42 minute read
APA ON EWP
from BPD July 2021
APA’S MARKET RESEARCH Director Joe Elling discusses the crucial role homebuilding plays in post-COVID-19 economic recovery and what it means for the industry.
BY JOE ELLING
SUPPORTED BY THE Federal Reserve’s easing of monetary policy as the U.S. economy fell into recession from business closings in March and April of 2020, the rate on a 30-year xed rate mortgage fell to a record low of 2.75%. This, plus the sense of urgency to move to homes o ering more space to accommodate work from home and privacy, led to a surge in new and existing home sales in the third quarter of 2020, and sales have remained at robust levels since (see Figures 1 and 2).
The strength in new home sales sent a clear message to homebuilders to increase the rate of construction, and they responded as well as possible. In the fourth quarter of 2020, single-family starts averaged a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.23 million units. Single-family starts fell back to an annual rate of 1.16 million units, as homebuilders were challenged by fractured supply chains that delayed the arrival of critical building materials (see Figure 3).
Is US Economic Policy Too Aggressive?
Despite recent upticks in in ation measures, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell continues to assert the system will not veer from its stated policy course of supporting low interest rates through 2022. At the same time, the Biden Administration is focused on stimulating the economy via spending programs. Given this policy mix, the consensus outlook is real GDP growth in the U.S. will be near 7% in 2021 and 3.5% in 2022 (see Figure 4).
The prevailing view among policymakers and other forecasters is that this rate of growth can be accomplished without setting o an acceleration in in ation because the disruptions to supply chains are temporary. Perhaps that is the case, but it is not clear if business investments in new plant and equipment capacity are progressing at a rate fast enough to accommodate the likely increases in demand driven by the policies being pursued.
Also, business leaders throughout many industries are reporting that it is di cult to nd the needed workers for sta ng their operations. It also seems consumers are not buying into the storyline that the rise in the in ation rate is temporary. In the May consumer sentiment survey, respondents said they expect the in ation rate to average 3.1% over the next ve years. Given money supply growth is in the range of 25%, there is upside risk to the in ation outlook.
Housing Starts in 1.5-1.6 Million Range
From a demand standpoint, there appears to be little on the horizon pointing to an imminent slowdown. The reported rate of existing homes sold has slowed over the last few months, however that points to a lack of inventory available, which is at a historical low in absolute terms or on a months of supply basis (see Figure 5). This helps explain why the median sales price of an existing home sold in April was up 19% from April 2020.
The biggest challenge facing homebuilders is the availability and rising cost of building materials. Earlier this year, the National Association of Home Builders surveyed its members and roughly 90% said building material costs would be a signi cant problem in 2021. Based on a measure of input costs compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, input costs for residential construction in April 2021 were up 14% compared to April 2020 (see Figure 6).
Given the strength in the demand for new housing, both for homeownership and rental purposes, housing starts in the U.S. are projected to run between 1.5–1.6 million through 2022. The split is single-family starts centered at 1.15 million units and multifamily starts centered at 400,000 units (see Figure 7).
Although starts at this level for two years will be the best performance since 2005–06, this may not be enough to solve the problem of an adequate stock of a ordable single-family housing. There are several studies suggesting the single-family housing stock in the U.S. is underbuilt by 3 million units. This is an important consideration because the millennial generation is at an age where homeownership is a desirable goal, and they are out looking.
Perhaps after over a decade where single-family starts did not exceed 1 million units in any one year, the 2020s could be much di erent. For this to be the case, the capacity to build 1.2 to 1.3 million a ordable single-family units per year sustainably will require a stable and skilled labor force and public policies that are more favorable to supporting homebuilding and apartment development.
WHEN SELECTING and specifying CLT, there are several key characteristics to consider, including allowable design capacities, grades, laminations and adhesives.
How to select and specify cross-laminated timber
CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER (CLT) is a prefabricated, solid engineered mass timber panel. CLT is manufactured with kiln-dried lumber boards or structural composite lumber (SCL) laminated in alternating directions and bonded with structural adhesives to form a solid, straight, rectangular panel. Panels are comprised of an odd number of layers, usually three to seven.
While at the mill, CLT panels are cut to size, including door and window openings, with a state-of-the-art CNC router that can make complex cuts with high precision. CLT panel size varies by manufacturer, but typical widths are 2 ft., 4 ft., 8 ft., and 10 ft., with a thickness of 20” or less and a length of up to 60 ft.
Applications
CLT is frequently used in multistory mass timber structures, with concrete podiums and other types of buildings. CLT may be used in the construction of a wide variety of structural elements, such as structural and non-structural wall elements; oor/ceiling, parapet wall and roof elements; pre-insulated wall and roof sections; and solid partitions with or without interior nishes. CLT’s high load-bearing properties extend its applicability to the construction of bridges, carports, ancillary buildings and wood/ concrete composite ceilings. Other applications include cantilevered oors/balconies, load-bearing elevator shafts, and stairs.
