Archive for the 'News' Category

Massachusetts Energy Code Updates

Published January 17, 2017 Events , Green Building , News , Training Classes , Uncategorized Leave a Comment

On July 19, 2016, Massachusetts completed its base and stretch energy code update process.  Massachusetts has amended its 8th edition of the state’s building codes and these have taken effect as of January 1, 2017.   The adopted code includes state amendments to the base energy code (residential and commercial) as well as an updated stretch energy code.  These codes will be enforced through local building inspectors throughout the Commonwealth. These codes and their updates are developed to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, both residential and commercial, resulting in cost savings and environmental benefits.

2016-1208-energy-code-changes-seminar-by-sustainable-energy-analytics

National Lumber is proud to partner with Sustainable Energy Analytics and Johns Manville to offer a free seminar to review and discuss these changes.  The 1-hour presentation discusses the new energy codes and their application to residential and commercial buildings, mandatory requirements, paths to compliance, and much more.  A social hour will follow and speakers will be available to answer any questions not covered during the presentation.

johns-manville-18590395-contractor-installing-insulation

This seminar has been offered throughout December and January and have been very popular.  Another seminar is being planned for February.  While a date has not yet been set, contact Chris Kirouac at ckirouac@national-lumber.com or call or text Chris at 508-509-9329 to be the first to receive details. Provide your email address and receive a registration invitation when a date is announced.

National Lumber Celebrates the Contributions of Veterans, Then and Now

Published November 10, 2015 News Leave a Comment
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Veterans day background. Shield on American flag. Vector illustration.

Honoring All Who Served, Veterans Day, Nov 11, 2015. Our locations will be open with regular hours.

Celebrating the Contributions of Veterans, Then and Now

On Veterans Day, we have a reminder to stop at least for a moment and remember the honorable men and women who have protected our freedom, then and now.

Manny Pina, Marine Corporal in Vietnam, 1968-69

Manny Pina, Marine Corporal in Vietnam, 1968-69

Then: They put themselves in harm’s way. Whether in the great world wars against global aggressors, foreign wars with or without the support of the public, or in more recent war zones, they did what was expected of them and served proudly.

Now: They have returned home and worked hard in a chosen field, showing themselves to be reliable whatever the task. Many also contribute by volunteering in their communities. You may not even realize how many of your co-workers are veterans, because they don’t look for recognition. But some have not had a smooth transition from combat back to civilian life. Let us remember those who now need our support, since their service was on our behalf.

Manny Pina, President of National Lumber Company

Manny Pina, President of National Lumber Company

There are still dangerous areas around the world where our military serves in the name of freedom, with the hope of bringing peace. Do your part by honoring their service with your words and actions. They have done so much. What will you do now for them? God bless America.

(PDF Flyer version)

Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code Adopting Towns – 2015 Update

Published October 28, 2015 News Leave a Comment
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As of 9/14/2015, the Massachusetts state website now lists 158 cities & towns which have adopted the Stretch Energy Code. The Stretch Code movement is continuing to build momentum and will soon be in almost every town despite the added expense to the builders and homeowners.

IMPORTANT: Click here for Wall Construction/Insulation Comparison The code requirement is R-20 wall cavity insulation, as the National Energy Code has been adopted by the state of Massachusetts in all townships. Stretch Code townships, however, operate under a different set of design and testing standards, which require outside resources such as HERs raters be used by builders for all areas of energy compliance, thereby relieving the building department(s) of this portion of the building construction review & inspection.

Not all Massachusetts cities and towns have yet adopted the Stretch Code, but those which have are indicated on the map and are enforcing its provisions with tenacity. Below is the current map of Massachusetts cities & towns that have adopted the Stretch Code.

mass-stretch-code

Go here for a PDF map showing those Massachusetts towns, as well as a list of the towns that have adopted the Code so far.

If you work in these communities, and you’re looking for help with the recent stretch code changes, don’t hesitate to contact us! We can work with you to help! The expert insulation contractors of Pro Insulators are always ready to serve you for all of your insulation needs and stretch code questions. For more information, visit www.pro-insulators.com or call 978-423-6051.

