Masonry Construction articles from September 2004

Masonry Construction archives from September 2004

The big secret ... What Non-Stop learned when we were a large masonry contractor ...
September 1, 2004... Non-Stop was born from the lessons we learned as a masonry contractor ourselves. We were as large as any and more profitable than most. But we never became wealthy. That always bothered us because we did a pretty high dollar volume. Our...

Exchanging hopes.(editor's note)(Editorial)
September 1, 2004... Some jobs are best left to the professionals. I now realize arranging a visiting dignitary tour, even in my home town, is a task that definitely appears a lot easier than it really is. Fortunately my wife never got wind about my commitment...

Nitterhouse Masonry names new vice president.(brickbats)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Barry A. Diller has been promoted to vice president of sales and marketing at Nitterhouse Masonry Products LLC, according to a recent announcement from CEO and Chairman William K. Nitterhouse. In this position, the 20-year Nitterhouse veteran...

Carolinas Association reveals "Design with Brick" winners.(brickbats)(Brick Association of the Carolinas)
September 1, 2004... Three architectural firms (and four projects), along with their construction partners, were recognized for exceptional skill and creativity in designing with brick. Winners of the biennial "Design with Brick" awards, hosted by the Brick...

Hanley Wood Exhibitions creating new technology show.(brickbats)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Hanley Wood Exhibitions has announced the creation of "Technology for Construction," a conference and exhibition that will debut at the 2005 World of Masonry/World of Concrete in Las Vegas, Jan. 18-21. Formerly known as A/E/C Systems, the new...

Chimney Sweep Guild names officers and directors.(brickbats)
September 1, 2004... The National Chimney Sweep Guild, Plainfield, Ind., recently named a new slate of officers, regional directors, and committee chairs. Officers selected by NCSG were President Steven R. Pietila, American Chimney and Masonry Inc., Portland,...

Forma de arte.(showcase)(Cover Story)
September 1, 2004... With a mission of advancing Hispanic arts and culture in Dallas, the striking new Latino Cultural Center provides a worthy setting. Massive geometric sculptures form gray silhouettes against the bright orange-red terra-cotta exterior of the...

Brick soffit below steel beams.(details, details, details)
September 1, 2004... A brick soffit is an architectural feature that conceals an exposed steel structure. Constructing the soffit in place is difficult and often requires a complicated system of centering and false work. However, this approach may be the only...

Troubleshooting.(onsite)
September 1, 2004... What caused the mold? Q Our firm recently tuckpointed a hotel in the Chicago area that was constructed in the late 1960s. The walls were brick veneer with 4-inch concrete block backup. There was a 1 1/2-inch air space between the brick and...

Are your customers happy?(Masonry News Contractor Tip)
September 1, 2004... How many times have you finished your meal at a restaurant when the waiter stops by and asks, "How was everything?" Don't you tell him or her, "Just fine." Even if you were just telling the person sitting next to you how bad the service was?...

Masonry Construction's top contractors: McGee Brothers tops the list for the third straight year.
September 1, 2004... MASONRY CONSTRUCTION magazine's 3rd annual contractor listing based on 2003 masonry sales volume includes 77 companies that did a little more than $1 billion in work last year. This volume is down slightly compared to 2002 even though the list...

Flowing without loss: SCG challenges the traditional beliefs about grout.
September 1, 2004... Have you ever worked a project where you needed to do something different in order to make a profit? B.J. Grubbs, a foreman for Del's Masonry, a Denver-area contractor, recently had that very experience. Work was progressing nicely on the...

Masonry Construction's "Industry Leader of the Year" Award.(call for entries)
September 1, 2004... Some people are born leaders. These individuals are always working hard to make their industry better, safer, and stronger. They are an industry's lifeblood. There are many of these types of people in the masonry construction industry, and...

Material draws water from cavity.(new products)
September 1, 2004... Flash-Vent is a polypropylene wicking material laminated to the top surface of a flashing membrane. If flashes the cavity with copper while draining and venting it. The wicking material draws the water from the cavity and allows air to filter...

