Walls & Ceilings articles from February 2007

Walls & Ceilings archives from February 2007

This is not your father's business!(up FRONT)
February 1, 2007... Today's wall and ceiling industry hardly resembles what it was in the past. If you have been around the business for more than a few decades, you will relate to what I am saying. If you are new to the business, you may want to pay attention and...

Calendar.(TRADENEWS)(Calendar)
February 1, 2007... FEBRUARY 7-10 2007 INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS' SHOW Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Fla. www.buildersshow.com 11-14 PACE 2007 Dallas Convention Center Dallas www.pace2007.com APRIL 1-6 AWCI...

EHoldings will not acquire Kovco Components.(INDUSTRY WIRE)
February 1, 2007... EHolding Technologies, Inc. late last month announced it has ended discussions to acquire California-based Kavco Construction Components, Inc., currently doing business as Precise Panel of Southern California. Kavco, a privately held company,...

Foundations point to turnaround in housing industry.(TRADENEWS)
February 1, 2007... Job growth and household formations are well on track to support a turnaround in the housing industry, according to Ara Hovnanian, president and chief executive officer of Hovnanian Enterprises. "Housing is driven by household creation,"...

New business-to-business market research company announced.(TRADENEWS)
February 1, 2007... BNP Media has announced the creation of Clear Seas Research, a separate entity designed to deliver superior business-to-business market research. Clear Seas Research competes in multiple b2b industries, and distinguishes itself from other...

USG Corp. announces patent infringement settlement.(TRADENEWS)
February 1, 2007... USG Corp. has announced that its subsidiary, United States Gypsum Company, and Pacific Award Metals, Inc., settled a patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation suit brought by U.S. Gypsum (United States Gypsum Company v. Pacific...

Report: electrical and data system reduces energy usage.(TRADENEWS)
February 1, 2007... A recently released report shows that Convia Programmable Infrastructure, a next-generation electrical and data system recently introduced at Green-build 2006 in Denver, offers significant energy savings. Conducted by The Weidt Group, an...

New seismic guide available from ICC, FEMA and NIBS.(TRADENEWS)
February 1, 2007... The International Code Council has partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Institute of Building Sciences to develop an easy-to-understand guide to help homebuilders, code officials, contractors and other...

Company takes ACE Award for second straight year.(TRADENEWS)
February 1, 2007... Dryvit Systems, Inc., the leading manufacturer of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems headquartered in West Warwick, R.I., has won first place for the second consecutive year in the EIF Systems & Stucco category of Architecture Magazine's...

Three-day Spray Finishing Workshop set for May.(TRADENEWS)
February 1, 2007... An intensive three-day Spray Finishing Technology Workshop will be held May 16 to 18 in Toledo, Ohio. It is being presented by DeVilbiss, Binks and Owens Community College. Classes will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and include both...

ASTM committee announces April, October meetings.(TRADENEWS)
February 1, 2007... ASTM International Committee E33 on Environmental Acoustics has announced two meetings for later this year. The committee will meet April 16 and 17 at the Waterside Convention Center in Norfolk, Va. and again Oct. 29 and 30 at the Tampa...

ICF manufacturer gets Florida Product Approval.(TRADENEWS)
February 1, 2007... Fox Blocks, a division of Airlite Plastics Co. in Omaha, Neb., has announced that it has received notice of its approval by the Florida Building Code. Fox Block's Florida Certificate of Product Approval number is FL7497. Fox Blocks are now...

Designer Society completes sustainability series.(TRADENEWS)
February 1, 2007... The American Society of Interior Designers has completed a new series of sustainable design white papers, entitled "Interior Design and Global Impacts." This five-publication series, on topics integral to sustainability as it relates to the...

Distributor cuts ribbon on new facility.(TRADENEWS)
February 1, 2007... Tools for Trade, a wholesale tool distributor established in 1985, recently completed its new corporate offices and distribution center in Ball Ground, Ga. The new facility was specifically designed to meet current needs, as well as accommodate...

