Todd Drummond shares his background in component manufacturing and how he got involved in roof and floor trusses. He discusses the biggest issues facing the industry, such as supply outstripping demand and dropping margins. Todd explains that the primary demand for trusses comes from new construction, especially wood-framed buildings. He highlights the key features and benefits of selling trusses over rafters, including engineered systems, better load distribution, and the ability to handle complex roof structures. 

Todd also talks about the design process differences between repetitive and custom homes, the impact of roof covering on truss design, and the future of truss design and automation. In this conversation, Todd emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the truss manufacturing industry. He discusses the need to challenge traditional methods and embrace new ideas for improved productivity and efficiency. Todd also highlights the benefits of using lumber in truss manufacturing, including its flexibility, cost competitiveness, and ease of use. He explains the rigorous testing and structural integrity of trusses and the factors that influence lumber grade choice in truss design. http://strenghtinlumber.com

Todd also addresses the skilled labor shortage and the need for better employee-employer relationships and communication. He concludes by discussing the future of component manufacturing, which is dependent on market trends, building regulations, and the overall economic climate.

Talking Trusses with Todd Drummond

As the cost of home construction and building materials increase in cost, and building codes demand more effective building envelopes, construction professionals are looking to taller wall sheathing to fill in the gaps. OSB wall sheathing already make for a sustainable and cost-effective option but with taller OSB wall panels, the efficacy of the building envelope is increased by creating fewer seams while labor costs, waste and installation time are equally reduced. 

Not only are taller wall panels more energy efficient and easier to install, but the increased incidences of strong weather systems have encouraged engineers and designers to improve wall strength. Stronger walls will keep home occupants safer during inclement weather and will increase the lifespan of the home. One of the problems is that the roof, wall and flooring systems are installed as separate entities. Connecting the OSB wall sheathing and the flooring system can create a continuous load path which can improve wall strength by up to 38%.

The following is a recorded conversation with Doug McNeill, Marketing Manager from West Fraser discussing their taller wall sheathing solutions for high wind, seismic, and taller ceiling heights.

Additional Resources:
https://osb.westfraser.com/blog/taller-wall-panels-reduce-air-leakage/
https://osb.westfraser.com/blog/using-taller-wall-panels-saves-time-and-money/
https://osb.westfraser.com/blog/taller-wall-sheathing-makes-walls-stronger/

Builder Insights Podcast

01 - Why Taller Wall Panels Are The Future

Building codes are demanding increasingly efficient building envelopes. One way to achieve that without sending your costs through the roof is by using raised-heel trusses. Raised-heel trusses are fitted with a heel where the bottom chord intersects with the perimeter wall plate which raises the top chord.

Raised heel trusses are engineered utilizing quality materials and advanced design techniques. Not only do these techniques exceed building code requirements, they also ensure uniformity and accuracy in your roof framing. We take an in-depth look at the raised heel truss and how they can be used to save you time and money and improve the efficacy of your building envelope.

The following is a recorded conversation with Doug McNeill, Marketing Manager from West Fraser discussing why raised heel trusses are a good choice for more effective building envelopes, especially when used in conjunction with taller wall panels.

Additional Resources
https://osb.westfraser.com/blog/raising-the-roof-raised-heel-trusses/

02 - Raising The Roof: The Raised Heel Truss

Radiant barriers have become somewhat shrouded in urban myth. They were not, for example, invented by NASA, but rather by the far less exciting German businessmen Schmidt and Dykerhoff in 1925. NASA has employed radiant barriers since the Apollo program for use on equipment, astronaut suits and spacecraft.

While radiant barriers do contribute significantly to the reduction of cooling (and in some cases heating) costs, they are not the panacea to energy efficiency some make them out to be; they need to be utilized as part of a cohesive building envelope.

The following is a recorded conversation with Doug McNeill, Marketing Manager from West Fraser discussing how radiant barriers can be used to reduce summer heat gain and improve the efficacy of your building envelope.

Additional Resources:
https://osb.westfraser.com/blog/spray-foam-vs-radiant-barrier-sheathing-pros-and-cons/

03 - How to Reduce Attic Temperatures Using Radiant Barriers

High wind events place an enormous amount of shear and uplift forces on a building. Now you can easily meet hurricane wind codes, while eliminating or reducingthe hardware expense of hurricane straps and  the hassle of cutting blocking for horizontal joints with Windstorm taller wall panels. 

