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Worries Arise From New OSHA Proposed Ruling Regarding Silica

Published September 5, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , News , OSHA , Remodeling , Safety , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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The National Association of Home Builders issued a press release last week regarding a proposed ruling by OSHA to protect construction workers against the inhalation of silica dust particles. The proposal warrants concern from industry workers because it encompasses core aspects of building.

construction worker sawing dry brick releasing dust containing silica

photo courtesy of nahb.org

Here is an excerpt from the release:  

OSHA’s Proposed Silica Rule Raises Concerns for Construction Industry

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28–A coalition of construction industry groups is concerned about a proposed rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that’s intended to protect workers from inhaling dust containing silica, created by activities such as cutting brick or block, and sawing, grinding or drilling concrete.

“We need practical, science-based solutions that protect workers in all facets of construction,” said Rick Judson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a builder and developer from Charlotte, N.C. “Unfortunately, OSHA’s initial announcement about this proposed rule indicates we aren’t there yet.”

To read the full press release, click here.

Expired Certification – Don’t Risk It! Stay Educated Through Contractor Training.

Published July 23, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , Events , Helpful Hints , News , Training Classes , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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construction builder holding his head in his hands looking worriedThe busy season is in full swing and the days quickly fill up with task lists for project at hand. Have you checked to be sure all of your safety licenses are up to date? If you know your license is coming up for renewal, be sure you have all your credits earned before you actually need them. It’s better to be educated with current information in case industry codes and safety requirements have changed or have been updated.

There is an array of training to choose from. Depending on what type of position you hold, will determine the training best suited for you. National Lumber regularly partners with industry renowned trainers in efforts to offer the best possible opportunities for your benefit. Our trainers have real world experience and are engaging and informative.

Shawn McCadden training a class at National Lumber in Mansfield, MA

The type of license you hold will determine which training you need and the amount of hours needed to renew your certification. Here is an example of the various licenses and requirements needed to renew each:

Unrestricted: Construction Supervisor License; 12 credit hours = 5 required topic credit hours and 7 elective

Restricted: One and Two Family License; 10 credit hours = 5 required topic credit hours and 5 elective.

Specialty Licenses: 6 credit hours = 5 required topic credit hours and 1 elective.

For more information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts continuing education license regulations, please click here.

Feel free to visit our events and training pages on national-lumber.com to read about our upcoming training classes. We welcome our newest trainer, Phil Sheehan of Construction Safety Institute of New England.

Be sure to bookmark our Training page and check back frequently to see the courses and trainers National Lumber is hosting. Sign up today for the classes you need to renew your license!

Before you have a large gathering on your deck, give it a safety check!

Published June 21, 2013 Building Industry , Building Materials , Construction , Decking & Railing , Lumber Leave a Comment
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The summer has officially kicked off! Cookouts and outdoor gatherings will abound. Whatever the celebration may be, keep in mind the importance of maintaining and inspecting your deck regularly. Do this to ensure your event won’t be ruined by deck failure or injuries.

Since Memorial Day weekend, there have been several reports of decks collapsing around the country. In each instance there have been guests who were injured, some with broken bones. Better to be safe than sorry – take the time to inspect your entertainment area before your guests come over. Check your deck to make sure it is structurally sound.  If you see anything that you are unsure of, or concerned about, you may wish to consult with a home inspector or contractor.

According to two of the reports, rim joists and band joists, in separate accounts, connecting the decks to the houses had failed and pulled away causing the collapses. If the connection to the main support area is weakened and you add a shifting live load, the results may be very hazardous. See for yourself what can happen when decks are not maintained.

In 2006, North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) dedicated May as Deck Safety Month. Decks are wonderful outdoor living spaces, but like anything else, they require maintenance and inspection. Age and weather elements contribute to the condition and longevity of a deck. Homeowners must be mindful of the dangers of a deck, especially during peak outdoor seasons.

Here are a few safety tips suggested by the North American Deck and Railing Association:

  • Check for any splitting or decaying wood, especially around the areas where connected to the house or building.
  • Check all around the deck for any anchors, nails or screws that may be corroded or loose.
  • All railings, staircases and banisters should be secure.
  • Leaves and debris can cause mildew, along with other damage, to your deck. Be sure to clear these away.
  • Check to make sure there is flashing to direct water away from any wood.

National Lumber is able to provide you with top quality decking and railing products. If your existing deck is secure, but aged, you may consider upgrading the floorboards to give it a fresh, new look. If you do decide to build a new deck, we have a variety of materials to choose from. Things for you to consider would be the material, color options, cost and maintenance requirements. You can come into any of our 8 locations to speak with our staff about your decking project.

Don’t wait til things topple over, we’re here for you!

Real Benefits of Building “Green”

Published May 16, 2013 Benjamin Moore Paints , Building Industry , Building Materials , Construction , Engineered Wood Products , Exterior Millwork , Green , Green Building , Lumber , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Over the past decade, we’ve seen some interesting developments in the building industry. One trend coming up steadily is “green” building. With a more health conscious society, making buildings with eco-friendly materials that are made for sustainability is becoming more widely accepted and encouraged. At first, it was a more expensive process than conventional non-green building, however, today the monetary playing field is beginning to level out somewhat.

