Walls & Ceilings articles from December 2003

Walls & Ceilings archives from December 2003

Owners and taking ownership.(Up Front)
December 1, 2003... I just returned from Chicago where W & C and USG hosted our second annual contractor roundtable, this year with commercial ceiling contractors (a feature on the roundtable will appear next month). There was a universal unspoken acceptance among...

Insurance issues.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... Nick, Robert Thomas' article "The Insurance Situation" (Finish Line, October 2003, W & C) piqued my interest. I respect Thomas' knowledge and experience in our industry on many topics but I am troubled by some of his views regarding the...

AWCI sponsors development of an insurance company/2004 trade show announced with agenda.(Trade News)
December 1, 2003... The Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries--International has sponsored the development of a captive insurance company to provide general liability, including EIFS, for its members. For more information, call 800-523-7526. On Jan....

Three more states adopt international codes.(Trade News)
December 1, 2003... Nebraska, Nevada and Oklahoma are the latest in a string of states adopting the International Code. Nebraska adopted the 2000 International Building Code, International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation Code for its state...

Master Wall and United Coatings enter agreement.(Trade News)
December 1, 2003... Master Wall Inc. and United Coatings have entered into an agreement to manufacture Master Wall products in United Coatings' Spokane, Wash., plant. United Coatings' sales staff and regional sales manager Brady Kolden will remain to service the...

NFPA opens Sacramento office.(Trade News)
December 1, 2003... The National Fire Protection Association has established a new office in Sacramento. NFPA's Sacramento staff will continue working with state agencies to make state-specific amendments to NFPA's model building and fire codes. Each time the...

Kuiken Bros. acquires Elmwood.(Trade News)
December 1, 2003... Building material dealer Kuiken Bros. Co. Inc. has acquired Elmwood Supply Co. The new entity will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kuiken doing business as Elmwood Supply. Elmwood will continue to operate as a supplier and...

Hyde announces acquisition of A. Richard.(Trade News)
December 1, 2003... Hyde Manufacturing Co. announced the acquisition of A. Richard Ltd., in October. It will be a strategic partner with Hyde Tools Inc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The partnership with A. Richard Ltd., in business since 1890, will enable Hyde...

NAD recommends modifications to masonry industry's advertising campaign.(Trade News)
December 1, 2003... The Gypsum Association announced that the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus Inc., the advertising industry's self-regulatory forum, has recommended that the National Concrete Masonry Association modify and...

Western wall replica.(Trade News)
December 1, 2003... A taste of Jerusalem came to the Detroit area in the form of a Western Wall reproduction. The massive wall, created by the Derse Company, of Milwaukee, was recently installed in the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit's new...

Hacker Industries Inc.(People)
December 1, 2003... Heidi Hauff has been appointed communications coordinator for Hacker Industries Inc. Renee Haas joined Hacker as marketing coordinator.

Stellar Industries Inc.(People)
December 1, 2003... Stellar Industries Inc. appointed Kenneth Lee to chief operating officer/chief financial officer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Vaughan & Bushnell Manufacturing Co.(People)
December 1, 2003... Charles S. Vaughan has been appointed vice president of operations for Vaughan & Bushnell Manufacturing Co.

Gorell Windows & Doors.(People)
December 1, 2003... Gorell Windows & Doors has named Roger Haney customer service representative.

Salvatore DiBenedetto.(People)
December 1, 2003... Decoplast announced that its regional sales manager Salvatore DiBenedetto died in October. DiBenedetto was the regional sales manager for the company's acrylic stucco products and fresco line of venetian plaster in the continental U.S. A...

Gypsum Association announces CEO/executive director.(Trade News)
December 1, 2003... Michael A. Gardner has been named executive director and chief executive officer of the Gypsum Association by its Board of Directors, effective Jan. 1, 2004. The appointment of Gardner, officially announced following the October 3, 2003, Board...

Fiberglass-acrylic system.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Specification Chemicals [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Nu-Wal Restoration System is a fiberglass-acrylic plaster restoration system for interior or exterior walls or ceilings. As simple as applying wallpaper, it projects an original plaster...