ParexLahabra, Inc. acquires Mer-Kote Products, Inc.(TRADENEWS)
February 1, 2007... ParexLahabra, Inc. has announced the acquisition of Mer-Kote Products, Inc., a Torrance, Calif.-based manufacturer of the Mer-Krete Systems line of waterproofing and crack isolation membranes, thin-set mortars, grouts, underlayments and decking...

Plaster Man's Q & A.(TRADENEWS)
February 1, 2007... How do you prepare corner beads for the plaster finish coat? B Garrett, Morton, Illinois This question is asked often. The success of having the finished plaster look "right"--with either a smooth or textured finish, has much to...

Spackle.(Cartoon)
February 1, 2007... I DIDN'T MEAN TO END UP WITH TWO HOUSES, BUT THIS BUYER'S MARKET IS KILLING ME! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Aerial Work Platform Training.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2007... Tony Groat has become the membership director for Aerial Work Platform Training (AWPT).

ASTM International.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2007... Paul H. Shipp, Ph.D., P.E., has been elected to the ASTM International board of directors for the term 2007-09. Shipp, a senior research associate for the USG Research and Technology Innovation Center in Libertyville, Ill., advises research and...

Graco Inc.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2007... Max Baumgartner, has been named director of sales and marketing for coatings and foam at Graco Inc.

Decoplast, Inc.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2007... Decoplast, Inc. has announced two personnel moves. Frank Barone has been promoted to the position of chief operating officer, and Robert Baumann has been named chief financial officer.

Ladder stabilizer: Ladder Max, LLC.(product FOCUS on Safety and Ergonomic products)
February 1, 2007... A lightweight tubular steel stand-off, the Ladder-Max was created for use by homeowners and contractors alike. The universal ladder attachment weighs just over 7 pounds and is 39 inches wide, providing 19 inches of stand off from any sidewall...

Safety paint: Co-Leash Company Inc.(product FOCUS on Safety and Ergonomic products)
February 1, 2007... Made from the strontium group of photoluminescence pigments, Kryptaglow paint emits a neon glow that can last up to 10 hours in total darkness. The paint has passed the Material Equipment Acceptance standards with the highest brightness rating...

User-friendly mud pump: Fantastic Drywall Tools Co.(product FOCUS on Safety and Ergonomic products)
February 1, 2007... The Cinta Pump from Fantastic Tools makes the process of filling automatic taping tools easier and faster by increasing the amount of mud moved per stroke by 50 percent thanks to a longer pump handle configuration, which also is curved to...

Self-retracting lifeline: Capital Safety.(product FOCUS on Safety and Ergonomic products)
February 1, 2007... The Protecta AD230AG is a self-retracting lifeline that incorporates 100 feet of 3/16-inch galvanized cable for vertical mobility. With its high-performance polyamide housing, the device is lightweight and compact at 27 pounds. For added...

Disposable half-mask: Draeger Safety, Inc.(product FOCUS on Safety and Ergonomic products)
February 1, 2007... The Draeger Piccola is a NIOSH-approved disposable particulate half mask for use in a variety of industries. Piccola's use the Draeger's Synsafe filter media, a synergy of two filtration principals. Piccola combines electrostatic and mechanical...

Hand-held knife guide: Saw Trax Mfg. Inc.(product FOCUS on Safety and Ergonomic products)
February 1, 2007... Saw Trax Mfg. Inc. has released its first hand-held knife guide system, the Guardian Knife Guide. Different from a blade guide, with the Knife Guide, the knife tracks on the guide, independent of the blade. This increases productivity because...

Rotary hammers with anti-vibration system: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.(product FOCUS on Safety and Ergonomic products)
February 1, 2007... A pair of new rotary hammers for the 1-inch SDS category offer Milwaukee's Anti-Vibration previously available only on larger hammers. Both models also feature three modes of operation for maximum versatility; a keyless SDS chuck for fast,...

Dramatic 3-D ceilings: add artistic flair to commercial spaces; Translucent, wavy system adds serenity from above.(Cover story)
February 1, 2007... Utilizing specialty ceilings as an artistic element is one of the latest trends in commercial design. Three-dimensional shapes, cool colors and creative lighting add intrinsic drama to any space, large or small. By integrating materials as...

