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Two Powerful Metal Connector Nailers

KYOCERA SENCO Industrial Tools has introduced two new, powerful metal connector nailers that fire 2½” nails commonly required in hurricane and seismic zones.

The JN91P1 and JN91P2 pneumatic metal connector nailers are used for fastening pre-punched metal structural connectors like joist hangers or seismic/hurricane straps. They reportedly deliver 10%more power than competing nailers and previous-generation tools. The increased power allows consistent, complete sinking of nails in ultra-dense engineered lumber commonly used for structural beams.

“Earlier this year, SENCO released all-new 1-½” metal connector nailers featuring more power and heavier-duty components,” said Ryan Schuler, product manager for SENCO’s pneumatic construction tools.

Both of the new tools shoot 1½” to 2½” nails ranging from .131”-.162” in diameter. The JN91P1 features a short magazine that holds a single rack of 34° paper tape-collated nails, offering a high degree of mobility between joists and rafters. The JN91P2 has an extended magazine that can accommodate two racks of nails, allowing users to maintain higher production rates with fewer reloads.

The nailers feature an innovative, redesigned nosepiece that leads with a metal point to ensure accurate placement into pre-punched holes.

Other features include:

A redesigned, over-molded grip for comfort, control, and reduced slipping.
An adjustable exhaust port that directs blowback away from the user.
A rugged belt/rafter hook made from heavy-duty steel.
A lockout that prevents dry firing and signals the user when it is time to reload.

Each nailer comes with tool oil, safety glasses, an air plug and a five-year limited warranty. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the JN91P1 and JN91P2 are $319 and $329 respectively.

Trending Products

Fiberon Launches Enhanced Website

Fiberon has launched an updated website, which features greater accessibility to product information, digital tools and inspiration for builders.

New features on the website include an enhanced user experience with a focus on outdoor living and consumer education; content reorganized to lead with the most sought-after information, and a comprehensive focus on each product, via individual product detail pages with additional resources, tools and content.

“We’ve taken the time to make thoughtful, impactful changes to our website,” said Mark Ayers, senior VP of marketing and product development for Fiberon. “We’ve paid close attention to the ever-changing consumer journey when it comes to purchasing outdoor living products and adjusted our website tools and features to evolve the customer experience.”

The new website includes e-commerce capabilities, enabling customers to purchase various products directly from the website. The website also features an optimized multi-platform experience for enhanced browsing on all devices including PCs, tablets and smart phones, and new data integration for a more agile approach.

“Not only are we providing comprehensive educational resources for consumers, but we are also making our products and content more accessible as a point of strategic growth within e-commerce,” said Brian Kirby, senior digital manager for Fiberon.

Industry News

Envision Outdoor Living Hires New Director of Manufacturing

Envision Outdoor Living Products, a leading manufacturer of high-performance composite decking, railings, and accessories, has hired Doug Jerry as director of manufacturing. In this new position, Jerry will lead all three of Envision Outdoor Living Products’ U.S. production facilities, located in Mount Joy, PA., and Lamar, MO. He will coordinate and direct operations, engineering, maintenance, and reliability teams to ensure consistency across facilities as well as implement best practices to continually improve production capabilities, safety, quality, profitability, and customer service.

Jerry brings extensive expertise in the building materials industry, having served in multiple positions at TAMKO Building Products facilities since 2006, including senior line mgr. at the Phillipsburg, KS., plant; operations manager in Frederick, MD., and assistant general manager in Knoxville, TN., and Joplin, MO. Prior to his work in the industry, Jerry served as a medical officer in the U.S. Army for five years, completing tours in Korea, Europe, and Iraq.

“Doug’s management experience, both in the military and in building products, will be a tremendous asset to our manufacturing operations as we continue to strive for consistency, quality, and efficiency,” said Shara Gamble, president for Envision Outdoor Living Products. “As a member of our leadership team, he bears responsibility for driving Envision’s culture in our manufacturing facilities and will focus on cultivating healthy, high-performing teams for smooth, effective, and efficient manufacturing operations.”

Jerry holds a B.S. degree from the University of Arkansas. He will operate from Envision’s composite decking manufacturing facility in Lamar, MO.
For more information, visit www.envisionoutdoorliving.com.

