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SMACNA Contractor’s Supersized Duct Delivers for California Hospital

The Sutter Women’s and Children’s Hospital project in Sacramento, California, was headed for disaster in the preconstruction phase in 2009. SMACNA contractor Air Systems Service and Construction (ASSC) of Sacramento was part of the winning team when the project was rebid under an Integrated Project Delivery model.

Celebrating SMACNA Members’ Anniversaries

While SMACNA National celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, there are many members and chapters who are also commemorating their own noteworthy milestones. We will share just a few of their milestones and their philosophies, humble beginnings and visions for the future.

Saving the Hardest for Last

In a construction-related business of any size, decisions come early and often, particularly when you are the owner.

Prefabrication Speeds Installation in Dormitory Spaces

Over the past several years, James Morgan, president and CEO of Worcester Air Conditioning, Ashland, Massachusetts, estimates that his sheet metal workers have prefabricated and installed ductwork in more than 3,000 dormitory rooms in colleges and universities across the Bay State.

IFS Helps Upgrade Missouri Schools to Reduce Energy Costs

Integrated Facility Services (IFS) of St. Louis, Missouri is a key player in the St. Louis County Pattonville School District’s $10.2 million dollar energy conservation project to upgrade the schools’ aging facilities and save on energy costs.

ITI Strike Force Training Focuses on Intricate Wall Panel Systems

As building envelope designs become more complex, so does installing their intricate wall paneling systems. Architects and design professionals are increasingly calling for the latest in-demand wall paneling systems.

2019 'Contractors to Watch’ Stress Innovation, Leadership

This feature showcases a select group of SMACNA contractors who are making a difference and having a positive impact in their local areas, whether through innovation, engagement or expansion.

President’s Column: Developing Our Strengths by Learning from Each Other

How do we improve the way we work in our shops? How do we know what works and what doesn’t, what new shop technologies to test and what not to waste our time on, and what’s a good investment and what should we avoid at all costs?

SMACNA Announces Internship Program in Partnership with the American Institute of Architecture Students

SMACNA announced the launch of its architectural internship program in collaboration with the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS).

University Innovation Center Designed for Collaboration

The roof and façade design for a new academic building project created “the perfect blend of high-tech and natural esthetics” for the University of Maryland’s new Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering, according to Scott Callaway of Overly Custom Metal Systems.

A Green Roof Springs to Life

On top of a pharmaceutical company’s parking garage in Wilmington, Delaware, there grows a thriving patch of countryside, courtesy of SMACNA member Ernest D. Menold Inc.

San Diego Crime Lab Requires Complex Systems

Associate Mechanical Contractors' complex HVAC system for the San Diego county Crime Lab helped it achieve LEED-Gold status.

Geauga Mechanical Contributes to Luxury High-Rise’s LEED Status

Expertise in energy efficiency and early involvement in the planning process were the keys to a successful residential – and landmark – project for Geauga Mechanical of Chardon, Ohio, according to CEO Craig Berman, LEED AP, CEM.

Sheet Metal Workers’ National Pension Fund Trust Document

The Sheet Metal Workers’ National Pension Fund (NPF) is a defined benefit pension fund.  As a defined benefit plan, all NPF assets are held in trust for the benefit of all participants.  This Trust Document sets out the terms and conditions for eligibility for benefits and the complex calculation of benefits.

SMACNA Announces Launch of Podcast Series, “Let’s Talk Shop”

SMACNA announced the launch of a new podcast series, “Let’s Talk Shop.” The series highlights conversations with sheet metal contractors and executives on topics and trends related to their business.

Funding Improvement Plan and Funding Policy

This notice, issued in March 2017 by the Sheet Metal Workers’ National Pension Fund (NPF), outlines updates to the Funding Improvement Plan (FIP), initially adopted in 20

Tools for the Hiring, Promotion, and Talent Development of Sheet Metal and Mechanical Contractors

The New Horizons Foundation partnered with lead researchers at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the University of Kansas to understand how personality and aptitude assessments are being used successfully in the construction industry.

Equipment Warranty Options for Residential Contractors

SMACNA’s Equipment Warranty Options for Residential Contractors guide covers the four major types of equipment warranties (contractor, manufacturer, third-party, and customer).

Free Look Questionnaire and Sample CBA Language

Free Look allows a newly-signed Employer to participate in the National Pension Fund without incurring withdrawal liability should the Employer’s obligation to contribute to the Fund end within 48 months of the Employer’s signatory date.

Federal Apprenticeship Program Rule Update

In 2016, the United States Department of Labor issued updated regulations placing certain obligations on apprenticeship program sponsors to take affirmative action in relation to registered apprenticeship programs

Climate Engineers Video Shows Benefits of Prefabrication

In this video, eastern Iowa-based Climate Engineers describes the benefits and business opportunities of an efficient prefabrication process from fabrication through installation.