Not only will Windstorm help you to meet code, the taller OSB wall panels increase the efficacy of the building envelope by creating fewer seams which reduces air leakage by up to 60%.

We’ll show you how Windstorm can create safer homes and reduce your construction costs, jobsite waste and installation time.

The following is a recorded conversation with David Lewis, Field marketing Manager from West Fraser discussing why taller wall panels can help you to meet stringent wind codes, and save you time and money while improving your building envelope.

Additional Resources:
https://osb.westfraser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/M310E-2018-Building-in-High-Wind.pdf
https://osb.westfraser.com/wall-sheathing/windstorm/

04 - How Windstorm Helps you to Seamlessly Meet Hurricane Wind Codes

QuakeZone provides a continuous load path which, when used with a professional designer’s fastener schedule, meets building code and helps withstand the kinds of shear forces your home is subjected to during an earthquake. 

Taller wall panels have benefits that go beyond stronger buildings; they also reduce air leakage by up to 60%. They save you time and money by reducing metal hardware and blocking material thanks to less handling, cutting and faster installation.

The following is a recorded conversation with Greg Bates Field Marketing Manager from West Fraser discussing why taller wall sheathing helps builders frame a structural home to meet building codes and other benefits for both homebuyer and builder.

Additional Resources:
https://osb.westfraser.com/roof-sheathing/solarbord/

05 - QuakeZone: Buildings that Can Withstand Earthquakes

RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2017 INTERNATIONAL BUILDER'S SHOW (IBS)

GUEST: Phil Crone, Executive Officer Dallas Home Builders Association
SUBJECT: Labor shortages & how builders are coping in the Dallas Market

The following Podcast is part of a series recorded live at the 2017 International Builder’s Show in Orlando. Listen to industry experts, fellow builders, and association members share their perspective on current trends and the struggles they face in the industry. They also share resources for framers and builders to help them save money and time. We hope you find these short conversations beneficial and that you like, share, and subscribe on iTunes, or Google Play. 

The following is a recorded conversation with Phil Crone, Executive Officer Dallas Home Builders Association discussing labor shortages & how builders are coping in the Dallas Market.

builder insights

06 - Labor shortages & how builders are coping in the Dallas Market

RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2017 INTERNATIONAL BUILDER'S SHOW (IBS)

GUEST(s): Kevin Holdridge President, AIDB & Steve Mickley Executive Director, AIBD (American Institute of Building Design)

SUBJECT: Advantages of using a Certified Professional Building Designer

The following Podcast is part of a series recorded live at the 2017 International Builder’s Show in Orlando. Listen to industry experts, fellow builders, and association members share their perspective on current trends and the struggles they face in the industry. They also share resources for framers and builders to help them save money and time. We hope you find these short conversations beneficial and that you like, share, and subscribe on iTunes, or Google Play. 

The following is a recorded conversation with Kevin Holdridge President of the AIDB & Steve Mickley Executive Director of the AIBD (American Institute of Building Design) discussing the advantages of using a certified professional building designer.

Builder Insights by Norbord

07 - AIBD - Advantages of using a Certified Professional Building Designer

RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2017 INTERNATIONAL BUILDER'S SHOW (IBS)

GUEST: Marion McGrath, VP of Jonathan McGrath Construction
SUBJECT: Challenges Facing Builders & Remodelers in the Florida market

The following Podcast is part of a series recorded live at the 2017 International Builder’s Show in Orlando. Listen to industry experts, fellow builders, and association members share their perspective on current trends and the struggles they face in the industry. They also share resources for framers and builders to help them save money and time. We hope you find these short conversations beneficial and that you like, share, and subscribe on iTunes, or Google Play. 

The following is a recorded conversation with Marion McGrath, VP of Jonathan McGrath Construction discussing the challenges facing builders & remodelers in the Florida market.

