Topical Library

SBCA generates a large volume of timely, applicable information to its members and the industry at large on a wide variety of topics. Recognizing it can sometimes be difficult to locate a specific resource among this volume of content, we’ve created a topical library on the most prevalent subjects of interest to component manufacturers today. This topical library pulls together the most relevant articles, news items, best practices and other online resources on each topic.

In the IECC, an air barrier is defined as “Material(s) assembled and joined together to provide a barrier to air leakage through the building envelope. An air barrier may be a single material or combination of materials.” The air barrier is an important part of integrated thermal and moisture control in a building. Many air barrier materials or strategies may be employed in a building that meet code requirements, however it is crucial to understand their interactions within the assembly.

Field splicing is a method used to connect two or more truss sections into a single component. There are many reasons why field splicing may be used. A component may be too large or deep to manufacture, fit on a truck, or handle. A design modification or retrofit may necessitate a field splice, whether due to a change in truss profile or loading. Whatever the reason, field splices are another way to allow for greater flexibility in truss manufacturing, shipping and installation. 

Per ANSI/TPI 1, truss-to-truss connections are under the scope of work of the truss designer.  All other connections between a truss and another structural member (i.e. a wall or foundation) are the responsibility of the building designer.

The potential for extensive damage during a fire event is greatest when a building is under construction because it is largely unprotected.

A cybersecurity breach can happen to anyone, anywhere. It’s become an all too common occurrence. Computer hackers do not target only large, Fortune 500 companies. In fact, criminals have begun to target small businesses, specifically because they rarely have the resources to fully protect themselves.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates fall protection procedures for residential construction jobsites under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M. These statutes provide minimum requirements for the mitigation of fall risks during erection.

SBCA supports universal building installation of sprinklers for all types of construction, provided they are cost effective and do not create a competitive advantage for one structural element over another. When it comes to properly locating and designing sprinklers within a building, the IBC and IRC reference NFPA 13, 13D, and 13R (depending on the type of building). The resources below will assist the designer in understanding and implementing sprinkler systems in accordance with applicable building codes and referenced fire protection standards. 

Recent ASTM E119 testing confirm that an unprotected floor assembly constructed of 2x10s or Flak Jacket coated I-joists do not provide “equivalent performance” to a floor assembly that has a ½” gypsum wallboard.

Fire Retardant Treated Wood (FRTW) products are permitted by code in certain situations where a fire resistance rating is required. 

Framing the American Dream data suggests that installing floor trusses requires less framer skill and experience, results in a floor that requires less bearing locations and more effectively accommodates HVAC, plumbing and electrical infrastructure. SBCA, with the help of its members, has developed a wide variety of resources and tools to help component manufacturers design, build and deliver high quality floor trusses to their customers.

This information is intended to help employers understand their responsibilities regarding the I-9, how to conduct a self-audit, and how to prepare and respond to an HSI audit.

A variety of issues can lead to separation of drywall joints in walls and ceilings. Both environmental factors as well as installation and design factors can contribute to situations where gypsum may develop cracks. The issue has become more widespread as homeowners insist on larger rooms and open floor plans that have large clear span areas. By understanding how and why partition separation or ridging and cracking occur, and by following best practices, designers and builders can reduce the risk of unsightly and costly issues with gypsum board and drywall. 

Investing in a standardized, comprehensive safety program minimizes the risks faced by both your employees and your company. SBCA’s customizable template materials, developed specifically for the component industry, can help you implement a consistent, measurable in-plant safety program through education, training and certification.

Do you have the right insurance for your business? Do your policies cover all your needs? A component manufacturer needs the right insurance to cover each activity within their scope of work. There are also safety programs, protocols, and other means a component manufacturer can implement to help keep insurance premiums low.

Integrating sprinkler systems into the open webbed configuration of metal plate connected wood trusses can be easy when following best practices. Truss construction can be manipulated with adjustments to panel lengths and web configurations to accommodate most special requirements. However, the Truss Designer needs to account for the additional weight of the sprinkler system and water. Additionally, construction loads encountered during installation need to be accounted for.

No matter the species, component manufacturers (CMs) purchase and rely on the accuracy and reliability of many different lumber design properties, including: bending (Fb); shear parallel to grain (Fv), compression perpendicular to grain (Fc^), compression parallel to grain (Fc), tension parallel to grain (Ft), and modulus of elasticity (E and Emin).

According to industry surveys, lumber constitutes roughly 40 percent of the cost of manufacturing a structural component.  As a consequence, an adequate supply of North American softwood lumber is vital to the success of component manufacturers. Insect infestations and wildfires (natural forces), as well as protectionist trade actions and logging restrictions (man-made forces) can have a significant impact on the available supply of lumber. Forces that constrain supply at a time when demand increases (i.e. growth in residential construction), can have a severely negative impact on the stability of lumber costs.

While marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, as of January 1, 2018, recreational marijuana is legal in nine states and medical marijuana is legal in 29 states. As more states legalize marijuana, for medical or recreational use, component manufacturers are confronted with potentially needing to adapt their drug policies. Since marijuana remains illegal on the federal level, there is no obligation to allow employees to use marijuana off the clock.

Mold can be found almost anywhere and can grow on virtually any substance, provided moisture is present. Mold differs from decay in that mold does not cause a decrease in the strength properties of lumber, however it can cause discoloration or odors on the lumber. The resources below will provide CM’s and builders with a better understanding of how mold can affect components, legal issues surrounding mold, as well as steps that can be taken to mitigate mold growth.

Permanent bracing and continuous lateral restraint is sometimes required within trussed systems to  provide long-term stability and/or lateral force resistance. Individual structural components are designed to withstand loading conditions within a particular plane, so there are instances where the building designer may specify the use of permanent building stability bracing.