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When you imagine metal construction, you might envision simple designs and basic construction. But with advances over the past few decades in every facet of metal construction, this is no longer the case. The capabilities and versatility of metal construction have improved drastically, pushing the boundaries of design and surpassing the expectations of architects, designers, builders and clients alike.
Once thought to be limited to the realm of conventional construction, relatively complex projects like retail establishments, car dealerships, schools and large sporting facilities are now being produced more quickly and efficiently using metal construction methods.
Understanding which building conditions result in a project being considered “complex” is the first step. The list below offers some guidance on these important qualities.
Understanding which building conditions result in a project being considered “complex” is the first step. The list below offers some guidance on these important qualities.
- Complicated Roof Designs
A building with multiple roof hips and valleys one of the most common building conditions that lead to a building being considered complex.
- Aesthetic Features
Architects are usually involved to make a building more striking. However, the embellishments and complex geometries they envision can increase the intricacy of the engineering underlying the structure. This isn’t problematic – we simply need to collaborate, so all involved parties understand the vision and any limitations.
- Additional Floors
Whether it’s a second-level mezzanine or a basement, additional floors contribute to the complexity of a building.
- Auxiliary Loads
Manufacturing facilities with structurally mounted equipment, such as large top-running cranes increase the design loading substantially.
Increased spacing between vertical supports is becoming an increasingly common building requirement – especially for indoor sporting facilities, warehouses and large churches. Clear span frames are used when unobstructed interior space is required.
- Codes and Loads
Code changes and local differences for wind, seismic activity, snow, temperatures, energy and occupancy category may require more intricate engineering. Likewise, collateral loads for ceiling-mounted systems such as lights, ductwork and sprinklers can increase the complexity of the building.
Buildings constructed to house aircraft typically need very wide, high-fold doors for aircraft ingress and egress, requiring additional structural supports.
Metal construction is often chosen for its superior insulating values, and insulated metal panels further improve R-values. Daylighting is another efficient way to cut energy costs – bringing as much natural light in as possible. Though technology for including daylighting on a standing-seam roof has improved significantly, it still makes for a more complex design.
When your building meets the criteria for a complex building outlined above, the most important step you can take to save time and money is to involve your Robertson representative as early as possible. As Scott Schroer, Robertson’s Engineering Director explains, “Engaging with the architect, the owner, and our customer to help value engineer the building is a huge opportunity.”
Complex building conditions require custom solutions from our engineering department. Communication is key, because an engineer can spot problems or complications a builder, customer or even architect might not notice. They also have the experience and expertise to solve any issues that might come up.
The inclusion of Robertson throughout the process also means we can take advantage of 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM). This software makes a visual model representing all the complex, interrelated parts of a building’s plan, from the framing and building envelope to mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. By thinking proactively about complexities and where they might clash or interfere helps to avoid problems before they arise.
Metal construction can be more sophisticated and elegant than ever before – while still meeting and exceeding specific practical requirements. We just need to work together and communicate well. Contact your Robertson representative to get this important group conversation started as early as possible.
The Indoor Generation Report, a survey of Canadians conducted by The VELUX Group, revealed that though most of us don’t believe we spend too much time inside, most Canadians spend upwards of 90% of their time indoors. Between work, school, shopping and relaxing at home, the vast majority of our time is spent breathing stale, indoor air. Worse still, one in six Canadians lives in an unhealthy building.
As pandemic restrictions begin to lift and people across Canada head back to the office, return to school and venture back into indoor public spaces such as movie theaters, museums and retail establishments, indoor air quality is top of mind for all of us. But air quality isn’t a simple, single-variable concept. It’s a dynamic combination of many different factors. Fortunately, many of them are within your control.
Up until the 1970s, there weren’t strong and consistent regulations on building energy efficiency. This changed after a series of energy crises in the 70s and 80s which led to regulations which increased the thermal efficiency and air-infiltration of the building envelope. Thermal efficiency, as measured by r-value, is the insulation rating of a system, whether it is the wall, floor, ceiling, roof, etc. Air-infiltration, as measured by air leakage, is outside air that enters a building uncontrollably through cracks and openings.
Ever since, both the national and local codes have steadily increased the thermal efficiency and air-infiltration of the building envelope – especially in Canada’s northern climate zones. Beyond regulations, building tightness has been incentivized by the R-2000 Program and the EnerGuide Rating System from Natural Resources Canada. This has resulted in structures that are more and more airtight.