Industry News

Weyerhaeuser Expands AZEK and TimberTech Southeast Distribution

Weyerhaeuser Distribution is extending its footprint of AZEK Building Products to three new markets: Atlanta, GA.; Jacksonville, FL.; and Charlotte, N.C. With the expansion, Weyerhaeuser will carry AZEK products at 17 distribution centers across the U.S.

Product offerings at each new location will include TimberTech composite decking; TimberTech railing in profiles ranging from classic to contemporary; AZEK Trim, a replacement to traditional wood; and AZEK Trim with PaintPro Technology, with enhanced paintability to save time and money on installation.

“Weyerhaeuser Distribution and AZEK Building Products have a strong history together based on shared values of quality, sustainability, and innovation, and we are thrilled to grow that partnership in additional markets,” said Amy Warren, director of Business Process and Development for Weyerhaeuser Distribution. “From low-maintenance decking to beautiful, durable trim, AZEK’s products have always brought value to our dealer customers in their service to both building pros and consumers. Our extended footprint will ensure customers get what they need, when and where they need it.”

“The expanded relationship between AZEK and Weyerhaeuser Distribution further strengthens both companies’ presence in the Southeast United States,” said Jon Skelly, president of AZEK’s Residential segment. “We look forward to building on our extensive distribution network and are confident this partnership will continue to bring value to everyone involved, including our customers.”

For more information on AZEK Building Products, visit TimberTech.com and AZEKexteriors.com. For more information on Weyerhaeuser Distribution, visit Weyerhaeuser.com/Distribution.

Industry News

ICC-ES Issues Steel Listing Report to New Millennium

The ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) issued New Millennium Building Systems its first listing report to CSA S136 for its design of cold-formed steel structural members.

New Millennium, Fort Wayne, IN., has multiple facilities across North America and is a provider of structural steel joist, joist girder and decks for commercial steel construction projects. Its roof deck, form deck and composite deck panels are cold-formed from steel sheets used as flooring and roof decking to support vertical loads, and as components of horizontal diaphragms and composite floor assemblies.

“New Millennium appreciates the support of the ICC-ES engineers and staff who diligently reviewed our design procedures and other supporting documentation for our steel deck products in preparation of this report, demonstrating compliance with CSA S136 and the National Building Code of Canada,” said Joseph K. Voigt, P.E., New Millennium Building Systems marketing and business development manager.

For more information, email es@icc-es.org or call the ICC-ES office at (800) 423-6587.

Industry News

Trex Releases Deck and Railing Design App

Trex Co. has introduced a new app that enables contractors and homeowners to explore design possibilities for their outdoor spaces by experimenting with shape, color and material combinations using Trex products against the backdrop of their home environments. Available for free on iTunes and Google Play, the Trex Augmented Reality (AR) Decking and Railing Visualizer is an immersive program that affords users a panoramic view of their home to experiment with an array of Trex decking and selected railing pairings. The tool helps users determine size and square footage, estimate material needs, research builders in their area, and generate a materials list that connects directly with the Shop Trex website where they can order product samples. “Today’s consumers increasingly look online as a first step in the planning and building process,” said Leslie Adkins, vice president of marketing for Trex. “This user-friendly resource enables them to bring their visions to life no matter where or when inspiration strikes. The high-definition renderings and advanced AR technology combine to deliver an unmatched experience that allows users to view accurate renderings against their own homes to quickly and easily see how Trex decking and railing can create the perfect foundation for their outdoor living space.”

Avon Plastics Names New CFO

Ryan Guggenberger has been named Avon Plastics’ new CFO.

Color Me Mine: Become a Railing Color Expert

The days of plain white vinyl railings on every deck have given way to a rainbow of railing colors, enabled by the latest manufacturing technologies and the expanding imaginations of designers. With now near-unlimited options, how can builders help guide customers to the best color choice for their deck railing project? “Choosing the right railing defines your home, and selecting the right color is as important on the outside of the home as it is on the inside,” says Andrew Pantelides, VP of marketing and business development for Regal ideas. “When it comes to doors, trim, shutters and furniture, the color trends we are seeing are ones of eye-catching colors that define personality and style. More and more homeowners are viewing their outdoor spaces as an extension of their indoors.” Certainly, railing color choice is a critical decision in planning a project. When you walk out onto a deck, your eyes are usually going to see the railing first. According to Steven Phillips, product manager in charge of railing for Trex, “Our focus is on making sure consumers have safe but inspiring choices that complement any decking color. Earth tones like Vintage Lantern (a chocolate brown) compliment safer choices like Classic White and Charcoal Black. Softer tones like Rope Swing and Gravel Path give consumers more outside-the-box options that aren’t too polarizing. However, making sure the channel can support inventory requirements is always critical, so the color palette has to be selected carefully.” Fairway’s aluminum systems come in three different colors, steel railings in two, and cellular PVC in white. “Those three railing technologies—aluminum, steel and cellular PVC—cover three color categories in black, bronze and white, which represent about 90% of market demand,” said Chase Moritz, marketing manager for parent Envision Decking. “Within those technologies, we offer varying finish

