Pleasanton, Calif. - Imagine showing a prospective customer a picture of their dream deck—and not just a drawing or sketch, but a full-color, 3-dimensional image they can look at from any angle. DeckTools™, a sales, design and estimating software program for decks, allows deck builders and suppliers to bring photo-realistic deck designs to customers right from their laptops.

With DeckTools, users can create one-of-a-kind deck designs for their clients, customizing nearly every detail from the deck shape to railings and material choices. The program provides 3-dimensional views of deck and railing designs as well as traditional plan views. Designs are rendered in real time, so clients can see what their deck will look like with their home and backyard. The program also makes it easy to suggest upgrades by instantly showing the visual and cost impact.

In addition, DeckTools helps with practical design elements, such as identifying the key connections required by the building code and suggesting the appropriate Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and fasteners. Users can generate all of the drawings they need in minutes, including structural drawings for permit applications, working drawings for crews and detailed finished views for homeowner associations. They also can create material take-off lists, cost estimates and professional proposals which are fully-customizable Microsoft Office documents. One-on-one training is provided with every license as well as ongoing online classes, self-paced instructional videos and customer support.

Simpson Strong-Tie acquired DeckTools in early 2009. For more information, visit our DeckTools site.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Increasing reports of deck failures across the country have led to a greater focus on deck safety in the building codes. The two main areas of concern are the guardrail-post connection and the deck-to-house connection which are critical to the performance and safety of the deck. Simpson Strong-Tie has developed a new solution to make both of these deck connections safer and stronger: the DTT2Z deck tension tie.

The International Residential Code® (IRC) requires deck railing posts to be able to resist a 200-lb. load in any direction. Many common guardrail-post connections that attach only to the rim joist do not meet this requirement. The new DTT2Z connects the railing post back into the deck framing, not just to the rim joist, creating a connection that meets the code provisions for guardrail reinforcement and results in a safer deck.

In addition, the DTT2Z can be used to tie the deck into the house for a safer, stronger ledger connection. It meets the IRC requirements for laterally attaching the deck to the house and complies with provisions of the AF&PA Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide (DCA6).

Versatile and cost-effective, the DTT2Z deck tension tie fastens quickly and easily using Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive® screws (SDS), which install without pre-drilling and are included with each connector. The DTT2Z also comes with a ZMAX® coating for additional corrosion protection.

To learn more about the DTT2Z deck tension tie and other deck products and resources, visit the new Simpson Strong-Tie® Deck Center.

Austin, Texas - The National Hurricane Conference today honored the corporate sponsors of StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes® at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL with its Outstanding Achievement Award for Mitigation in recognition of their innovation and achievement in public awareness and mitigation advocacy. StormStruck® enables guests from around the world to experience the power of a weather event while learning how to best prepare for floods, hail, high winds, lightning and more.

Keil Gunther of RenaissanceRe, Jamie France of State Farm and Phillip Burton of Simpson Strong-Tie were individually recognized for contributing their technical expertise to emergency preparedness messaging in an unprecedented manner to the guests visiting INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® annually. The exhibit serves as a mitigation public awareness model through its clever use of storytelling and combines education and entertainment to inspire consumers to accept, retain, and act on severe weather preparedness and mitigation messaging.

Keil Gunther, director of marketing at RenaissanceRe, said "I was honored to be one of the many people who contributed toward the extraordinary success of StormStruck, and am delighted it has been recognized by the National Hurricane Conference. By supporting pioneering mitigation initiatives like StormStruck and visionary outreach organizations like FLASH, RenaissanceRe hopes to advance disaster preparedness and foster more resilient communities in which the economic impact of severe weather is minimized."

Jamie France, manager - P&C underwriting for State Farm, said "It's an honor to be recognized at the 2009 National Hurricane Conference as a result of this opportunity. Through collaboration across public and private organizations, I'm confident we can continue to positively influence the lives and communities in coastal areas."

"Simpson Strong-Tie is honored to be a recipient of this award," said Phil Burton, vice president of Simpson Strong-Tie. "StormStruck is helping educate families about the steps they can take to make their homes safer and stronger. Through this exhibit, we are helping people understand how their homes are built and how they can be reinforced to ensure they are protected."

"StormStruck represents a milestone in the disaster safety movement and could not have been possible without exceptional support from our partners," said Leslie Chapman-Henderson, FLASH CEO and president.

StormStruck opened last August and is presented by The Federal Alliance of Safe Homes – FLASH®, RenaissanceRe, State Farm and Simpson Strong-Tie. To learn more, visit www.stormstruck.org.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Gas-actuated fastening tools are used on job sites everyday because of their speed and reliability. Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® has launched its first gas-actuated nailer, the GCN150, a cordless fastening tool with a two-shot per second firing capacity.

Fast and efficient, the GCN150 is ideal for light-duty applications, such as fastening drywall track to concrete flooring, steel, CMU and metal decks. Other common uses include attaching hat channel, furring strips, drywall rack and plywood underlayment. The nailer is simple to load and use, and does not require operators to be licensed or certified. It features a 40-pin magazine and 1,200-shot fuel cell to maximize fastening time.

