Of Note
Research: Spearheaded by the U.S. Forest Service's Forest Products Laboratory and APA, The Engineered Wood Association, the Residential Moisture Management Network is a coalition aimed at sharing information, research and best practices.
Simpson Strong-Tie's seismic shake table can test portions of structures up to 25 feet long and 3 stories high.In July, Simpson Strong-Tie opened its $10 million Tyrell Gilb Research Laboratory in Stockton, Calif. With the dual goal of understanding the effect of earthquakes and high winds on structural systems and designing and testing innovative, cost-effective structural solutions, the lab features one-of-a-kind equipment that simulates natural disasters. More on the lab is at www.strongtie.com.
Education and Training: The American Architectural Manufacturers Association has developed a window installation training and certification program called InstallationMasters to increase understanding of industry-accepted installation techniques and share best practices. The two-day training costs $300 and includes a manual, an examination and certification.