The Process to Profit Part 2: Quoting

Last time, I discussed marketing and how to get leads coming your way. Hopefully some of what you read will help you in the future in your marketing. Remember that each part of your business works with another. They are all tied together, and you have to master each one or hire someone who can. Today we are going to talk about how the lead turns into a quote, but more about how to make your quoting process more efficient. Can you price out a deck in the living room off of a sketch? Can you do that the minute after you measured and discussed the area? If not, you may want to learn how. The first steps were mentioned in my previous articles (material supply consistency, narrowing down offerings, etc.). In the future, we will also talk about paying subs and employees to get your costs fixed. So, if I have a deck that is overall 200 sq. ft. of the products I want to install, and I know my costs going into the house, why not quote it on the spot? After all, I’ve built that combination of materials in different shapes all year. Your competitor is going to go to that same house, have similar discussions, take notes, leave, go home, sit down, do a takeoff, send it to the lumberyards to bid, wait to get it back, then try to put it into some form of a quote, go back to see the customer, then vomit that quote all over them. This whole process takes that guy a week at the minimum, if he shows up. When he does, the quote will say, “Blah blah blah deck… $10,000.” You on the other hand will have a template quote in your computer that you will add line

Deck Builders Gear Up for Second Annual Symposium

The second annual Deck Specialist Symposium is rapidly approaching on July 13-14.

The Sweet Spot & How to Sell It

Since last year I have written several articles that were intended to help you think differently about your deck business. Starting with why you wanted to do it, the structure, and the four “P’s.” People, Product, Process, Profit. We discussed quoting methods, managing labor, and product selection. If you have implemented some of what I have suggested, and of course your secret sauce, hopefully you are on your way to a profitable deck business. Now I want to talk a little about what I call the sweet spot, and then how to sell your company once you get ready to do it. So what is the sweet spot? It’s the point where the company is generating the most potential profit possible with the least amount of overhead. It’s a sales cap that you do not necessarily want to cross because that causes you to add staff and overhead. For a deck business, I feel that cap is $1.5 million in gross revenue. At this level, you can run the business yourself. You do not need an office manager, receptionist, CFO, production manager, service manager, fleet manager, etc. Just you and a couple people who are smarter than you on retainer; you always need a good lawyer, accountant, and bartender. At $1.5 million you can sell every job yourself, so no sales commission. At the margins I have been trying to point you to, you can make well into the $200,000 range for yourself, without a whole bunch of stress. At this level, if you want an office, you can afford a small one, but really don’t need it. At this level, you have zero employees, because if you listen to me everyone is a subcontractor, so if there are a few “sales lean” months, you’re good! At this level, if

INDUSTRY NEWS

Fiberon Launches Enhanced Website

Fiberon has launched an updated website, which features greater accessibility to product information, digital tools and inspiration for builders.

Envision Outdoor Living Hires New Director of Manufacturing

Envision Outdoor Living Products, a leading manufacturer of high-performance composite decking, railings, and accessories, has hired Doug Jerry as director of manufacturing.

Weyerhaeuser Expands AZEK and TimberTech Southeast Distribution

ICC-ES Issues Steel Listing Report to New Millennium

The ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) issued New Millennium Building Systems its first listing report to CSA S136 for its design of cold-formed steel structural members.

SPAX Fastener Parent Company Hires Structural Engineer

Altenloh, Brinck & Co. US, Inc., manufacturer of SPAX engineered fasteners, has hired Loren Ross as a structural engineer for wood frame constructions.

Fiberon’s Parent Company Announces Key Personnel Changes

Fortune Brands, the parent company of wood-alternative decking, railing, and fencing manufacturer Fiberon, has announced key organization and leadership changes.