Thanks to these efforts, buildings have been able to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures better and more efficiently than ever. However, air tightness also means virtually no fresh air is allowed in, which can be detrimental to indoor air quality. Siet ‘Foeng’ Tjong, Robertson Head of Research and Development explains, “We generally do not like to have any leaks, whether it’s water, vapor or air leaks into the building. But in some cases that does create a problem with indoor air quality.”
We don’t often think of indoor air as necessarily being unhealthy, but it has the potential to harbor all kinds of harmful materials. As Joseph Dachowicz, Robertson’s Vice President of Marketing for Commercial Business, points out, “Buildings are filled with all kinds of man-made materials you’re just basically breathing in all day.”
Tjong agrees, “When you have a building that is super tight, it also creates a lot more challenges for the HVAC engineer to provide balanced indoor air quality,” she said, ”and it creates a lot more load and requirements on the HVAC system to evacuate the air inside building and replace it with fresh air.”
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), of the pollutants that can end up stuck inside airtight buildings, some are generated indoors, while others find their way in through cracks, open doors or windows, or even on the people going in and out. Some can come from both sources. But they all can become health and safety concerns.
Chemicals used in the manufacture of office equipment, furniture, wall and floor coverings and construction materials can off-gas into your interior environments. Cleaning products, pest control, copying and printing can also leave variety of harmful compounds in the air. According to Health Canada, some of these VOCs, like benzene and formaldehyde, have been linked to cancer.
With extra cleaning measures in place due to COVID-19 concerns, and more sanitizing products being sprayed on more surfaces more often, ventilation to move that particulate matter out is even more crucial.
Bacteria, viruses, fungi and moulds can all travel through the air, causing illness, infection and fungal or mould growth.
Whether from idling vehicles, machinery, tobacco smoke, heating or cooking, combustion-related compounds such as carbon monoxide are among the most dangerous interior pollutants. High levels of carbon monoxide from a vehicle left idling in a garage can be lethal in a matter of minutes. Worse still, it’s odorless, tasteless and colorless – virtually imperceptible without a carbon monoxide detector.
This is the “dust” you can see floating in a ray of sunlight and can be made up of any of the above as well as other fine particulate matter.
Pollutants can be generated by the most innocuous seeming sources, such as housekeeping cleaners, air fresheners or printers, but are caused more precipitously by renovation, remodeling or applying new paint or finishes.
Poor indoor air quality can result in serious health effects. These can range from mild and irritating to life-threatening. Eye, nose and throat irritation are common, as well as headaches, dizziness and fatigue. At the more severe end of the spectrum, poor air quality can trigger asthma attacks, and more hazardous pollutants like radon or carbon monoxide can cause cancer or be lethal.
When poor ventilation and indoor pollutants combine, they can lead to what’s known as “sick building syndrome.” Many occupants experience similar symptoms after entering in “sick” buildings, and their symptoms tend to resolve after leaving. Air quality this poor has been blamed for everything from sub-par student performance to reduced productivity in occupational settings.
Individual perception of poor air quality is important as well. Though these considerations are more subjective, they can still affect how employees, visitors and customers feel inside your building. Odors and temperature are two of the strongest variables affecting perceived air quality, as well as air movement. Too little feels stuffy, but too much can feel drafty and uncomfortable.
Air exchange is a function of air infiltration, natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation. These each play a part in how much air needs to be exchanged or moved per minute, which is expressed in cubic feet per minute, or CFM. The more overall air exchanges per hour – including a measure of exchange with outside air – the better. However, the following factors and considerations contribute to what is required to manage and improve a building’s air quality and ventilation:
Size
The size of a building determines how much air is inside it, and therefore is an important part of the necessary CFM calculation.
Occupancy
Buildings with fewer or no people, such as barns or warehouses, require much less ventilation – fewer CFM – than buildings with higher occupancy, such as a school, office building or church.
Number and Type of Openings
These can be intentional openings such as doors, windows and loading docks, as well as a building’s unintended openings which compromise its overall tightness, such as cracks and broken seals. External pollutants infiltrate a building through such openings, then the building’s tightness keeps them in.
Type of Airflow
Unoccupied buildings may only have natural ventilation, while livestock buildings or storage buildings might use industrial fans, and buildings designed for people are equipped with complete HVAC systems.
External temperature changes
Outdoor temperature changes – both day/night cycle and seasonal changes – dictate what level of insulation is ideal.
Insulation Type and Quality
As discussed, insulation is good for energy efficiency but makes integration of fresh air a challenge.
