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INDUSTRY NEWS
ProWood, a leading national brand of pressure-treated lumber, has introduced new product designations as well as new lumber end tags and unit placards to help consumers select the best lumber for their outdoor living project.
“We have a passion for educating consumers and want them to understand the reason why lumber has different designations,” said Ryan Kemp, executive vice president of ProWood. “The new designations and end tags will help them select the right lumber for their project, so they can be confident in its beauty, longevity, and safety. This protects both the end user and the dealer.”
ProWood, a UFP brand, has multiple product lines, each with its own intended application. The new bold, black end tags clearly list the end-use designation for each line. The designations include Light Duty, Ground Contact, Above Ground, and Critical Structure. Dealers often stock ground-contact treated lumber to eliminate confusion and ensure their customers are covered regardless of the application. With ProWood’s new end tags, contractors and do-it-yourself homeowners have more choice and value, as well as the assurance they haven’t selected the wrong lumber for their project.
“ProWood is the brand of choice for professionals and do-it-yourselfers, and we believe dealers and consumers should ‘Never Settle,’” said Kemp. “Having bold, black end tags and unit placards along with a simple and clear designation for end use gives dealers, pros, and homeowners the peace of mind they’re using products made to perform for their intended use.”
Wallace Building Supply, Clarksville, Tn., has been acquired by Southeast Building Supply Interests, a division of Building Industry Partners.
Wallace becomes SBSI’s first location in Tennessee and ninth overall.
Ronnie Wallace will continue as president, with Mark Wallace promoted to director of sales.
Woodworkers Source, a division of the MacBeath Hardwood Co., has expanded into a new warehouse facility located west of Phoenix’s downtown district.
The 22,300-sq. ft. warehouse sits on 1.2 acres, with three dock doors as well as one grade level door. The building is suited to handle the full-service mill, which is equipped with brand new Northtech machinery and a state-of-the-art dust collection system. The 5,000-sq. ft. office will serve as the administration space for the division. The expansion will serve as the distribution hub for its three retail stores, located in North Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson, Az. It will also be designated as their online fulfillment center.
“This expansion gives us the bandwidth to create a fresh, new and superior experience for our customers.” said Mark Stephens, VP and Southwest regional manager. “We’ve been successful with our ambition to help regular people build incredible projects out of wood for their home, friends and family. Now we’re set to provide more options and services faster than ever. And our employees enjoy the thrill of being part of a success story in the making.”
Woodworkers Source’s new facility went live the week of June 13.
Parent company MacBeath Hardwood is headquartered in Edinburgh, In.
Boise Cascade Co., Boise, Id., has reached an agreement to acquire Coastal Plywood Co. from Coastal Forest Resources Co. for $512 million.
The deal includes manufacturing locations in Havana, Fl., and Chapman, Al., which employ approximately 750 people.
“This acquisition incrementally expands our veneer capacity in support of our customers,” said Nate Jorgensen, CEO, Boise Cascade. “Near term, it provides us the ability to optimize our existing engineered wood products asset base. Longer term, we are excited to fully integrate this strategic venture and we intend to invest $50 million into our Southeast operations over a three-year period to further our EWP production capacity.”
The sale, expected to close in the third quarter, does not include Coastal’s parent company or timberlands assets.
Nation’s Best, Dallas, Tx., has entered the Golden State with its acquisition of longtime central California sister companies Calaveras Lumber and Sonora Lumber.
“This part of California is steeped in history—from the early days of the Gold Rush to the origins of a classic Mark Twain story,” said Chris Miller, president and CEO of Nation’s Best. “As we establish our presence in the state, it’s an appealing area to put down our roots. Calaveras Lumber and Sonora Lumber are well-run building material and hardware stores that are positioned for growth as they serve their communities.”
Second-generation family owner Mike Fullaway will stay on with Nation’s Best, working alongside his daughter Jodie Brixey. “Our family has seen a lot of changes and growth in this business and community since my father, Wilbur Fullaway, started in 1976. We have valued the opportunity to serve our community, customers, and our employees,” said Mike and his wife Diane Fullaway, both of whom have been very involved in the business over the years. “Partnering with Nation’s Best is the next step in our journey. It will provide us the opportunity to grow, expand and serve the communities and people we know and love.”
As part of Nation’s Best’s strategy, Calaveras Lumber, Angels Camp, Ca., and Sonora Lumber, Sonora, Ca., will maintain operations under their existing names with its key leadership team overseeing company operations alongside Nation’s Best, which will provide the strategic and financial support necessary to drive optimal growth and profitability.
US LBM has acquired Truss Fab Companies, a manufacturer of structural roof and floor trusses, wall panels and supplier of lumber to customers in Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico.
Founded in 2005, Truss Fab serves framing and building contractors for residential, multi-family and commercial projects. In addition to manufacturing all types of pre-assembled roof and floor wood trusses, Truss Fab also provides lumber and built-to-order wall panels for tract and custom residential housing.
Truss Fab operates two locations, a lumberyard and truss plant in Glendale, Az., and an additional truss plant in Apache Junction, Az.
“We are delighted to be joining the US LBM family, one of the top companies in the building materials industry. Our fantastic team and use of innovative technology have been key to our success, and this partnership will take us to new heights, providing more value for both customers and employees,” said Truss Fab President and General Manager Dean Rana, who will continue to lead day-to-day operations.
“The Truss Fab team has strong and lasting relationships with its customers, based on honest communication, exceptional customer service, and dedication to delivering quality products,” said US LBM President and CEO L.T. Gibson. “Truss Fab complements our recent acquisition of Crown Components and existing R&K division to further expand our manufacturing capabilities in a thriving Southwest market.”
Other US LBM divisions in Arizona include R&K Building Materials, Rosen Materials and the recently acquired Crown Components.
Oregon-based Roseburg Forest Products has broken ground at the 200-acre site of its new Roanoke Valley Lumber sawmill in Weldon, N.C.
The new 375,000-sq. ft., high-capacity dimensional lumber mill is expected to create more than 135 jobs in the first two years.
“Roseburg has been the largest private timberland owner in the Roanoke Valley area since 2017, with nearly 200,000 acres of timberland in North Carolina and Virginia,” said Adam Reed, Roanoke Valley Lumber plant manager. “This new sawmill advances Roseburg’s strategy of vertical integration—owning the trees and the facilities to process them—from the West Coast to the Southeast. It reflects our long-term commitment to the Roanoke area, which has welcomed us to the community with open arms.”
Roseburg currently has 13 manufacturing facilities in North America, including the country’s second largest short lumber stud mill in Dillard, Or.
PrimeSource Brands, Irving, Tx., has acquired Axxis, LLC, Schaumburg, Il., a provider of Complete and KlinchPak brand collated fasteners and tools.
Carl Schneider, CEO of Axxis, will remain involved as part of the PrimeSource team focused on accelerating Axxis’ growth.