Since the GCN150 is cordless, it eliminates the need for compressors, hoses or an external power source. It also is lightweight, making it a portable as well as a versatile tool. To learn more about the GCN150 gas-actuated nailer, visit www.simpsonanchors.com/catalog/pat.

Pleasanton, Calif. - The recent federal economic stimulus package denotes an estimated $130 billion in construction-related projects, $40 billion of which will go to state governments. A portion of those monies are allocated for highways, bridges and transit. As states work to designate their funds, Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® has been developing anchoring solutions specifically for transportation projects.

The new EDOT™ Epoxy-Tie® adhesive is an economical epoxy adhesive that has been formulated to provide a high-strength bond required for highway and bridge construction. As a two-component, high-solids epoxy-based system, EDOT adhesive is a non-shrink anchor grouting material. Resin and hardener are dispensed and mixed simultaneously through the static mixing nozzle. Available in both cartridges and bulk containers, EDOT is ideal for threaded rod anchoring and rebar doweling applications, and it meets the requirements of ASTM C-881 and AASHTO M235 specifications for Type I, II, IV and V, Grade 3, Class C.

To learn more about EDOT Epoxy-Tie adhesive and other anchoring solutions, visit www.simpsonanchors.com. To view a complete list of all of the Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® products that are approved for use by the Department of Transportation of each state, visit Product Approvals by State Department of Transportation.

Fort Collins, Colo. - A group of researchers led by Colorado State University in close technical collaboration with Simpson Strong-Tie will take part in an unprecedented research event near Kobe, Japan, this summer. Construction of the largest building ever tested on an earthquake shake table will begin next week.

The seven-story, 40-foot by 60-foot condominium tower with 23 one- and two-bedroom living units and space to accommodate two retail shops will be subjected to simulated earthquakes of varying intensity on Japan's E-Defense (earthquake-Defense) shake table. The shake table is the largest in the world with the platform measuring approximately 65 feet by 49 feet. The shake table reacts against the rock in a nearby mountain and can support building experiments weighing up to 2.5 million pounds.

The series of seismic tests, known as the NEESWood Capstone tests, are scheduled for this June and July, and are the culmination of a four-year $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a new design approach for taller wood-frame buildings in earthquake-prone areas.

NSF estimates more than 75 million U.S. citizens in 39 states live in areas at risk for earthquake devastation.

John van de Lindt,
Colorado State University

"The test in Miki City, Japan, ultimately could help the building industry safely increase the height of wood-frame construction to six - possibly even seven - stories in active seismic zones," said John van de Lindt, Colorado State civil engineering professor who serves as the principal investigator for the project.

CSU is collaborating with four other U.S. research institutions as well as industry partners led by Simpson Strong-Tie, Maui Homes USA and technical collaborators at the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory. Other university collaborators include Texas A&M University, SUNY-Buffalo, RPI, and University of Delaware on the NSF grant.

"In the engineering and scientific community, we don't have quantitative data on how buildings of this size actually perform in an earthquake," said Steve Pryor, building systems research and development manager for Simpson Strong-Tie, a leader in innovative product development for wood-frame buildings. "Just expanding on typical one- and two-story design practices isn't the answer. We need a more robust design methodology to help us determine just how much strength and flexibility is needed, and where to put it. This testing will help us do that. Right now, it's all on paper - we don't have a baseline for buildings this size in a major quake."

Steve Pryor,
Simpson Strong-Tie

Van de Lindt has conducted tests over the past three years involving smaller structures at shake tables at CSU and in collaboration with co-investigator A. Filiatrault at the State University of New York-Buffalo in preparation for the capstone test in Japan. The Japan test will enable researchers to confirm that the new design approach meets expectations.

"Previous testing has shown us that our modeling procedures are accurate for low-rise wood-frame buildings, but the test in Japan will confirm new models for mid-rise wood-frame buildings developed at CSU and design approaches developed at Texas A&M University as part of the project," said van de Lindt.

In Japan, researchers will simulate earthquakes ranging from fairly frequent events expected every 70 years or so, to more powerful earthquakes that are only expected every 500 to 2500 years, with magnitudes ranging from 6.7 to 7.3. The strongest simulated quake will occur in a 40-second test on July 17.

"We're grateful to Japan's National Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention in Miki City for their collaboration and assistance on this very important stage in our research," said van de Lindt. "We're honored to be the first U.S. organization to conduct experiments on their shake table."

Other contributors on the Japan project include FPInnovations, the U.S. Forest Products Lab/Forest Service, the Provincial Government of British Columbia, the American Forest and Paper Association, Stanley Bostitch, and Strocal, Inc.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Simpson Strong-Tie mudsill anchors have always saved contractors time compared to anchor bolts, but now a new and improved design provides a one-to-one replacement of 1/2" and 5/8" anchor bolts. The load capacity of the new MASA mudsill anchor meets or exceeds that of other cast-in-place anchors.