A grand entrance: Chicago-area home's foyer exudes curve appeal.
February 1, 2007... Regardless of its vexing pronunciation, a foyer speaks volumes about its surroundings. While its purpose is to welcome guests, the foyer is also an indication of architectural style and, in the case of a private residence, the occupant's...

Business Leveraged Retirement Income Program: when planning for the day when you can stop working, consider a system that makes your assets work for you.(Interview)
February 1, 2007... When I moved from the rain-drenched Evergreen State (Washington) to the sun-drenched Sunshine State (Florida), I realized right away that things really are different. First, there are a lot of seniors with retirement savings and investments...

Let's get dressed up! (Plaster ornamentation 101): EIFS is a great product, but real plaster should not be ruled out for some projects.
February 1, 2007... Everyone clamors around the computer business when a new game with enhanced graphics comes out or any hi-tech product shows any sign of advancement, but rarely does the wall and ceiling industry get the credit it deserves for innovation. Don't...

No substitute for using subcontractors: don't think you can cut costs while maintaining quality? Think again.
February 1, 2007... The cost of owning and managing a drywall business continues to increase, calling into question the likely prosperity garnered from such an endeavor. With employee benefits, unemployment taxes, payroll taxes, liability insurance and worker's...

Safe at home: after months of construction and weeks of 'sweat equity,' the Alfords have a place to call their own.
February 1, 2007... Many families woke up Christmas morning to presents under the tree and a day of gift giving. The members of the Alford family, now of Roseville, Mich., got their present--the gift of a lifetime--a few days earlier. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Unions march forward.(adventures in DRYWALL)
February 1, 2007... I was fortunate enough to attend the Specialties of the Drywall Trade Instructor Seminar held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 at the IUPAT facility in Baltimore. It was obvious that a lot of planning went into setting up this building, with classrooms...

Selective drainage.(the FINISHLINE)
February 1, 2007... I got into a "stimulating" discussion (as in "almost a fist fight") the other day with some building code people who think they know more about EIFS than I do. They know so much, so they think, that they are thinking of developing their own...

Shrinking gypsum board.(all things GYPSUM)
February 1, 2007... Yes, gypsum board does shrink due to changing heat and humidity levels. But don't jump to conclusions. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] We review articles, reports and technical documents from a variety of sources at the Gypsum Association, and...

Coming to America (Part two).(the GREEN thumb)
February 1, 2007... Last month, in Part One, we began a discussion about gypsum recycling coming to America. We saw how a Danish company, Gypsum Recycling International (GRI), has revolutionized the gypsum recycling industry and how, in Europe, the European Union...

Paying for mistakes.(all in AGREEMENT)
February 1, 2007... Overall, this last year has been great. I live and work with the greatest people. I don't actually live with the people I work with, but I do have a wonderful wife of 31 years that I live with and I do work with a great group of people. ...

Do's & don'ts when firing someone.(smart BUSINESS)
February 1, 2007... For every boss, firing someone is the least favorite part of the job. These days it can also be perilous from a legal standpoint--and occasionally physically threatening--as well. Yet, sooner or later, almost every employer finds it necessary...

Accountability and cooperation.(TROWEL talk)(Interview)
February 1, 2007... An interview with Patrick D. Finley, the "new" general president of the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association (OPCMIA). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The general president of a trade...

Decorative ceiling beams by Outwater: Architectural Products by Outwater.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Now you can easily and economically recreate the idyllic look afforded by authentic, aged, hand-hewn oak beams with Outwater's high-density polyurethane Decorative Beams. Not only lightweight and sturdy, Outwater's Ancient Rustic, Modern,...

VOC-free Venetian Plasters: Dimensions International.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Dimensions brings you the finest collection of VOC-free, authentic Italian Lime Plasters for interiors and exteriors that are easy to apply and provide a dramatic look to your project. Our computerized color tinting system assures accuracy....

Lafarge Mold Defense[TM] products: Lafarge.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Due to the focus on mold and mildew related problems in today's industry, controlling moisture has become an important design consideration for interior areas. To combat this issue, Lafarge introduces a select line of drywall products featuring...