Timberlyne Group/Sand Creek Post & Beam, Wayne, Ne., has acquired Cass Forest Products, Cass Lake, Mn., and its subsidiary, Aitkin Hardwoods, Aitkin, Mn.
Timberlyne Group is no stranger to sawmill operations, purchasing Dickinson Timber, Kelliher, Mn., in 2017. With the addition of Cass, newly renamed Timberlyne Wood Products, Timberlyne Group can better serve their customers by ensuring both the quality and reliable supply of the timbers used in their structures.
“With the scarcity of wood and volatility of the current lumber market we felt securing our own sources of timber just made sense on so many levels. The added bonus of being able to offer custom hardwood flooring, paneling and millwork created by Aitkin Hardwoods to our customers is just icing on the cake,” said co-founder and board member Jule Goeller.
Cass Forest Products began in 1989 and has served the home building industry for 33 years, earning a reputation for kiln-dried quality wood and high safety standards. Founded in 1998, Aitkin Hardwood will continue to operate its showroom and mill shop.
Co-founder and chairman Len Dickinson noted, “Cass Forest Products has been one of our main sources of high-quality timbers for many years, so making it part of the Timberlyne Group family seems like the perfect fit.”
US LBM has opened a new floor and roof truss manufacturing facility in Lithonia, Ga., as part of its Brand Vaughan division to supply residential and commercial builders in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area.
The new 25,000-sq. ft. truss facility operates one roof truss line and one floor truss line, provides in-house design, and uses computerized saws and technology for accurate truss set up and profiles. In addition to the new truss facility, Brand Vaughan operates seven locations across northern Georgia, providing professional builders with a wide range of materials, including lumber, engineered wood products, windows, exterior and interior doors and trim, rebar, roofing and siding.
St. Charles Do it Best Hardware, St. Charles, Il., hosted its first annual Spring Fling education and entertainment event on April 30. The event featured giveaways, product demonstrations, pet adoptions, and savings opportunities for area home improvement shoppers.
During the event, Anderson Humane offered a variety of pets for adoption, and a local radio station hosted a live broadcast. Products from Milwaukee, DeWalt, Scotts and many more were given away throughout the day, and one grand prize winner received a $500 shopping spree.
“We were really pleased with the customer response,” said general manager Dave Nestor. “Since we opened last fall, this community has been so supportive. It was great to be able to return the favor with a fun, family-friendly event. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Spring Fling.”
Attendees were educated on lawn care and maintenance by a representative from Scotts, and experts from Apex/Crescent, Blackstone, Broil King, Channellock, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Scotts, Sherwin-Williams, and Weber were also on-site to provide product demonstrations. Free food samples were offered, courtesy of the grill demos.
AZEK has teamed with distributor/prefinisher Russin, Montgomery, N.Y., to develop Captivate, a new line of prefinished siding and trim.
Captivate products will be available exclusively through Russin for distribution to 13 Northeastern and mid-Atlantic states.
The line will include a range of siding and trim profiles complementary to a variety of architectural design styles, including shingle siding that duplicates the look of natural cedar shingles, board and batten siding for either accent areas or an entire elevation, and dozens of trim profiles for a complete, finished look. Consistent with other products offered by AZEK Exteriors, Captivate is specially designed to provide a premium product able to withstand the elements. Captivate will be available in 12 regionally popular quick-ship colors inspired by nature and the Atlantic seaboard, with additional custom colors available by special order.
Both companies began taking orders in May, with initial deliveries expected early this month.
The line is developed using Russin’s high-tech machinery to apply quality tested paints in a consistent manner. The paint is cured in a controlled environment not subject to wind and weather conditions for industry-leading quality control. It also carries a warranty from the paint manufacturer, in addition to the AZEK Exteriors’ limited lifetime warranty on the substrate itself.
Aubuchon Co. will grow to 108 locations in eight states with its purchase of Cornell’s Hardware, Eastchester, N.Y., from third-generation owners John Fix III, Mary Beth (Fix) Wellington, and Thomas Fix.
The store will keep the Cornell name, and the Fix family will continue to be involved in various roles as employees.
McCoy’s Building Supply opened a new location May 23 in Spicewood, Tx.
With 15,000 sq. ft. of inside retail space and a paved, drive-thru lumberyard, it’s led by store manager Drew Van Winkle and assistant managers Will Winkelmann and Yulisa Martin.
Against the backdrop of rapid inflation and rising consumer prices, Connolly’s Do it Best Hardware & Rental demonstrated its commitment to the community through a series of customer-focused events at its five Fort Wayne, In., locations.
In April and May, Connolly’s hosted an “Inflation Vacation” event, featuring vacation-themed décor and giveaways, and showing off lower prices on more than 90,000 items.
Unlike a typical promotion, however, prices reportedly won’t go back up anytime soon. “It seems like the cost of doing life is going up everywhere else, and that can be really discouraging,” said division manager Grant Umber. “We want Connolly’s to be a refreshing change from that, both now and in the future. That’s why we’re committed to lowering prices and keeping them that way.”
Connolly’s plans additional in-store events to bring together neighbors, including a June carnival at the Dupont location, featuring games, food trucks, and firetrucks; a late summer grand-reopening sale at the Southgate location; and a late fall Ladies’ Night event at its Illinois Road location.
The shopping experiences will be improved courtesy of bright new flooring, thousands of additional products, a full remodel of the Southgate store, and a full store reset at three other locations. The team is also looking at ways to enhance their commercial and contractor programs.
LATEST ISSUES
TRENDING PRODUCTS
The new RYOBI USB Lithium Screwdriver Kit features a removable battery that is interchangeable among the USB Lithium family of tools.
The tool features a pivoting head, giving users increased accessibility to fasteners during any application. An onboard bit storage conveniently holds one 2” bit or two 1” bits to ensure they don’t get lost. Dual LED worklights create added visibility when working in dimly lit spaces or where extra illumination is needed.
(800) 525-2579
Maze Nails is now distributing the Deliverance Powered Safety Hammer, including the “Mini-Jack Hammer Model MJH-A1,” which reportedly makes driving nails safer, easier and more accurate.
The air tool’s design eliminates the need for skilled nail pounding—since the tool now does the work that previously demanded a strong arm and good hand-eye coordination.
The hammer can fire hundreds of different types of economical, bulk nails, so users are not limited to whatever nails are in their pneumatic tool. Although, at 5 lbs., the tool is lightweight, it’s still able to drive long nails and spikes with ease.
(800) 435-5949
Simpson Strong-Tie has added a new 2” structural wood screw to its expanding line of Outdoor Accents Essentials decorative hardware, joining the existing 3-1/2” and 5-1/2” sizes.