The improved performance of the MASA anchor is a direct result of its design; key areas of the anchor have been reinforced and fasteners have been added. In addition, since the MASA can be installed as wide as 6 feet on center, the same load capacity can be achieved with fewer mudsill anchors.

MASA mudsill anchors attach easily to concrete forms and lay flat on top of the form board, eliminating the need to finish around anchor bolts. There is no plate drilling required and the flat design helps avoid time-consuming modifications to prefabricated walls or rim joists that often have to be adjusted to remedy off-center bolt installations. The MASA also eliminates the need for 3-inch square plate washers, which is now required for use with all sill bolts as referenced in the 2006 International Residential Code and International Building Code.

To learn more about the MASA, click here. MASAP mudsill anchors also are available for panelized forms.

SET-XP™ Anchor Adhesive is Now Code Listed for Use in Cracked Concrete

Pleasanton, Calif. - The new code provisions in the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) require designers to factor in whether conditions exist that may cause concrete to crack. The provisions also require new anchorage solutions. Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems has been focused on developing and testing products that meet the new standards. Designers now have several cracked concrete solutions to choose from, including the most recent addition of the Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® SET-XP™ Epoxy-Tie® adhesive. SET-XP adhesive is now recognized for use in cracked and uncracked concrete (see ICC-ES evaluation report: ESR-2508). Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems is the only North America-based manufacturer that offers an anchoring adhesive that meets the 2006 IBC requirements and is ICC-ES code listed for use in cracked concrete environments.

Concrete typically cracks when it's in tension or is subjected to seismic events and other types of adverse conditions. Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems SET-XP anchoring epoxy was formulated and tested to meet the strict ICC-ES AC308 cracked concrete requirements. The epoxy can be used with threaded rod (carbon and stainless steel) and rebar, and is recognized for use at embedment depths up to 20 times the anchor diameter.

Since most states across the country have now adopted the 2006 IBC, engineers and designers are increasingly being required to specify anchors designed and tested to meet the new requirements. Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems continues to lead the way in testing and education in the area of cracked concrete solutions. In addition to SET-XP epoxy, the Titen HD® screw anchor (see ESR-2713) and Strong-Bolt™ wedge anchor (see ESR-1771) are code listed for cracked concrete. Other Anchor Systems products are expected to be released in early 2009. For more information and to view the latest code reports, visit www.simpsonanchors.com.

Pleasanton, Calif. - For several decades, Simpson Strong-Tie has made training customers a priority. The company has eight training centers across North America and provides hundreds of complimentary classes to engineers, architects, builders and code officials each year. Simpson Strong-Tie trained more than 12,000 customers on site last year. To broaden its educational reach, the company is now offering online training courses and has become an authorized provider of IACET Continuing Educations Credits.

New Online Classes
Although classroom training is the traditional method of learning, e-learning is becoming a popular option because of its convenience and availability. Simpson Strong-Tie has developed online content for some of its in-class courses, such as its Deck Building - Beginners' Course and Introduction to Joist and Beam Hangers. These new online classes are available on the web site any time of day and take between 1/2 and 1 1/2 hours to complete.

Continuing Education Credits
Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are important to professionals who need to maintain a credential or license and provide a permanent record of educational accomplishments. Simpson Strong-Tie is proud to offer CEUs through the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), a non-profit association dedicated to quality continuing education and training programs. In order to become an accredited provider, Simpson Strong-Tie had to meet strict continuing education guidelines. With the accreditation, the majority of Simpson Strong-Tie training classes and workshops can earn participants CEUs. Customers interested in credits should contact their certifying licensing organization or agency to inquire if they accept CEUs from IACET providers. In addition, Simpson Strong-Tie is a strong supporter of CSI, SEA, ICBO, BIA, CABO, AIBO, ACIA, and AIBD.

To learn more about Simpson Strong-Tie training programs and to sign up for a class, visit www.strongtie.com/workshops.

"Builders are going to find these frames much easier and less expensive to install. For example, if you look at a typical garage front application and consider materials, footing size and installation time, our moment frame is comparable in price to a portal built with factory-built shearwalls," said Tim Ellis, project manager, Strong Frame team.

Cracked Concrete Solutions

Also Featured at IBS: Anchoring Products for Cracked Concrete and New Connectors

Pleasanton, Calif. - For many years moment frames have been a typical method of providing high lateral-force resistance for residential and commercial construction. Stronger than site-built or factory-built shearwalls, moment frames allow larger openings and smaller wall sections in buildings while offering the high load values that structural designers and builders need. In the past, however, they have been time intensive to design and labor intensive to install. Simpson Strong-Tie has simplified both by developing a revolutionary alternative to traditional moment frames - the Strong Frame™ ordinary moment frame.