The absolute best way to ensure healthy air quality is to plan ahead and integrate adequate ventilation in your project from the very start. As Tjong points out, “Indoor air quality is the responsibility of HVAC engineers,” and they will be best enabled to provide that quality when their needs and input are included throughout the design process. Simply include HVAC engineers when you work with your Robertson representative. This way, fenestrations and other necessary roof and penetrations are planned for, as well as structural support for HVAC systems.
We understand that while not everyone is undergoing a new construction design project, everyone can benefit from better air quality. Simply being aware of everything discussed so far will help you rectify any existing problems – and prevent future ones – while following these simple tips will help even more:
Also, be wary of unsubstantiated claims of many air “purifiers” on the market that claim to kill COVID-19 or purify the air through unproven means. At best, these will be an expense that accomplishes nothing. At worst, they can exacerbate indoor pollutants. For instance, ionizers generate ozone. This is unhealthy on its own, but it’s also highly reactive and can combine with other airborne substances to create harmful VOCs like formaldehyde and acrolein.
There are steps everyone can take to improve air quality and incrementally improve the health of both buildings and the people who live, work, shop and play inside them. To learn more about how Robertson can assist in designing a custom metal building with the latest in air quality features, reach out to your Robertson representative today.
It is not surprising that an overwhelming majority of people around the world said they were ready to move quickly into 2021 and leave behind all the memories of 2020. The start of a new year, however, brings a desire to look forward to new, emerging opportunities. With this in mind, we have developed a compilation of some of the current trends in the construction industry and some of the technologies and tools that seem to be here to stay.
1. Green Building: The movement has become so popular that energy and environmental design (LEED) leadership now certifies nearly 2 million square feet of construction space worldwide. Commercial offices claim the bulk of the green building market, with just over 20%.
2. Modular construction: With a completion rate that can be 20-50% faster, lower construction costs, and a significant reduction in errors and waste, it’s not surprising that more builders choose modular construction. The optimized manufacturing processes used in modular construction also reduce the approximately 135 million tons of construction and demolition waste each year.
3. Autonomous machines: We’ve all heard that autonomous cars will be certain in the future, but what about automated machinery on construction sites? This is what happens – and at faster paces than those built for the road. Look for stand-alone machines to become even more common throughout the construction industry.
4. Device communication: It’s not just phones and computers in the office. Increasingly, small, and large construction equipment is being wired to interact and communicate, bringing efficiency to the maximum, improving safety, and streamlining costs.
5. Wider use of renewable biofuels: Construction professionals industry wide are abandoning diesel as a source of electrical equipment. This trend could significantly reduce the industry’s carbon footprint in the future.
6. Electric utility vehicles: Just by switching to battery-powered electrical machinery, the construction industry could reduce its emissions by up to 95%. Improved charging solutions that reduce downtime, which have been one of the biggest barriers to switching, making the transition easier for many businesses.
7. Drones: They are used to gain visibility into progress on construction sites and now used as a proactive method to identify potential problems before construction begins.
8. Cloud-based BIM: Moving building information modeling to a cloud platform rather than on-site makes information available to all stakeholders in real time. Communication is more effective throughout each construction phase, with increased response time and greater ability to respond quickly to urgent situations.
9. Dimensions plus BIM: As the technology moves toward 4D, 5D and even 6D capabilities, companies will be able to significantly improve estimation and planning processes through better data access. With the ability to see geothermal, thermal, and acoustic properties, builders can be more proactive in planning and even use information to determine how these properties will affect a building before construction begins.
10. Increased use of artificial intelligence (AI): A growing number of companies are joining AI in promising to increase efficiency throughout the construction process – from materials production to design, planning and implementation. There are also many opportunities to use AI to streamline the distribution process, simplify price forecasting and optimize the logistics of transporting a job – all factors in reducing the time and costs of a project.
11. Augmented and virtual reality: The main advantages of these technologies in the construction industry is the ability to identify weak points in a structure before allowing on-site workers to significantly improve safety and reduce accidents. In addition, with the use of remotely operated machines used from remote locations, work may continue when adverse weather conditions could otherwise stop productivity or increase the risk of accidents.
12. Collaboration through Business Information Modelling (BIM): A company that adopts BIM also improves communications at all levels. BIM allows teams to work seamlessly, no matter where they are: people in the office can communicate with those on the site and even with those in another city or country, not only by phone, email or text message, but in a graphic and interactive way. Improved communication helps reduce completion times and work costs while improving overall quality.
13. Smart Cities: Construction and engineering team planning planners are increasingly working with city leaders to turn cities into “smart” cities. A smart city has strategies to increase the sustainability of its communities and to ensure that these communities are built for resilience during difficult times.
