Raw Materials

Crow's Market Recap -- A condensed recap of the market conditions for the major North American softwood lumber and panel products as reported in Crow's Weekly Market Report.

PIMA has released a new technical bulletin which outlines best building practices when using polyiso insulation in a continuous insulation system for commercial walls.

This week, SBCA sent a letter to ALSC requesting they provide a clear appeal procedure in writing by the end of the week, to which SPIB issued a response letter.  In addition, AFP shared with its customers its letter succinctly outlining why ALSC should postpone ruling on SPIB's recommendations.

Due to the additional resources used for the unexpected Southern Pine lumber issue, SBCA has started a legal and technical fund to help offset the costs.

The results of a working session of Southern Pine lumber producers, component manufacturers, builders, lumber dealers and technical experts regarding proposed design values for visually graded Southern Pine lumber are now available in a  report. 

Volatile markets have become the norm for all type of businesses. For forest products, the result has been an ebb and flow of supply and demand worldwide. Add a giant — China — to the mix, and the results have been extraordinary.

After four long years, Widman's Market Barometer foresees some positive news for forest products in the coming year. This includes excerpts from their 2012 Outlook.

Southern Pine 2x4 has built and maintained an unusual premium to other SYP products.

Lumber production in the South gained 9.4% through three quarters, pacing a 5.7% rise across North America.

Residential building material prices show modest decline in November, but pressure is building for a sharp increase in the 2012.