The Strong Frame moment frame is pre-designed and manufactured, minimizing the design process and reducing installation time on job sites. Rather than welding the frame together in the field, the Strong Frame moment frame is bolted together on site. This is a tremendous time and cost saver for installers and builders.

Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® has been at work developing anchors for use in both cracked and uncracked concrete to comply with the 2006 International Building Code. Recent code-listed products include our Titen HD® screw anchor for post-installed concrete and masonry applications and our Strong-Bolt™ wedge anchor, which features a tri-segmented clip that enables "follow up" expansion if a crack forms and intersects with the anchor location. Additional adhesive and anchor products have code reports pending that meet the new cracked concrete criteria, including our SET-XP™ anchoring adhesive. For more information and code report updates, visit www.simpsonanchors.com.

In addition, Simpson Strong-Tie has designed several new connectors for residential construction. To preview all of our new products, visit us at the International Builders' Show, January 20-23, at our booth N1213.

Additional Information about the Strong Frame™ Moment Frame
Strong Frame moment frames are available in a variety of sizes up to 19 feet tall and 16 feet wide. As alternatives to wide-braced walls required by the UBC, IRC and IBC model building codes, they help designers avoid the need for wider site-built walls and/or engineered solutions. The most common framing applications include standard first-floor installation, garage front applications for two and three car garages in one, two or three-story buildings, and balloon-framing applications for tall, open-style rooms, such as great rooms.

"With 196 frame configurations, including anchorage designs for all common applications and complete calculation packages, we're able to save specificers hours of design time," said Paul McEntee, S.E., project engineer, Strong Frame team.

Some other unique product benefits include the following:

• 100% bolted connections allow for faster installation and no field welding; a standard socket or spud wrench is all that is needed to make the connection.
• Wood nailers are preinstalled on the frame, saving installation time and reducing the chance of mistakes.
• Full anchorage solutions and one-size-fits-all templates to locate preassembled anchor bolt assemblies. Patent-pending shear lugs allow for close concrete edge placement.
• Epoxy and Titen HD post-installed anchorage solutions for prescriptive design applications.
• Manufactured in a factory environment with comprehensive quality control measures. Installation in the field is made using reliable bolted connections, eliminating concerns about the quality of welds in the field as well as additional costly inspections.
• Load values for prescriptive, wind and seismic areas.
• All frames fit in a standard 2x6 wall, eliminating the need for thicker walls or furring.
• Convenient to store and ship. Each frame is shipped flat to the job in three pieces with a box of bolts.

For more product information and visuals, visit www.strongtie.com/strongframe.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Strong-Bolt™ wedge anchors are specifically designed for optimum performance in both cracked and uncracked concrete; a requirement that the 2006 IBC places on post-installed anchors (see ICC-ES evaluation report: ESR-1771). Recently, Strong-Bolt wedge anchors in 1/2" and 5/8" diameters received a Category 1 anchor rating, which means these sizes offer even higher load values than before.

Rigorously tested according to the latest industry-wide criteria, the Strong-Bolt wedge anchor is proven to offer increased reliability in the most adverse conditions, including performance in cracked concrete under static and seismic loading. The proprietary tri-segmented clip has dual undercutting embossments on each segment which enable secondary or "follow-up" expansion if a crack forms and intersects the anchor location. This significantly increases the ability of the anchor to carry load if the hole opened slightly due to a crack. The Strong-Bolt wedge anchor sets like a standard wedge anchor and is available in Imperial fractional sizes. For more information about the Strong-Bolt wedge anchor, visit www.simpsonanchors.com/IBC2006.

Pleasanton, Calif. - As one of Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems' most popular anchors, the Titen HD® screw anchor provides a high-strength connection for concrete and masonry. The patented anchor is now code listed for use in both cracked and uncracked concrete, meeting the requirements of the new 2006 International Building Code (IBC) for post-installed anchors (see ICC-ES evaluation report: ESR-2713).

The Titen HD screw anchor has been tested in accordance with AC193 and has shown to provide outstanding performance in cracked and uncracked concrete under both static and seismic loading conditions. The self undercutting, non-expansion characteristics of the anchor make it ideal for structural applications, even at reduced edge distances and spacings.

As an anchoring solution for all types of fixtures and base plates, the Titen HD anchor is available in 3/8"-3/4" diameters. The threaded design requires less installation torque, allowing for quick and easy installation. The anchor installs with standard size drill bits and is removable. For more information about the Titen HD screw anchor, visit www.simpsonanchors.com.

Pleasanton, Calif. - With the increasing number of tornadoes this year and hurricane season underway, there's no better time to prepare homes for high wind storms. Simpson Strong-Tie, a leader in structural building products for hurricane safety, is encouraging homeowners to take a few simple steps to help ensure their homes are storm ready.

"Almost all parts of the country are subject to high winds. Knowing if a home is storm ready requires a few simple steps," said Randy Shackelford, P.E., engineer and code specialist for Simpson Strong-Tie.

