NADRA Blog

Wolf Releases Key Buyer Index (KBI) For April 2012

Survey remains upbeat; reveals slight divide between building product and kitchen/bath buyers

May 16, 2012 – York, PA | WOLF, the largest supplier of kitchen cabinets in the U.S. and a leading provider of building products in 19 states along the East Coast, today reported the findings of the WOLF Key Buyer Index (KBI) for May.

The April KBI score of 69.6 reveals a positive outlook, though less bullish than the March KBI of 79.8.

The April survey found slightly more optimism among building product buyers than kitchen and bath buyers. The KBI among building products buyers was 74.5, while the KBI among kitchen and bath buyers was 64.0.

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NADRA Produces Check Your Deck® Video Campaign

New NADRA Video Educates Consumers about Deck Safety Month^®

May 15, 2012 - Quakertown, PA | in 2006 NADRA, The North American Deck and Railing Association declared May as Deck Safety Month^®. NADRA’s Deck safety program is an effort to save lives and prevent injuries.

After 6 years of promoting May as Deck Safety Month^®, the association decided on a new method of reaching the masses this year. The new video was produced using images and text to drive a strong message to consumers about NADRA’s Check Your Deck^® evaluation forms and the 10-point checklist. The video can be found on NADRA’s website at www.NADRA.org. The association posted the video to their YouTube channel found under NADRAYT and to their Social Media fan pages.

Michael Beaudry, Executive VP of NADRA states, “Our number one priority to the public is to ensure that the decks they and their families enjoy are safe. NADRA takes this responsibility seriously, and has created campaigns and education programs and certifications for home inspectors, code officials, engineers, architects, builders, distributors, lumberyards and manufacturers to improve proper installation practices along with checklists and safety awareness information for consumers to follow.”

The video can be used in making the consumer aware of the necessity of choosing a professional deck contractor, providing regular maintenance and inspection, and knowing the limits of the deck structure.

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ICC’s Backyard Safety

May 15, 2012 | There’s a lot of information out there on the web about backyard safety, from those aimed at providing “parenting advice” to medical websites aimed at keeping bandages on the shelf. Another such source is the International Code Council (ICC), the publisher of our nations leading model construction codes. In the big scheme of things, decks are a small part of our built environment. With ICC providing codes and standards for large commercial complexes, like hotels and retail centers, it’s nice when our industry of backyard decks gets some attention…and not just in new code provisions. For Building Safety Month, May of every year, ICC is focusing attention on decks and outdoor living…a good sign that our industry is vibrant, growing and important to our culture.

The article behind this link provides a nice call to owners and property managers that decks don’t last forever, or may have been built substandard to begin with. Too many of our fellow Americans don’t realize the need to regularly maintain and inspect their decks…and that means more than a swipe of a staining rag. They often dismiss the very real hazards that backyard decks, grills and pools inadvertently create for us. Public services messages like this, from non-profit organizations, are there for our benefit and our neighbor’s benefit. Take a read, get ideas, get inspired and share this message. Just forward the link.

http://www.iccsafe.org/safety/Pages/Backyard.aspx

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Thanks To The Membership

May 8, 2012 | The NADRA Education Event in Pennsylvania earlier this month was a joy to lead. Teaching codes and deck construction is always a good time for me, regardless of my audience. However, hanging out with our members this month is even better.

I want to personally thank all the builder members that attended. I thoroughly enjoyed your taking part in the education and making it your own. The questions, comments and ideas, the networking and camaraderie at lunch and after class, and the humor and lightheartedness of the two days with my association were great. I was excited to meet new members, as well as visit with those I have meet before. Without builder members like you, there would be no NADRA. However without manufacturer members, there would be no NADRA Education.

Putting together a live education event is no easy undertaking, so I’ve also got to thank Legacy Services for their dedication to managing NADRA and coordinating the event. The following NADRA member companies deserve your thanks and recognition for their support of the event. Without their sponsorship, the cost of classes would be…well…cost prohibitive. Next time you see these member company’s representatives, thank them for their support. It’s going to take all professionals of the decking industry working together and doing their part to make this association continue to be a success. Thank your fellow builders for attending the education and encourage other’s to attend the next one. Pay attention to those that help support the efforts of NADRA and give them your support when you can.

“Thank You” to the following sponsors of the PA education event:
Fiberon
TimberTech
Fortress
Wolmanized Outdoor Wood
NyloDeck
Techno Metal Post

-Glenn Mathewson

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What’s The Concern?

April 24, 2012 | Why would a deck builder be so afraid of trying a new material for his next project? Isn’t being up on the latest technology a dream come true. Perhaps, but are you taking risk in the process? Some guys I know would say yes to that. They would no sooner use a new product then throw themselves off a bridge. Some I know embrace the new stuff and love it. I have been both of those guys. With a few years under my belt and input from so many of my counterparts, my stance is that I will try a new product in a limited application until some time passes and I am reassured that it will last. What about those new nifty labor warranties? I am a huge advocate for that and it does help me to decide how much if any of a new product I will sell. But let’s dive into this a little more.

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What’s Your Story?

April 24, 2012 | No happy thoughts for me this week about harmony in the codes for all. I want the worst of it, your worst story about codes, inspectors, permits and the like. Come on, take me down; knock me out. You know I used to be an inspector…now I just review your plans and decide how long it takes you to get a permit, he, he, he.* Give me your rant!

*[Cynical, diabolical laugh]

All kidding aside, I want to hear about how things are going for you with codes and their enforcement in your area, and not just the bad stuff. I’d like to hear your good experiences too and if you’re working well with your building department. Give me your pulse of how the building code industry is affecting your business. Help me understand where it is I can help NADRA…and help you.