Gas-powered generator line includes 7 models.(new products)
September 1, 2004... The updated GA series generators are stronger, easier to handle, and able to power a wider variety of tools on the job. The line includes 7 models, ranging from the 2.5-kw GA-2.5H to the 9.7-kw GA-97HE. The gasoline-powered units feature...

Bricklayer hammers easy on the user.(new products)
September 1, 2004... A line of bricklayer hammers ergonomically-designed for maximum operator comfort includes hickory-handled versions in 10-, 16-, and 24-ounce weights. The 16- and 24-ounce models have a carbide chisel end, and the 24-ounce version is available...

Double scissor lifts handle 150 pounds.(new products)
September 1, 2004... A line of double scissor lifts are light and compact, yet transport up to 150 pounds up to 70 inches. They lift briskly and smoothly with a gearbox-driven screw. Table sizes range from 15-24 inches wide and 19-48 inches long. The units weigh...

Rubber coating keeps moisture out.(new products)
September 1, 2004... Sani-Tred LRB is a liquid rubber waterproofing coating that keeps out moisture by retaining negative hydrostatic pressure. The material is a one-component liquid polyurethane that cures uniformly in less than 4 hours at any application...

Inclinometers handle several jobs.(new products)
September 1, 2004... LSO series of inclinometers are suitable for use in paving, grading, leveling, and other applications. The sensors offer precise readings with high outputs. Each self-contained unit is housed in solid aluminum for weather resistance, and can...

Engines use air or liquid cooling.(new products)
September 1, 2004... The Vanguard V-Twin Big Block line of engines offers air and liquid cooling, with power ranging from 25-35 hp. The engines provide economical power, increased horsepower-to-weight ratio, and the same mounting footprint for either air- or...

Lifter saves time and money.(new products)
September 1, 2004... The Scaffold Lifter makes handling easier by providing a positive load grip almost anywhere along the hydraulic scaffolding system. The product provides operators with increased safety and saves time and money on setup, repositioning, and...

Product locates metal objects in walls.(new products)
September 1, 2004... The DrillSpotter eliminates costly test or blind drilling by detecting metal objects in structures as thick as 40 inches. The hand-held product also locates exit holes and measures wall thicknesses, and enables the operator to quickly line up...

Step fits over truck tires.(new products)
September 1, 2004... This lightweight step fits over the tire of most full-size and heavy-duty trucks, SUVs, vans, and other vehicles. It has powder-coated steps with yellow reflective tape for added safety. The non-skid industrial surface is safe for use in all...

Buggy features infinitely variable dump rates.(new products)
September 1, 2004... The MB 16 Scoot-Crete power buggy includes an optional handle-mounted dump/return control system. Positioned on the left handlebar, the control gives users the feathering capability of a traditional console-mounted dump lever, while allowing...

Bracket forms brick ledge.(new products)
September 1, 2004... The BrickLedge bracket allows contractors to form a brick ledge without using Styrofoam, lumber, or other costly and labor-intensive materials. It is particularly suited for applications in hilly terrain, where a large brick exposure on the...

Laser line creates level plumb.(new products)
September 1, 2004... The LaserVision iLine creates a bright, self-leveling laser line. The easy to use product can be pinned to a wall or held in the user's hand. The tool can be purchased in a kit with the company's StudSensor, which can detect hot ac wires while...

System builds retaining walls.(new products)
September 1, 2004... The Armor system for constructing retaining walls can be used alone or incorporated with concrete to add strength. The system consists of all the necessary sheet piling, wales, capping, tie-rods, and fasteners; and is easy to install. The...

Stains treat masonry and concrete surfaces.(new products)
September 1, 2004... A line of water-based stains brings the same transparent color to materials as acid-based products, but with an environmentally-safe formulation and greater ease of use. The stains do not react with the chemical makeup of the material, do not...

Imaging software previews paver designs.(new products)
September 1, 2004... PaverVision computer imaging software enables builders to view paver designs prior to construction, making the selection and sales process more efficient. The downloadable online program lets the user choose from a range of textures, bonding...

Device aligns masonry around doors and windows.(new products)
September 1, 2004... The Jamb acts as a backer rod and provides a space around the perimeter of doors and windows to accommodate expansion and contraction. It helps align masonry with the windows and doors, resulting in uniform perimeter spacing. The product is a...