Shackelford says one of the first things to consider is where you live. "Coastal areas, for example, are more susceptible to powerful winds, like those from hurricanes. Building codes for these areas typically require homes to resist much higher wind speeds than inland homes. You'll want to check with your local building department to learn about the codes that govern your area."

Another indicator of a storm-ready house is when it was built. Older homes may not have been built to resist high winds. The most important indicator, however, is how the house is built. "You need to look at the critical areas of your home. How your roof, walls and foundation are attached, as well as window and garage door protection are key to protecting your home from wind damage," explained Shackelford.

He added, "In high wind storms, we often see homes that have lost their roofs. Typically, these roofs were only nailed to the home's walls-not attached using metal connectors. Nails alone can pull out, especially during a powerful wind storm."

If homeowners are not experienced in home construction or uncomfortable inspecting their homes, Simpson Strong-Tie recommends hiring a qualified, licensed home inspector or structural engineer to perform the inspection and identify areas in need of retrofit.

Simpson Strong-Tie offers a tip sheet, titled "5 Steps to a Safer and Stronger Home," to help homeowners understand how wind can affect their homes and provide steps to make their homes more storm resistant. The tip sheet and additional information about high wind safety are available at www.strongtie.com/highwind.

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. - The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. - FLASH®, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and its U.S. affiliate WeatherPredict Consulting Inc., Simpson Strong-Tie and State Farm® today opened an interactive and educational weather experience entitled StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes™ at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

StormStruck™ enables guests from around the world to experience the power of a weather event while learning how to best prepare for floods, hail, high winds, lightning and more. The exhibit features a spectacular, simulated, 3-D weather experience that combines a variety of weather hazards into one "storm." After guests have experienced the storm, they will learn about cutting edge scientific research and new construction technologies that can protect their home.

"This is a one-of-a-kind combination of interactivity and education for weather of all kinds that will help protect families and homes in the future," said Leslie Chapman-Henderson, FLASH CEO and president. "We are humbled by this opportunity to bring our vision and mission to life and grateful for the generous commitment of our sponsors."

Neill Currie, RenaissanceRe president and CEO, said, "StormStruck™ represents an extraordinary opportunity to educate homeowners about protecting themselves from major storms. RenaissanceRe's business centers on understanding weather perils to provide the best risk coverage for our clients, many of whom provide insurance to U.S. homeowners. Through this exciting initiative, we believe we can help make communities more resilient as well as reduce premium costs over time."

"With the large number of windstorms that we've seen this year, there's no better time than now to make sure homes are built right," said Terry Kingsfather , president of Simpson Strong-Tie. "For most people their homes are the largest investment they will ever make, so it's important they protect them. This exhibit will help homeowners understand how high winds affect their homes and how to make sure their homes are storm ready by installing such products as wind-resistant windows and garage doors, and using metal connectors to secure their roofs, walls and foundations."

"The StormStruck attraction provides an interactive and educational way for individuals to learn how to better protect their families and properties from weather events," said Rod Matthews, underwriting vice president for State Farm. "The experience at Innoventions and the information provided on the Web site is a valuable resource that will enable families to better prepare for the unexpected. State Farm is extremely excited and proud to be associated with this innovative effort."

"Epcot® is the theme park of discovery and it is fitting that the park that celebrates technological advancements would take the lead in providing important information for our guests on storm mitigation. This experience will provide a tremendous opportunity for the public to learn more about how they can protect their homes and families from weather perils" said Jim MacPhee, vice president, Epcot®.

The INNOVENTIONS attraction, located in the heart of Epcot®, is more than 100,000 square feet of hands-on, interactive exhibits where visitors from around the globe can celebrate inspiration and the innovations that improve their lives and expand their horizons. The weather-related experience is located in INNOVENTIONS East, one of two buildings in the pavilion at Epcot®.

PLEASANTON, Calif. - Simpson Strong-Tie has been honored with the prestigious Partners of Choice Award for the fourth consecutive year. Sponsored by David Weekley Homes, the nation's largest privately held for-profit homebuilder, the award program is a culmination of a year-long quality survey. Simpson Strong-Tie is one of eight suppliers to receive this year's award with an "A" ranking in both quality and service.

The Partners of Choice Awards program is based on a National Trading Partner Survey, a quarterly review of approximately 150 suppliers rated by employees from David Weekley Homes. Companies, known as "trading partners," are evaluated on both quality and service. Numeric scores are averaged and an alpha ranking of A through F is assigned in 20 percent increments based on each company's relative standing to others. The award program honors suppliers who earn either an "A" in quality or service in a 12-month period. Simpson Strong-Tie was among a select group of companies to receive an "A" in both quality and service.

"There are no shortcuts to success in our survey process," said Bill Justus, vice president of supply chain services for David Weekley Homes and founder of the program. "Over a four year period Simpson Strong-Tie has demonstrated through their actions to be world-class in delivering quality products and services to David Weekley Homes."