Advantages
Cross-laminated timber is proving to be a highly advantageous alternative to conventional materials like concrete, masonry or steel, especially in multifamily and commercial construction. • CLT is lightweight yet incredibly strong with superior acoustic, re, seismic and thermal performance.
• CLT provides design exibility and low environmental impacts. • CLT o ers fast construction times and easy installation, with virtually no onsite waste. Because CLT is prefabricated, most components arrive ready to assemble, and fewer joints are needed between elements, which enables faster construction. • CLT delivers incredible strength. The crosswise arrangement of board layers lends integral structural stability to the panel, considerably increases dimensional stability and ensures uniform load transfer to all sides for excellent structural capacities.
Selecting and Specifying CLT
When selecting and specifying CLT, there are several key characteristics to consider, including allowable design capacities, grades, laminations and adhesives.
Allowable Design Capacities
There are ve basic “E” grades, six “V” grades and three “S” grades for CLT products and layups. “E”, “V” and “S” indicate a CLT grade with layup of E-rated or machine stress rated (MSR) laminations, visually graded laminations or structural composite lumber (SCL) in the longitudinal layers, respectively. Visually graded or SCL laminations are used in the transverse layers for both “E” and “V” grades and “S” grades, respectively. Custom layups of CLT are also permitted, as stipulated in ANSI/APA PRG 320, Standard for Performance-Rated Cross-Laminated Timber.
The allowable stress design (ASD) reference design capacities for CLT grades with layups of three, ve and seven layers are shown in ANSI/APA PRG 320. The ASD reference design capacities for di erent CLT products are typically published in APA Product Reports or manufacturers’ literature.
Trademarks and Acceptance
Chapter 10 of the 2018 National Design Speci cation (NDS) provides design procedures, reference design values and other information for CLT, while engineering design of connections using dowel-type fasteners in CLT is covered in Chapter 12 of the 2018 NDS. Sections were also added to the 2018 and 2015 International Building Code and International Residential Code regarding CLT used as di erent structural elements. Clause 8 in the Canadian Standards Association CSA O86-19 provides design procedures, resistance values and other information for CLT used in Canada.
Laminations
Any softwood lumber species or species combinations recognized by American Lumber Standards Committee under PS 20 or Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board under CSA O141 with a minimum published speci c gravity of 0.35 are permitted for use in CLT, provided that other requirements speci ed in ANSI/ APA PRG 320 are satis ed. SCL should meet the requirements of ASTM D5456, Standard Speci cation for Evaluation of Structural Composite Lumber Products, and have an “equivalent speci c gravity” of 0.35 or higher.
Lumber grades are required to be at least 1200f-1.2E MSR or visually graded No. 2 in the longitudinal layers and visual graded No. 3 in the transverse layers.
Moisture content is required to be 12 ± 3% for lumber and 8 ± 3% for SCL at the time of CLT manufacturing unless a lower moisture content is speci cally quali ed in accordance with the standard.
Adhesives
In the U.S., adhesives used for CLT manufacturing are required to meet ANSI 405, Standard for Adhesives for Use in Structural Glued Laminated Timber, with the exception that some gluebond durability tests are not required. This is because CLT manufactured according to ANSI/APA PRG 320 is limited to dry service conditions, and some gluebond durability tests are designed for adhesives in exterior applications. In Canada, CLT adhesives must meet the requirements of CSA O112.10. In both the U.S. and Canada, CLT adhesives must meet ASTM D7247 for heat durability and CSA O177, small-scale ame test. In addition, CLT adhesives must comply with the requirements for elevated temperature performance in accordance with the full-scale compartment re test speci ed in Annex B of ANSI/APA PRG 320.
General
CLT shall be furnished and installed in accordance with the recommendations provided by the CLT manufacturer and the engineering drawing approved by the engineer of record. Permissible details shall be in accordance with the engineering drawing.
Manufacture
1. Materials, Manufacture and Quality Assurance — Product quality shall conform to ANSI/APA PRG 320, Standard for Performance-Rated Cross-Laminated Timber. 2. Trademarks — CLT products conforming to ANSI/APA PRG 320, Standard for Performance Rated Cross-Laminated Timber, shall be marked with CLT grade, CLT thickness or identi cation, mill name or identi cation number, the APA logo and “ANSI/APA PRG 320.” The top face of custom CLT panels with unbalanced layup used for roof or oor shall be marked with “TOP” stamp. 3. Protection for Shipment — Members shall be protected with a water-resistant covering for shipment.
– Find more information on the selection and speci cation of structural engineered wood products in the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, available as a free download at www.apawood.org.
LOOKING FOR A BEAM that’s strong, dependable and easy to source? LVL o ers a simple solution.
LVL o ers a simple solution
LVL IS IDEAL for a variety of beam and header applications because it enables the designer and builder to meet size and strength requirements with just the right design capabilities for the job. Since LVL is an engineered wood product, it can be manufactured to necessary strength and design values while optimizing the forest resource.