Ideal for use as a decorative structural fastener that can be used with either the line’s Mission or Avant Collection, the new screw can also be used separately to add flair to any outdoor project. It features a black double-barrier coating for corrosion protection across many outdoor applications and a Type-17 point to provide easy installation without the need for pre-drilling.
Its low-profile head provides a clean, concealed appearance, while six-lobe recess ensures easy, secure driving and longer bit life.
The fastener is code listed in IAPMO ER-192 and provides a versatile, high-performance fastening solution and a stylish finish to any DIY wood-to-wood projects as well as 2x, 2x rough and 3x lumber connections using Outdoor Accents hardware.
(800) 999-5099
Bosch Power Tools has three new ProFactor cordless miter saws, providing users with tool options at varying price points to align their budget needs.
At their core are features that increase accuracy, precision and provide a large cut capacity to easily create custom pieces. Biturbo Brushless Technology allows for fast, smooth cutting demonstrating similar power to a corded saw.
The saw’s precisely centered sliding bars create a smooth, easy saw sliding motion while in use. All three models come with an 8.0Ah battery kit and limited lifetime warranty.
BOSCHTOOLS.COM
(877) 267-2499
(601) 869-5050
Simpson Strong-Tie has added a new 2” structural wood screw to its expanding line of Outdoor Accents Essentials decorative hardware, joining the existing 3-1/2” and 5-1/2” sizes.
Ideal for use as a decorative structural fastener that can be used with either the line’s Mission or Avant Collection, the new screw can also be used separately to add flair to any outdoor project. It features a black double-barrier coating for corrosion protection across many outdoor applications and a Type-17 point to provide easy installation without the need for pre-drilling.
Its low-profile head provides a clean, concealed appearance, while six-lobe recess ensures easy, secure driving and longer bit life.
The fastener is code listed in IAPMO ER-192 and provides a versatile, high-performance fastening solution and a stylish finish to any DIY wood-to-wood projects as well as 2x, 2x rough and 3x lumber connections using Outdoor Accents hardware.
(800) 999-5099
Deck2wall Spacer model SWS is now approved for use with SPAX PowerLag Fasteners.
The polypropylene spacers are designed to be installed between a deck and house, allowing water and debris to flow between the ledger and the house, to promote circulation and drying, and prevent rot. The approved screws are available in 5/16” and 3/8” diameter, and have two different head types to choose from, T-Star and Hex drive.
The spacers are included in the updated PowerLag fastening table which, along with an engineering letter, is available at Deck2wall’s website.
(888) 577-2237
Modern Mill’s new ACRE rice hull composite decking encapsulates the luxe look and feel of real wood without compromising on durability or felling a single tree.
It contains no wood or wood fiber; instead, it’s manufactured from upcycled rice hulls, providing warmth, an organic feel underfoot, and natural resistance to water, weather, rot and pests.
ACRE reportedly will not rot, crack or splinter, is easy to machine or thermoform, and is ideal for a wide range of exterior applications.
Decking is available in 5/4×6 square-edge or grooved boards, embossed or sanded smooth, in 8 to 20 ft. lengths. ACRE also comes as sheets, trim boards, siding and millwork.
GAF enhanced its Timberline HDZ shingles with the addition of proprietary time-release algae-fighting technology to offer even greater protection for the roof. The only time-release product of its kind is now standard on many of the shingles offered in GAF’s residential product line, including ridge cap and visible starter strip shingles.
The technology consists of specially-engineered capsules that release copper steadily over time. Capsules are infused with thousands of copper microsites for long-lasting algae-fighting power. The algae resistance is so powerful, GAF offers a 25-year limited warranty against blue-green algae discoloration.
(877) 423-7663
Simpson Strong-Tie’s Quik Stik roof and truss fastening system is designed specifically for use with the Strong-Drive SDWC Truss screw in rafter and truss connections.
The installation tool has a 43” reach and can eliminate the need for ladders, heavy pneumatic power nailers, and compressor lines.
(800) 999-5099
Westlake Royal Building Products’ new SwiftGuard synthetic roofing underlayment is easily installed for steel, tile, shingle and shake roofing.
Ideal for use in steep slope installations, the underlayment benefits from an innovative nail gasketing technology, which helps ensure roofing systems better withstand the elements in all climates and seasons.
It has a high-grip backing and a non-woven thermally-embossed fiber face for increased deck grab and superior walkability. The 10-square (1,000-ft.) rolls weigh just 35.5 lbs. each.
(800) 669-8453
Bosch Power Tools has three new ProFactor cordless miter saws, providing users with tool options at varying price points to align their budget needs.
At their core are features that increase accuracy, precision and provide a large cut capacity to easily create custom pieces. Biturbo Brushless Technology allows for fast, smooth cutting demonstrating similar power to a corded saw.
The saw’s precisely centered sliding bars create a smooth, easy saw sliding motion while in use. All three models come with an 8.0Ah battery kit and a limited lifetime warranty.
BOSCHTOOLS.COM
(877) 267-2499
(601) 869-5050
Ryobi’s new 12V Rotary Tool Kit has a range of 5,000 to 35,000 Rated RPM, providing the power to cut, grind and sand most materials with ease.
Its variable speed dial helps find the perfect speed for each application. The tool also features the new innovative Quick-Change Collet that allows for four times faster accessory changes.
The kit comes with 35 accessories and three attachments for such applications as grinding, drilling and cutting.
1-(800) 525-2579
Masonite M-Pwr Smart Doors, the first residential exterior doors to integrate power, lights, a video doorbell, and a smart lock into the door system, have been introduced by Masonite International.
The doors employ patent-pending, UL-certified technology to connect residential exterior doors to a home’s electrical system and wireless internet network. To ensure that the doors are “always on” in the event of a power outage, an emergency backup battery can sustain system power up to 24 hours when fully charged. A smartphone app enables homeowners to remotely program and control motion-activated LED welcome lighting and confirm whether the door is open or closed at any time.
(800) 663-3667
Atlas Roofing is rolling out three new ventilation solutions to improve home energy efficiency, optimize roof performance, and reduce excessive attic heat and moisture.
TruRidge PRO 25 Rolled Exhaust Ventilation provides the rigidity of a sectional ridge vent with the flexibility of a lightweight roll for easy installation. The rolled vent lays flat to create a smooth roof ridge.
All-aluminum HighPoint AL 50 Slant Back Roof-Mounted Vents extend roof and shingle life with a one-piece base and throat that is durable and weathertight, with fixed louvers and an 8” throat with a 50-sq. in. NFA to maximize airflow.
HighPoint GL 50 Slant Back Roof-Mounted Vent is constructed from heavy-duty galvanized steel with a one-piece base/throat design and fixed louvers.
(800) 388-6134
The new Crescent Vortex Bit Holder extends the life of any 1/4” hex shank bit by 500 times when using an impact driver.