14. Declining profitability: The least positive trends in the industry is a decrease in the profitability of construction projects. This change is due to several factors, including increased competition in Asia, increased project complexity and growing supply chain issues. To compensate for losses, many companies are working diligently to improve their project management processes.
15. Public and commercial facilities as leaders in green buildings: as industrial expansion increases, commercial buildings are at the forefront of green building initiatives. This trend is reflected in almost every region of the world, with manufacturers implementing innovative solutions such as green roofs, living walls, passive solar design, recycled and sustainable insulation, direct current (dc) power and plant-based materials.
16. Strengthening green buildings in China: In recent years, China has entered the leading role in sustainable construction with more than 300 million square metres of green buildings throughout the country. China is notoriously quick to adopt and implement green building initiatives – and is expected to have more than half of the world’s ground space for green buildings by 2021.
17. Increased use of 3D printing: At a time when construction workers are in short supply, 3D printing helps fill some of the gap by automating many of the tasks that are usually performed manually. The benefits, however, are not limited to supplementing the workforce. 3D printing uses only the materials needed to print a structure, virtually eliminating waste, and reducing costs. In addition, 3D printers can operate 24 hours a day, allowing faster turnaround times and turnaround times.
18. Shortage of hourly workers: With labour shortage in the industry that has continued over the past decade, construction companies are struggling daily to limit the number of projects they can take and to increase the time it takes to complete the projects they begin. In response, many companies are finding that they are increasingly dependent on prefabricated and modular materials, which require less practical time.
19. Employment in the construction sector is on the rise: As mentioned earlier, the lack of artisanal workers has led companies to work harder to recruit employees, including by offering higher rates of pay and more incentives.
20. Increase in regulatory prices: The number of building codes applied has increased by almost 10% in recent years, which has inevitably increased the cost of construction. Many professionals are convinced that new codes and changes are not necessary and do not lead to productive results, resulting in a general sense of frustration within the industry.
21. Increased awareness of worker safety: Increased regulations have also been incorporated in the areas of worker safety. As a result, more construction companies are implementing technologically smart tools such as portable trackers and even work boots with sensors. Devices allow supervisors to track the location of team members, let them know when workers are tired or injured, and much more.
Taking into consideration the information above, Robertson remains steadfast to meet the ever-changing needs of building erectors and contractors. To find out more about how to keep up with current trends and stay above the competition, contact your local Robertson representative.
Construction companies of all sizes in every part of the country are using enhanced technology on job sites more frequently than ever. There are multiple benefits to making the investment, specifically in a video surveillance capacity: helping to reduce theft of equipment and materials, increasing the likelihood of identification if theft DOES occur, lowering insurance premiums, working to improve safety and reduce job-related accidents and injury, protecting against liability, providing clients with increased transparency and accountability on job progress, and more. And now, with 5G (fifth-generation) technology becoming more accessible to more people, the benefits for the construction industry are even greater.
With projected speeds of 10 to 100 times faster than current wireless technology and greater reliability, 5G capabilities will allow the construction industry as a whole to step into a more on-demand type of structure – enabling company owners and project managers to provide quicker responses, give customers greater peace of mind, improve communication between teams, minimize risk, and – in some situations – reduce the number of individuals needed on a job site. Specifically, in the metal building industry, 5G technology promises significant improvements in three key areas:
Manufacturing
With increased automation in the manufacture of metal building components in recent years, connection to reliable and efficient communication platforms is more critical than ever. Shifting away from dependency on wired ethernet connections allows greater efficiency and increased productivity with decreased need for square footage. Additionally, switching to wireless 5G technology enables more flexibility to move or rearrange equipment as needed, and gives manufacturers more options to automate certain operations and reduce the number of people needed for each step in the manufacturing process.
Design and Construction
Communication between teams is always a critical component to the success of a project – but when there are individuals in remote locations or who do not have reliable technology through which to share data or other information, delay and – worse – mistakes can occur. 5G can help bridge the gap by bringing all parties together on a common communication platform with the same network. Even in areas where Wi-Fi is not an option, 5G can keep teams connected through mobile access with real-time communication in virtually any location. Additionally, electronic tools such as stationary site cameras and drones can be connected to the 5G network and used to document, record and communicate on-site activity.
Completed Buildings
In today’s world of smart buildings, the demand for integrated technology in construction projects of all sizes shows no sign of slowing down. Consequently, increasing numbers of contractors and builders are seeking ways to incorporate 5G technology into construction plans. Building features can not only be customized to accommodate the specific needs of the client, but the flexibility of 5G also allows the manufacturer to collect data that can help improve their offerings to customers in the future.