LVL: Predictable Performance, Solid Value
LVL is one of several engineered wood products in the structural composite lumber (SCL) family. It is produced by bonding thin wood veneers together with moisture-resistant adhesive to form a large billet. The grain of all veneers is generally parallel to the long direction. The LVL billet is then sawn to desired dimensions, depending on the construction application. Because LVL is made with scarfed or lapped jointed veneers, LVL is available in lengths far beyond conventional lumber.
LVL outperforms conventional lumber when either face- or edge-loaded. It is a solid, highly predictable, and uniform engineered wood product that is sawn to consistent sizes and is virtually free from warping and splitting.
Optimize Fiber Bending Strength and MOE
In header and beam installations, the bending strength and sti ness of the beam or header are key design considerations. The allowable bending stress is typically indicated as an Fb value, such as 2400Fb, 2900Fb, 3000Fb, or 3100 Fb. In longer beam installations, de ection—measured as the modulus of elasticity (MOE)—is the critical property.
Typical MOE values for engineered wood beams range from 1.8 to 2.2 x 106 psi, which is generally indicated as 1.8E to 2.2E. For most window and door header applications, engineered wood beams in 1.8E, 1.9E and 2.0E provide the ideal sti ness. Specifying beams with a higher MOE value, such as 2.2E, for typical header applications is often over-design that results in excessive use of the wood ber. In an era where the environmental footprint of building materials must always be considered, specifying the right-sized structural members for the application is the most cost-e ective and resource-e cient choice. Specifying beams with the 1.8E, 1.9E, and 2.0E design values is also a key step in value engineering.
Choose the Product That’s Easy to Source
Production of LVL beams and headers has grown signi cantly in the last decade, and today these highly resource-e cient beams in the 1.8E, 1.9E and 2.0E values are widely available from multiple manufacturers throughout North America.
APA members are a diverse group of large and small manufacturers, all dedicated to producing the highest quality engineered wood products available. The Association’s trademark appears only on products manufactured by member mills and is the manufacturer’s assurance that the product conforms to the standard shown on the trademark.
LVL Storage and Handling Tips
LVL products are usually shipped in water-resistant wrapping that protects them from moisture, soiling and surface scratches. However, proper care must be taken to protect LVL in all transit periods, from the point where the product is delivered, to job-site handling and storage, to nal installation. • LVL packages should be set on level, well-drained surfaces. • Lumber bumpers or blocks should be used to keep LVL packages from direct contact with the ground. • For long-term storage, cut slits in the bottom of the wrapping to allow ventilation and drainage of any entrapped moisture to reduce the possibility of water damage, staining or decay. • For long storage periods, storing LVL in a covered area is recommended.
5common misconceptions about glulam beams
GLUED LAMINATED TIMBER, or glulam, is a highly innovative and versatile construction material engineered for a host of residential and commercial construction applications. High design values and proven product performance make the cost-competitive material a natural choice for projects from simple beams and headers in residential construction to soaring glulam arches for domed stadium roofs spanning more than 500 ft.
Glulam beams are one of the original engineered wood products, yet their perceived status as a commodity has led to many misconceptions over time. Here’s a look at common myths—and how to dispel them—that can help dealers sell glulam more e ectively and help builders specify glulam in their designs.
MYTH: Glulam is only for custom, exposed applications.
REALITY: Glulam beams are often chosen for their beauty in exposed designs such as rafters in vaulted ceilings or long clearspan ridge beams, but they’re also ideal for hidden, in-the-wall structural applications. Common residential uses for stock glulam beams include garage door headers, oor edge and center girder beams and headers for window and door openings, as well as headers for large openings such as patio doors.
MYTH: Glulam beams don’t have the same span capabilities as some engineered wood products.
REALITY: Glulam is inherently strong and dimensionally stable, making it suitable for a range of applications, including long-span roof beams and heavily loaded oor beams. It has the same range of design values that is typical for other engineered wood products. Stock beams come in 60-ft. lengths and are commonly used to create spans of 20, 24, and 28 ft. and greater. Stock glulam is an ideal option for framing large window openings and for creating great rooms without column supports that interrupt ow.
MYTH: Glulam beams are only available cambered.
REALITY: While glulam beams are available with camber to negate the possible adverse e ects of long-term de ection, uncambered beams are common and are readily available. Because most residential applications require very little or no camber, uncambered stock glulam is an ideal choice. Stock beams are typically supplied with a relatively at camber radius of 5,000 ft., or zero camber. Thus, they have just the right camber for most residential construction applications. If, however, more camber is required, such as for long-span roof beams, custom beams are available through local lumber dealers to meet the most exacting speci cations.
MYTH: Glulam beams are expensive.
REALITY: Stock glulam beams that are found in most contractor yards are cost competitive when compared with other wood and engineered wood building materials in the same range of sizes and dimensions.
MYTH: Glulam beams are hard to get and are limited in size availability.
REALITY: Glulam beams are readily available in stock and custom sizes. Stock glulam beams are available in all major market areas. They’re available in widths that match standard 2x4 and 2x6 wall construction, so there’s no need for furring when connecting headers to walls.