The bit’s exclusive Dual Impact Zone absorbs the shock of repeated, heavy usage in impact applications while still delivering maximum torque from the impact driver—making it ideal for jobs like decking, fencing, subflooring, metal framing, and metal roofing.
The holder is available as a single item and is included in eight Vortex Bit sets ranging up to 55 pieces.
(919) 362-1670
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
At some point or another, businesses find themselves evaluating potential software partners. Even we at DMSi, who make our bread and butter from being chosen as software partners, go through this process when we evaluate vendors to integrate with our software.
To make a wise software investment, we’ve found that you need to learn whether a vendor can deliver the things that matter most to your business. But software vendors all build slightly different products. Businesses that prioritize systems that function like their current one might end up with software that has the things they want. But they may discover it’s missing the things they need.
As a software provider, we know vendors respond to information a prospect supplies and demo features accordingly. We also know that businesses often choose new software by using a formal Request For Proposal (RFP). The reasoning behind RFPs is simple: with enough information, the “right” decision reveals itself. The process entails:
- Making a list of every required and desired feature.
- Asking vendors whether their system has each feature.
- Assigning points for each answer.
Presto! The highest scoring vendor has the best software. Right? Wrong. While RFPs can be a helpful tool for a company to start understanding what different vendors offer, they can also lead businesses in the wrong direction.
This is because RFPs prioritize software features over business needs. As scorecards, RFPs ask questions with simple yes/no answers like, “Does the system have feature X?” An RFP doesn’t include key questions such as, “How can your system help us cut costs?” Without open-ended questions, deeper discussions are missing.
Say Hello to the RFI
So, what’s a business to do? How can you be thorough without missing (lumber analogy noted) the forest for the trees?
We suggest a simple twist on the RFP by making it an RFI (Request for Information). An RFI starts with replacing must-have features with must-have business improvements, and then asking a prospective vendor what their software can do to address the improvements.
It makes sense. Business goals drive every major company investment. From opening a new location to adding a new product line, businesses pursue actions that help increase revenue, improve customer loyalty and grow market share. The same logic should apply when choosing new software.
To create an RFI for choosing new software, go through the following three questions and write down your answers:
- STRATEGIC GOAL: What does the company need to focus on to be successful over the next 10-15 years?
- BUSINESS STRATEGY: What should we prioritize in our operation to achieve that goal?
- IMPROVEMENT GOALS: How can we change processes to better achieve our goals?
Coming up with the answers takes time and discussion, and you’ll need to include insights from executive leadership. But once you go through this exercise, you will have what you need to ask the most important question in your RFI: “What can you, the prospective software vendor, do to help us?”
Instead of a features checklist, vendors will talk about your specific business goals and the different ways the software might help to achieve them.
With business goals as the conversation focus, it should become much clearer what a software vendor can offer and who you’ll want to partner with. After all, changing software is a long-term commitment and you want to know exactly what you’re getting. With an RFI, you’ll like the odds of choosing the right system to help your business achieve those goals and the right partner to help you do it.
– Anthony Muck is currently serving on the NAWLA Leadership Summit Committee. He is vice president of sales and marketing at DMSi, an Omaha, Ne.-based company providing business management software for the building materials industry (www.dmsi.com).
The world is changing faster than ever, and the built environment has the potential to play a critical role in climate change solutions. Between the housing availability crisis, global climate change and ambitious decarbonization goals, one thing remains clear: protecting the environment for the benefit of future generations has never been more important.
Wood construction is a sustainable solution to environmental challenges. In fact, maximizing the use of wood products in both residential and commercial construction could remove 21 million tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year. That’s a significant positive impact from simply making a smarter and more sustainable building material choice. Building with southern pine and other wood products is a simple strategy for reducing carbon at every stage of the supply chain.
Sustainable Forest Management
As trees grow, they remove and store carbon from the atmosphere. Sustainable forest management increases carbon storage capabilities by harvesting mature trees that grow slowly and replacing them with younger trees. More softwood lumber is grown each year in the Southern United States than is harvested, making it a sustainable and reliable building material that minimizes environmental impacts.
Waste-Free Manufacturing
Producing wood products is essentially a waste-free endeavor; every part of the tree is used.
Instead of heading to the landfill, waste material like bark, trims and sawdust is used as an energy source to help power wood production facilities. Wood products also require less energy to create than other building materials, generating fewer greenhouse gasses and using less fossil fuel during the entire manufacturing process.
Decreased Transportation Costs
Domestically-harvested and processed timber incurs a fraction of the transportation costs and environmental impacts associated with imports. Traveling down the road or across the state takes far fewer resources and much less time than shipping in timber around the globe. Using locally sourced southern pine lumber simplifies the chain of custody, making it easier to trace building materials from the forest all the way to the finished product.
Carbon Sequestration
Building with wood products helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions through the carbon sequestration process. All wood products store carbon for the duration of their usable life—so everything from wood furniture to 2x4s to mass timber beams is a carbon sink, composed of approximately 50% carbon by weight.
A Trusted Resource for All Things Southern Pine
The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) represents southern pine lumber producers, and our team helps dealers boost sales with services the organization has provided since 1915. Both durable and versatile, southern pine is the natural, sustainable choice for any customer, and SFPA has abundant resources to help dealers sell more of it. Whether it’s a pocket span card or a brochure about wood preservative treatments, SFPA’s online library of resources is at the tips of your fingers.
Transform Outdoor Living Spaces with Southern Pine
Summer is fast approaching, which means outdoor living season is upon us all. Homeowners to the north can finally take advantage of the outdoor spaces southerners enjoy nearly all year round. Building outdoor living structures with southern pine creates a natural extension of any home, offering a restful, natural space to spend time with family and friends. Wood decks, pergolas and fencing add tremendous value to any home. The design opportunities are endless, and southern pine is the most cost-effective and durable solution for any outdoor living project.
Southern pine’s superior treatability makes it the preferred species when pressure treatment with wood preservatives is required. Today’s pressure-treated wood products are manufactured with preservatives that are safe for use around people, plants and pets. Pressure treatment provides long-term resistance to decay and termite attack, with no components that are considered hazardous under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Pressure-treated southern pine products are economical, sustainable and renewable—important selling points in today’s market.
SFPA is your source for detailed information about southern pine. Visit SouthernPine.com and download a free copy of Southern Pine Decks and Porches, a 12-page illustrated guide to building a safe, code-compliant deck. Check out American Wood Council’s Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide for detailed how-to guides geared to professional deck builders and handy do-it-yourselfers. In addition, SouthernPineDecks.com offers a virtual training module that covers deck and porch construction from start to finish.
Create Lasting, Flood-Protected Homes with Raised Wood Floors
In the South, concerns about flooding are always top of mind. A raised wood floor home provides homebuilding solutions for hurricane- and flood-prone areas, and durable southern pine lumber is the ideal construction material. A raised wood floor home moves the living space off the ground, isolating it from moisture and pests. Elevating a structure reduces flood insurance premiums and can enhance the home’s energy efficiency. In addition to offering flood protection by elevating the home, a raised wood floor foundation can also help manage a community’s risk of flooding in the first place. Unlike slab-fill developments that alter the natural floodplain, raised wood floor foundations do not displace rising water and support floodplain management.