Natural solid wood doors.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Madawaska Doors Inc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Mosiac Series is available in any size, design and wood. This line of doors exhibits a prounounced pattern created by joining small pieces of wood with a cope and bead joint. Door types...

Black mold solution.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Sealmark Corp. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Protect Coating is a safe, water-based polymer blend that will waterproof and prevent the growth of mold on a variety of building materials. The coating has been tested as per the ASTM Standard D...

Butt joint tool.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Trim-Tex Inc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The EZ-Backer splicer allows one to get a perfectly strong, flat finish of seams between joists by attaching only to drywall. The tool pulls back the edges of cut ends of wallboard creating a...

Plaster series.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... J.P. Weaver [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The company is known for finely designed large custom staff crown moldings of European design. Each original design has been created by the staff's own designers and sculptors. The Signature Plaster...

Crown moldings.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Hyde Park Fine Art of Mouldings Inc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In both classical and contemporary settings, the company's crown moldings complement the architecture of a room. Crown moldings, like cove moldings, are used when the ceiling...

Plaster molding.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Balmer [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The company manufactures fine quality ornamental plaster molding in glass fiber reinforced gypsum. Elegant plaster cornice molding, ceiling centers and domes, ceiling tiles and ornament, classical columns,...

Ladder leveling tool.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Pro Vision Tools Inc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The PiViT replaces more than $200 worth of accessories, most notably metal ladder leveling legs that must be bolted to the ladder. Because it doesn't attach to the ladder, (it's portable) it...

Window wells.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Bilco [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ScapeWEL Window Well System makes lower-level living areas brighter and fresher while providing safe, code-compliant emergency egress. The system consists of two side panels, and two or three step panel...

Venetian plaster.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Sepp Leaf Products Inc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kolcaustico Venetian Plaster is an elegant, tintable wall finishing material that offers unlimited opportunities to create distinctly different surfaces. It is easily applied and worked...

Glass walls.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... NaNa Wall Systems Inc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The NanaWall is a glass wall, framed in everything from modern extruded aluminum and traditional muntined wood to aluminum-clad wood frames. The panels ride on a hidden overhead track and...

Metal lath book.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Metal Lath Consultants Co. LLC [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The Metal Lath Handbook: A Guide to Products and Installation, and Their Relationship to Portland Cement Stucco," by Gary Maylon, covers every aspect of metal lath, including metal...

Stucco resource guide.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Stucco Resource Guide's third edition contains information on the properties of stucco, a comprehensive guide specification for stucco projects and more than 100 details...

Decorative wood ceilings.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Hardwood Interiors Inc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Wood Coffered Ceiling System is based on a nominal 24-inch-by-24-inch and is constructed by using spring U-clips for a quick and simple installation. No special tools are needed for...

Various ceiling patterns.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Hall's Creative Surfaces Inc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Creative Ceilings are made of self-extinguishing expanded polystyrene and are easy to install using mastic adhesive. Some patterns are finished with overlapping edges to hide gaps....

Dryer vent box.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... In-O-Vate Technologies [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Dryerbox is a recessed dryer vent box that saves space in the laundry room, allows the clothes dryer to operate more efficiently and reduces a common household fire hazard. The product...

Interior wall coating.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Med Imports [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] An all-natural interior wall coating made from a combination of clay, sand, and cellulose, Terramed is available in 12 colors. The colors are derived naturally from clays found throughout the...

Wall reflective insulation.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Fi-Foil Co. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The VR Plus Shield is a triple-layer reflective insulation intended for use in vertical wall cavities formed by furring strips attached to the inside of masonry walls. It will yield R-value of 7.1 on...

Cellulose insulation.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Applegate Insulation [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The company provides premium, low-dust cellulose insulation products, as well as service, support and technical training. Applegate Insulation is made of 85-percent recycled newsprint and...

Flexible molding.(Most Requested Products of 2003)
December 1, 2003... Style Solutions [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Flexible Moulding pieces can be manipulated to fit almost any curve or bend, making it easier for builders and remodelers to add molding accents to the interior and exterior of residential and...

National Gypsum's Gold Bond[R] BRAND GridMarX[TM] Wallboard: receiving rave reviews.
December 1, 2003... National Gypsum's commitment to innovation has certainly paid off with the introduction of Gold Bond[R] BRAND GridMarX[TM] Gypsum Wallboard, which is revolutionizing the way drywall is installed. Developed in response to contractor requests,...