Stock beams are manufactured in commonly used dimensions and cut to length when the beam is ordered. Typical stock beam widths used in residential construction include 3-1/8”, 3-1/2”, 5-1/8”, 5-1/2”, and 6-3/4”. Stock glulam beams are also available in I-joist-compatible (IJC) depths.
For nonresidential applications, where long spans, unusually heavy loads, or other circumstances control design, custom members are typically speci ed.
Glulam is available in a range of appearance classi cations, but the appearance designations do not relate to structural characteristics. “Framing” quality beams, for example, are used in concealed applications and provided in widths designed to t ush with 2x4 and 2x6 wall framing where appearance is of no importance. “Architectural” beams are typically used for applications where members are exposed to view.
In addition, pressure-treated glulam beams are available for exterior applications such as for deck beams, allowing for longer deck spans with fewer columns.
THE
3 keys to content marketing success
BY DANA OHLER
IT’S A BIG worldwide web out there. With nearly 2 billion live websites on the internet and an estimated 5 billion internet users, about 4 billion of whom are on social media, it’s all too easy to get lost in the crowd.
But there are ways to improve search visibility through crafting content that’s more friendly to search engines—and to humans alike. Here are three ways to boost your signal to get the most out of contentbased marketing.
Content vs. Copy: Writing Titles and
Headings with Search in Mind
Copy writing usually refers to printed material, while content writing refers to web publishing. There’s de nitely overlap— good writing is good writing—but the real di erence is that copy writing is not necessarily web-optimized, while content writing purposefully integrates best practices for SEO. In other words, content writing is web search friendly.
To illustrate the di erence, here’s an example of a title for the same content about plywood manufacture, copy versus content: 1. The ABCs and 123s of the Original Panel Product 2. Plies, Adhesives and Orientation: How is Plywood Made?
The rst one is a playful title that alludes to the actual subject without mentioning it. It’s ne for copy writing, but it’s the wrong approach if the content is destined for the web. Basic as it may seem, it will get lost in the web search shu e— and your content along with it—because it is too abstract.
The second one is much more searchable. It’s phrased as the kind of question that people enter into search engines, and it uses keywords related to the subject. Wherever possible, write headings and titles that mimic search terms or queries.
DO: Cut right to the chase of what your content is about and use keywords or ask basic questions.
DON’T: Use abstract titles that metaphorically touch on the topic.
Titles, subtitles and headings can go a long way towards optimizing SEO. Search engine crawlers are constantly indexing websites, and they make note of what is in headings (the <h> tags in HTML). If you omit headings, or use headings that don’t make use of keywords, you’re missing a golden opportunity to win at the web search game.
Accessible Content Is Good for Business
Accessibility is sometimes overlooked but doing so is a major blunder. Not
3 Keys to Content Marketing Success
(Continued from page 42) only can inaccessible content frustrate would-be customers, omitting accessibility features is also unfavorable for SEO.
A sizable portion of the population uses accessibility features to read web content, and this population is well represented among customers, as a rule. How sizable a portion? 15% of Americans 18 and over have trouble hearing, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Hearing Disorders. According to the National Institute of Health, 6% of Americans experience vision impairment. Additionally, an estimated 8% of men and 1% of women have some form of colorblindness, according to the National A high-contrast color scheme is best, but avoid inverted text (light text on a dark background); it’s notoriously di cult to read.
DO: Make content accessibility a priority.
DON’T: Pass up a large customer group by skimping on accessibility measures.
Add alternative text, AKA “alt text” or the “alt” attribute, to every digital image, web, email or social post. If there’s no option to add alt text, write an explanatory caption. The alt text clearly and brie y explains what the image shows and prevents frustration for those who can’t see the image—and that’s not only folks with visual impairments, but folks whose email client suppresses images, or any of the other technical issues that can result in image suppression. And, as mentioned earlier, alt text is important for SEO. Like titles and headings, web search crawlers index alt text for site search. Because of its weight in web search, it’s worth taking the time to write alt text that uses keywords to clearly describe the relevance of the image and what it depicts.
Test Repeatedly & Implement Feedback
No matter how good the writing, graphic or image is, personal quirks and content habits are all too easy to overlook by those who have them. The best content has the widest appeal, and one of the best ways to broaden appeal is by committee.
Ask others to review content—as many other folks as practical—and thoughtfully implement changes based on their feedback. You don’t have to take every suggestion, but always consider the possible bene ts and drawbacks of suggested improvements and thoughtfully address the concerns that were raised.
WHEN DESIGNING your marketing, take into account that a growing percentage of people su ers from some form of colorblindness.
Eye Institute. These numbers don’t account for those with temporary hearing or vision loss, either, so even with some overlap, combining those groups suggests approximately 20% of the population requires accessible content. With an aging population, these numbers are projected to grow over time.