SFPA’s Raised Wood Floor Foundations – Design & Construction Guide is available for free download from SouthernPine.com. This 16-page publication explains how to build to a higher standard with a raised wood floor foundation, outlining the many advantages of building a wood floor system above grade, including long-term durability and trouble-free performance.
An introductory section covers site conditions, soil prop-erties, design considerations and connections. Properly designed and constructed, a raised wood floor foundation accommodates all design loads and transfers those loads to the soil without excessive settlement.
Explore RaiseFloorLiving.com for detailed information on the advantages of building off grade for homebuyers and homebuilders. The homebuilder’s side of the website serves as a portal for building professionals, with extensive details on building raised wood floors. The homebuyer’s side explains the features and benefits of prioritizing the longevity of a home by starting with a raised wood floor.
Find More Resources at SouthernPine.com
Product Locator
Find the products you need quickly and easily. Access local dealers, distributors and manufacturers and specify size, length, grade and packaging preference for 400+ products.
Lumber Purchase Inquiry
Need to source a quantity of southern pine materials quickly? The Lumber Purchase Inquiry on the homepage of SouthernPine.com is your pathway to getting quotes from interested mills.
Board Foot Calculator
The perfect tool for dealers wanting to total up orders or the yard’s inventory.
Lumber Library Publications
Find dozens of informative pamphlets and brochures that cover a wide range of topics from sustainability to marine construction.
This year, Orgill, Inc.—the world’s largest independent hardlines distributor—is celebrating its 175th anniversary, a milestone few companies reach and one typically associated with a smaller business that peaked decades earlier.
Orgill, however, is growing faster than ever. Its sales have doubled over the past 10 years to $3.6 billion annually, and are 15 times what they were in 1990.
Headquartered in Collierville, Tn., Orgill serves more than 12,000 retail hardware stores, home centers, pro lumber dealers, and farm stores in the U.S., Canada and over 50 countries around the world.
What’s Orgill’s key to not just surviving but thriving after 175 years? Its unveering focus on the retailers it serves. “The company has continuously adapted over the years to serve our mission ‘to help our customers be successful,’” shared Boyden Moore, president and CEO. “The simplicity of our mission, complemented by our core values of Customer Centered, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence, provide a clear framework for how the business has been managed throughout our history. It has been the key to our growth and success navigating through wars, pandemics, depressions, recessions, technological and competitive changes.”
Retailers have immediate access to more than 75,000 SKUs in each of its eight distribution centers. Drop Ship programs are available from the industry’s leading manufacturers. Its distribution facilities are among the newest and most efficient in the industry, with order accuracy rates of 99.6% and industry-leading fill rates.
Randy Williams, executive VP of distribution, said, “In our distribution centers, we know we represent the ‘last mile’ as we work to get our products into our dealers’ stores. With that always in focus, we always keep our customers in the forefront as we continue to improve.”
The distributor operates one of the industry’s largest truck fleets. Roughly 98% of customers receive their shipment on a scheduled Orgill truck within 48 hours of placing an order.
The company also boasts one of the largest field sales teams in the industry with more than 350 reps strategically located throughout North America. They work side by side with customers to help identify and address opportunities in the dealer’s local market.
The field staff is supported by a highly skilled team of customer service specialists located in each distribution center, as well as the Collierville home office, who all share the same commitment to the customer’s prosperity.
“Regardless of what role you have within the company, the mission is clear and everyone understands that when our customers succeed, Orgill succeeds,” noted David Mobley, executive VP of sales. “We’ve always worked hard to get to know the customers we serve and to do all we can to understand their business and the challenges they face. Simply put, our customers drive Orgill’s success.”
Orgill does not charge dealers a membership fee to be a customer. Its focus is strengthening the dealers’ local brand. Services include market analysis, store design and layout, assortment planning and review, pricing strategies, integrated marketing services, promotional buying, educational seminars—both monthly and at our dealer markets—and shared best practices from their most successful case studies.
And the innovations continue. “Orgill is celebrating its 175th anniversary because of our ability to adapt quickly to any business climate,” concluded Eric Divelbiss, executive VP and CFO. “Our conservative approach to financial and risk management has allowed us to thrive through the ups and downs in the economy, and our simple mission statement keeps our focus in the right place—year in and year out. These business attitudes ensure that our best days are yet to come.”
There’s no question that building materials, after the initial chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, bounced back strong and has flourished over the last couple of years. It goes without saying, however, that this boon has not been untouched by challenges. Just like the human body might sustain scarring after trauma, the industry is bound to experience residual fallout after a major business disruption.
We saw it from 2008 to 2009 with the Great Recession, when demand went off a cliff following a huge and prolonged run-up. Countless companies went under, joblessness soared and construction workers had to find new vocations. The impact was palpable, and the hard-hit lumber industry spent the next 10 or 11 years basically treading water—until the next major disruption. Although that event, COVID-19, propelled us in a more favorable direction, we are nonetheless left dealing with some “scar tissue.”
Pain Points
Some measures of pre-COVID-19 normalcy have been restored, but many of the problems that arose or were exacerbated during the public health emergency persist. The supply chain continues to struggle, for example. There are weather issues, COVID-19 issues, log availability issues, and unresolved trade issues between Canada and the United States. The list goes on, but a couple of areas are particularly troubling.
• Labor shortage is out of control at all stops along the supply chain, and it’s probably going to stay that way for the next five to 10 years. We can’t do everything we used to get done in a day with all of the other issues still in play. So, then, who’s going to do the work? It’s not as if we can just flip a switch and bring in a bunch of people to get everything done.
• Commodity prices have skyrocketed, helping the average price of a single-family home in the United States continue its upward trajectory. That figure now stands at above $300,000, which is out of reach for many, especially first-time buyers. I’ve heard the arguments that today’s younger generations care less about ownership, but I disagree. I think everyone still wants to own their living space—the pandemic obviously highlighted that. Homeownership is still the ultimate goal for a lot of people, and as an industry we’re at the front lines of making that possible.
Lumber, Heal Thyself
That being said, the industry does have opportunities ahead to fix some of the areas where it’s hurting.
Self-promotion: For every worker another industry lands, it’s one fewer that we have the opportunity to capture. Once they come in, people may move around to different employers, but they tend not to leave the lumber or building materials ecosystem. At Amerhart, some of our people have 25, 35, 40 years of experience in; that’s a common theme at other companies. The question becomes how do we fill the funnel? How do we deliver the message of why someone should be in this industry? We need to be able to convey that you can earn a good living as a plumber, or in the trades, or working in a sawmill, or working for a wholesale lumber distributor.