Soldering Copper Flat Lock Roof Seams

This study tests the use of 1/2 inch wide flat lock seam soldered joints. The industry’s current recommended widths are 5/8-inch-wide flat lock seams (Architectural Sheet Metal Manual by SMACNA) and 3/4-inch-wide flat lock seams (Copper and Common Sense by Revere Copper).

Actuary's "Best Estimate" Needed for Withdrawal Liability Calculation

A federal judge in New York ruled that using the “Segal Blend” interest assumption to calculate a withdrawing company’s multiemployer pension liability was a “mistake” and unsupported by the record. 

PBGC Issues Policy on Alternative Withdrawal Liability Payment Rules

In April, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation issued guidance to assist multiemployer pension plans seeking to have the PBGC review their alternative plan rules for satisfying employer withdrawal liability. The

Guide to EEO Compliance

SMACNA contractors who work on federal contracts have certain equal employment opportunities (EEO) obligations imposed upon them that may not apply to contractors who do not work on federal contracts.

Rethinking Offsite Construction

FMI research in 2018 surveying owners offers a high-level snapshot of U.S. offsite construction environment at the time.

Building Boom Continues in Canada

The economy’s prolonged strength has left Canadian sheet metal and air conditioning contractors working on major projects across the country in 2019.

Zahner’s South Korean Tower Sparkles

A dramatic curved stainless steel façade gave the A. Zahner Co. of Kansas City, Missouri, another opportunity to further expand its geographic reach to the Harim Tower in Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea.

Report: Safety Management in the Construction Industry

Published by Dodge Data and Analytics, this new report builds on two other reports examining the positive impacts that today’s policies, procedures, and technology have on safety cultures in the construction industry.

Collective Bargaining Considerations for Monitoring Technology

An overview of the law under the National Labor Relations Act concerning use of technology to monitor employees and employer property. 

Virtual Design and Construction Practice: Benefits, Challenges, and Proven Strategies for AEC Team

This 2017 white paper offers insight into the growing use of virtual design and construction on construction projects. It describes the opportunities and challenges of VDC including three projects conducted by a leading architectural metal firm, A. Zahner and Company, where VDC played an important role.

OSHA Rule on Silica in Construction

The OSHA rule for silica in construction became effective September 23, 2017 although OSHA included a 30-day “grace period” for full enforcement. SMACNA members affected by this rule are encouraged to take a “holistic” approach to silica compliance by assessing the tasks and processes where silica (found in concrete) is disturbed (cut, drilled, grinded, etc.). SMACNA members should be aware that “Table One” and dust collection tools are not the only options for compliance. 

Building Energy Codes: Why Should Homeowners Care?

Residential HVAC contractors take note: Homeowners overwhelmingly put energy efficiency at the top of their list of essential and desirable features, according to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). 

Who is Paying that Bill?

It is sometimes in a trustee’s best interest to retain an attorney at the outset of an investigation by the Department of Labor (DOL) for possible violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

Decision-Making Framework for New Market Opportunities: A 10-Step Process

Are you ready to add a new line of work or a new market for your existing line of work? Market opportunities can present themselves in a variety of ways:

• a customer could ask your company to expand geographically;
• an employee might offer up specific skills;
• or a new market in need of service can have a strong pull.

Enhancing Your Organizational Structure: An Approach to Profitable Operations

This white paper focuses on traditional and functional organizational structures. It offers a simple and easily understood contrast and comment on the appropriateness of each approach. In contrast to the traditional structure, the paper concludes that a functional analysis of a firm’s operations can be “a tool for designing their organization going forward. It views a contracting company as a system of various inputs coordinated to create one desired outcome.”

A Well-Run Benefit Fund is Clear, Concise, and Careful

Effective communication with plan participants is key to having a well-run benefit fund. Guidance on effective communication is abundant. In short, be clear, be concise, and be careful. 

Lean construction methods: efficient work, happy customers

This article describes how lean construction is a way of working that reduces waste, increases efficiency, helps the environment, and allows for working smarter, not harder. But while the concept is one that has unofficially been practiced in the unionized sheet metal industry for years, the ITI is leading an effort to make the concept more standardized in apprentices’ training.

Waiver of Recourse: Don't Get Caught Holding the Bill

ERISA trust funds are required by law to purchase a fidelity bond covering breaches of honesty by covered individuals. Fiduciary liability coverage on the other hand is not required by ERISA. 

2017 Update for Architectural Fascia and Coping Wind Tests Report

SMACNA’s Technical Resources Committee completed wind uplift testing on custom-fabricated fascia and coping architectural elements constructed in accordance with the SMACNA Architectural Sheet Metal Manual.

Navigating the Slippery Slope: Testing Apprentices

This is part of a three-part series providing guidelines for Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) to follow when recruiting and selecting individuals into an apprenticeship program. For information on

Navigating the Slippery Slope: The Application and the Interview

This post is second in a three-part series providing guidelines for Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) to follow when recruiting and selecting individuals into an apprenticeship program. For information on

Homeowners and contractors alike benefiting from PACE residential programs

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Energy released revised guidelines for best practices incorporating lessons learned from successful PACE programs.