Make it easy for your customers to understand your message. For audio-heavy content like podcasts and videos, o er transcripts and subtitles, as appropriate. For graphics, make sure there are no issues with low-contrast colors that people with vision impairment will have di culty seeing; the same goes for combining colors that people who are colorblind will have di culty reading or distinguishing.
DO: Test, test and test again. Thoughtfully implement feedback to make improvements.
DON’T: Skip the review process because the content seemed ne last time.
Test digital content. No need to guess if your content meets accessibility standards. There are many free tools that allow for thorough testing. For graphics, WCAG’s Contrast Checker at contrastchecker.com checks for visibility issues, including colorblindness, that could render the graphic indistinguishable. Microsoft’s Accessibility Insights tool at accessibilityinsights.io is a browser extension that checks webpage compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These are free, among many other utilities for graphics and websites available through a quick web search.
HTML email testing, on the other hand, is not free, but highly recommended. There are many di erent email clients (Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo! mail and so on) that users receive email through, and each client renders emails di erently. What looks good in Gmail can op in Outlook, and vice versa. Some good subscription-based email test providers include Litmus PutsMail, Email on Acid and MailTrap. These services test emails amongst a broad array of clients and help identify changes so that marketing emails display at their best.
For images and graphics in email, always include alt text; an estimated 60% of email clients suppress images. For this reason, it’s not recommended to use an email that is only one large image. The whole thing may be suppressed, and the message will be lost. The classic recommended text-to-image ratio is 80% text to 20% graphics.
– Dana Ohler is the publication and website manager for APA.
• www.scotchplywood.com 800-936-4424
Fulton, Alabama • 334-636-4424 •
Charlie Doby – Sales Manager Plywood & Veneer Barry Beightol – Plywood Sales Assistant
A FULLY SHEATHED wall of plywood or OSB, properly connected to the foundation below and roof above, is a powerful barrier against earthquakes and strong winds.
Wall bracing & lateral loads
How to build for resilience
THE OVERALL STRENGTH of a building is the function of all the components—walls, oors, roof and foundation—working together as a unit. When an earthquake or high wind strikes a building, the walls and roof endure these forces. A fully sheathed wall of plywood or OSB, properly connected to the foundation below and roof above, is a powerful barrier that resists the persistent forces of wind and earthquakes.
A structure must be built to safely resist the lateral loads that result from high-wind events and earthquakes. Wall studs alone can’t resist the racking forces. Wall bracing helps keep walls square during these events. Understanding the International Residential Code (IRC) wall bracing requirements can be challenging, but following them is critical to a home’s structural integrity.
Why Is Wall Bracing Critical?
The load from gravity is easy to understand and is constant on every house. Lateral loads are just as constant, but they vary in force and are not as recognized. The most common lateral load is wind, with design velocities that vary from 85 to 150 miles per hour across the United States. Tornadoes, the strongest wind loads, are not predictable and randomly occur in every part of the country.
While it is not a ordable or reasonable to design structures to withstand the strongest tornadoes, experience has taught us how structures can be designed and built to resist wind speeds of up to 150 mph and protect not only the inhabitants but also the integrity of the structure.
Similar experiences with seismic activity have also helped us learn how to design and build structures to better withstand earthquake forces. When applied per building code requirements, prescriptive lateral wall bracing provisions help structures resist the lateral loads that result from wind and seismic events.
Wall Bracing Basics & On-Demand Guidance
While wall bracing is one of the most important structural elements, it can also be one of the most confusing. The IRC de nes 16 bracing methods and de nes minimum widths for wall bracing segments based on the construction material and type of bracing method. Fully sheathing a house with plywood or OSB panels is an easy and e ective solution because wood structural panel sheathing is the only IRC-approved way to reduce the width of bracing segments to as little as 16 inches.
On-Demand Webinars: Wall Bracing Provisions
APA’s three-part webinar series provides an in-depth overview and step-by-step guidance to the 2018 IRC wall bracing provisions. The series begins with a one-hour introductory session covering load path, lateral forces and limitations to wall bracing. Additional sessions address related topics, including the simpli-
ed wall bracing method and bracing for higher seismic and wind zones.
The series is presented by APA engineered wood experts experienced in providing engineered wood product building and design support and recommendations. The webinars are ideal for building professionals looking for clari cation and guidance to the 2018 IRC code requirements. • Wall Bracing I: IRC Load Path, Lateral Forces and Limitations – This introductory session examines how horizontal forces act upon a structure and how they are resisted, details code-prescribed limitations to prescriptive wall bracing and provides an introduction to braced wall lines. • Wall Bracing II: Meeting the 2018 IRC Bracing Provisions for Wind and Seismic – The second part of the series addresses wall bracing methods, reviews the steps in determining the required length of bracing in higher seismic and wind zones, provides an overview of the 12 code-prescribed intermittent bracing methods, the four code-prescribed continuous bracing methods and how to determine required length of bracing and placement requirements. • Wall Bracing III: Simpli ed Wall Bracing & APA Wall Bracing Calculator for the 2018 IRC – The concluding webinar provides real-world examples of IRC wall bracing methods and introduces the alternative IRC Simpli ed Wall Bracing and APA Simpli ed Wall Bracing methods as well as the APA Wall Bracing Calculator.