Expansion/control joints: the most controversial metal lath accessory; No matter how many opinions there are, ASTM C1063 as cited in the new International Building Code and most model building codes, requires the installation of control/expansion joints.
December 1, 2003... The International Building Code and most model building codes reference ASTM C1063, the Standard Specification for the Installation of Lathing and Furring to Receive Interior and Exterior Portland Cement-Based Plaster, as the lath installation...

The "DRY" in drywall: increasingly, construction drying is becoming a logical option for large projects requiring strict climate consistency during drywall installations.
December 1, 2003... As the drywall installation began at the Seattle Central Library, one component the job personnel didn't have to worry about was climate control. A process called "construction drying" works by using desiccant dehumidification instead of the...

Wall systems go to school.
December 1, 2003... Remember the gypsum panel wall systems used in many offices built during recent decades? Ever wonder what happened to them? Well, they're still being used and built in offices. But the systems have also found a new home: elementary and...

Vinyl solutions.
December 1, 2003... Specifying wallcoverings for office and other commercial interiors can be enjoyable and challenging. With the wide range of colors, textures and patterns available, wallcovering in most cases adds more to the overall design effect than any...

Go mechanical!(Mechanical Taper Roundup)
December 1, 2003... Mechanical taping in drywall applications can offer contractors a much faster way to complete larger projects. According to Myron Ferguson's book, "Drywall," mechanical taping offers the following advantages: Consistent uniform results, faster...

Face to face: Jerry Walker; Jerry Walker has been executive director of the Gypsum Association since Oct. 1988. With his retirement becoming official Dec. 31, W & C spoke with him about his experiences in the gypsum industry.
December 1, 2003... Walls & Ceilings: Define Gypsum Association, its age and its mission. Jerry Walker: Gypsum Association's primary mission is to enhance the use of gypsum board and products in North America. It was chartered in 1930 in Chicago, with about...

Shine on, apprentices: the BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest provided a convincing, dramatic example of just how that training passes the craft's artistry and versatility to the next generation of plasterers.
December 1, 2003... Plaster training goes on day in and day out throughout the training system of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers and the International Masonry Institute. The finals for this contest were held in October in...

A retirement plan for sole proprietors: sole proprietors should all be utilizing the advantages of 401 k.
December 1, 2003... In its original form, the 401 k retirement plan was only for employees of corporations. No more. Now, business owners operating as sole proprietorships, self-employed or partnerships may open a 401 k--provided the business has no employees...

Steel framing.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Nucon Steel NUCONSTEEL[TM], a subsidiary of Nucor--America's largest steel producer--manufactures and markets integrated steel structural solutions for the light-gauge, load-bearing, steel framing industry. Based on its proprietary...

OmegaFlex.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Omega Products International OmegaFlex 100 percent Acrylic Finishes are manufactured with high-grade quality aggregates and proprietary additives that produce a superior, user-friendly, low-maintenance product. OmegaFlex finishes come in...

Fireproofing pump.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Quikspray Inc. Quikspray offers the Carrousel Pump (40 models available). It is used worldwide throughout more than 60 countries because of its ease of operation, low/no maintenance, simplicity and versatility. The Carrousel spray-applies...

Perimeter Trims.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Pittcon Industries Pittcon Industries offers the PT-8 and PT-4 Perimeter Trims for acoustical ceilings, as well as custom Column Covers with Light Sconces. Drywall and Plaster trims are also available. Large inventory, multiple facilities...

Training opportunity.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... The Plasterers & Cement Masons Job Corps Training Program Helping disadvantaged youth develop self-esteem, confidence, respect for others, and pride in themselves through the quality and value of their work. Our goal is to enable our...

Need a heavier gauge?(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Flex-Ability Concepts NEED A HEAVIER GAUGE? Flex-Ability Concepts introduces 16-gauge 6-inch Flex-C Trac. All the same great features of the 20-gauge product with the same 18-inch outside radius in a heavy-duty 16 gauge. The leg height on...

