The most well-known provider of Best Practices in HomeBuilding, BuildIQ® University, along with Simpson Strong-Tie® has began offering five online courses to teach constructors and their contractors as to how they can use structural connectors to develop homes that are even more secure and strong. The best part is that these courses are available free of cost through BuildIQ University’s online store.

The destruction that was previously caused by Hurricane Katrina and lately by Ike simply proves why it is necessary to ascertain that builders and contractors are well-aware of how to utilize and install structural connectors. Michael Dickens, founder and CEO of BuildIQ says, "The importance of properly installing structural connectors is a critical message we want to help spread".

Mike Moran, Vice President of Builder Programs at Simpson Strong-Tie believes that. “There’s a great need to create homes and buildings that are better able to withstand these hurricanes and other natural disasters. For example, in a hurricane, structural connectors redistribute the pressure of the wind on the exterior of the home to the frame, and then to the foundation–as long as they’re installed properly. Educating the homebuilding industry is an essential step in helping to minimize the structural damage that results from high winds and earthquakes."

The five innovative courses being offered through eLearning by Simpson Strong-Tie at BuildIQ University include:

• Basic Fastener Installation – This course aims to cover the basic aspects of perfectly setting up Simpson Strong-Tie connectors. It also teaches how to properly select and install nails and make use of screws and machine bolts.
• Plated Truss Products – This online education course covers the types of truss and terminology. It further takes in the fundamentals of properly installing Simpson Strong-Tie truss hangers and bracing products.
• Steel Strong-Wall® Shearwall Installations – The chief aim of this course is to teach constructors the correct method to install the Simpson Strong-Tie Steel Strong-Wall Shearwall (SSW). The distance education course covers some rather fundamental terminology and explains the methods of using concrete templates, the ways to install the SSW in four applications. It further educates individuals on how to steer clear from general mistakes that are made during installation.
• Introduction to Joist and Beam Hangers – This distance education course strives to cover the fundamentals of properly installing Simpson Strong-Tie joist and beam hangers.
• Introduction to Mudsill Anchors – Through this course, individuals would get to study about the basics of appropriately installing Simpson Strong-Tie mudsill anchors.

A very well-known Irvine, CA based large homebuilder by the name of Standard Pacific Homes® has already enrolled numerous of its employees into these online education courses. Steve Metzger, Standard Pacific’s Manager of Organizational Training and Development believes that, "The Simpson Strong-Tie series presents very rich content in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Our students have reacted favorably to the presentation style and the manageable length of the courses. The Simpson offerings are a great supplement to the existing BuildIQ course catalog".

Those interested in enrolling in any of the aforementioned online programs can acquire further information from BuildIQ® University.