On-Demand Webinars: Lateral Load Path Basics
APA’s two-part lateral load path webinar series is intended to help building professionals understand the complete lateral load path, recognize basic components of the lateral load resisting system in wood buildings, understand the consequences of an incomplete path, learn code requirements for critical construction details and common framing errors to avoid. • Lateral Load Path Basics: Tracing a wind load through a woodframed structure – This session outlines the path a wind load takes through a wood-framed structure, as well as the importance of a complete load path and associated construction details. • Lateral Load Path Basics II: Tracing a seismic load through a wood-frame structure – This session looks at the path lateral loads take in wood-frame structures, provides examples from catastrophic events, discusses load path continuity and common detailing and examples of successful and unsuccessful connections.
The entire three-part wall bracing series and two-part lateral load path series has been approved by AIA and ICC for continuing education credit. Both series are available for on-demand viewing at no charge at apawood.org/webinars.
APA has announced the winners of its 2020 Safety and Health Awards. The program celebrates safety and operational excellence in the structural panel and engineered wood industry.
INNOVATION IN SAFETY AWARD Equipment-Based Innovation Winner Resolute-LP Engineered Wood, Larouche, Quebec Je Wagner Process-Based Innovation Winner Boise Cascade EWP, Thorsby, Al.
SAFEST COMPANY AWARD Three or Fewer Mills PotlatchDeltic Corp. Four or More Mills Norbord
ANNUAL SAFETY AND HEALTH HONOR ROLL Division I (Plywood) 1st place – PotlatchDeltic St. Maries, Id. 2nd Place – Murphy Plywood Rogue River, Or. Division II (OSB) 1st Place – LP Brasil Ponta Grossa, Brazil 2nd Place – LP Chile SA Lautaro, Chile Division III (Glulam, I-Joist, LVL and SCL) 1st place – LP Red Blu , Ca. 2nd Place – Anthony Forest Products Washington, Ga.
3-YEAR SAFETY AWARD Division I (Plywood) RoyOMartin Chopin, La. Division II (OSB) Norbord Nacogdoches, Tx. Division III (Glulam, I-Joist, LVL and SCL) Boise Cascade White City, Or.
SAFETY IMPROVEMENT AWARD (2018-2020) Division I (Plywood) PotlatchDeltic, St. Maries, Id. (97.6% improvement) Division II (OSB) Norbord, Joanna | Kinards, S.C. (100% improvement) Division III (Glulam, I-Joist, LVL and SCL) LP, Red Blu , Ca. (100% improvement)
Re ections, celebrations and introductions
Changing of the guard for APA presidents
BY TARA MATTINA
IN APA – The Engineered Wood Association’s 88 years of representing the industry’s North American manufacturers, change has been a constant. And, in Ed Elias’ 44 years with the association, he has been involved with many of its most signi cant evolutions.
As the association transitions to a new president with Elias’ July 1 retirement, he re ected on the organization and the changes he has seen within the engineered wood industry.
“What we look like today is far from what we looked like even 15 years or 30 years ago, but this association has always been committed to our three core functions of product quality, market access through technical research and testing, and e ective marketing,” Elias said.
Elias joined APA in 1977 as an associate scientist. After 10 years in various roles within the Technical Services Division, he went on to lead the International Marketing and Financial & Administrative Services divisions. Elias also served as corporate secretary and VP before being named president in 2013.
During those years, advancements in products, construction assemblies, standards and technology have prompted growth and innovation. The association has grown, expanding from prescriptive- to performance-based standards. That evolution alone has seen the introduction of new manufacturing technologies,
RETIRING APA PRESIDENT Ed Elias re ects on the association as well as industry changes over his career.
adhesive systems and a whole new family of engineered wood products.
“We have expanded from our base of softwood plywood to embrace oriented strand board, glued laminated timber, structural composite lumber, structural wood I-joists and mass timber,” Elias said. “Our production capacity in structural wood panels alone has grown from 17 billion sq. ft. in 1977 to over 35 billion sq. ft. today.”
APA represents about 85% to 90% of engineered wood products in North America under one trademark. This representation follows strong strategic direction led by a proactive APA Board of Trustees. The association has diversi ed product representation, expanded the geography of the industry it serves and continually strived to open new market opportunities.
“This association and its members have shown a global approach toward growth in product demand,” Elias said. “We have been able to focus our energies emphasizing fair trade and the harmonization of standards and building codes around the world.”
Even during 2020’s global coronavirus pandemic and 2008’s deep nancial recession, while other industry associations contracted or folded, APA’s membership grew, and the industry prospered. Elias attributes this success to the industry’s proactive approach, led by APA’s members.
One of the most visible investments in the industry’s future can be seen in the recently expanded capabilities at APA’s research center in Tacoma, Washington.
