Software solutions
Dealers also can assist time-strapped builders through the numerous software packages suitable for their use or that of their customers.
BC FloorValue works with Boise Cascade’s BC Calc and BC Framer software programs to help engineers and designer identify problem spots in the floor system and provide opportunity for implementing product and design solutions.
Boise has expanded its software extensively over the past year, including moving more of its applications to the cloud. BC Connect, a tool that helps lumber dealers become more profitable through project management, optimization, and material lists, is accessible anywhere from any device.
The company also has taken its single-member sizing program, BC Calc, from desktop to cloud-based. New functionality includes tall wall design.
The manufacturer recently introduced BC Fast-Plan, designed for customers who don’t need all the power of the BC Framer 3-D drafting program, as part of its GP acquisition. It also offers BC Estimator, a rapid estimating tool that can pull a material list from an existing design.
Rosboro offers glulam-sizing software, downloadable from its website, and LP also offers a single-member sizing program.
Weyerhaeuser’s Javelin software allows users to create a 3-D model of the structural frame to produce accurate material lists and placement plans. The latest update includes a new interface designed around user productivity, faster input of user loads, improved selection and management of connectors, and more.
Weyerhaeuser recently updated its Javelin whole-house structural design software, which allows dealers or builders to create a complete model of the project’s structural frame, with a new user interface to further improve productivity. Rounding out Weyerhaeuser’s software design portfolio are Forte, for sizing joists, beams, posts, and studs; Estima takeoff software; and Stellar, which helps dealers make smarter inventory decisions.
With increasing pressure on builders to produce high-quality homes amid a labor shortage, it’s vital that dealers serve as an educational partner, with a working knowledge of the products they sell and how those products function as a system. Numerous tools and tech packages are available to assist dealers on being such a resource, while likely increasing their own volume and profitability in the process.
What’s New in Panels
It’s not just the joist and beam manufacturers that have been busy. “U.S. housing starts are expected to grow for at least the next couple of years. Wood products, in particular, should enjoy the lion’s share of the wall-sheathing market for the foreseeable future,” says Leigh Ann Purvis, Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager for RoyOMartin. “Panel manufacturers are looking to develop products suitable for multiple uses.”
Indeed, much of the innovation in structural panels involves products that reduce labor, solve challenges, or boost efficiencies.
Huber is well known for its ZIP System, which combines structural sheathing with an integrated water-resistant barrier. Its most recent addition is ZIP Insulated R-Sheathing. “Our theme within ZIP products is to try to combine multiple functionalities and steps into one product,” says Allen Sealock, Product Director for ZIP system. “Even the noninsulated version of ZIP combines the water-resistive barrier. From the labor standpoint, you’re simplifying the process. It’s all about speed and ease of installation, especially in the current labor environment.”
Georgia-Pacific is reducing steps with its ForceField product, which also combines sheathing with an integrated air and water barrier. This summer the company launched ForceField Corner Seal, a semi-rigid polypropylene with a living hinge down the middle; by bending in either direction, it makes it easy to flash both inside and outside corners.
GP says ForceField is 37% faster than installing sheathing and housewrap separately. “They’re having trouble getting crews on the job,” says Jeff Key, Senior Marketing Manager. “Any way we can help people get in and off their jobsites and doing a task faster, builders definitely appreciate that.”
Designed for use with the company’s ForceField sheathing with integrated weather barrier, Georgia-Pacific’s ForceField Corner Seal is a 4″ wide, semi-rigid polypropylene with a living hinge that makes it easy to flash inside and outside corners. It comes in 200-foot rolls and cuts to length.
Huber Engineered Woods’ ZIP System Insulated R-sheathing combines structural sheathing, an integrated water-resistive barrier that eliminates the need for housewrap, and a built-in continuous foam insulation. The R-9 version meets prescriptive continuous foam requirements in the energy code.
Internet Information
To learn more about these companies’ products, visit their websites.
Companies in bold participated in this article.
APA-The Engineered Wood Association:
www.apawood.org
Anthony Forest Products:
www.anthonyforest.com
BlueLinx:
www.bluelinxco.com
Boise Cascade:
www.bc.com
Canfor Corp.:
www.canfor.com
Georgia-Pacific:
www.buildgp.com
Huber Engineered Wood:
www.huberwood.com
LP Building Products:
www.lpcorp.com
MetsaWood:
www.metsawood.com
Norbord:
www.norbord.com
Potlatch:
www.potlatchcorp.com
QB Corporation:
www.qbcorp.com
Roseburg Forest Products:
www.roseburg.com
Rosboro:
www.rosboro.com
RoyOMartin:
www.royomartin.com
Sierra Pine:
www.sierrapine.com
Stimson Lumber:
www.stimsonlumber.com
Swanson Group:
www.swansongroup.com
Universal Forest Products:
www.ufpi.com
Weyerhaeuser:
www.woodbywy.com