Time will tell, but perhaps the industry’s new high profile in the public eye will help promote its career potential. The lumber industry has had more visibility in the news for the average person than ever before, courtesy of more mainstream articles, industry presence on CNBC and other platforms and even memes spread through social media.
Sustainability focus: A big part of raising the status of the lumber industry comes down to playing up the good. It’s tough to find a product that grows freely and can be sustainably managed. We’re contributing meaningfully to people’s lives and doing so in a responsible manner. We provide an essential service, and where you live became a lot more important during COVID-19.
Coming out of the pandemic, we can leverage that. The sustainability message is a good way to do that. It’s up to us to make sure not only that the message is heard loud and clear, but that it is heard outside of the industry. Maybe if we can talk about it in a broader context—why it’s important to the city you live in, for example—it will hit home.
Regardless of how you feel about consolidation—which is happening at every level of the lumber industry—larger companies might aid this effort as they have the resources and scale to disseminate these kind of these messages.
Innovation: If demand is growing and the pool of workers is shrinking, it will be impossible to keep up. What are the alternatives? It’s either automation or otherwise finding a way to get things done with fewer people. In light of the shortage of semitruck drivers, for example, that means advancing the self-driving concept, making it easier to be a truck driver, or automating other parts and pieces of our operations: receiving materials, loading trucks, etc. Something’s going to have to give. A lot of companies are already rethinking logistics, and third-party participation in the segment is certain to gain momentum in the future.
In addition, we could see significant disruption in the residential market, with new materials or new technologies such as 3D printing potentially reducing costs. The industry also could revisit the potential of prefabricated homes and manufactured housing as cost-cutting options that have generated a lot of hype in the past but failed to have a lasting impact at scale.
Consolidation may help promote movement here, too, through the efficiencies it creates. Eight steps in a supply chain obviously are going to work better than 17. So, when you talk about making housing affordable and fostering innovation, getting there might be faster with fewer players and more streamlined relationships than with three times the number of companies and less transparency.
Healthier Future?
These themes are likely to play out over the long term, but for now the COVID-19 pandemic has taught the wood products industry an important lesson in self-care. The entire supply chain—from wholesalers to retailers to builders—is becoming more cognizant of how and where they thrive in the business. There’s more thought centered around where a company gets its products, who it partners with, and controlling the inputs and raw materials. When you can’t get a part for a $500,000 machine because it’s sitting on a barge in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, you start to wonder if maybe we should make them somewhere closer to home.
There’s also an acknowledgment that we can no longer do everything for everybody all of the time. In the past, a company might run its mill 24/7, 365 days a year, cranking out as much production as possible regardless of what’s going on. There’s now greater sensitivity to operating in a smarter way that delivers sustained success. Everyone, including Amerhart, is exploring what that route is for their individual business. Our company grew and built a reputation on always saying “yes” to whatever was asked of us. We just can’t do that anymore—we don’t have enough people. We have to pick and choose where we want to focus.
We also have to surmount our trepidation. Today’s business climate feels a lot like the run-up to the Great Recession, and there’s a sense of anxiety that our good fortunes will not last. It’s as if things are too good to be true, that something is waiting to hit the fan, and that we’re not ready for whatever it is. In turn, there is, at times, a hesitancy to make needed investments. And that’s scar tissue, too.
– Chad Warpinski is president of 11-branch Midwest distributor Amerhart, Green Bay, Wi. (www.amerhart.com).
BUILDING MATERIALS
An interesting thing happened in the lumber industry in 2021: The wood world stepped up and led the way back toward a more normal work world. It doesn’t matter if it was virtual, or if hybrid work became the everyday way of doing things. After staying home, not traveling, and becoming all-too-familiar with video calling apps in 2020, this past year saw people return to work with a vengeance, determined to grab that sense of familiarity they missed.
Nowhere was this more true and more evident than in the southern pine industry. Following a strong year faced with multiple, many-layered challenges, the staff and members of the Southern Forest Products Association dug in its heels, pivoted when necessary, kept their focus, and took significant steps toward a more normal year, both for themselves, and for their members.
Who We Are
SFPA is America’s first and oldest southern pine trade association—we came to be in 1915 as the Southern Pine Association. Since then, SFPA remains dedicated to advancing the southern pine lumber industry, promoting the use of member products in domestic and international markets, and facilitating the exchange of information and ideas. SFPA boasts an impressive membership roster that represents 45% of industry capacity for southern pine, and more than 100 member companies that provide products and services to the industry.
“We are the backbone of the southern pine lumber industry,” said Eric Gee, executive director of SFPA. “Our sole job is to build and create programs that serve our members, and that’s what we do. Even during the challenges of the past year and a half, we haven’t stopped growing, pushing, and educating.”
Let’s take a deeper look at the extensive list of SFPA accomplishments and areas of growth from 2021.
SFPA Retailer Resources
SFPA.org serves as a pivotal point of information gathering for both SFPA members and retailers through the providing of multiple resources designed to make the purchase of southern pine even easier.
Product Locator: Looking for a specific southern pine product? Hop on over to the Product Locator and peruse a selection of over 400 products. One click connects dealers and manufacturers to the appropriate sales contact. Concerned about grades, specific packing preferences, particular sizes, and lengths? No worries—all parameters are covered within the Product Locator.
Span Cards: Need a handy way to carry and reference southern pine span data? Visit SouthernPine.com and order one! Each card contains 12 span tables for common visual and mechanical grades under different loading conditions. A separate card offers three tables for pressure-treated southern pine lumber used in floor joists for outdoor projects. Everything you need, right at your fingertips!
Environmental Advantages
It’s important we continue to share correct information and education as to the environmental strengths and true impact of choosing wood as your favorite building material.
Here’s the main fact to pass along to your customers concerned about choosing wood: We are not running out of trees. The U.S. forest industry as a whole plants between three to five trees for every one harvested. Combined with strong methods of forest management, much of our country is enjoying healthier, stronger, larger forests than we’ve seen in decades.
Back in November 2021, a segment on National Public Radio discussed the impact to the environment of consumerism. Part of the discussion centered on the environmental impact resulting from consumption. What few people realize is that choosing lumber building materials directly affects the environment… in a GOOD way. Choosing wood equates to a lower carbon footprint and environmental impact than many building product competitors. Why? Because wood is the most renewable building product on the country. We are nowhere close to running out in this country. With the aggressive replanting rate referenced above, the forest industry ensures healthy, thriving forests for decades and centuries to come. Healthy forests build healthy breathing environments. And who doesn’t want more of that?
Great Under Pressure
The 2021 uptick in nationwide lumber production transferred to the pressure-treated southern pine industry, as our members enjoyed a higher overall demand for most of the year. Why? Because southern pine is easily treated and the perfect solution for outdoor projects. When it’s time to use the product to build or install a project, no special knowledge is needed, and no special tools are required – pressure-treated southern pine defines “ease of use.”