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BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Happy Customers are Loyal Customers

At RailFX, we sell through our distributor network and communicate with the end-user regarding the installation of our products. As a manufacturer, it's in our best interest to ensure a solid installation.

Regal Ideas President Retires After More Than 20 Years with the Company

Effective immediately, Andrew Pantelides, vice president of marketing and business development, will be taking over Couillard’s responsibilities including sales and strategy for the company.

Oldcastle APG Will Double Capacity for MoistureShield Composite Decking

Oldcastle APG will double its manufacturing capacity with a new expansion at the company's MoistureShield plant in Springdale, AR.

Best Practices for Deck Restoration

Fence Planner Software

Horizontal Vinyl Fencing Debuts with Barrette Outdoor Living in 2022

Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc., a leading provider of outdoor living products, recently debuted its new contemporary Horizontal Vinyl Fencing product line, featuring two styles — a full solid privacy option and one that features the company’s unique Decorative Screen Panel as an alternative to traditional lattice top.

BUILDING MATERIALS

Color Me Mine: Become a Railing Color Expert

How to Install Cable Railing

Cable railing offers a visually appealing aesthetic for both commercial and residential spaces. However, for those who are accustomed to traditional balustrade installation, a cable rail system presents unique challenges that can be overcome with a few tips and techniques. Before installing your cable rail system, it’s important to decide what you want to achieve with the finished product. Are you simply looking to maintain a picturesque view or will you also use it for entertaining? Understanding the utilization of space will help determine the rail style as well as whether you’ll need additional accessories such as LED lighting for nighttime ambiance. In addition, be sure to check with your local building code officials prior to installation to ensure all code and safety requirements are met. After determining the type of system, you’ll need to choose the right type of cable. Typically marine-grade (type 316) stainless steel cable is the most affordable option that provides maximum durability and corrosion resistance with little-to-no maintenance. Also look for cable that can be cut to your specifications. Some companies offer pre-cut cables that may be too short or too long for your project. Investing in a pair of cable cutters will give you a clean cut and won’t interfere with the ravel. Other cutters may fray the cable. You will be working with three types of posts—end posts, corner posts, and mid-posts. The attachment of the posts to the decking is very important. Well anchored posts are necessary to prevent them from bending under the cable tension. The use of a top and bottom rail will also keep the posts from bending. Prior to tensioning, all top and bottom rails must be in place and secured to the posts per the manufacturer’s instructions. The tools and equipment you will need to add cable

T-Rex pro-grade duct tapes

There was a time when if you wanted a roll of “good,” heavy-duty, ultra-sticky duct tape, you either had to be a HVAC technician or have made friends with the sheet metal subcontractor who was working on the same subdivision tract as you were. The latter also usually involved the exchange of several cold adult beverages and the requisite loitering and discussion of all things building related, while enjoying their consumption. After this, you were pretty well guaranteed duct tape and gutter sealant for as long as that sub was on your job. I often wondered how the sheet metal company never came to notice all those “gifted” rolls of Nashua Tape and tubes of gutter sealant, or maybe they just considered them as “consumables,” which I guess, in a roundabout way, they really were. Nowadays, in this same scenario, both you and the sub would most likely be arrested for loitering, drinking in public, and theft of construction materials—then unceremoniously fired. Oh, how far we have come. Thankfully, the people at T-Rex are looking out for us, after deciding that the venerable roll of tape, found rolling around every trademan’s toolbox, deserved an upgrade. With the T-Rex line of professional tape products, you can fix a small hole in a wet/dry vacuum hose, patch that bucket that cracks on the last day of construction, and solve so many other minor frustrations that can add up to project delays and dollars lost. Pro-grade duct tapes and specialty tapes, while seeming unnecessary before starting a job, can provide on-the-fly repairs when you need them most. It won’t be every day you need it, but on that day you do, you will really need it. Below are examples of how we used T-Rex on our jobs. Site Prep We used double-sided poly-hanging

