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Code Connection: The Building Code & BCSI

  • The new version of BCSI is a 104-page full size book produced jointly by TPI and WTCA. 
  • IBC and IRC excerpts in B1 emphasize the use of a complete, accurate and approved set of Construction Documents.
  • The Building Designer is responsible for the Permanent Building Stability Brac-ing (PBSB) for the building system. The PBSB includes all of the structural building components that make up the structural framework.

WTCA Update: WTCA Unveils SCORE Program

  • SCORE is a new marketing program for WTCA component manufacturer members. 
  • To earn a SCORE certification, manufacturers must participate in programs like Operation Safety, In-Plant WTCA QC and Truss Technician Training.

WTCA Update: WTCA Launches TTT Recertification Online

Adventures in Advocacy: Invite Me In!

Builder Banter

Chambers Truss & Ft. Pierce Central High Partner to "Grow" Technicians

  • To address the challenge of finding skilled truss technicians, Chambers Truss has partnered with a local high school. 
  • Each semester, Coach Cash's drafting classes learn basic truss design and build a 3D home model. 
  • Since it began, the program has yielded many truss technicians for south Florida component manufacturers.

One Tour at a Time: Illinois Fire Group Learns about Building Components

  • WTCA-IL hosted a truss plant tour for the fire service personnel of MABAS division 10 at Neumann Distribution Centers in northern Illinois. 
  • Planning the flow, timeline, and coordination of a truss plant tour prior to group arrival is critical to its success.
  • The tour also included a Carbeck presentation where many concerns and questions were addressed. 
  • WTCA-IL and MABAS 10 have laid the groundwork for a mutually beneficial relationship.

Whole House Services Meet Builder Needs, Increase CM Profits

  • The concept of adding value is becoming increasingly more important to component manufacturers. 
  • One way component manufacturers can increase their value proposition is by offering whole house services to their customers. 
  • Certain software packages and manufacturing equipment can help manufacturers deliver these services while increasing profitability.

Automation Straight Talk: How to Avoid Slumping in a Slump

  • Use down time to reconfigure your plant to make the production process more efficient. 
  • Look hard at how you can have most of the benefits of full automation without spending the money to get it. 
  • A down cycle is a good time—really the best time—to install new equipment. 
  • It’s possible for plants to come out of a down cycle literally twice the company that they were before.

Publisher's Message: Can't Have One Without the Other

  • This issue of SBC focuses on quality control and manufacturing. It also houses the BCMC 2006 Recap.
  • Recent changes to the industry’s quality control standard are explained in this issue.
  • The current state and future growth of the industry is summarized in “Economists Forecast End of Housing Correction.”

WTCA Update: Open Quarterly Meeting Highlights: Oct. 7, 2006 - Houston, TX

  • The Board passed a motion to approve a new policy on “Dealing with the Press.”
  • An update on WTCA’s work with NLBMDA was provided.
  • The Board unanimously voted to approve the updated edition of BCSI. 
  • The next OQM is scheduled for February 21-23 in Jacksonville, FL.

Code Connection: IRC 2006: What's Coming!

  • The 2006 IRC changes that apply to roof framing or roof trusses include: R301.5 attic loading; R802.10.2.1 snow loading; R802.10.3/R502.11.2 reference to BCSI; R802.3.1 rafter/ceiling joist connections; and R806.4 conditioned attic spaces. 
  • The 2006 IRC changes that apply to wall panels include: R302, R309 exterior wall; R317 unit separation; R502.2.1 load path through floor at braced wall lines; R602.3.2 wall plate splices; R602.10 braced wall lines; and R703 exterior wall covering and fasteners. 

Adventures in Advocacy: Carpe Congress!

Builder Banter

One Tour at a Time: Plant Tour of Duty

  • Atlas Components invited Congressman Manzullo to its plant for a tour. 
  • A new WTCA Board resolution recommends that each chapter designate a Local Relationship-Building Chair and host two plant tours each year. 
  • WTCA staff is developing a detailed database of the professional organizations in their chapter marketplace.

TPI 1-2007 Changes: Improving the In-Plant Quality Control Standard

  • Chapter 3 in ANSI/TPI 1 is the section that defines the industry’s manufacturing quality control standards. 
  • Throughout 2006, a Project Committee has revised Chapter 3 to include feedback from component manufacturers. 
  • One significant change involves combining two previous inspection methods into one for increased efficiency.

Automation Straight Talk: The "Hands Down" Winner of the Component Saw vs. Linear-feed Saw Battle

  • Your goal in reading this, I’m assuming, is to figure out the best kind of equipment to have in your cutting operation…the equipment that will produce the most accurately cut components at the lowest possible cost. 
  • The labor cost per part is all-important and can be the deciding factor in your automated saw decision. 
  • I’d ask every automated saw manufacturer I was considering to look at my cutting operation and recommend which type of saw would provide the quickest return on investment for my operation.

Economists Forecast End of Housing Correction

  • A combination of high home prices, excess inventory and the tightening of monetary policy and has led to a steady decline in U.S. housing starts. 
  • The outlook for single family construction should improve by Q3 of 2007, but depends largely on the sale of existing home inventory. 
  • Because home affordability has de-creased in the last several years, the rental component of multi-family construction looks to be strong in the first half of 2007. 
  • The analysts’ consensus forecasts total U.S. housing starts at just over 1.6 million for 2007.