Search
Article
2006 August
- Without the diagonal brace, the only thing the lateral member(s) ensures is that the webs to which they are attached will be-have as a unit and buckle together in the same direction if and/or when the buckling load is reached.
- The single diagonal brace and web reinforcement options satisfy the need for bracing individual trusses and truss members, but not the stability bracing of the entire building system.
- BCSI-B3 Web Member Permanent Bra-cing/Web Reinforcement provides indus-try recommendations and methods for restraining web members against buckling.
Article
2006 August
- NAHB expects residential fixed investment (RFI) to contract over the next two years.
- Perhaps it is time to diversify: less focus on new residential construction and more focus on remodeling, industrial markets, and non-residential construction.
- To do this, consider getting closer to the end user.
Article
2006 August
- Technicians whose TTT certification has lapsed have less than six months to recertify under a special grace period.
- Starting January 1, 2007, the new recertification system will send a reminder email to the student and training manager 45 days prior to the expiration date on the technician’s original certificate.
- Technicians can choose from a number of industry-related activities to create their own customized recertification program.
Article
2006 August
- WTCA Tech Notes offer a new tool for component manufacturers to educate themselves, as well as the people in the marketplace, on the key issues they face on a daily basis.
- The goal is to clarify code and other technical issues and provide marketplace education to further the industry.
Article
2006 August
- Dakota Craft found a solution to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs: heat its production facilities with wood waste.
- Cost cutting efforts make it possible to redirect resources toward company growth and exceptional employee benefits.
- The company invests in well-educated truss technicians because it believes that if you don’t start with a quality design, the product will negatively impact the project all the way to installation.
Article
2006 August
- Material flow is the path and process that material and paperwork travel through your operations in order to produce a finished product.
- You may find that the new computerized saw can save time cutting pieces, but you aren’t rolling trusses out the door any faster.
- Your next challenge is to put them into action by documenting your operation’s material flow.
Article
2006 August
- Four areas of concern will help identify the hazards and reduce the risks associated with handling finished trusses: forklift limitations, truss limitations, storage and loading.
- Use a proper spreader bar to transport long span trusses.
- Trusses are not designed to carry significant amounts of lateral load which means that pressure placed on the "face" of a truss can cause damage.
Article
2006 August
- Gene Woloveke started his career at Idaco Machine & Equipment Company in the late 1940s.
- Early on, the company owned a sawmill machinery manufacturing division as well as a lumber division.
- In the 1950s, Idaco ventured into the truss business, selling home packages and manufacturing truss equipment for component manufacturers.
- Gene designed and built the first automated component saw by hand.
- Idaco was among the first companies to partner with A. Carroll Sanford, inventor of the light gauge steel connector plate.
Article
2006 August
- When you buy an automated machine in today’s market, you are probably getting a stable design that will likely do what the salesperson says it will do.
- Consider this analogy before purchasing automated equipment: "You can buy a Boeing 747, but you aren’t in the airline business until you have the infrastructure that goes with it."
- Companies that take the best care of their machines are the ones that are also the most productive and profitable.
Article
2006 August
- The purchaser wants everything his way and you want everything your way; outline and know your key issues ahead of time.
- Knowing the process and the place you want to end up will help you maintain the proper focus on both running your business and the steps in the transaction.
- When you know what the purchaser is looking for (return on investment, growth, level of profitability) you can determine how to position and present your business.
Article
2006 November
- The industry’s focus on providing good field education has encouraged many manufacturers to send a jobsite package with every order delivered to a jobsite.
- Component manufacturers have provided nearly 400,000 WTCA Jobsite Packages to jobsite installers since the product was created in 2002.
- Two articles in this issue discuss the benefits of hosting plant tours, on the heels of a WTCA Board resolution encouraging hands-on education of the market.
Article
2006 November
- Glaize Components was approached by a regional building officials group to clarify temporary and permanent bracing issues.
- Scott Garber prepared for the presentation by reviewing BCSI and related B documents, which they also distributed to the group for reference.
- Mike Dellinger, Region III Vice President of the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association commented that the presentation was very helpful.
Article
2006 November
- Take the opportunity to explore a few new markets that have looked like they are available to exploit.
- Look for closely aligned businesses that would generate increased sales and might be a natural addition to your product mix.
- The planning and branding you set in place today will have a significant impact on your business in the future.
Article
2006 November
- 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.
Article
2006 November
- 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.
Article
2006 November
- 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.
Article
2006 November
- 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.
Article
2006 November
- 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.
Article
2006 November
- 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.
Article
2006 December
- 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.”
Article
2006 December
- 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.
Article
2006 December
- 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.
Article
2006 December
- 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.
Article
2006 December
- 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.