more computerization, and…

Low-boy or drop-deck flatbed trailers to minimize trips to job.

Extra trailer(s) to spot on jobsite, or to standby while floor decks are individually set in place.

A crane to unload floor sections and “just-in-time” deliveries.

  • Coordination to have first floor walls ready for crane
  • Time critical to set all in one day to avoid crane charge
  • Facilitates delivery of other prebuilt components, like dormers, hip corners, and other details

Skilled installers

  • Well-trained framers who are incentivized for speedy installation.

Wall panel considerations:

  • Longer standard panel lengths, up to 20 ft., are possible when lifted with the crane.
  •  Two 20 ft. panels fit nicely end-to-end on 40 ft. trailer.
  •  Fewer panels mean less lifting/crane time.

Floor cassettes will likely be the “buzz” among builders who visit us at the International Builders Show, Jan. 20–23, as wall panels were last year. We’ll forward leads to you and will be anxious to show you software tools that we are developing to tackle them more efficiently.

Happy “Whole House” in the New Year!

You're reading an article from the January 2020 issue.

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