“What we saw in 2021 was homeowners getting out of their houses and into their workshops,” said Gee. “DIY home improvement projects of all parameters and sizes skyrocketed across the country. Garage and home projects took off as people worked with their hands, ventured outside of their comfort zones, and took on the challenge of building and creating things on their own.”
Gee went on to comment on the return of the popularity of woodworking and DIY project building, emphasized by the lack of availability of necessary tools both in independent retailers and in the big box stores.
“In the southern pine industry, we’re seeing an increased desire to get back to the old ways, to the comfortable things of their childhood,” concluded Gee. “People are transforming their backyards into the family oasis: whether it’s a deck, a pergola, a custom pool deck, or something else, 2021 saw a larger number of people get outside and create their dream backyard.”
Southern Pine by the Numbers
In 2020, southern pine manufacturers cranked out an all-time high amount of 20.8 billion bd. ft.
Looking at 2021: shipments year-to-date through August are trending up from 2020 levels. Within these numbers, No. 2 and No. 2 Prime are most widely produced, feeding the demand for pressure-treated lumber projects.
SFPA Family of Websites: In addition to SFPA.org, we offer a series of websites designed to provide information and education to each of our key audiences. Next time you’re online, check out these sites:
- SouthernPine.com: span tables, design values, product locator, treated lumber, specialty products and more;
- SouthernPineDecks.com: everything you need to know about building a deck or porch;
- RaisedFloorLiving.com: Want to learn more about raised wood foundations? This is the spot!
- SFPAexpo.com: The Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo is the premier venue for equipment manufacturers to display their products and services to the wood processing industry. It is held every other year.
- SouthernPineGlobal.com: Here you’ll find the product locator, exporter directory, importer purchase inquiry, and publications.
Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo
A highlight of SFPA’s 2021 activities: the return of Expo! In spite of a few lingering restrictions from the pandemic, the 2021 gathering was a shining star for SFPA. Nearly 1,600 attendees met in the Georgia World Congress Center and enjoyed mingling, networking, and exploring the 126 exhibitor booths.
“The purpose of Expo is to bring the industry together,” commented Gee. “The show presents the perfect opportunity for all sides of the buying equation—manufacturers, marketing, sales—to join together, in person, in one location, to celebrate the industry and learn from each other.”
Gee reported that the vibe at 2021 Expo was upbeat and forward-thinking, with attendees happy to see each other face-to-face and reconnect in person after 18 months of looking at each other through laptop cameras.
Who attends Expo? Member companies dedicated to investing in technology in order to operate their businesses more efficiently and successfully plan for the future. Whether it’s investing in operations, supply chain management, material handling, or grade recovery, there’s something for everyone at Expo.
The 2021 show represented the 36th coming together of the industry under the Expo banner; the show has been held every other year since 1950, mostly in Atlanta.
With regards to the future location(s) of the show, Gee reports that the association is listening to feedback and requests from both attendees and exhibitors, and multiple sites are under consideration for 2023. More information will be forthcoming from SFPA in early 2022.
International Efforts to Drive SP Traffic
A prominent part of SPFA’s activities in the promotion of southern pine includes maintaining a robust schedule of international seminars and trade missions aimed at developing the market for southern pine lumber in key areas around the world. These international outreach events are integral as to how SFPA serves both its members and the industry as a whole.
With seminars tailored for a wide range of industry professionals—from dealers and contractors to architects—each opportunity to learn more about southern pine addresses relevant topics designed to specifically address the exact needs of each country.
SFPA didn’t skip a beat in 2021 when it comes to export promotion programs, despite travel disruptions. A successful pivot toward virtual events ensured that the association was able to reach a record number of timber traders and construction professionals worldwide and to safely meet their needs effectively.
Let’s break down the activities and successes and take a closer look at each.
FEA Strategic Planning Webinar
As a gold sponsor of this online or virtual event, SFPA was able to provide member access to information, which helped each better define their international goals moving forward.
Worldwide Conference on Timber Engineering
SFPA’s participation bolstered the Association’s seminar programs across the globe to enrich international outreach and education. With international advertising and messaging support in multiple global markets, southern pine information was showcased internationally through a variety of channels.
Japan Technical Committee (JTC)
In partnership with American Softwoods, SFPA and the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau banded together to jointly present information on the southern pine resource and clarify the grading procedures for dense vs. non-dense grades.
Outreach: Caribbean
Throughout the southern pine-loving Caribbean, virtual seminars targeted hundreds of key buyers in both traditional markets and new markets—some of which SFPA reached for the first time.
Outreach: Central America
Multiple southern pine lumber events were held in Guatemala, with brand-new outreach activities expanding into the Panamanian building market.
Outreach: South America
Targeting potential southern pine lumber buyers across the continent, a first-ever virtual education seminar was held and pulled in excellent results.
Outreach: Latin America
Enhanced with upgraded discussions focusing on using southern pine lumber to build for high winds and in seismic zones, SFPA targeted audiences throughout Latin America with these solutions to these key discussion points.
Outreach: International Trade Shows
While many lumber industry trade shows across Europe, India, the Middle East, and Asia were cancelled or postponed in 2021, plans are well underway for a full slate of in-person trade shows in 2022. Members are keen to take advantage of these face-to-face opportunities, and SFPA stands ready to serve member needs.
Southern Pine Exports
Export numbers calculated throughout the majority of 2021 are roaring back to pre-pandemic levels, an encouraging sign as plans are underway for 2022.
Southern pine lumber shipments surged 57% through September of 2021 to a whopping $222 million, and exports of pressure-treated lumber—almost all of which is southern pine—jumped an incredible 31% to $93 million.
New Outreach for 2021
Brand new for the southern pine international outreach in 2021: SFPA launched informational newsletters in the Caribbean and Latin American markets aimed at maximizing engagement with a growing in-house database of traders and specifiers.
– For more information on all the activities managed by the Southern Forest Products Association, to access our numerous pieces of free educational information, or to become an SFPA member, please visit www.sfpa.org.
For homeowners looking for serious low-maintenance performance and durability for the roof over their head, it’s hard to beat metal.
Quality metal roofing finishes and coatings up the ante even more, by delivering a wide range of benefits and style. The right coating can help achieve a desired look, address a particular issue and even add years of life to a roof.
Yet sorting through all the choices and considerations for metal roof coatings can be confusing. There are also specific performance characteristics that span the variety of available finishes. For example, certain coatings labeled as “cool” utilize special pigments that reflect infrared radiation and UV rays. These cool coatings can help alleviate heat build-up and reduce air conditioning requirements.