Pressed tin for walls and ceilings.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Chelsea Decorative Metal Co. Pressed tin for walls and ceilings. Sheets come in 2-feet-by-4-feet sheets with either a 3-, 6-, 12- or 24-inch repeat pattern. Styles range from Art Deco to Victorian. Our newest addition to our line is great...

Wallboard material handling unloader.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Garden State Engine & Equipment Co. Inc. GSE & E wallboard unloaders are designed to deliver stacked building material--specifically wallboard--directly into building windows. This allows for supplies to be placed exactly where they are...

Texture line.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Spraytex Inc. Spraytex Inc. is proud to announce the release of its expanded texture line, now including a water-based quick drying Industrial Orangepeel, Acoustic Plus with proprietary particles, Interior Sand Finish, and Exterior...

Slp-Trk[R], slotted track.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Dietrich Metal Framing Dietrich Metal Framing has announced that it has signed a marketing agreement with Brady Sliptrack Systems of Sacramento, Calif. This exclusive marketing agreement combines the nation's largest metal framing...

Trim nailer for steel framing.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... ET & F Fastening Systems ET & F Fastening Systems, the world's leading supplier of pneumatic fastening systems for steel framing, has released its Model 110 Trimfast System for attaching wood trim to steel, 14 gauge and lighter. Trimfast...

EIFS and Stucco repair.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Stuc-O-Flex Looking for a Resolution to Exterior Wall Concerns? Stuc-O-Flex International Inc. offers Elastomeric Acrylic Finishes for direct application to most existing substrates including EIFS and Stucco. This stretchable coating...

Drywall tools.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Warehouse Bay Corp. Warehouse Bay offers a large variety of professional tools, equipment and accessories for the installation and repair of: drywall, plaster, stucco and EIFS, fasteners, trowels, joint tapes, masking tapes, spray...

Rapid Joint[R] lightweight setting compound.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Lafarge North America Rapid Joint[R]'s time-controlled hardening properties make it easy to meet the requirements of any project schedule. A chemically activated setting-type drywall compound, Rapid Joint[R] is available in four set...

Steel roof truss, floor joist, and wall panels.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Aegis Metal Framing LLC Aegis offers a complete line of light gauge steel framing products. Ultra-Span[R] trusses, TradeReady[R] joists, and wall panels are all designed using the Aegis suite of software. These products are great for...

Spanish owner's manual.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Apla-Tech Inc. Apla-Tech Inc. introduces the Spanish version of their owner's manual. Included is the information on the specifications of each manufactured tool, the written verbiage of the training tape, and the schematics of each tool...

Bucket Brake Plus.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Bucket Brake LLC Finally, stop the bucket from spinning as you mix! Bucket Brake Plus, a new 3-in-1 tool, not only stops the bucket from spinning but also safely cuts the tabs and opens lids 30-percent faster than by hand. No more back and...

Pavan decorative finish tools.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Olea Specialty Products The Pavan 824/I finishing trowel and 501/IS spatula are a perfect duo for the application of marble-based decorative plaster and gypsum veneer plaster. Both trowel and spatula feature a mirror polished stainless...

New 10-Wire machine cuts Rope Columns.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Demand Products & Demand Hot Wire Systems Demand Hot Wire Systems offers a new 10-Wire EPS Computerized Foam Cutter. This new machine will cut with 1 to 10 wires. Cuts standard Architectural Shapes plus Rope Columns, Balusters, Caps, Bases,...

National Gypsum's XP[TM] Wallboard fights mold & mildew.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... National Gypsum There's a new weapon in the fight against mold and mildew. National Gypsum has developed Gold Bond[R] BRAND XP[TM] Wallboard to meet the increasing demand for mold and mildew resistant wallboard products. Designed for...

Discount prices.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Al's Taping Tools 1980 Prices Al's $1800.00 Discount on set of tools PLUS $400.00 Rebate Call 1-800-458-7895 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Please Circle #340 On Reader Action Card

Contractor tool.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... True System WorkTrak is used by contractors to lower costs, increase profits and access key information on demand. Utilizing the best of today's technology, Work-Trak automates the most detailed business processes. Output includes all...