Built in 1969, the 42,000-sq. ft. lab has long been recognized as one of the leading wood research facilities in North America. The $4.5-million expansion raised a portion of the roof to 40 ft. high and added a 4-ft.-thick reinforced strong oor, 10 strong wall blocks with anchors, twin 5-ton cranes and whole range of new equipment to accommodate full-scale multistory structural assembly testing.
The signi cant upgrades to APA’s research and testing facilities support innovative design and construction of timber structures using wood structural panels, engineered wood products and mass timber assemblies.
“Our members’ products will nd new and expanded markets in wood-frame construction with a mix of lumber and other wood materials and in buildings that blend concrete and steel with engineered
wood product assemblies,” Elias said. APA’s market access through research and testing dovetails into new innovative marketing schemes. The association has more than 600 publications in its library of titles, with nearly all of them available at no cost from apawood.org. Videos, “how-to” guides, webinars and other digital content are also available, which became more important as people sought safety from COVID-19 by avoiding in-person meetings. “Our communications programs have evolved away from defending this industry’s behavior under concerns for the spotted owl and forest management practices to the attributes of carbon sequestration and the role of forests in addressing climate change,” Elias said. When the coronavirus pandemic prompted states and provinces to lock down in spring 2020, the association took proactive steps to safeguard the health of its employees and the people it serves. Mills were audited remotely, lab services were split into shifts and eld sta implemented video conferencing to continue educating designers, builders and code o cials. 19-0307 EEWP-BldgProdDigest April Ad-HI.pdf 1 3/7/19 5:08 PM “We embraced technology to connect
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with our members and others,” Elias said. “We not only maintained our services during a di cult time; we increased productivity and developed new capabilities we can carry even beyond the pandemic.”
Introducing Mark Tibbetts, Incoming APA President
After a three-month transition period, Mark Tibbetts o cially assumed the president position July 1, when Elias formally retired. Tibbetts was selected by the association’s Board of Trustees through a lengthy search process.
“Mark Tibbetts’ passionate interest in and understanding of the role APA undertakes for its members and the industry clearly set him apart,” said Jim Enright, chair of the APA Board of Trustees. “The Board endorsed him as the new APA president because of his experience with team building, leadership and communication, and we are excited to add his expertise to our talented team at APA.”
Tibbetts brings more than 15 years’ experience in association and nonpro t program management, environmental policy and business development. He has held leadership and management positions in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute, Thermostat Recycling Corporation, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and American Public Works Association.
“For someone who has harbored a lifelong interest in residential construction and building design, I’m thrilled to be taking on this role,” Tibbetts said. “APA has a proud history of supporting members by growing the market for engineered wood products through product promotion, quality assurance and technical support. I look forward to working with the membership, the sta team and our industry partners to build upon this legacy of leadership and exceptional service.”
These may be di erent times, and just as APA has demonstrated over its almost90-year history, new challenges require new approaches. The association’s fundamentals, however, are unlikely to change.
“It has been my honor to contribute to the growth of this industry over the past several decades,” Elias said. “I am con dent that through Mark and the APA sta , the Board of Trustees and the support of this industry, this association will continue to grow, capitalizing on a uid marketplace and becoming more globally relevant every day.”
MARK TIBBETTS becomes the 12th executive leader in APA’s almost 90-year history.
– Tara Mattina is the market communications director for APA – The Engineered Wood Association.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT IS OUR SPECIALTY
For nearly 90 years, APA has proudly supported the industry in creating structural wood products of exceptional strength, quality and reliability and helped building professionals create resilient, sustainable and code-compliant structures.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
TECHNICAL AND PRODUCT SUPPORT ON-DEMAND EDUCATION CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN GUIDANCE
Tap into our expertise and explore our resources at www.apawood.org
CHARLESTON area dealer will become The Building Center’s sixth lumberyard.
North Carolina Chain Buys into Charleston
The Building Center Inc., Pineville, N.C., has purchased Harleyville Builders Supply, Holly Hill, S.C.
The acquisition provides The Building Center with access to the South Carolina low country and coastal markets near Charleston. Harleyville Builders Supply has supplied building materials and hardware to builders, remodelers and homeowners since 1978.
Founded in 1977 by Ed Norris, The Building Center is one of the nation’s largest privately held building material suppliers, with five lumberyards, two truss plants, and two custom millwork operations throughout the Carolinas.
Fire Damages Arkansas Sawmill
PotlatchDeltic’s sawmill in Ola, Ar., was damaged by a fire on Sunday morning June 13.
The damage was principally to the primary log breakdown area of the mill. The planer mill, dry kiln, and shipping department were not affected.
PotlatchDeltic is assessing its options and timing for repair to the damaged areas.
Cornerstone Building Brands, Cary, N.C., has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Insulated Metal Panels (IMP) business to Nucor Insulated Panel Group for $1 billion in cash.
The deal, expected to close in the second half of 2021, includes products sold under the Metl-Span and CENTRIA brands.