By starting with a green thought process, the planning and design of the project can be tailored to include more efficient and environmentally friendly materials. There is more flexibility in purchasing green materials from vendors that have expanded their stock and adjusted pricing in order to offer these supplies more widely and readily.

Construction worker using green building materials

National Lumber offers a variety of green building materials for customers. Boise, Benjamin Moore, Centurion, Claymark and Guardian are some our featured product lines.

Builders, designers and consumers all have opportunities to benefit from this way of building and living. In an article on curbed.com, different costs are evaluated and broken out visually to show the real savings that can be obtained by careful planning at the beginning of a building project.  Builders and developers may see the value in these buildings more quickly because these buildings usually command, and receive, a higher selling price. Owners of a green building will see savings on energy costs and tenants will feel happier and healthier knowing their space is good for, not only their environment; it’s good for their own health, as well.

We have taken a meaningful approach to implementing and practicing green methods in our own work environment by installing energy efficient lighting and converting office functions to paperless wherever possible. Read more about the green methods we utilize and materials we supply.

Do you use “green” elements in your building projects currently? Are customers requesting you to use green elements in their projects? Have you seen cost savings firsthand?

National Lumber

Homeowners are spending again to remodel their homes

Published March 5, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , News , Remodeling Leave a Comment
Remodeler meets with homeowner to discuss details

Remodeler meets with homeowner to discuss details

As reported today by LBM Journal, remodeling spending rose 11% in 2012. According to the U.S. Commerce Department, home improvement spending throughout the nation is estimated to total $126.3 billion in 2012, up from $114.0 billion in 2011. Click here for chart. This critical component of the residential sector has not been this strong since 2007.  Read the whole story at CEPro.com.

Perhaps it’s pent-up need that is causing homeowners to finally begin spending again to remodel their homes. Those who had been waiting to see how the economy would impact them, have finally waited as long as they could to do required work on their homes. For some that may mean needing a new roof, while others may finally be ready to replace windows. With the popularity of home improvement shows, people are also seeing what is possible not only for kitchens, but for other family gathering areas of their home and are being inspired to renovate their homes in the increasingly popular style of an open floor plan. Fortunately for the remodeling industry, many homeowners know what they want, but realize that they are not able to do the work themselves.

We’re seeing a strong trend in the online research of products such as cabinetry. Remodeling contractors, are you finding that your customers are better educated about products than in the past? We’d like to hear about your real life experiences with homeowners, and what you would like them to understand about the remodeling process. Drop us a note!

Remembering a Mentor to the Remodeling Industry

Published February 21, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , News , Remodeling Leave a Comment
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In everyone’s life, one hopes for a mentor to share wisdom and provide motivation to become our best. The Remodeling Industry was fortunate to have such a man providing leadership on a wide scale, and his influence lives on in ways that some may not even realize.

Excerpts with permission from Shawn McCadden’s blog posting,
In Remembrance of Walt Stoeppelwerth: The Godfather Of Remodeling To Many

Walt Stoeppelwerth

Walt Stoeppelwerth

On February 18th, 2013 Walt Stoeppelwerth passed away. Walt was the President of HomeTech Inc in Bethesda, MD for over thirty years. Walt helped shape the Remodeling Industry through his teaching and writing as a columnist with Remodeling magazine. He was a visionary with a unique ability to identify, fully understand and solve existing as well as future challenges within the industry.  He would share his observations, speculate on the likely consequences if the challenges were not addressed, and suggest or predict the solutions he felt would address the challenges. His brilliance was his ability to then create and provide the required solutions, and, through his consulting, direct others who wanted to participate in making the evolution happen. His business model was not reactive to the perceived and often misguided needs expressed by remodelers and industry partners, but rather proactive in creating and providing the solutions and the guidance remodelers and industry partners really needed to improve and foster true success. In summary, Walt had the intimate knowledge, insight, creativity, resources, contacts, relationships and solutions to change the industry and cause tremendous social benefit at the same time. When people feel better about themselves and their businesses, they listen and seek for more of what helped them. Additionally, many then share what they have and know with others with the hopes that they too will benefit.  Walt was a master at setting that example and making it happen for so many remodelers.

 Click here to read the full message.

The Pros and Cons of Deconstruction

Published January 15, 2010 Building Industry , Construction , Green Building 1 Comment
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Have you ever considered that the old kitchen cabinets you are removing could be used by someone else? While it might seem to be easier to demolish everything, reusing materials is environmentally friendly and reduces your waste removal costs. Plus, there can be other surprising economic benefits. Here is some more really great remodeling information for contractors and homeowners alike from Remodeling Magazine. It has to do with “deconstruction,” which involves carefully taking apart old construction and donating components to be reused. By donating to charities, you can get tax deductions to keep you in budget and add things to a job that otherwise would not have been possible.

Read more about the process and its pros and cons in this article, which also has information about the importance of home energy audits and other great ways to save money and materials by being “green.”

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