"Simpson Strong-Tie is proud to be a recipient of the Partners of Choice Awards," said Mike Moran, vice president of Simpson Strong-Tie builder programs. "We believe quality programs like this help raise the bar in home construction as they continue to challenge us to deliver the best products and service to our customers."

Launched in September 2003, the National Trading Partners Survey is sent to 1000 David Weekley employees who then rate trading partners on a scale of one to 10, with 10 considered a perfect score. Suppliers receive their scorecard each quarter, which includes performance scores and rater's comments.

Pleasanton, Calif. - For many years moment frames have been a typical method of providing high lateral force resistance for wood, steel and masonry construction. Stronger than site-built or factory-built shearwalls, moment frames allow larger openings and smaller wall sections in buildings while offering the high load values that structural designers and builders need. In the past, however, they have been time intensive to design and labor intensive to install. Simpson Strong-Tie has simplified both by developing a revolutionary alternative to traditional moment frames - the Strong Frame™ ordinary moment frame.

The Strong Frame moment frame is pre-designed and manufactured, taking the leg work out of the design process and reducing installation time on job sites. Some of the unique benefits include the following:

• Available in a variety of sizes up to 19 feet tall and 16 feet wide.
• Once designers determine the loads they need, they can then choose from many predesigned options to fit their project, saving them hours of calculations and detailing.
• Load values for prescriptive, wind and seismic areas.
• 100% bolted connections allowing for faster installation and no field welding; a standard socket or spud wrench is all that is needed to make the connection.
• Manufactured in a factory environment with comprehensive quality control measures. Installation in the field is made using reliable bolted connections, eliminating concerns about the quality of welds in the field as well as additional costly inspections.
• Wood nailers are preinstalled on the frame, saving installation time and reducing the chance of mistakes.
• Full anchorage solutions and one-size-fits-all templates to locate preassembled anchor bolt assemblies. Patent-pending shear lugs allow for close concrete edge placement.
• Epoxy and Titen HD post-installed anchorage solutions for prescriptive design applications.
• All frames fit in a standard 2x6 wall, eliminating the need for thicker walls or furring.
• Convenient to store and ship. Each frame is shipped flat to the job in three pieces with a box of bolts.

Strong Frame moment frames are an alternative to wider braced walls required by the UBC, IRC and IBC model building codes. As an alternate method, they help designers avoid the need for wider site-built walls and/or engineered solutions. The most common framing applications include standard first-floor installation, garage front applications for two and three car garages in one, two or three-story buildings, and balloon-framing applications for tall, open-style rooms, such as great rooms.

Strong Frame moment frames will be available nationwide in September.

Pleasanton, Calif. - For many years moment frames have been a typical method of providing high lateral force resistance for wood, steel and masonry construction. Stronger than site-built or factory-built shearwalls, moment frames allow larger openings and smaller wall sections in buildings while offering the high load values that structural designers need. In the past, however, they have been time intensive to design and labor intensive to install. Simpson Strong-Tie has simplified both by developing a revolutionary alternative to traditional moment frames - the Strong Frame ordinary moment frame.

Available later this year, the Strong Frame moment frame is pre-designed and manufactured, taking the leg work out of the design process and reducing installation time on job sites. For a sneak preview, visit Simpson Strong-Tie at PCBC, the Homebuilding Tradeshow in San Francisco, June 25-27, booth 0925 in the South Hall.

Simpson Strong-Tie will also showcase several new connector and anchor products along with its line of Quik Drive® auto-feed screw driving systems. Attendees can see demonstrations of the new Quik Drive PROCGB Combo System, an innovative tool that allows for quick and easy installation of cement board, fiber-cement board and gypsum panel underlayment as well as the Quik Drive PROPP150 system, a first to market tool featuring the patent-pending Precision Placement™ nosepiece, which enables fast, precise placement of collated screws in standing-seam metal roofing.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Simpson Strong-Tie announced that it has become a preferred supplier of NetPlus Alliance, a nationwide buying group of independent industrial and contractor supply distributors. Simpson Strong-Tie will now provide NetPlus Alliance members with its full line of anchor systems products.

Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® products include a wide variety of anchoring adhesives, mechanical anchors, powder actuated fasteners, carbide drill bits and crack injection repair products.

"NetPlus Alliance members have a very strong presence in the industrial supply channel and we're excited to be their exclusive anchoring products supplier. We look forward to working with them to grow their business," said Mark Kennedy, national accounts manager for Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems.

"NetPlus Alliance is very pleased to welcome Simpson Strong-Tie as a key supplier to our network of 365 construction and industrial supply distributors" said Dan Judge, president of NetPlus Alliance. "Simpson Strong-Tie brings a strong team of technical sales representatives and engineers to support our members as they market mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors and powder actuated tools."

