Solutions for Labor Shortage Challenges

Time & Labor Saving Products for Your Labor Shortage Challenges

The U.S. construction industry is booming, and job openings are abundant, but hiring is struggling to keep up. One way to succeed in the current labor environment is to choose products that decrease installation time, require fewer skilled workers and employ emerging technologies. 

We've identified a collection of products proven to save time and labor. When you see our Time Saver icon, you can count on that product to help deliver professional results on schedule.

Look for Time Savers from top-quality brands for Decking & Railing, Exteriors, Structural Solutions and more! 

LP's WeatherLogic Air & Water Barrier achieves labor efficiency by integrating a structural roof and wall system with a water and air-resistant barrier, turning weatherization into a simple process. According to independent studies, integrating sheathing with a water-resistant barrier combined in a single product is 40% faster than using house wrap. A single person can apply the seal tape vs a 2-person crew that is needed to do a second lap around the house to install traditional house wrap. Add into this that no additional time is needed to reinstall wrap that has come loose. The house envelope is sealed sooner, reducing total time to completion of the project.

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Trex Signature Railing Panels offer installers a 50% time savings by delivering prebuilt railing panels directly to the jobsite. Labor savings add up quickly by eliminating the need to mount brackets, center pins and align the balusters into the top rail.

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The Trex Universal Fastener Installation Tool makes installing Trex Universal Fasteners much more efficient. Designed to create a one-step approach to driving the fastener, this tool can reduce installation time up to 50%. Featuring a nose cone to ensure you hit the head of the screw every time, a handle that allows for both pushing and pulling and a handy bit holder in the bottom, this tool was created with both the professional and the first time DIY'er in mind.

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Diamond Pier's foundation system can be installed in minutes without excavation or concrete, which means there is NO DOWN TIME on the job site waiting for concrete to dry, or for the inspection process to happen. Piers can be installed in the morning and decking can begin in the afternoon. This can potentially save 1-2 DAYS PER PROJECT. Crews don't have to leave the site while concrete dries, which gives them the opportunity for more jobs each month with the same amount of labor.

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LP Building solutions worked with an independent third party to conduct a time and motion study. Professional installers with varying levels of experience worked together to install each product against the clock, on a layout and specifications typical for a two-story house. SmartSide Lap Siding proved to install up to 22% faster than fiber cement lap, according to LP. The study also showcased easier installation with LP SmartSide siding in 16-foot lengths. This length not only provided 33% more siding than the typical 12-foot siding from competitors, but it was also just as easily passed up a story from one installer to another.

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Amerhart Fabrication, Classic line, features ready-made products such as decorative gable brackets with a variety of widths and pitches available. These exterior trim treatments add character to a structure, offer low maintenance, and ensure fast assembly.

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The double course 7-inch 3G Straight Edge Perfection Shingles and Cedar Impressions accent panels are reported to cover more area and require fewer fasteners than single course siding, therefore requiring fewer installers. CertainTeed further claims that features like the panels' "continuous lock," "engineered side tabs with lead-in," "hammer assist pads," ability to "prevent hard nailing," and "hidden drainage holes" (among other advantages) also help in reducing labor time and costs.

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Window and door leaks are a concern for contractors, builders, and homeowners. These critical penetration areas must be flashed properly to prevent water from entering the building. Corners are the most vulnerable areas of window and door systems. GCP VYCORner offers a superior flashing solution for window and door corners. It is easy to install, and saves labor.

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