Did you know? Reliable Truss and Components has in-house design and engineering departments

Published November 14, 2013 Building Industry , Building Materials , Building Technology , Construction , Green Building , Lumber , News , Reliable Truss , Remodeling , Technology , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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reliable truss floor tracker truss assembly

Reliable Truss and Components, a division of National Lumber, has in-house design and engineering departments to work with you every step of the way from your initial quote to the final delivery of your product. When it comes to wood and steel trusses, structural components and custom prefabrication, our experts here at Reliable Truss have the ability to offer our customers efficient project coordination and higher quality and more feature-rich products than offered by our competitors. Our innovative processes allow us to provide exceptional service from “under one roof”.

“I wanted to extend my personal thanks to you and the rest of the folks at National Lumber and Reliable Truss for that fantastic tour. I found it to be a very valuable learning experience. While I was generally familiar with metal plate wood trusses, watching the actual manufacturing was quite an experience. I was very impressed by your plant and also by the sophistication of the MiTek software. Previously I was not aware how extensive a capability existed for pre-fabbing wall and floor sections. Again, the machinery and your plant were very impressive. For me the Alpine steel trusses were a complete revelation. In the past I had done some work with light structural steel trusses (angles, tees, and gussets), but these light gauge steel trusses are definitely something to look for a way to use. Thanks again.”  Thomas J. Vaughan Jr, P.E., GSC Engineering, Inc.

Our sales team is exceptionally versed with industry knowledge, and is here to assist you with choosing the components you need for your project and making sure your delivery is on time. Our registered engineers have the expertise to design the components you need for your project, all the while considering our environment, by practicing green building methods to minimize waste. The Reliable Truss facility is state-of-the-art, with fully integrated building industry modeling software to high production automated equipment, allowing us to provide customization and additional solutions to our customers.

If you work with a specific National Lumber representative, please ask about these products and services. If you don’t have a specific contact, you can email insidesales@national-lumber.com and we will have someone contact you.

Thank you for your business. We are honored to be your supplier for building materials and more!

The National Lumber Family of Companies

www.national-lumber.com

National Lumber's Family of Companies: National Lumber, Kitchen Views, Reliable Truss, National Millwork, Pro Insulators

Great news for the home improvement industry: Survey says consumers are willing to spend more on home remodeling.

Published November 6, 2013 Building Industry , Building Materials , Construction , News , Remodeling , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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consttruction workers putting up an exterior wall panel

In a recent online survey of 5,000 participants, it looks as though homeowners are willing to spend upwards of 30% of their home’s value to renovate or remodel a part of their home. This figure is higher than recorded percentages of 2007 and 2010 for home remodeling costs, which will be a positive impact on the entire home improvement industry.

The survey was comprised of approximately 70 questions to determine whether the participants would prefer remodeling versus moving from their home. To some degree, all of the participants were interested in some sort of change to their existing home.

Consumers are planning to use more expensive materials, which is projected to scale an average budget of $102,000 on their improvements. Approximately 74% of the respondents plan to hire a general contractor for the work, and more than half of the respondents plan to hire an architect, rather than tackling the remodel or renovations themselves.

Some of the planned projects for these homeowners are larger in scale and include multiple rooms. Right above the halfway mark is the percentage of homeowners who are likely to remodel a kitchen.

Our professionals at National Lumber and Kitchen Views at National Lumber are here to serve you through every phase of remodeling projects. We can supply you with the building supplies you need and the services you deserve. Additionally, our kitchen division has the expertise to work with homeowners on design and selection of materials. Contractors are then provided with detailed plans and materials. One of our designers will follow the project from concept to completion. Kitchen Views at National Lumber, where the designers are pros and the views are yours!

Resource: Americans Willing to Spend More to Remodel, Survey Says 

Tax Incentive To Build Green

Published October 29, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , Green , Green Building , News , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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green building tax incentive helps put money back in your pocket

Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction puts money back in your pocket.

Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction

Have you taken advantage of the green building incentive yet? The Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction is set to expire on December 31, 2013. The program affords building owners deductions on qualifying energy-efficient upgrades done within the last six years. Real estate advocates are in the process of lobbying Congress to extend or expand the program. Read more about the green building incentive in this article by Bendix Anderson, NuWire Investor.

Have these deductions changed the way you or your clients plan buildings?

Putting a face on the importance of Fall Protection Training

Published October 11, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , Helpful Hints , News , OSHA , Safety , Training Classes , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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The OSHA fall protection enforcement extension ended on March 15, 2013. It’s imperative that you get training to meet the requirements as soon as possible. But many are delaying meeting this requirement, thinking that OSHA won’t be watching their work habits. Sometimes, we need to put a face on these preventable tragedies to make them hit home.

James McNally died after falling from a roof. OSHA requires contractors to stay educated to comply with The Fall Protection Directive.

Posted online July 26, 2013 – James J. McNally, 61, owner of James J. McNally Roofing and Siding of Sandwich and a Cape Cod Baseball League deputy commissioner, died Thursday after falling from a roof.
© Cape Cod Times File

In local news this summer, a Massachusetts resident died from a preventable fall. James J. McNally, owner of James J. McNally Roofing and Siding of Sandwich was 61. Years of job experience didn’t protect him from falling 35 feet while working on a roof.

Speaking in 2011 about a particular enforcement case in Connecticut, Robert Kowalski, OSHA’s area director in Bridgeport, CT said, “There is a simple truth that employers must recognize: Fall protection is a requirement, never an option, when employees work at heights of 6 feet or more. In this case, employees were exposed to 15- to 22-foot falls from the roof and ladders because this employer chose to not provide the required safeguards and training that would protect them.”

One of our popular trainers is Mark Paskell of The Contractor Coaching Partnership. He will be offering his next OSHA Fall Protection training class on Thursday, November 7 from 8:30am to 3:30pm at our Mansfield location. The cost is $225 and includes lunch.

Meeting OSHA Training Requirements

By Mark Paskell, The Contractor Coaching Partnership

Our training will help you comply with the Fall Protection Standard, protect your workers and be ready when OSHA visits your job site. This course is also approved for six (6) Massachusetts Continuing Education Credits towards the new CSL requirement. The approved Massachusetts course number is CS7502 CSL-CD-0075.

What you must do to comply with the OSHA Fall Protection Directive

• Create a written fall protection program or plan for your company describing your practices and the equipment you will provide for your workers to protect them from fall hazards.

• When working 6 feet above the ground or other surface you must use one or a combination of the following — guard rails, fall arrest systems and safety nets.

• If you can prove using one of the three standards is infeasible, you must write a site specific fall protection plan showing alternative methods and keep it on site.  

• You must effectively train your workers and prove through documentation that they were trained.

This training is for:  Remodelers, Home Builders, Roofers, Painters, Siding Installers, Gutter Installers and Electricians

Who should attend:  Business Owners, Estimators, Foremen, Crew Leaders, Superintendents, Project Managers and any contractor who works at heights of 6 feet above lower levels.

You will be provided with numerous Forms, Templates and Tools to implement this standard into your business. You will be shown the type of equipment you will need to meet the standard and where you can find it. You will receive a Certificate of Completion at the conclusion of the training.

To sign up for this training class, or for more information visit my website at www.thecontractorcoachingpartnership.com. You can contact me at my office: 1-978-422-6354,  mobile: 1-508-847-0162 or by email: mark@thecontractorcoachingpartnership.com

National Lumber is pleased to help make training on multiple topics more convenient for our customers by hosting various training companies in the Training Room on the second floor at our Mansfield store.  You will find information about upcoming training opportunities on our website at national-lumber.com/events or national-lumber.com/training.

DISCLAIMER: National Lumber is not responsible for the event being offered. Registration and the content are being handled by an outside company. National Lumber is hosting this event for your convenience. By clicking on the links you will leave the National Lumber website and be taken to another company’s website.

National Lumber

245 Oakland Street

Mansfield, MA 02048

508-337-8020

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!

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!

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