Here are the basics homeowners should keep in mind when it comes to selecting among the wide variety of metal roof coatings available on the market:
Painted Finishes for Metal Roofs
Modern high-performance metal roofing paints not only protect the roof but also substantially increase the energy efficiency and longevity of a roof. In addition, high-performance paint systems offer a wide range of different looks and colors to satisfy homeowners’ aesthetic desire. Quality metal roofs come with a baked-on factory finish, which also makes maintenance a snap. Most manufacturers recommend simply rinsing them with a hose and at most, using a solution of gentle soap and water to clean them.
High-performance metal roofing paint systems can provide a durable finish with improved gloss retention, superior weather resistance and reduced color fading. These paint systems should be applied to a metal substrate at 0.2-0.3 mil thick prime coat and 0.7-1.2 mil thick topcoat.
Sophisticated paint systems also can help homeowners achieve a particular look. For example, quality paint finishes that closely mimic the multi-toned appearance of natural stone such as slate deliver beautiful style while offering the strength and lightweight benefits of steel.
Stone-Coated/Granular Metal Roofs
For homeowners who love the look of traditional shingled roofing materials, yet want the long-lasting performance of metal, stone-coated metal roofs are an excellent choice.
Starting with a base layer of metal (typically steel), the specially-primed roofing panels are first coated with an acrylic polymer adhesive and then the granular stone coating is applied, bonding the two. Finally, a clear coat sealer is applied over the top for extra protection. This type of finish offers homeowners all the benefits of metal roofing, in addition to great curb appeal for their home.
Stone-coated metal roofs also can be a solution for homeowners who live in areas where homeowner associations may not allow for standing seam painted metal roofing styles. Because stone-coated metal roofs mimic traditional shingles so closely, they can fit within certain neighborhood design requirements while offering far better protection and performance as compared to asphalt.
“As represented by our manufacturer members, homeowners have plenty of industry-leading options for quality metal roofing coatings to select from,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “From outstanding curb appeal to long-term performance, there’s no doubt that choosing the right finish for your metal roof can make a world of difference for your home.”
Despite the economic and logistical challenges introduced by the pandemic, consumer spending on home improvements and repairs grew more than 3% to nearly $420 billion in 2020 and continued its rise through 2021.
One surprising beneficiary of this trend is the window and patio door industry, which is heavily reliant on in-home consultations. According to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study, the industry’s efforts to adjust its business model to accommodate virtual consultation and offer discounts and incentives has helped drive higher customer satisfaction.
“Unlike other areas of the home improvement marketplace, window and patio door sales are often driven by an in-home consultation with experts who can talk consumers through not only their window options but also provide specific recommendations based on the home layout and design,” said Christina Cooley, director of home intelligence at J.D. Power.
She added, “Consistently, we find that manufacturers and retailers that make it easy to comparison shop and provide expert guidance are those that perform best in the study. This past year, they had to adapt, and many did so successfully. A majority—54%—of customers had some form of expert consultation and 11% of those consults were conducted virtually.”
Study Rankings
Renewal by Andersen ranked highest in the manufacturer segment with a score of 886 (on a 1,000-point scale), followed by American Craftsman (878) and Milgard (874).
Renewal by Andersen also ranked highest in the retail segment in a tie with The Home Depot, each with a score of 876. Window World came in third with a score of 874.
The J.D. Power Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study provides a comprehensive view of the window and patio door purchase and ownership experience by measuring satisfaction with window/patio door retailers and brands. The study measures satisfaction among customers who purchased windows and/or patio doors during the previous 12 months, based on performance in six factors for manufacturers and retailers: appearance and design features, operational performance and durability, sales staff and service, ordering and delivery, price, and installation.
The study aimed to gauge retailers’ and manufacturers’ brands and reputations, examine pathways to purchase, drill down on problems experienced, and deliver insight on what drives customer loyalty.
The most recent study was conducted during the first half of 2021. It was based on responses from 3,124 customers who purchased windows or patio doors within the previous 12 months.
J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics, and a pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior.
customer interactions
with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world’s leading businesses across major industries
rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies
From reducing air pollution to using renewable energy as a power source, U.S. homeowners have an overwhelming desire for more information, more choices, and more action across the industry for eco-friendly construction materials and practices, according to the 2021 3M Home Renovation Study.
“Many homeowners are now inspired to choose construction materials that both serve their conventional purpose and make a positive impact for the environment,” said Josh Orman, senior manager of business development for 3M Industrial Mineral Products Division. “It’s encouraging to see consumers and 3M taking action to improve our environment.”
The majority of homeowners surveyed—74%—agree that using eco-friendly construction materials would make a strong impact to the environment, and 70% plan to purchase eco-friendly materials for their next renovation.
Not only do those homeowners find eco-friendly products appealing, but they are also taking the advice of others to influence their purchases; for example, 52% of homeowners surveyed stated they would be more active in considering eco-friendly materials if their friends and family were integrating eco-friendly options into their lives.
“Essentially, what homeowners say and do highly impacts those in their circle of influence,” said Orman. “Consider the positive ripple effect of homeowners making eco-friendly choices that educate and influence their friends and family in the process.”
Homeowners believe most in recycling and reducing waste as the top activity that will positively impact the environment. Eliminating single-use plastics, using renewable energy, reducing air pollution and selecting energy efficient products round out the top five.
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PPG’s global color team, comprised of different disciplines and backgrounds, sets the standard with custom capabilities and trends that help our customers stand out from their competition. We are dedicated to protecting and beautifying the world.
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Find out more
For more information complete our contact form ›› or find your regional contact below:
Regional Headquarters
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+86 022 6620 6109 (China)
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Could a piece of plastic replace a traditional concrete footings?
When building a deck, traditionally the builder will dig footings and pour concrete for the foundation. Another method for low profile decks is concrete blocks that can be placed directly on the ground.
Now, there are new products hitting the market that are making deck installs quicker and easier.
One of those products is called TuffBlock: an instant foundation system made of recycled polymers. TuffBlock footings only weigh 1.5 lbs but can support 1,700 lbs!
According to TuffBlock’s documentation, it’s been tested to over 11,000 lbs without collapsing.
Tuffblock: https://www.buildtuff.com/
TimberTown: http://www.timbertown.com
TimberTips: http://www.timbertips.com
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TimberTips is a weekly video series highlighting information worth knowing about lumber products and projects. From product reviews and comparisons to installation tips and home tours, our goal is to keep you informed on what’s out there and how you can use it on your next project.
Watch the video here:
Specializing in Decks and Outdoor Living Projects
Builders and contractors specializing in decks and outdoor living projects have been enjoying this new industry resource for ideas and business strategies.
Deck Specialist from 526 Media Group, Inc., publishers of Building Products Digest & The Merchant Magazine
Deck Specialist is available in both print and digital editions.
The current WINTER 2018 edition of the quarterly magazine features case studies of unique projects, marketing/sales advice, and an expansive look at the latest decking, railings, and accessories.