November 2016
T Th he e V Vo o ii c ce e o o ff tt h he e M Ma as so on nr ry y II n nd du us s tt r ry y
Volume Volume 55, 55, Number Number 11 11
Also Inside: •
Moisture Management
•
Mast Climber Innovations
Rehabs and Restorations
PROVEN RESISTANCE TO WATER PENETRATION
THE ASTM E 514 WATER PENETRATION TEST EQUATES TO A WIND VELOCITY OF 62.5 MILES PER HOUR AND A RAINFALL RATE OF 5.5 INCHES PER HOUR APPLIED TO THE WALL FOR 4 HOURS. THE OUTCOME; THE SPEC MIX IWR MORTAR TEST PANELS SHOWED NO SIGNS OF WATER OR DAMPNESS.
SPEC MIX® IWR MORTAR IS SPECIALLY FORMULATED AND PREBLENDED WITH BASF MASTERPEL® 210D WATER REPELLENT ADMIXTURE TO REDUCE MOISTURE PENETRATION AND EFFLORESCENCE OF MASONRY MORTAR JOINTS. Available in custom colored mortar or standard gray, SPEC MIX IWR mortar delivers a highly workable mix with extraordinary shear bond strength to mitigate water intrusion. When SPEC MIX IWR Mortar is specified there is no jobsite batching of mortar materials and room for error. Project owners, designers and contractors get product performance and quality assurance—every batch!
WWW.SPECMIX.COM © 2016 SPEC MIX, INC.
Prepare for the I C E A N D S N O W
APPLY DIEDRICH SALT-BLOC CHLORIDE BARRIER
T O D AY !
Protects against the intrusion of moisture causing efflorescence, leaching, mildew, atmospheric staining, and freeze/thaw spalling. Protects against chemical attack from chloride salt, acid rain, and carbon buildup; which reduces rebar corrosion. Blocks the absorption of chloride ions from de-icing salts into concrete, brick and concrete paver sidewalks and driveways. Use on sidewalks, driveways, retaining walls, bridge pilings, etc. to protect against deep-seated stains from waterborne contaminants. Highly effective in coastal areas in protecting surfaces from airborne salts.
Can be applied in temperatures as low as 20°F*
Order Today!
Available in solvent OR VOC compliant water-based formula.
For more information:
www.diedrichtechnologies.com/saltm11 or call: 1-800-283-3888 *solvent-based product only. Water-Based product requires temperatures above 32ºF and rising.
g n i r e d Or !! r o h nc ilable! A e n i Onl Now Ava
Service ThaT canT & WonT Be BeaT!
For the past 29 years, Krando Metal has been recognized as a premier manufacturer and supplier of all masonry needs. This coming year, Krando will be celebrating it’s 30th anniversary, so the next time you’re ready to order all of your anchors and flashing, remember a name that has 30 solid years behind it known for their efficiency,
quality and most of all service!
The STrapmaSTer®
on-SiTe equipmenT!
Cuts
Bends
PunChes
The Strapmaster is a manually operated tool that enables you to make onsite anchors directly to your specifications. Being light weight and extremely easy to use, this machine is a must have.
Curb Lifting Squeeze Clamp Stone Lifting Clamp
These can be bought directly from Krando Metal Products. All Items are always in stock and ready to ship!
• The Strapmaster • Curb Lifting Squeeze Clamp • Stone Lifting Clamp Check Us Out Online @ www.krando.com For More Information Regarding Our Services and Products.
www.masonrymagazine.com
on the
cover
November 2016 | Volume 55, No.11
Contents Moisture Management Weeps: Getting the Water Out
16 22 Specifying the Right Waterproofing Coverage 26 Moisture Management’s Front Line Rehabs and Restorations: Case Studies Kansas State University: Memories to Last a Lifetime
30 the Historic Chickasaw Nation 34 Restoring Boarding School the Jewel of the French Quarter: 36 Recrowning Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis, King of France 38 The Impact of Staining on Masonry 40 Pillsbury A-Mill Artists’ Lofts Get a Lift Mast Climbers The Fraco Model: A New Working Environment for the Bricklayer
42 EZ Compact Mast Climber: 44 The Unconventional Scaffold for Tight Spaces
Restoration of the Old Parkland campus in Dallas, Texas, was a complex project. Handmade bricks from the East Coast were coordinated with limestone capitols from Portugal, over five million pounds of cast stone and numerous artesian pieces. Every individual brick and masonry unit was modeled in 3D, and each masonry foreman was trained on 3D viewer software in order to course the bricks perfectly. More details can be found on page 64. Photography courtesy of Casey Dunn
columns & departments 6 8 10 12 50 52 54 55 60
Editor’s Note Chairman’s Message Government Affairs New Products Full Contact Project Manager Business Building Classified Advertising News MCAA Upcoming Education
MCAA Strategic Partner Program
MASONRY (ISSN 0025-4681) is published monthly. Subscription rate $29 per year; Canada and Mexico $47 (U.S. currency); all other countries $65. Single copies $8.50. Copyright 2016 by Mason Contractors Association of America. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MASONRY, c/o Lionheart Publishing, Inc., 506 Roswell St., Ste. 220, Marietta, GA 30060. Canadian return address: Station A, PO Box 54 Windsor, Ontario N9A 615. SEND SUBSCRIPTIONS and business correspondence to: MASONRY, c/o Lionheart Publishing, Inc., 506 Roswell St., Ste. 220, Marietta, GA 30060 Phone: 770-431-0867 or 888-303-5639 www.masonrymagazine.com. Layout & Design © Lionheart Publishing, Inc.