New Independent Axis Foam Cutting! Demand Products, Inc.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... New for 2007, our MegaPlot Independent Axis CNC Foam Cutting Machines offer the ability to cut TAPERED Fluted Columns, as well as typical Architectural Shapes. Keep the profits in-house with your own Foam Cutting Equipment. Leasing Available....

More options: Master Wall.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Demand from Master Wall's rapidly expanding customer base has caused the introduction of three new brochures: EIFS, Stucco and Specialties. Each brochure is focused on the systems and options explained in clear, easy to understand language....

Updated Web site: Apla-Tech.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Apla-Tech, Inc., manufacturer of Continuous Flow and Pneumatic "air" drywall finishing tools, welcomes you to review our Web site. Watch streaming videos of drywall taping and finishing tools at our jobsites. Review information on drywall...

Hammer-Lock time: Flex-Ability Concepts.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Flex-Ability Concepts, Oklahoma City, has introduced Hammer-Lock, a new feature for Flex-C Trac[R] that significantly reduces installation time and labor. Flex-C Trac provides an easy way for builders to frame high quality. Hammer-Lock allows...

Commercial coatings: Quikspray Inc.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Quikspray Inc. is celebrating 50 years of business in the commercial coatings industry. The company manufactures application equipment (The Carrousel Pump line) and mixing equipment (Quikstir Mixers) that are distributed worldwide throughout...

Portable Heat Wave fes-series: Fostoria Industries Inc.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... 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 ceiling heights of 15 feet and...

Tommy Gun[R] A3 Series: Putzmeister America, Inc.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Often imitated but never duplicated, Putzmeister's Tommy Gun[R] A3 Series is still the top plaster and fireproofing pump in America today. Using only the most reliable components for peak performance, this machine is built to last. From...

CeilingMAX surface mount grid system: ACP (Acoustic Ceiling Products).(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Easily Renovate Old Ceilings with Durable, High-Grade Vinyl [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Contractors recommend CeilingMAX for direct applications over plaster, drywall and paste-up ceilings. Manufactured with high-grade vinyl, CeilingMAX...

Vivaldi Venetian Plaster system: Olea Specialty Products.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Olea Specialty Products introduces the Vivaldi Venetian Plaster system by La Calce Del Brenta to North America. This easy-to-use system features more than 200 colors, a beautiful color catalog and "Stucky" Venetian plaster in three convenient...

Tired of the drywall dust?? Struggling with those high gas prices? Plaster Man.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Plaster Man is Ready to Show You: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * How to do "No Sanding" Veneer Coat plastering * How Plaster Repair Can Be Your Key to Making HUGE Profits! * Personal training in the areas you want to learn more about...

Formations[TM] acoustical & accent clouds: Armstrong.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Formations Acoustical Clouds from Armstrong install up to 30 percent faster than standard cloud designs because all corners are factory-mitered, and all grid and perimeter trim is factory-cut to size to reduce the number of splices. Elimination...

Psst ... the best kept secret in textured coatings! Sealants & Coatings Technologies, Inc.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... The Palladium Textured Coating System is a thoroughly tested, elastomeric, stucco-like, weather-resistant, latex-acrylics coating formulated for superior adhesion, moisture resistance, color retention and exceptional flexibility. It is a...

Plastone / Plastain: Total Wall.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... This new brochure details Plastone and Plastain, the latest editions to Total Wall's Tuscan Elite line of exterior and interior coatings. Pre-mixed and easy to apply, these products make old world plaster, adobe, antique brick, and weathered...

ZipWall 4 Pack Plus: ZipWall.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Lightweight and simple, the ZipWall barrier system uses plastic sheeting or canvas to contain messy areas on any job site. Goes up in minutes with no tape, no ladders and no marred ceilings. Our new 4 Pack Plus is a great way to save money on...

4" Ready-Track is perfect 4 forming curves: Radius Track.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Now Radius Track's hand-bendable Ready-Track is available in six sizes to give contractors more options for forming curves quickly on the job site. For use with wood or steel studs, Ready-Track is supplied in straight 20-gauge sections. Once...

