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When Is Preservative-Treated Wood Required?

  • Section 2304.11 of the International Building Code® (IBC®) identifies the conditions where protection from decay and termites is required.
  • Building codes establish minimum requirements; the building designer may specify more stringent requirements.
  • Presenting a range of options and their costs to the building designer and your customer will make you a more valuable supplier.

Parting Shots

Lifting Truss Assemblies

  • BCSI recommends using the Alternate Installation Method for lifting and setting truss assemblies.
  • The top chord, bottom chord and webs should be braced prior to lifting the trusses.
  • Always consult a Professional Engineer when setting an assembly with long-span trusses.

Readers Respond

The True Goal of Material Handling

  • One of the most beneficial solutions is the use of the live deck in front of the saw.
  • Saw setup times have improved dramatically.
  • Even though there are many material handling solutions out there, it’s common for one solution to actually become the next problem.

Parting Shots

You'll Never Know If You Don't Ask

  • I had the opportunity to meet with two lawmakers vying for the same Senate seat during the 2010 SBCA Legislative Conference. 
  • Though they come from different sides of the aisle, they agree that more legislation is needed to curb foreclosures and free up credit for builders.
  • Rep. Pryor’s office helped get tickets for a neat U.S. Marine Corps parade while we were in town. It never hurts to ask!

Information on Multi-Ply Girder Attachments

  • Multiple-ply truss girders can be assembled in manufacturing facilities or at the jobsite.
  • Specific ply-to-ply connections of multi-ply trusses are specified on truss design drawings.
  • TPI 1-2007 defines multi-ply girder assembly requirements in section 7.5.5.1.
  • Proprietary screw manufacturers will have recommendations on how to fasten plies together.

Parting Shots

Floor Live Load Deflection Limits for Room-In-Attic Trusses

  • Deflection limits for trusses with habitable spaces differ depending upon the building code.
  • The 2009 IRC references TPI 1-2007; it defines a live load deflection limit of l/360 for these trusses.
  • TPI 1-2002, which the 2006 IRC references, does not contain a live load deflection limit.

Reap the Benefits of Design Phase Involvement

  • A Sacramento Habitat home achieved LEED certification without FSC certified lumber.
  • Check out Ben Hershey’s point of view on the cost of certified wood.
  • Get out into the architect and engineering communities and use resources from SBCA to help market yourself.

Parting Shots

Refined Test Methods + Component Testing = Increased Market Share

  • In the last year SBCRI testing has helped us measure web forces, equalize load distribution and develop computerized truss models.
  • Get critical market data from SBC’s new Market Analysis Service.

2009 IRC Sprinkler Location Requirements

  • Even if code mandated, automatic sprinklers for one- and two-family dwellings are not required to be installed in every area of the dwelling. With some restrictions, attic spaces, crawl spaces, concealed spaces, closets, pantries, bathrooms, garages, carports, exterior porches and other unheated entry areas do not require fire sprinklers.
  • When in doubt about the required location of fire sprinklers, contact your local building official.

Parting Shots

Small Crews Need Safety Too

  • A downturn can leave you with a group of long-term, dedicated employees who are already trained in safety.
  • Worker fatigue due to smaller crews and longer hours are safety hazards during a downturn.
  • Holding regular safety meetings and encouraging workers to report all incidents is a way to maintain a culture of safety.

Vertical Sheathing Joints in Braced Wall Panels

  • The IRC requires vertical joints in braced wall panel sheathing to be connected to a common stud.
  • SBCA has submitted a code change proposal that would allow a wall panels designed to the IRC to be built with the sheathing flush at the edges.
  • The proposal will be heard at the May 2010 ICC Final Action Hearings.

Plant Safety Improves in Downturn

  • Committing to SBCA’s Operation Safety program now will pay substantial dividends when it comes time to hire again.
  • SBCA has a long-time contract with Qualtim, the company that manages and provides staff for SBCA projects.
  • Since the downturn began in 2008, SBCA’s annual budget has gone from $6 million to $2 million.