As 5G technology and its game-changing speed and reliability moves closer to becoming the norm, the possibilities it holds for the metal building industry are virtually limitless. We are truly on the path to an entirely new definition of cutting edge – and your Robertson Building Systems representative would love to discuss new ways to make technology a solid part of your building plans.
With technology consistently developing, choosing the right software for your company may be a daunting task. Between data digitization, BIM, and everything in between, differentiating between the tools you want and the tools you need can be challenging. Cost may also be an influencing factor in adding software tools to your company’s resources. At Robertson, we rely on a variety of software tools to help us stay on track – from customer service management systems, to software programs designed to aid our builders stay productive. And, these user-friendly systems support our team productivity by integrating between all internal departments.
The first step to finding the right software is simply communicating with yourself and your employees. Consider the needs of not only your department, but also how the software will affect other departments throughout your organization. Some questions you might ask: “How will this software be utilized? How will this help streamline tasks in my department? How will it save me time and money? What are the pros and cons? What are the strategic goals?” Keeping your company goals in mind when choosing a new software system is imperative, because you will be better equipped to decide which programs can help keep you on track. When deciding which software programs would be best for Robertson, we had several needs that had to be met. We needed a program that centralized information and simplified integration, we needed to reduce time inputting information into the system, and we needed to ensure quality and consistency throughout the organization.
Robertson’s primary software system is Oracle Software. Oracle offers an endless range of industry applications; from supply chain and manufacturing, enterprise performance management, customer experience tools, and more. Every Robertson employee uses Oracle, as it helps our company keep track of centralized information and gives us the ability to access data from other departments for scheduling purposes. This program aided our organization in streamlining tasks and saved time inputting data. In addition, Oracle offers training and multiple resources for companies to ensure they are receiving the most out of the software. When it comes to introducing a new software program, companies can often face challenges in learning while operating, training, or data entry, so you want to make sure the software you choose offers ample learning resources for your employees.
If you’ve made the decision to switch to a new software program, it’s a good idea to take advantage of a free trial or demo before committing to the new program. Most software companies offer free demos so you can get a feel for how the program operates and its usability. When possible, have multiple departments participate in the demo in order to test the level of integration and accessibility. It’s important to be aware of the challenges that may be presented as your employees learn to navigate through a new system. Learning how to operate new software can be a challenge for some, so it’s important to remain patient as people adjust to new best practices. Additionally, the quicker you onboard your employees, the better. In the beginning, it’s common for employees to revert to old programs because they are familiar. The key is to remain consistent and give your employees the tools they need to succeed. Once everyone is accustomed with the new system, you will find that your productivity and organization will have significantly increased.
Once you have acclimated to your new software, continue to “check in” on your company goals, and make sure the software is still answering the questions you asked yourself before implementing the new tool. Also, keeping consistent with software updates and new best practices will help ensure productivity. Being open to improvement will set you up for success in the future. Software programs are an invaluable resource to construction companies in today’s environment, but if you aren’t using the right programs, you could fall behind. For more information on the resources and tools Robertson has to offer for our builders, visit our website.
Every construction project, whether commercial or residential, requires a permit prior to project commencement. Those permits, in turn, depend on the National Building Code (NBC) published by The National Research Council of Canada (NRC), which specifies the minimum standards for how buildings should be designed and constructed. The model building code is the foundation of a national system of regulations, practices, and enforcement. Most builders are familiar with the process of obtaining building permits and navigating through various building codes, but where did it all start? Here’s an overview of the history and evolution of building codes, and a few insights on what to expect from building codes in the future.
Since the 1940’s, our National Building Code has been in place to stop jurisdictions from having different requirements for every small county municipality in the country. The overall intent was to enact a model code which afforded engineers, consultants, and manufacturers the ability to do business anywhere in the country. Today, the NRC is comprised of a committee of volunteer stakeholders who develop and pass new building codes to be released on a five-year cycle.
A model building code is implemented to give a baseline on what the code requirements should be for any type of build. While the model code can be considered as the minimum acceptable measures required for builders to operate, there are still differences between provinces. Some provinces adopt new codes immediately after the code is released, but others may choose to make their own amendments and follow up with a provincial building code. In addition, federal projects have different building code requirements than provincial projects. This can pose a challenge for builders and manufacturers to be sure to capture the correct code requirements. That being said, it’s important to be aware of the codes in your jurisdiction at any given time.
