Beyond the Code | Allyco Supply

Engineering Resilience

Quality isn't just compliance — it's the foundation for infrastructure built to last.

STEP Code 101:
Building smarter, one STEP at a time

In British Columbia, the future of construction isn't just taller or faster — it's more energy efficient. And leading that change is the BC Energy STEP Code, a performance-based standard shaping how new buildings are designed and built across the province. This pushes the industry to move towards high efficiency and stronger long-term performance. It also guides the industry toward a net-zero energy-ready buildings by 2032.

Unlike traditional prescriptive codes, the STEP Code focuses on how well a building performs. That means better airtightness, tighter envelopes, stronger thermal efficiency, and materials that can withstand real-world stress.

Why does this matter?

As municipalities adopt higher steps, every part of the building — from fasteners and hangers to channel, rods, and fittings — must support energy-efficient construction. High-quality materials help buildings:

Reduce heat loss through the envelope
maintain airtightness under stress
Improve durability in changing climates
Prepare for the transition to the Zero Carbon STEP Code

The STEP Code isn't just policy — it is a performance pathway shaping the future of construction in BC. Understanding it helps builders and suppliers stay ahead as standards rise and expectations grow.

Learn more: BC Energy STEP Code

The Critical Role of 60° Threaded Rod

In the world of construction, small details carry big weight—especially when it comes to threaded rod. One of the most overlooked, yet essential features? The 60-degree thread angle.

This precise angle is the standard for a reason. It's what allows a nut to sit just right, grip securely, and carry its load safely. However, when the angle is reduced—sometimes down to 40 or even 37 degrees in low-grade imports—the connection becomes loose, weak, and unpredictable.

Why does this matter?

With the rise of high-rise buildings, climate-related stress, and urban densification, every connection point must be built to last. The right thread angle:

Supports heavy loads in multi-story developments
Withstands real-world stress from wind, seismic shifts, and anthropogenic vibration
Complies with ASTM & ASME standards used in engineering specs
Reduces risk of failure in critical applications like anchors and hangers, and structural supports — even under climate-driven stressors

60° isn’t just a number—it’s a performance standard that safeguards buildings, infrastructure, and the people who rely on them.

What is ASTM Standard?

You’ll see it everywhere in construction specs: ASTM this, ASTM that—but what does it actually mean?

ASTM stands for the American Society for Testing and Materials. It’s a globally recognized organization that sets the standards for how materials should be made, measured, and tested. In short, if a product meets an ASTM standard, it means it’s been built to a reliable, consistent, and safety-tested benchmark.

For threaded rod, that includes things like:

Thread profile and tolerance (like DIN 976 for go/no-go)
Strength grades (like Gr.307, Gr.105 F1554)
Coating and corrosion resistance (like HD Galv to ASTM A123/153/767 and Zinc Plating to ASTM B633)

Why should you care?

Because ASTM-compliant products don’t guess—they meet proven, tested expectations. This is especially critical for:

High-rise and structural builds
Government and infrastructure projects
Engineers who don’t want surprises
Projects demanding durability amid environmental stressors

Choosing ASTM-compliant products means choosing performance, accountability, and long-term peace of mind.

A Little Extra Goes a Long Way

When it comes to steel channel, rod, or fittings, not all sizes are exactly as stated—and that’s not a bad thing. Plus tolerance means the material is made slightly thicker or larger than the minimum required spec.

Why is that important?

Stronger under load — thicker steel resists deformation and fatigue
Better thread engagement — especially critical in nut-and-rod connections
Holds up to real-world stress — from natural seismic movement to anthropogenic vibration to unexpected over-torquing and more
Exceeds minimums set by ASTM or building codes — not just "to code," but beyond it
Designed for resilience in an era of increasing climate-related variability
A future-proofing advantage for long-term performance in evolving conditions

For example, a channel listed as 12GA G90 follows the North American Standard, ensuring consistent quality and performance for the material. It’s a small difference — but it adds big value.

Products with plus tolerance aren’t just compliant—they’re built to outperform and endure.

From Source to Site: ISO - Compliance

ISO compliance means aligning with the standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)—a global framework for ensuring consistency, accountability, and quality in business operations.

For suppliers and distributors in the construction industry, ISO compliance plays a critical role in:

Product traceability — the ability to track materials from origin to delivery
Quality management
Environmental responsibility
Information handling and documentation

Achieving compliance involves having clear processes and documentation in place—without necessarily requiring formal certification. But even without a certificate, ISO compliance demonstrates a commitment to international best practices and gives customers confidence that what they’re buying can be traced, verified, and trusted.

In short: ISO compliance helps ensure you know what you're getting—and where it came from.