Multiquip Inc.(Masonry Saws)
September 1, 2004... The MP3 efficiently cuts brick, block, pavers, stone, and terra cotta. Positioning of the handle permits an unobstructed view of the work surface, which promotes safety and accuracy. The saw has a 14-inch blade capacity and is powered by a...

Hilti Inc.(Masonry Saws)
September 1, 2004... The DS-KC handheld gas saw for cutting brick, block, and concrete offers exceptional performance, speed, reliability, durability, comfort, and safety. The long-stroke motor provides a flat torque power curve that gives the operator more usable...

Diamond Products.(Masonry Saws)
September 1, 2004... The CC500M has a stay-level blade guard that offers safety and convenience during use. A pivot mechanism resists slurry buildup, which could affect performance. Other features include a removable head, open-throat cutting, and side carrying...

Hitachi Power Tools.(Masonry Saws)
September 1, 2004... The portable CCI2Y 12-inch cutoff saw has a 15-amp motor for high cutting efficiency and runs at a no-load speed of 5000 rpm. Auto-stop carbon brushes protect the armature and extend the tool's life. The cutting wheel can be replaced without...

Danish Tool Shop.(Masonry Saws)
September 1, 2004... A line of reciprocating saw blades cuts a variety of masonry materials, including stone, brick, and ACC. The special carbide teeth are strong and self-sharpening. The black label line offers rough, fast cuts in softer materials (brick and ACC)....

MK Diamond Inc.(Masonry Saws)
September 1, 2004... The portable PX-3 dry cutting masonry saw includes an easy-to-replace dust filter, dust collector nozzle for connecting to vacuum systems, and locking trigger switch. The pivoting backstop can cut material at any angle. The motor offers...

ICS Blount Inc.(Masonry Saws)
September 1, 2004... The RedZaw RZ60 utility gas saw cuts masonry, concrete, and stone. The new product is able to plunge cut up to 9 inches and makes a square opening with no over-cuts in material as thick as 8 inches. It is powered by a 64 cc, 4.2 hp, 2-cycle gas...

Shave Away, Europe.(Masonry Saws)
September 1, 2004... The Saw Muzzle Type E is a heavy-duty, fiber-filled, ABS dust collector that removes particles created by Bosch, Hitachi, DeWalt, and other 14-inch electric cutoff saws. It is easily installed and collects over 95% of the dust created when used...

Bon Tool Co.(Masonry Saws)
September 1, 2004... The portable Brick Buster is a fast, cost-effective approach to cutting brick and pavers. The blade is 10 inches wide, which allows masonry milts to be cut at any angle. A removable pin quickly and easily adjusts the height to one of three...

Preventing skin injuries.(The Handbook of Skin Protection for Concrete and Masonry Work)(Book Review)
September 1, 2004... The Handbook of Skin Protection for Concrete and Masonry Work tackles a major issue on OSHA's agenda--exposure to hexavalent chromium. OSHA has been asked to publish a proposed rule for hexavalent chromium by October 4, 2004, by the U.S. Court...

Grouting door frames?(Products for the Pros showcase)
September 1, 2004... The GP-7 Grout Pump is perfect for filling hollow metal door frames. You can fill both sides of the frame simultaneously. Being hand operated, no external power source is needed. Output capacity is 5 gallons per minute. Net weight is 35 pounds...

Originators of leading chemical bonding agents Weld-Crete[TM].(Products for the Pros showcase)
September 1, 2004... True to its claim, Weld-Crete[TM] is the proven concrete bonding agent for practically every application. Simply brush, roll or spray Weld-Crete onto concrete or any structurally sound surface. Then come back hours, days or weeks later and...

Level Eye and Level Tab.(Products for the Pros showcase)
September 1, 2004... WIRE-BOND[R] "Level Standard" Masonry contractors require speed, efficiency, and durability when installing wall reinforcing truss and ladder designs. WIRE-BOND[R] recently introduced Level Eye and Level Tab as their new standard design for all...

What do leaders do?(lookout)
September 1, 2004... Get over it! People who work for you are not you. They don't think like you and they work differently. And just because you pay them a good salary doesn't mean that they are going to work as hard as you. You must give them a reason to...