The IMP business Nucor is acquiring has seven manufacturing facilities located throughout North America, which are said to complement the footprint of Nucor Buildings Group, as well as its existing IMP division, TrueCore.
In conjunction with the sale, Nucor and Cornerstone Building Brands will enter into a long-term supply agreement, enabling Cornerstone to continue to offer IMP products as part of its metal buildings and components product offerings.
This fall, Randall Brothers and its PMC Building Materials division, which it acquired in 2019, will open a new joint headquarters and branch location in Atlanta, Ga.
The facility will boast a state-of-the-art showroom and millwork operations. Locations to be replaced have not yet been announced. All locations will now carry the company’s full line of products—and the Randall Brothers name.
Costello’s Ace Buys into Virginia
Costello’s Ace Hardware has purchased Rankin’s Hardware, a three-location True Value Hardware chain in northern Virginia.
Costello’s Ace now operates 41 locations in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and now Virginia.
The stores in Warrenton, Colonial Beach, and King George, Va., are currently liquidating their inventories and will be converted to the Costello’s Ace brand and format over the summer.
84 Reopens Tornado-Damaged Yard
84 Lumber has reopened its Dayton, Oh., lumberyard— exactly two years to the day after it was heavily damaged by a powerful tornado.
In order to continue serving its customers, for the past year 84 Lumber has been leasing another site as a temporary store. The new facility features a similar footprint to the original 30-year-old building, as well as some modern touches and a bigger showroom.
Distributor Buying RailFX, Ultra-Tec
PrimeSource Building Products, Irving, Tx., agreed to acquire NWI Enterprises, Santa Monica, Ca., provider of branded railing systems and fence, gate and security hardware.
NWI divisions include RailFX, Tacoma, Wa.; Nationwide Industries, Tampa, Fl.; and Ultra-Tec, Carson City, Nv.
TAMKO Rolls Out Loyalty Program for Roof Contractors
TAMKO Building Products has launched a new contractor loyalty program, The TAMKO Edge, featuring multiple contractor tiers and a state-of-the-art digital portal, where pros can register enhanced warranties, manage rewards, and access digital marketing tools and vendor discounts.
With multiple enrollment options to fit every business, the program incorporates a Team TAMKO tier for non-certified contractors, and TAMKO Pro or TAMKO MasterCraft Pro tiers for qualifying certified contractors.
“We want to give contractors an edge in their business and help them separate themselves from their competition,” said TAMKO VP of sales & marketing Stephen McNally. “The TAMKO Edge was designed to offer more of the benefits that roofing contractors have been asking for like digital tools, marketing services and better enhanced warranty offerings.”
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PELLA reportedly has become the first national window and door manufacturer to offer the ability to customize product, see price and purchase windows and patio doors completely online.
Pella Cashing in on E-Commerce for Doors, Windows
In addition to its more than 200 retail showrooms across the country, Pella is now direct-selling windows and doors to homeowners online.
The new e-commerce capabilities offered on Pella.com allow consumers to customize options, view prices, and then purchase replacement windows and patio doors—reportedly a first for a national window and door manufacturer.
“Our customers wanted a path for online purchase, and we’re delivering that by bringing e-commerce to our category. This is the fastest way to customize a window and have it delivered directly to the homeowner. No other company in our category is doing this,” said chief marketing officer Emily Videtto.
Pella recently conducted a survey which revealed that 47% of customers in the market for windows and doors would consider purchasing them online, making a strong case for this direct-to-consumer model.
Pella is currently beta-testing its e-commerce offering in select Midwestern markets, powered by Elastic Path, to ensure that the experience meets customer expectations before rolling it out nationally.
The online offering is available now in Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Waterloo, Ia.; Chicago, Il.; Cincinnati and Dayton, Oh.; Detroit and Grand Rapids, Mi.; Green Bay, Wi.; Indianapolis, In.; and Minneapolis, Mn.
Homeowners in those markets can shop Pella’s collection of wood and vinyl windows and doors now. The company plans to have most product lines available to purchase online later in 2021. Homeowners will be able to filter by material type, product line, and price range. Future plans call for additional features and options like professional in-home measurement verification, and Pella Certified installation.
To get started homeowners simply go through customizing their window with the features and options they want and create an account upon checkout. A variety of helpful tools are available online to help measure and select the right windows for their project.
MFM Readies for Big Growth
Marking its 60th anniversary, MFM Building Products has broken ground on a significant expansion project at its Coshocton, Oh., headquarters and manufacturing complex.
The manufacturer of a full envelope of waterproofing and weather barrier products is adding nearly 50,000 sq. ft. to its production area and has purchased new production equipment to meet rising demand. MFM has been acquiring additional raw materials to ensure product availability for their customer base and the new facility will accommodate this additional inventory. The building is planned to be completed by the fall of 2021, and the new production equipment to be installed and operational by early 2022.
The project also encompasses constructing new offices in the main headquarters building and adding a new, stateof-the-art research & development laboratory.
