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We recently got a question on our website about how the joints are made on the open joist TRIFORCE®. It’s great question, as it touches on many of the product’s strengths. We always welcome questions on our blog, so please feel free to ask. So, here’s our answer. 5-fingered-joints acting as connector The first thing … Continued

Lately, we’ve been working on quite a few flat roofs for multifamily projects. While most roof structures in this category of building are made from dimensional lumber, MDUs with flat roofs tend to be framed with either dimensional lumber or plated trusses. So, how did we convince the multifamily project designers to use Triforce® for … Continued

Building with engineered wood floor systems allows wider spans, greater strength, and far more design possibilities than traditional sawn lumber. Using engineered wood is somewhat more complex, though.  Here are some recommendations for engineered wood floor system installation. Use the manufacturer’s recommended hangers and fasteners Joist applications can vary, and there are hangers and fasteners for … Continued

Open joist TRIFORCE® falls under the category of engineered wood products (EWP). EWP has seen growing popularity since its introduction in the early 1970’s. Engineered wood is used in framing for floor assemblies, building sheathing and roof assemblies as well as Structural Insulated panels. Its basic ingredient is a combination of wood fiber, strands or … Continued

Install a series of joists, secure floor sheathing on top of them and you have a floor. But, for it to be an effective floor system, there’s more to it than that.  At TRIFORCE®, we aim to create floor systems that surpass industry standards, providing strength, durability, and comfort.  Here are the main elements in … Continued

When it comes to designing and installing a floor system, having strength as well as deflection and vibration performance at lowest possible cost is a natural objective. But there are also logistical considerations that come into play. Any one of these can impact your project either time-wise or cost-wise. Locations of Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC … Continued

Manufacturers of engineered wood floor joists are unanimous on this point. Never, ever notch a floor joist or bore through the chords. Upper chord or lower chord, notching is prohibited because it could cause the joist to fail. Yet joist frequently get mistreated this way. Why? How can we avoid notching floor joists altogether? Planning … Continued

Green building is trending strongly. Many designers, engineers and builders are realizing the importance of sustainability for their customers. The hunt for green building materials is on. If you’re looking, you’ll find joists that are an excellent choice for green building construction. Green Benefits of engineered wood First of all, when it comes to framing, … Continued

In the spring, our guest blogger Bill Sweeney from Coastal Forest Products wrote about a big project in York, Maine (see part 1 and part 2 of this series). This MDU condo project, is now well into the Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC installation.  Bill describes it for us  Update on construction at York Beach Residence … Continued

Sometimes hastily taken on-the-spot decisions can start nagging you immediately and not let go. This was the case for one builder on one of my recent calls. A duct chase In this project involving TRIFORCE® open joist, the builder removed a joist to accommodate a duct chase. In the above photo you can see chase’s … Continued