NetPlus Alliance is a buying group which brings together suppliers and distributors of industrial and contractor supplies through value-added pricing, interactive communications and marketing programs.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Simpson Strong-Tie volunteers from across the country are traveling to the Gulf Coast, May 11-16, to work alongside former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. Simpson Strong-Tie employees join thousands of volunteers to build 30 new homes, rehabilitate 30 homes and frame up to 48 more in the host cities of Biloxi, Gulfport and Pascagoula, Miss., as part of the 25th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project hosted by Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

As part of this year's project, volunteers will build houses in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Alabama. The Carters will visit some of these sites and help build houses in New Orleans and Covington, La.; Bay St. Louis, Miss.; and Mobile, Ala., to help raise awareness of ongoing recovery taking place in the communities along the Gulf Coast.

In total, more than 250 houses will be built or repaired by the end of the year as part of the overall project. Families will pay a no-profit mortgage for the homes, with mortgage payments recycled to build even more simple, decent and affordable housing in these communities.

"Simpson Strong-Tie is committed to helping build safer and stronger homes economically in collaboration with families in need," said Terry Kingsfather, president of Simpson Strong-Tie. "By sharing similar goals with Habitat and working together at the 25th annual Carter Project, we can provide more people in the Gulf Coast with homes that are built to last."

In addition to sending a team of eighteen volunteers from California, Ohio, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina and Alabama, Simpson Strong-Tie is supporting Habitat's Carter Project with a cash donation and a supply of structural connector products to be used in the 30 new homes built during the weeklong project. Simpson Strong-Tie reinforced its support, which extends more than a decade, to Habitat for Humanity in 2007 when it announced that it would make a $1 million donation to the organization - the donation made up of cash and gift-in-kind products spans a four-year period. The donation is being used to help underwrite Habitat for Humanity projects, such as the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project and the Home Builders Blitz.

The Carters are Habitat's most famous volunteers. Each year since 1984, the Carters have given one week of their time to build homes and raise awareness about the need for simple, decent and affordable housing. Previous Carter Project events have been held in Los Angeles, Michigan, New York City, Hungary, the Philippines, South Korea and South Africa.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Today the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and Simpson Strong-Tie kick off Deck Safety Month® with a nationwide campaign to educate homeowners about ensuring their decks are safe and secure. Nearly 85 percent of homes in the U.S. have a deck, balcony or patio. It is estimated that 20 million of these decks nationwide are in need of repair or rebuilding.

"Deck failures like the tragic Chicago collapse of 2003, and the hundreds that go unreported each year, occur in an instant," said Michael Beaudry, executive vice president of NADRA. "We want to make sure consumers are aware of the necessity to maintain their decks, as well as the risks of having improperly built decks. It is critical that homeowners have the information and tools to regularly make sure that their decks are safe for use, no matter where they live."

In the past ten years, there have been more than 800 reported injuries and 20 deaths as a result of deck collapses. In many cases the failing decks were built incorrectly, had not been properly maintained or were beyond their lifespan of approximately 10-15 years.

"The reality of deck collapses is that many are not reported unless someone is injured or some legal action occurs," said Dr. Don Bender, a deck safety researcher and director of the Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory at Washington State University. "It's important for homeowners to remember that a valid deck inspection requires a registered design professional. If homeowners have any questions about finding a professional in their area, they should consult with their local building department."

The top ten U.S. cities with the highest percentage of homes with decks, as determined by the American Housing Survey for Metropolitan Areas, and that have reported one or more deck collapses in the last 10 years are: Atlanta, Birmingham, Kansas City, Seattle-Everett-Tacoma, Denver, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, Cincinnati and Miami-Ft. Lauderdale.

For example, in 2006 four people in Atlanta were seriously injured in a second-story deck collapse when inspecting a home they were considering purchasing. In 2001, five people were injured and an 18-year old student attending Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash., was killed during a college party at a student-rented house when a deck collapsed.

"Reported deck failures often occur in cities with older housing stock, large populations or in areas located on or near the water," said Jeff Arnold, ASHI executive director. "We want to remind homeowners to make sure they work with their home inspector to take the appropriate steps to keep their friends and family safe."

To evaluate the safety of their decks, homeowners should look for five warning signs that a deck is unsafe: loose connections (for example, a wobbly railing), missing connections (for example, the deck is just nailed, rather than bolted or screwed, to the side of the house), corrosion, rot and cracks. The two critical areas that typically contribute to a deck collapse are the railings and the deck's connection to the house.

To ensure the structural safety of a deck, it should be built with a continuous load path-a method of construction that creates a series of solid connections within the structure of the deck that transfers the load through its frame to the ground and adjacent support structure, commonly the house. If homeowners are unsure of the safety of their deck, experts suggest consulting with a registered design professional.

"Most deck collapses are entirely avoidable," said Steve Pryor, P.E., S.E., building systems R&D manager for Simpson Strong-Tie. "Our goal is to help educate homeowners about proper deck design, construction and maintenance so they can stay safe while enjoying their decks this summer."