For the most part, building codes have not significantly changed when addressing structural design over the years with the exception of one major change that altered the way most Canadian projects were to be designed. Prior to the 2005 building code, there was limited provision for seismic design when it came to low-rise construction. One of the major provisions in the 2005 code stated that seismic analysis of a structural system was required prior to building a new structure. When the new codes were finally released, a majority of Canadian buildings were now required to have seismic provisions implemented into building design. Even though we were aware this new code was coming, it was a bombshell change for many builders and designers. Since then, most new building codes have been modifications and different iterations of refining seismic design.
While the 2020 NBC will focus on energy efficiency, future iterations of the code are expected to present change opportunities related to the Coronavirus pandemic. There is reason to believe the pandemic will change certain aspects of future codes, and these changes could affect the way washrooms, plumbing, and ventilation systems in certain types of buildings are designed and constructed. Researchers and other stakeholders also may be interested in making changes on how HVAC systems recirculate air in buildings. As our industry waits for the next round of building codes to be released, it’s important to stay on the lookout for potential changes that could be seen in the future. Robertson stays current with news related to building codes by maintaining certifications and memberships with industry associations. We are a member of the Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute, and we have company representatives who attend meetings at the industry level. Our representatives help us stay abreast of the various stages of the building cycle, and things to look out for in each province and jurisdiction. Being involved in industry associations is essential as a manufacturer of an engineered product.
Since the beginning of the NRC, building codes have paved the way for construction companies all throughout Canada while ensuring safety and consistency across the country. And while building codes are complex and sometimes difficult to keep up with, there is an increasing trend in uniformity. From the 2005 seismic provisions, to the potential changes resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic, keeping up with various resources available for builders and manufacturing companies is vital in the success of our industry. For more information, check out our recent podcast on prescriptive and performance building codes.
As a result of the growing commercial construction industry, the current labour shortage has proven to be one of the biggest challenges for many construction companies in the country. For the past 20 years, the Canadian workforce has continued to decline despite a short upward trend from 2015 to 2018. While there are some unknown factors, a notable reason for the decline is the retirement of the baby-boomer generation. As workers from this generation continue to retire, the task of filling labour force gaps will fall increasingly to a smaller pool of available younger workers. While the future of labour in construction seems bleak, there is still hope. Some suggestions for companies to make a positive difference in the country’s labour shortage are through new recruiting tactics, improving training practices, and simply taking better care of employees.
Over the coming decade, approximately 350,000 construction workers in onsite and offsite occupations are expected to retire. Paired with the diminishing number of younger workers in the construction industry, a unique solution is a must for recruiting new employees. It is up to construction companies throughout Canada to include traditionally underrepresented workers in recruitment and ongoing promotional efforts to encourage people to pursue a career path in construction. It’s time to focus more on what the person can bring to the job – experience, passion, knowledge, and the ability to be trained. One, two, or all of these can be trained upon or extracted to give the employee the tools needed for success.
Today, young adults are less likely to follow a career path in construction, thanks to a world dominated by technology. Many simply feel their prospects for high-paying jobs will result from a university or college degree. In addition, jobs in construction suffer many misconceptions, as today’s society tends to criticize careers in the trades. Those of us that are in the construction industry know that common misconceptions of the trades are completely untrue as safety regulations and new technologies have advanced drastically, and there is more focus on innovation than in previous years. When recruiting a younger workforce, companies need to express the need for problem-solvers and innovators to attract workers who want to make a difference. In addition, companies should also be cognizant of their current training practices and resources available for employees. In order to close the gaps left by the retirement of Baby Boomers, having a succession plan for positions anticipated to open in the near future is a must.
According to a study by the Business Development Bank of Canada, businesses that suffer from labour shortages grow more slowly. By offering specialized training to current employees, companies can show those that are looking for jobs that they care about employee success, not just profits. Offering more training can make your employees more efficient, which will result in company growth. Construction companies should begin by looking at current training practices and asking whether they are giving employees the necessary tools for success. Don’t be afraid to ask your employees whether they feel they received adequate training before or during a job. Requesting feedback shows that you care about employee perspectives and want to take their thoughts into account when making decisions.
If attracting new talent is a top priority, it is important to showcase that taking care of your employee’s wellbeing is a main concern. A good place to start is by exhibiting what your company has done to make your employees feel safe during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Robertson has implemented numerous safety protocols to ensure our employees feel safe in the workplace, such as increasing sanitization throughout our entire workspace, enforcing the use of face masks in the building, placing hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes at several stations throughout our offices, and more. In addition, we asked for feedback from our employees and implemented their suggestions for making our offices a safer place to work. Employee suggestions included installing shields in areas with high face-to-face contact and adding sign-in sheets for visitors who come into our offices.