09 - Challenges Facing Builders & Remodelers in Florida

RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2017 INTERNATIONAL BUILDER'S SHOW (IBS)

GUEST(s): Tom Kositzky, Executive Director Coalition for Fair Energy Codes (CFEC) & Mathew Brown, Engineered Wood Specialist, APA

SUBJECT: Coalition For Fair Energy Codes CFEC

The following Podcast is part of a series recorded live at the 2017 International Builder’s Show in Orlando. Listen to industry experts, fellow builders, and association members share their perspective on current trends and the struggles they face in the industry. They also share resources for framers and builders to help them save money and time. We hope you find these short conversations beneficial and that you like, share, and subscribe on iTunes, or Google Play. 

The following is a recorded conversation with Tom Kositzky, Executive Director, Coalition for Fair Energy Codes (CFEC) & Matthew Brown, Engineered Wood Specialist, APA – discussing the latest energy codes for builders.

10 - Coalition for Fair Energy Codes CFEC

RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2017 INTERNATIONAL BUILDER'S SHOW (IBS)

GUEST: Michelle Foster, Vice President, Innovation Services Home Innovation Research Labs

SUBJECT: What Home Buyers Look for from a Green Perspective

The following Podcast is part of a series recorded live at the 2017 International Builder’s Show in Orlando. Listen to industry experts, fellow builders, and association members share their perspective on current trends and the struggles they face in the industry. They also share resources for framers and builders to help them save money and time. We hope you find these short conversations beneficial and that you like, share, and subscribe on iTunes, or Google Play. 

The following is a recorded conversation with Michelle Foster, Vice President, Innovation Services Home Innovation Research Labs discussing What Home Buyers Look For From a Green Perspective.

08 - What Home Buyers Look For From a Green Perspective

RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2017 INTERNATIONAL BUILDER'S SHOW (IBS)

GUEST: Brett Miller, Vice President, Education & Certification NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association)
SUBJECT: Why Acclimate hard Wood Flooring

The following Podcast is part of a series recorded live at the 2017 International Builder’s Show in Orlando. Listen to industry experts, fellow builders, and association members share their perspective on current trends and the struggles they face in the industry. They also share resources for framers and builders to help them save money and time. We hope you find these short conversations beneficial and that you like, share, and subscribe on iTunes, or Google Play. 

The following is a recorded conversation with Brett Miller, Vice President, Education & Certification of the NWFA discussing the importance of acclimating hard wood flooring before installation.

11 - Why Acclimate Hard Wood Flooring

RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2017 INTERNATIONAL BUILDER'S SHOW (IBS)

GUEST: Jackie Rowland, PE Senior Engineering Manager, APEX Technology

SUBJECT: Women in Engineering (Specifically Residential Structural Engineering)

The following Podcast is part of a series recorded live at the 2017 International Builder’s Show in Orlando. Listen to industry experts, fellow builders, and association members share their perspective on current trends and the struggles they face in the industry. They also share resources for framers and builders to help them save money and time. We hope you find these short conversations beneficial and that you like, share, and subscribe on iTunes, or Google Play. 

The following is a recorded conversation with Jackie Rowland, PE Senior Engineering Manager, APEX Technology discussing women in engineering, specifically residential structural engineering.

12 - Women in Engineering (Specifically Residential Structural Engineering)

GUEST: Mike Berry Professional Engineering and Hiring Manager, APEX Technology

SUBJECT: Recruiting and Retaining the Best Crew in Today’s Building Market

Looming labor shortages are at the forefront of every construction manager’s mind. You know the value of reliable workers who are able to work efficiently and finish projects on time. Hiring the wrong people can mean expensive callbacks, dissatisfied customers and even injuries on the jobsite. These kinds of setbacks could spell disaster for the small to medium construction company. 

Luckily, there are strategies for finding the right workers and nurturing their development so that you don’t have to incur the expense and disruption of constantly finding new employees. 

The following is a recorded conversation with Mike Berry, Engineer and Hiring Manager at Apex Technology in Jacksonville Florida, here to share some of his strategies for recruiting and retaining reliable workers.

13 - Recruiting and Retaining the Best Crew in Today’s Building Market

Building Information Modeling isn’t just for large construction firms. Even small to medium operations can benefit considerably from investing in BIM systems and technology.

Implementing a BIM system allows you to explore and evaluate a project before you start the build. This means you are more accurately able to cost construction, plan your trades schedule, increase the efficiency of the decision-making process and ensure that your entire crew is up to date with the latest changes.

Through BIM you are better able to predict, manage and communicate project outcomes so you’re working smarter, not harder. 