Smacker: Powers Fasteners.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Take powder actuated tools to new heights with the adjustable extension system called the Smacker. Smacker's 6' length, plus two 3' extensions, gives a 12' reach. Featuring bump-and-move firing, it eliminates the need to constantly move...

Spray machines: Spray Force.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... With over 30 years of experience, Spray Force MFG, Inc. is the industry's premier manufacturer of plaster, fireproofing, drywall, and finishing equipment. Often imitated but never duplicated, Spray Force takes pride in crafting each piece of...

Equipment sales and service: J Glover.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... Founded in 1953, and at our current location since 1957, Glover Manufacturing, Inc. is the industry's leading manufacturer of stator tubes and rotors which are supplied to various destinations throughout the world. We service and rebuild...

Decorative ceiling surfaces: M-Boss Inc.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... M-Boss Inc. is the premier manufacturer of decorative metal surfaces. Products include: Tin Ceilings, Cornice, Moldings and Medallions. Patterns range from sleek contemporary styles and customized designs such as company logos and special...

Channel bender: The Nathan Kimmel Co.(INFORMATION SHOWCASE)
February 1, 2007... The perfect tool for on-site contouring of CRC [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] - Bends 20- and 16-gauge CRC - Accepts 1/2- to 4-inch-wide channel - Heavy-duty all-steel construction - Built-in index for repeatable bends - Made...

Drywall solution for high-traffic areas. Temple-Inland.(the TOOLBOX)
February 1, 2007... DamageGuard AR and DamageGuard IR provide durable dry-wall solutions for interior walls in high-traffic environments. DamageGuard AR (abuse resistant) is designed with an extra-tough face paper and high-strength core to withstand typical wear...

Modular, programmable electronic infrastructure: Convia, Inc.(the TOOLBOX)
February 1, 2007... Convia Programmable Infrastructure is a modular and programmable electrical infrastructure that delivers "plug-and-play" power virtually anywhere within a commercial space without requiring hardwiring of devices or switches. Using infrared...

Hybrid foam sprayer offers horizontal pump: Graco/Gusmer Inc.(the TOOLBOX)
February 1, 2007... Graco/Gusmer has introduced the Reactor H-25, its first hybrid foam sprayer. It combines the horizontal Gusmer pump and Graco technology, including digital controls and system diagnostics, as well as a user-defined pressure imbalance control...

Dust collection system: Oneida Air Systems.(the TOOLBOX)
February 1, 2007... The Oneida Dust Deputy collects 99 percent of the waste before it reaches your shop vacuum, making it perfect for drywall sanding. You can sand and vacuum for several hours longer before cleaning your filter and if you add a HEPA filter to your...

Adjustable spray texture nozzle: Homex Products Inc.(the TOOLBOX)
February 1, 2007... Using feedback from contractor focus groups, Homex Products Inc. has introduced a new adjustable spray nozzle for its full line of drywall textures. The system replaces the multi-straw application system previously used on Homex texture lines....

Floor taping machine: Tape Jet.(the TOOLBOX)
February 1, 2007... The Tape Jet floor paper masking machine allows for masking the seams of floor paper by walking behind the machine, eliminating the need to be on your hands and knees as well as saving time and your back. The Tape Jet is designed to accommodate...

Hacksaw blades: Bosch Power Tools and Accessories.(the TOOLBOX)
February 1, 2007... Bosch Power Tools and Accessories has released a new line of 10-inch and 12-inch hacksaw blades for a variety of purposes. The blades are color coded and labeled with their specific application for easy identification on the shelf or in the...

PVC saw: Saw Trax.(the TOOLBOX)
February 1, 2007... The new Coro-Claw from Saw Trax is designed to cut 4 mil corrugated PVC sheets, the most common size of this type of material. The shape of the handle takes the strain off of the wrist and forearm. Because of the angle of the blade, the larger...

Draftstops and the code.(cracking THE COOD)
February 1, 2007... Q: I recently was completing a steel stud and drywall tenant improvement on a single-story business park. The inspector insisted we need draftstopping in the ceiling on a single space. He said it was because it was over 1,000 square feet. I...