The Canadian Labour Shortage has had major effects on the commercial construction industry. While the numbers seem daunting, there are small changes companies can make to improve the shortage over time. When searching for jobs, applicants want to know they are going to be given opportunities for growth and that they will be treated with dignity and respect. In turn, this will result in an improved workplace culture that will make new employees confident in their decision to work for you and your company.
Releasing a new product can be exciting. After spending months or even years researching, engineering, and designing a new product for your customers, seeing it all come to fruition gives a profound sense of satisfaction. However, there are a few steps you should take to ensure your product is rolled out correctly and in a way that allows for maximum exposure to your customers. Julie Schessler, Product Manager at Centria, discusses important tactics to keep in mind as you conduct a product roll-out and go-to-market strategy.
When starting the process of releasing a new product, it is important to look at your current product line from the perspective of your customer and develop solutions from there. Schessler says “It really starts at the development stage where we say, ‘What do our customers need?’ And that can be based on market availability of products or what competitors are offering.” While there are plenty of other new products that do not come from customer needs, research, and development (R&D) plays a vital role as well. Your R&D team can look for trends in the marketplace and find areas where you can expand your business.
Now that you have created your new product, how do you sell it to your customer base? “Consider things like ‘What are the key points of the product? What are the strengths? How does it match up against what is currently in the marketplace? If there is no competition, we want to make sure our customers know that it is a unique product,” Schessler says. If you do not know the answers to the questions, you may simply ask your customers about their needs to find out what may be missing from your product line.
Communication plays a significant role in the sale of your products. Your customers want to know everything about the product before deciding if it is right for them. “When we begin drafting the go-to-market strategy, we ask ourselves, ‘How do we want to present the new product to our audience, and what are the key elements they need to know?’ Then we begin drafting documentation, which would be any content that goes on the website, from tech data sheets, guide specifications, engineering drawings, etc.,” Schessler says. Essentially, you want to give customers everything they need to specify the product. You will want to add all the latest information to your website, since that is where your customer will go if they cannot contact your business outside of operating hours. It is better to have too much information, rather than too little. “You can really get into trouble when you aren’t able to help someone with one of your products, so you always want to make sure you have enough information to avoid that situation,” Schessler says. If your customer knows what is available prior to specification, you can potentially avoid issues moving forward.
So now that you have created your new product and the current sales materials, it is time to go to market! Aside from uploading the product information to your website, you will want to advertise your new product. “We do social media posts, paid advertising, email blasts, public relations, and trade shows to make sure our customers are aware that something new is out there,” Schessler says. In addition to traditional marketing, trade shows are an excellent way to show current customers your new product and build relationships with potential customers. By including samples and marketing collateral in your trade show event you give customers a first-hand look at what you have to offer and supply more information or answer questions on the spot.
After you have completed the sale of your new product, you should stay connected with your customers to ensure they have everything they need. “After we have launched the product we want to know, ‘Is this what you asked for? Are there limitations that we need to tweak? Is this product meeting your needs?’” Schessler says. Product development is a process, and when a product is launched it does not necessarily mean the development on that product is over. You can always revisit a product to make improvements if it does not meet your customers’ expectations the first time around.
“We often roll products out in phases as availability allows. Recently, we expanded an existing product, our Versawall insulated metal panels, to include new options. The old Versawall included embossed panels with a planked or striated profile. The first expansion came with Versawall V+, which included a smooth substrate for flat and planked profiles. As tooling became available after the fact, we added 4” smooth panels and a smooth striated profile,” Schessler says. It is common to implement a phased launch, so you can quickly get your products in the hands of your customers, while still completing the testing needed to ensure quality and performance of the products.
In the end, you are the expert when it comes to your products. But, by giving customers the tools they need to succeed increases trust in your company and gives them a reason to keep buying your products. Your customer wants to know you are available to answer any questions, supply more information, or listen to their feedback. Schessler says, “We’re here to partner with our customers. We do not operate independently, and neither do they – we need each other.”
In any construction project, some components of the structure are more fun and fascinating to imagine and plan than others – like the overarching design, smart features or recreational spaces. The more practical and mundane the component is, the less you want to think about it. Doors, for instance. You simply want a door to work.
But we want to encourage you to think about doors now – specifically doors for large openings – so you don’t have to think about them later. Because when you think it through ahead of time, you’ll have a door that works, and works well, for decades.