“I had an inspector require me to pull a nail out of a hanger to verify if it was the correct nail. Nope…it was a short hanger nail used in a double joist hanger. The manufacturer called for 3-inch nails. The inspector was correct, but in the big scheme of things, the load limits for the hanger’s correct installation was ten fold what I used it for. It was a double joist used as a nailer for a change in decking direction. It wasn’t going anywhere as it stood, but alas, it had the wrong nails, and it cost me the inspection that day. Always kept the hardware catalog and instructions with me after that.”

-Glenn

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What does it mean to me to be an advisor to NADRA?

April 23, 2012 | It means I am here to help. I am here to share insight into a different industry, the building code industry. The code industry is going through some growing pains. The electric code, energy and green codes, and fire sprinkler mandate, for example, have created some worry amongst professionals. The IRC for residential keeps growing larger, while the IBC for commercial is referring more to other costly standards…

But I’m already boring you… Decks are your business, not codes.

I would agree it’s not your worry, if we were back in 2006, or if you’re working under the 06 IRC. That was before decks and codes really collided. The code industry is way ahead of you though and decks are plenty included. In nine month…NINE MONTHS…the deadlines for the 2015 IRC are due…alas…here I go again on a code rant…

It means I am here to stay ahead of the codes for you, or at least in front. It means I can be your representative in the code industry. I can listen to your current experiences and concerns about the industry. It also means I can help connect the membership in an informed and sensible compromise of ideals such that the industry can flourish together…ahhh…

To do this we need to connect. Find me on LinkedIn or Twitter, find my messages in the weekly newsletter, visit the blog page, or send me an email. Help me work on your behalf and not my guess of it. I can’t advise or represent the association in the code industry if I’m not connected to the membership.

Hey! I only said “code” eleven times. Not bad.

-Glenn

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Lateral Load Language Lesson: 2012 IRC

April 23, 2012 | A subtle change in the 2012 IRC makes the application of the lateral load anchor connection figure more understandable. Under the 2009 IRC, Section R502.2.2.3 confused some readers by its statement that the lateral load figure, “shall be permitted”, only to later state that “devices shall be installed in not less than two locations”. The first statement is clear that the connection is merely allowed by code, but not permitted. However the latter seems to require the use of two or more.

In the 2012 IRC the original intent of the language was clarified, with clear direction. It is only when the connection detail is voluntarily chosen that there must be at least two devices installed. It is merely a design option.

Overall, this is a good win for the industry. Success is had when the language of the code can be made clearer. The more consistently the code is interpreted, the more of a “standard” it can be.

-Glenn

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It’s your business…. Do you “Do” it?

By David Elenbaum

March 12, 2012 | What do you “do”? Do you “do” windows? Do you “do” stone work? Perhaps you “do” siding. I know that if you are reading this, it is likely that you “do” decks. I for one like to eliminate “do” from my verbiage in marketing. I say I build decks in conversation but my business card says that I am a “full service deck design and construction firm.” Why? Professionalism. I can go to any market in the US and it is likely that I can find a guy who “Does” something according to his advertising. He is also likely the guy who writes his quote on the back of a business card. If you are that guy, in your mark

Now for the matter of “doing” everything. Do you? How diverse is your product portfolio? If you find yourself running to leads that cover a large varied group of products and you are operating under a deck company you may want to consider a revision in your company story. Perhaps you would want to look at being a general contractor. In some cases, you may want to refine your offerings and focus on the things that make you the most profits. If your company “Dude’s Decks” is installing windows and siding, consider a branch off company called “Dude’s siding and windows”. Your prospects will be less confused about what you “do” and you will see better qualified leads from your advertising as a result. You can set up an advertising accrual on each business so you will know if window ad money is getting you window leads and deck ad money is getting you decking leads. Set up a separate phone number with a tracker to get the results you need.

You can still co-market the businesses together if you like but diversifying the advertising into the appropriate marketing is now an option for you. Deck buyers may be in a different demographic than window buyers for you, so the difference between a newspaper ad and a retirement magazine. On the administrative side, separating the entities will help with seeing profitability, crew allocations, and workers comp audits will be easier since a siding crew is charged at a different rate then a deck crew in many cases. Also, the really cool part is if your siding business grows well enough to sell, you can sell it and still be in the deck business. Good luck and thanks for reading. You can email thoughts and comments to davidelenbaum@gmail.com.

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Keeping Your Deck in Check

March 12, 2012 | Decks are a great “value add” for residents, but property managers face plenty of risks—including having a deck collapse—if their deck isn’t regularly inspected and maintained. It’s happening more frequently than many property managers and homeowners realize. Between 2003 and 2007, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 224,740 injuries caused by outdoor decks and porches. “What’s happening across this country is an epidemic at this point,” says Michael Beaudry, executive vice president of the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), adding that “in most cases if a deck fails, it’s a matter of neglect.”

The Ledger Connection

Common deck failures include a stair collapsing or a railing giving way. Of all the parts of a deck, “the most notoriously overlooked has been the ledger connection,” says Glenn Mathewson, a former deck builder and technical advisor to NADRA and International Code Council-certified Master Code Professional. The ledger connection is the board that connects the deck to a home or property, which can rot away, causing the deck to completely collapse. But, adds Mathewson, “poor construction and a lack of standards for construction is a large contributor to the problem.”

Not maintaining and regularly inspecting the deck, especially the ledger, puts your deck at risk for a collapse—and puts your occupants at risk for injury. “The lack of maintenance and the lack of knowledge of poor condition of the materials would be a due-diligence risk,” Mathewson says. “It would be like allowing the paint to peel off a house, but with much more drastic results.”

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