The following is a recorded conversation with Diego Villanueva, a BIM Manager at BeLit companies in Jacksonville Florida who is here to help us determine how we can implement a better BIM process to not only gain efficiencies, but also serve clients better.

14 - BIM. The process, the efficiencies and the value.

RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDER'S SHOW (IBS)

GUEST: Charles (Chuck) Vaughn, Former Student, HBI (Home Builders Institute)
SUBJECT: Experience with HBI & what followed.

The following Podcast is part of a series recorded live at the 2018 International Builder’s Show in Orlando. Listen to staff, students and alumni share their experiences working for a leader in residential construction trades training.  We hope you find these short conversations beneficial and that you like, share, and subscribe on iTunes, or Google Play. 

The following is a recorded conversation with Chuck Vaughn, former student, Home Builders Institute (HBI) as he discusses his experience with HBI and what followed.

Norbord's Build Insights Podcast

18 - An HBI success story with Chuck Vaughn

RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDER'S SHOW (IBS)

GUEST: John Courson, President & CEO, HBI (Home Builders Institute)
SUBJECT: Overview of the Home Builders Institute

The following Podcast is part of a series recorded live at the 2018 International Builder’s Show in Orlando. Listen to staff, students and alumni share their experiences working for a leader in residential construction trades training.  We hope you find these short conversations beneficial and that you like, share, and subscribe on iTunes, or Google Play. 

The following is a recorded conversation with John Courson, President & CEO, Home Builders Institute (HBI) as he provides an overview of the HBI.

15 - Overview of the Home Builders Institute with John Courson

RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDER'S SHOW (IBS)

GUEST: David Howard, Chief Business Development, HBI (Home Builders Institute)
SUBJECT: Understanding of HBI

The following Podcast is part of a series recorded live at the 2018 International Builder’s Show in Orlando. Listen to staff, students and alumni share their experiences working for a leader in residential construction trades training.  We hope you find these short conversations beneficial and that you like, share, and subscribe on iTunes, or Google Play. 

The following is a recorded conversation with David Howard, Chief Business Development, Home Builders Institute (HBI as he provides an understanding of HBI.

16 - More on the Home Builders Institute with David Howard

RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDER'S SHOW (IBS)

GUEST: Taylor Thompson, Current Student, Home Builders Institute(HBI)
SUBJECT: Path to Home Builders Institute & Experience to Date

The following Podcast is part of a series recorded live at the 2018 International Builder’s Show in Orlando. Listen to staff, students and alumni share their experiences working for a leader in residential construction trades training.  We hope you find these short conversations beneficial and that you like, share, and subscribe on iTunes, or Google Play. 

The following is a recorded conversation with Taylor Thompson, Current Student, Home Builders Institute discussing his path to HBI and experience to date.

17 - How HBI changes lives - a young person's perspective

RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDER'S SHOW (IBS)

GUEST: Steve Cousins, Director of Career Technical Education, Home Builders Institute (HBI)
SUBJECT: Training by HBI

The following Podcast is part of a series recorded live at the 2018 International Builder’s Show in Orlando. Listen to staff, students and alumni share their experiences working for a leader in residential construction trades training.  We hope you find these short conversations beneficial and that you like, share, and subscribe on iTunes, or Google Play. 

The following is a recorded conversation with Steve Cousins, Director of Career Technical Education, Home Builders Institute (HBI) as he describes the training process at HBI.

19 - Lets talk HBI curriculum with Steve Cousins

RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDER'S SHOW (IBS)

GUEST: Phil Crone, Executive Officer, Dallas Builders Association
SUBJECT: Student training in the Dallas Area

The following Podcast is part of a series recorded live at the 2018 International Builder’s Show in Orlando. Listen to staff, students and alumni share their experiences working for a leader in residential construction trades training.  We hope you find these short conversations beneficial and that you like, share, and subscribe on iTunes, or Google Play. 

The following is a recorded conversation with Phil Crone, Executive Officer, Dallas Builders Association as he describes student training in the Dallas Area.

20 - Update on student training in the Dallas Area with Phil Crone

Welcome to West Fraser's Builder Insights Podcast. Builder Insights is your best source of information on new building techniques, materials, tools, and codes. Keep up to date with the latest developments as well as tips and tricks that will save you time and money on the job site.

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