Building Decks on EWP

While homeowners lounge on their luxe outdoor couches or roast s’mores with the family around the deck firepit, they often take for granted the importance of the structural framing systems that are making it all possible. For decades, traditional wood products used in deck construction quickly succumbed to the elements to which they are so frequently exposed: sun, insects, rain, snow and natural organic breakdown of the material. Recently, engineered wood manufacturer Pacific Woodtech (PWT), a Burlington, WA.-based company, unveiled a treated deck solution that addresses the critically important structural framing systems that support everything else. PWT Treated LVL is the world’s first manufacturer-treated laminated veneer lumber. For all the same reasons engineered wood products have become immensely popular in interior residential framing (40% to 50% market share), they are becoming increasingly sought out for exterior framing needs. Bigger Building Options PWT Treated allows designers to greatly increase the scale of exterior framing projects in many of the same ways they have been able to do in the interior. Step outside to enjoy larger open areas. Take in grander vistas by decreasing the number of posts, columns or larger overhangs and balconies, and save time and money by reducing the number of energy-intensive footings that need to be installed. Sturdier Products Treating LVL with conventional methods for dimensional lumber weakens the structure of the product. Fortunately, PWT discovered Kop-Coat’s Tru-Core technology, which fully penetrates each veneer layer to the center then adds an envelope finish to protect each piece from the inside out. Every beam, joist and column suffers no loss of properties, and is safeguarded against damage caused by fungal rot, decay and insects. The final product, explains PWT’s Matt Caissie, “is just as strong as it was pre-treatment, and that gives us the ability to create long spans.

Sweet Home Alabama: Southern Hospitality Welcomes South American Hardwoods

The Deep South has its own long, proud history of native woods, from the distinctive cypress to the classic oaks and rustic pines. But when one longtime Southern lumberman wanted to build an expansive 11,000-sq. ft. home with multiple decks off the Tennessee River in Muscle Shoals, AL., he wanted all the wood sourced from Guyana. Homeowner Joe McKinney is managing director of the McVantage Group, Tuscumbia, AL., which is currently developing a $1-million acre tract in the South American nation’s Iwokrama Forest. In Guyana, McKinney sees the richness of resources and opportunity his elders saw in the northwest Alabama forests of two and three generations ago. His mission has become introducing modern, sustainable logging and milling practices to Guyana. His own home, therefore, would be the ideal place to show off the little-known exotic species the country has to offer. McKinney engaged Rusty Alexander, a National Home Builders Association board member and Shoals Home Builders Association’s 2017 Builder of the Year, who had previously built a home for his brother. Rusty and his team at Alexander Modern Homes and River- Works Design Studio were charged with creating an ultra-modern four bedroom, six-and-a-half bath home that incorporated the wood into all facets of construction, inside and out. First, they bulldozed the existing lake house on the property and prepared the lot for new construction. The new spaces were to give off an “indoor/outdoor” feel—so the interior felt open, natural and warm, and the exterior conveyed the warmth and modernity of the inside. Every room in the house was given a striking view of Wilson Lake, maximized by the inclusion of Phantom retractable screens. Greenheart, shibidan and kabukalli were used generously throughout the house. Outside, purpleheart was used to craft sturdy legs for an outdoor table. The decks, handrails, rainscreen and

When Space Is Limited, Transform the Roof into an Outdoor Haven

Outdoor spaces have become increasingly popular to homeowners nationwide who are using decks as extensions to their homes. Decks and porches are more easily built for those who live in the suburbs or countryside, given they usually have the luxury of space. This is not necessarily an option in some of the more crowded cities like San Francisco, Chicago and New York. Big-city locals have the same desire to spend time outside, so getting creative is imperative to turn that feeling into a reality. Thus, rooftop decks have become an increasingly popular solution over the past few years. “When you have an area like New York City or Brooklyn, everything is bunched up together. The only area you really have is your roof,” Keith Camacho, owner of Stellar Decks and lifetime Brooklyn resident, said. “People in New York are known to utilize these spaces for entertaining because it is the only area they can really enjoy the perks of outdoor living. People are recognizing that in instances when you aren’t able to extend your space, you have to look upward.” In many instances, these outdoor spaces are constructed on residential and commercial high rises, so they also come with regulations. Aside from certain weight restrictions, materials must be flame-spread rated to be approved for the building permit. “If there’s a fire, the wood will burn immediately,” Camacho said. “For building permit approval, everything needs to be fire rated, so composite and PVC products are typically preferred.” While inspectors look for those details, homeowners also have a common request when it comes to residential rooftop spaces: low maintenance. “A lot of people are looking for products that don’t take a lot of work to maintain. In cities like New York, outdoor spaces can only be enjoyed for a certain amount of

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