October 2006 - Firm Builds Panelized Roof For Brooks Corp. Job
By Mandi Harding, FCA Executive Director

New to the Framing Contractors Association fold, Las Vegas Framing isn’t new to the complexities and unique techniques involved in constructing panelized roof structures.

The company is bringing its panelized roofing expertise to the H Biz Center project located at 1851 Whitney Mesa Drive in Henderson. The Brooks Corp. project will transform the vacant land into five new commercial buildings.

“While this isn’t our first panelized project, it is our first project with Brooks Corp.,” said Travis Tamiazzo Las Vegas Framing’s sales and safety director. “Brooks Corp.’s Project Superintendent, Paul Schwering, has been a tremendous asset to our working relationship; everything has gone smoothly.”

Las Vegas Framing owner Mike Tamiazzo echoed similar sentiments, “We foresee this project with Brooks Corp. as the start of a promising relationship. Our company is always looking to work with professional general contractors in the commercial realm.”

Las Vegas Framing is constructing 45,000 square feet of panelized roofs and 15,000 square feet of mezzanines carrying a price tag of $410,000.

“It’s a hybrid roof system consisting of steel joists and girders, wood subpurlin and plywood sheathing,” added Travis.

Tight working quarters and safety have proven to be two challenging obstacles to maneuver with the Whitney Mesa project.

“The logistics of working on a tight site like this where there aren’t a lot of clearances really encourages pre-planning, because you can find yourself and your crew boxed right out of the building without it,” said Mike.

“Our safety policy is stringent. When working on the roof, we have an absolute tie-off policy which is accomplished by using retractables that have an anchorage point on the roof and a hook to the worker’s harness. All of our employees undergo a company policies training and briefing and then they are trained in fall protection before they ever step foot onto one of our jobsites, said Travis. “We also conduct a weekly training debriefing conducted by our foreman and each employee’s time card is then signed off on the back indicating their participation.”

Travis also noted that enforcement is another primary component to effective safety policies and training. Las Vegas Framing takes an innovative approach with regard to disciplining for safety violations, and the consequences are not punitive in nature, but rather quite simply, more training.

Las Vegas Framing Project Manager Matt Tamiazzo is a mainstay, overseeing the day-to-day logistics and 21 employees at this site. Matt ensures the prefabricated sections of panelized roof assembled on the ground, are done so properly, and installed with quality and safety in mind.

“On an average day we can fly in 10,000 to 20,000 square feet of panelized roofing depending on the building size and the spans. Our work schedule is about seven weeks and we’ve tightly coordinated with Brooks Corp.’s sequence of structure. In other words, we have been following close to the completion of the concrete work and once the steel posts are installed we can begin the process of getting the girders set and so forth,” said Matt.

Matt also noted the mezzanines and interior walls are the time consuming element with the roofs installing in minimal time.
Las Vegas Framing should have its scope of work wrapped up shortly.

 “As a new member to the FCA and the AGC we look forward to establishing strong relationships with other members we haven’t previously had the opportunity to work with,” said Mike. “Another aspect that has proved beneficial is learning about the industry’s legislative issues ahead of time before they come down the pike.”

Las Vegas Framing is a family business specializing in commercial production rough carpentry and panelized roof structures. Its success is a direct result of its ability to provide personal, hands-on service to its customers, no matter what size job. Las Vegas Framing staffs each of its projects with the best skilled workers and field personnel.

Mike brings more than 26 years of building experience to Las Vegas Framing and oversees all aspects of the business. “We are committed to providing the most professional and competitive service available. Our team is dedicated to your satisfaction and to completing your project per your schedule.”