In addition to its deck safety efforts with NADRA and ASHI, Simpson Strong-Tie is teaming with The Home Depot this May for deck safety workshops at stores throughout the U.S. The Home Depot and Simpson Strong-Tie also will host several events demonstrating safe deck construction techniques and the problems with a poorly constructed deck. Events will be held in these cities: Seattle - May 3rd; Atlanta - May 10th; Long Island (Jericho, NY) - May 17th; and Chicago - May 31st.

To assist homeowners in evaluating the safety of their deck, Simpson Strong-Tie has developed a deck edition of its "5 Steps to a Safer and Stronger Home" and a "Deck Framing Connection Guide." The five steps include checking for the warning signs of an unsafe deck, knowing how weight and other forces affect the safety of a deck, ensuring the deck is built with a continuous load path, combating corrosion and knowing how to maintain a deck. The guide is designed to help those who are building a deck understand the critical areas of deck construction. For more information, or to download the Deck Guide and "5 Steps to a Safer and Stronger Home," visit the Simpson Strong-Tie Web site at www.strongtie.com/safedeck.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Simpson Strong-Tie will introduce the Quik Drive PROCGB Combo System with two new auto-feed attachments at the ceramic tile and natural stone industry tradeshow, Coverings, April 29 - May 2, 2008 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Designed specifically for the tile contractor, the innovative new tool allows for quick and easy installation of cement board, fiber-cement board and gypsum panel underlayment. Demonstrations of the tool will be held at the Simpson Strong-Tie booth #5616 throughout the show.

The Quik Drive PROCGB Combo System is an all-in-one fastening solution designed to increase productivity and reduce installer fatigue. The auto-feed design uses collated screws to enable quick and easy fastening, and the extension allows contractors to get up off their knees and stand during installation. A powerful screwdriver motor, slim profile and compact body form a lightweight tool that can maneuver tight corners and power through the strongest of underlayment materials.

The PROCGB Combo System includes two auto-feed screw driving attachments crafted to fit a wide range of applications. The QDPROLDHG2 attachment is ideal for fastening cement and fiber-cement backerboard while the QDPRO200SG2 attachment handles gypsum panels.

The combo system drives an array of screws, which meet the tile underlayment installation requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The precise depth adjustment allows for easy, flush installation without overdriving.

The PROCGB Combo System joins a comprehensive series of Simpson Strong-Tie Quik Drive systems. The complete line of auto-feed screw driving tools provide a fast and reliable way to secure a wide variety of flooring, siding, decking, framing and drywall materials. The versatile design is compatible with an ever-growing selection of attachments, making it a truly all-inclusive fastening system.

For more information, including a complete Quik Drive catalog, visit the Quik Drive pages.

Pleasanton, Calif. - To better serve its Mid-Atlantic customers, Simpson Strong-Tie is setting up shop in Jessup, Maryland. The 39,600 sq. ft. facility will operate as a product distribution center and a will-call desk for local area customers. Shipping from Jessup will begin May 1st.

The Jessup warehouse will stock inventory to fill orders for Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Washington D.C., eastern West Virginia, eastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey. Previously, orders from these areas would have shipped from the Simpson Strong-Tie facility in Columbus, Ohio.

With this local presence, shipping time for product orders will decrease significantly - from up to four days to now just one day. "Customers also can pick up orders at our will-call desk to save time," said Kevin Dill, sales manager for Simpson Strong-Tie.

The facility will house more than 1,400 products. "This increased product offering gives designers and engineers more versatility with product specifications because they know that our product line will be readily available to their builder and contractor customers," added Dill.

Customers in the Mid-Atlantic region will continue to receive technical support from the Columbus, Ohio, facility. Technical support is available five days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EST) by calling 800-999-5099.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Simpson Strong-Tie announced that it has become a preferred supplier of Sphere 1, a nationwide cooperative of independent tool and fastener distributors. Simpson Strong-Tie will now provide Sphere 1 members with its line of anchoring systems and structural connectors.

Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® products include a wide variety of anchoring adhesives, mechanical anchors, powder actuated fasteners and carbide drill bits. Simpson Strong-Tie will also supply structural connectors, Strong-Wall® prefabricated shearwalls, Anchor Tiedown Systems for multi-story buildings and Quik Drive® auto-feed screw driving systems.

"Simpson Strong-Tie is excited to join Sphere 1 and we look forward to earning their members' business," said Mike Clemente, national sales manager for Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems. "We understand that our distributors face many challenges in the current residential construction market. Our team is committed to working with our distributors so they remain competitive and profitable during these difficult times."

"The Sphere 1 Cooperative is pleased to bring Simpson Strong-Tie on board as a new preferred supplier in the connector and anchor product categories," said Carol Shackelford, president and CEO of Sphere 1.

"The Simpson Strong-Tie organization and family of products bring many exciting opportunities to our membership. We look forward to working with our new vendor-partner to grow our business in 2008 and beyond."

Sphere 1 brings independent businesses together who benefit from a combined purchasing power. Sphere 1 members also receive such services as improved marketing channels, public relations, lobbying efforts, educational and training programs, networking opportunities, sharing of best business practices and technology support.