Portable Heat Wave FES-Series.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Fostoria Industries Inc. Fostoria's "Heat Wave" Heater is becoming one of the top choices for construction companies throughout the USA. The Heat Wave can raise the temperature 40 degrees F in a building from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet at...

Your complete source for equipment and supplies.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Nathan Kimmel Co. The company has served the Wall and Ceiling Industry for nearly 50 years as a complete source for equipment, parts, and supplies. Our expanded and modernized production and warehouse facilities enable us to provide you...

Curved walls for commercial and residential.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Radius Track Both Ready-Angle and Ready-Arch come in straight sections of common commercial and residential sizes and can be used in both steel and wood framing applications. Both products can be formed by hand into almost any circular or...

Fibered stucco.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Total Wall If you are interested in reducing cracking and call-backs on your stucco jobs, then Total Wall Premium Fibered Stucco (PFS) is the product for you. Total Wall PFS uses two types of fiber reinforcement, special hydrating agents,...

Wall & Ceiling products by Outwater.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Architectural Products by Outwater Outwater's FREE 2004 Master Catalog features 40,000+ standard and innovative Wall and Ceiling decorative products including Architectural Moulding & Millwork, Decorative Metal & Polyurethane Ceiling...

All-Wall.com online catalog.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... All-Wall All-Wall.com is not just any Web site, it's the largest, most detailed, online drywall tools catalog in the World! All-Wall.com has a huge selection of the finest drywall tools, taping tool parts, and repair services. Specializing...

Commercial Ceilings Solutions Guide.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Armstrong World Industries "Commercial Ceilings Solutions Guide," a free 176-page problem-solving reference tool for Armstrong Drywall Grid Systems is now available to help contractors complete jobs faster. Ideal for use by installers,...

Product catalog on CD-ROM.(Product & Literature Showcase)
December 1, 2003... Sliptrack Systems CD-ROM Catalog for Sliptrack Systems is now available--FREE. Complete product information on CD--all relevant product and code information in a simple and downloadable format. Indexed according to assembly, code number...

Your letters and a look ahead.(Plaster Man)
December 1, 2003... I thought we'd finish the year out with letters. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I have spent literally thousands of hours repairing walls at antique plaster buildings that house the major newspapers in Detroit. Perhaps you can help me by...

Wind and EIFS.(Finish Line)
December 1, 2003... When Hurricane Isabel slammed into Virginia Beach last month, I watched some of the spectacle on the TV. At one point, I noticed what looked like an EIFS-clad beach hotel. The wind had ripped off a section of the EIFS. The foam, sheathing and...

Repair of fire-rated gypsum board systems.(All Things Gypsum)
December 1, 2003... Fire-rated gypsum board systems may be damaged during the life cycle of a building. To maintain the required fire-rated separation between occupancies or areas, damaged systems must be repaired so that they are restored to their original...

Deconstruction (?).(The Green Thumb)
December 1, 2003... If you were to look in a dictionary for a definition of the word "deconstruction," it probably won't be found--not yet, anyway. It's one of those words that grew out of the English language as a composite term to describe what is essentially...

No uncertain terms.(All in Agreement)
December 1, 2003... The Associated General Contractors of America provides its members numerous services. Its Contract Document Committee is currently composed of more than 100 members, who are experienced contractors, specialty contractors, attorneys, insurers,...

The Golden Rule: you don't need to read a bunch of textbooks to figure out how to manage people.(Smart Business)
December 1, 2003... A shortage of skilled labor is perhaps the biggest problem facing construction contractors. Lousy pay and even lousier prestige conspire with unfavorable demographics to repel talented young people from the trades. This makes it devilishly hard...

Junk science and toxic litigation.(Adventures in Drywall)
December 1, 2003... Well folks, it looks like I struck a nerve again. The following is a letter to the editor that came in response to October's article, "What's Worse: Lawyers or Mold?" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Dear Walls & Ceilings, "I am writing to...

Calendar.(Calendar)
December 1, 2003... JANUARY 19-22 International Home Builders' Show, Las Vegas. (800) 424-5249. www.buildersshow.com 22 Utilizing AIA Forms: Construction and Design Contracts in Michigan, Troy, Mich. (715) 833-3959. FEBRUARY...