In this realm, there are three primary types: sectional, slat and steel curtain roll-up doors. The typical garage door is a sectional door, usually made up of five or more horizontal sections that travel up along parallel tracks, coming to rest overhead. Slat doors are made of smaller horizontal sections and are usually much more heavy duty. These can also use parallel tracks or roll up overhead. A steel curtain roll-up door is a ribbed metal sheet, which rolls up neatly and conveniently overhead.
At Robertson Building Systems, we believe steel curtain roll-up doors offer the best features for a wide variety of residential, commercial, industrial, governmental and military purposes. They are low-maintenance, reliable and durable options for everything from metal carports and storage units to loading dock doors, warehouse entrances and arenas. Any building that needs vehicles or any other large items moved in and out quickly and easily needs a roll-up door. And the roll-up operation of a steel curtain door means fewer moving pieces, more headroom and less space taken up by your door when it’s open.
Why would you choose a roll-up door over a sectional door?
The standard choice for residential garage doors, sectional doors have their own set of problems. They require bi-annual professional maintenance, take two to three times as long to install, and are riddled with pinch points – safety hazards for doors that need to open and close often with personnel nearby. They cost approximately 20% more than roll-up doors and come with many more parts – many more chances for something to go wrong. If you rely on a working door for business, a broken door is lost income.
Why not a slat door?
Slat doors are similar in operation to a roll-up door, but they can cost as much as three times as much and require both heavy equipment and multiple people for installation. You’ll also be waiting six to eight weeks for your door, and when it arrives, it’s likely to be one of three standard colors.
That brings us to the steel curtain roll-up door. You’ve always counted on Robertson to bring you nothing but the best products, and now we’re pleased to introduce you to one of our latest: The DBCI roll-up door. DBCI has specialized in roll-up doors for the last quarter-century, perfecting them and imagining new, innovative ways to use them and repurpose their components.
All DBCI roll-up doors are made from 26-gauge galvanized, Grade E hard steel curtains with 5/8” ribbed corrugation. That’s a grade better than the competition. DBCI also said that each of their many door models feature a corrugated drum, which not only allows for better alignment but superior cycle operation. Since the metal sheet fits flush with the corrugated drum, the door rolls up quickly and quietly.
These doors are also armed with an extruded, rust-resistant bottom bar and a taller weather strip compared to the leading brand – keeping weather, water and insects out. DBCI has done a number of strength and durability tests of their door components to see how they compare. When the competition’s components bent and even broke, DBCI’s components barely flexed under the strain.
But what about maintenance?
This may be your favorite thing about these doors. It’s one of ours. Compared to the other options on the market, DBCI roll-up doors are virtually maintenance-free. When it’s time to adjust tension, you don’t need a trained technician – just an (included) allen wrench. And as for the single spring, the most critical mechanical component of a steel curtain roll-up door, DBCI uses only oil-tempered, torsion-type springs. Better still, the spring is accessible – allowing for safe, easy lubrication.
DBCI roll-up doors come in any of 24 WeatherXL-treated colors, with custom colors available on large orders. You can choose interior or exterior locks along with other custom features. Each door is made to order, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be waiting long. DBCI prides itself on a turnaround time of ten days or less from order to delivery. And, of course, Robertson provides these doors as part of larger, turnkey projects.
Interested in more? You’re in luck, because the world of roll-up doors is deeper and wider than you’d expect. DBCI has its own in-house wind-testing facility and builds doors rated for hurricane winds – up to 140mph! For storage companies, you’ll also love the full line of interior products, like swing doors, lockers, kickplates, partitions, corner guards, burglary prevention measures and much more.
If you think DBCI roll-up doors might be a good fit for your next project – or even a structure that’s already complete – contact us today for more information.
Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) are the ultimate option for single step, factory insulated, energy saving panel systems. For metal building construction, IMPs are an all-in-one single element for wall, partition, ceiling and roof applications that are durable, economical and quick to install.
These panels are on the leading edge of innovation – with interiors of polyurethane foam core and exteriors available in 26-gauge, 24-gauge or 22-gauge steel panels, IMPs offer many advantages to building owners. They can be installed in most weather types and easily conform to energy codes. However, there are some things to keep in mind when handling, storing, and installing your panels.
Follow these tips when accepting delivery, unloading and storing your panels to keep your project on schedule and your build successful:
When it’s time for installation:
No matter how much you plan for the perfect build, we all run into installation errors or problems on the job. Be mindful of some of these issues that can impact your build timeline and installation:
IMPs are a great fit for metal building construction across diverse projects, such as fire halls, churches, warehouses, hockey arenas, hangars, office buildings and more. For more information about IMPs, review the online resources available from Robertson Building Systems or contact your District Manager.