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November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
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FROM
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EDITOR
Karen D. Hickey, Editor - karen@lionhrtpub.com
Committees: Strong Commitment to the MCAA Last month I wrote about the e f f o r t s o f t h e No r t h Ca ro l i n a Masonry Contractors Association to involve younger people in the masonr y industr y. I mentioned Brandon Hartsell, who is leading the charge in that state. Brandon was recently appointed co-chair of MCAA’s South of 40 Committee, and he’ll be working on a national level toward this effort. Congratulations to Brandon for this honor! Besides the South of 40 Committee, there are nine other committees working toward MCAA’s long-range goals. These include: • Bylaws • Certification • Education • Legislative • Marketing • Membership • Safety • Technical • Workforce Development Committees are the building blocks for associations. It’s through strong committee structures that the work of successful associations is done.
Committees and their chairmen, when motivated, help the organization involve members, develop direction and achieve its long-range goals. Any effective organization, whether it is a volunteer organization, private sector, or even governmental, can accomplish great tasks through strong, vital committee structures. The Mason Contractors Association of America is no different. MCAA’s ads read, “We are masonry. Together we are stronger.” While this is a call for membership in the association, it is also a call for active participation. The more we put into MCAA, the more we will get out of it and better our industry. MCAA has achieved significant milestones as a direct result of active committees. When members are committed to MCAA’s mission, the committees can carry on meaningful work, and successfully so. Volunteer for an MCAA committee today. Visit www.masoncontractors.org/ committees to find out more. yMAS
COMING IN DECEMBER 2016 Be sure to catch the December 2016 issue of Masonry, which will feature articles covering current trends and examining industry issues, including:
The Voice of the Masonry Industry MASONRY Magazine Official Publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America and the Canadian Masonry Contractors Association The Mason Contractors Association of America is committed to preserving and promoting the masonry industry by providing continuing education, advocating fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment, recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials.ion of America is committed to preserving and promoting the masonry industry by providing continuing education, advocating fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment, recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials.
Mason Contractors Association of America
Chairman Vice Chairman Treasurer Secretary
Robert V. Barnes, Jr. Glenn Hotmann John Jacob Gary Joyner Jed Olafson
Regional Vice Presidents
WORLD OF CONCRETE 2017 PREVIEW Gear up for the 2017 World of Concrete/World of Masonry exhibition, as well as MCAA’s annual meeting, with a peek at what’s in store.
For advertising information, contact Marvin Diamond
770.431.0867, ext. 208 • Toll-free: 888.303.5639 • E-mail: marvin@lionhrtpub.com
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November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
President/CEO
Michael Schmerbeck Rick Swanson Lynn Vasquez Dennis Withsosky
Jeff Buczkiewicz
Executive Staff Government Affairs Representatives Director of Marketing, Education, and Information Technology Director of Development Membership Coordinator Administrative Assistant Consultant
The Keelen Group Timothy W. O’Toole Todd Fredrick Angie Parisi Lorra Lein Rashod Johnson
Editorial Advisory Board David Jollay (Jollay Masonry Contractors), John Chrysler (MIA), John Melander (PCA), David Hill (Pettit Construction Co.), John J. Smith (John J. Smith Masonry Co.), Brian Grant (Grant/Jack’s Masonry), Jerry Painter (Painter Masonry, Inc.), Doug Nichols (Doug Nichols Enterprises), G. Alan Griffin (Griffin Contracting, Inc.), Tom Daniel (GBC Concrete and Masonry Construction, Inc.)
Executive Office 1481 Merchant Drive Algonquin, IL 60102 Phone: 224.678.9709 or 800.536.2225 Fax: 224.678.9714
MASONRY is the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and the Canadian Masonry Contractors Association (CMCA). The magazine acts as a sounding board without approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data, claim or opinion appearing under a byline or obtained or quoted from an acknowledged source. Opinions expressed by officers do not necessarily reflect the official views of MCAA or CMCA. The appearance of advertising or new product information doesn't constitute an endorsement by MCAA or CMCA of product featured.
SCAFFOLDING Is your scaffolding safe? Don’t let the worst happen to you by not speaking up. Masonry presents a first-person account. PLANKS AND DECKING How much do you know about identifying and inspecting planks? Test your knowledge with a short quiz.
Michael Sutter Paul Odom Paul Oldham Larry Vacala
Masonry Advertising and Editorial Office
Send all advertising and editorial submissions for Masonry to: Lionheart Publishing, Inc. 506 Roswell Street, Suite 220, Marietta, GA 30060 USA Tel: 888.303.5639 • Fax: 770.432.6969 • E-mail: lpi@lionhrtpub.com www.masonrymagazine.com Publisher John Llewellyn • llewellyn@lionhrtpub.com Editor Karen D. Hickey • karen@lionhrtpub.com Copy Editor Marty M. Hohmann • marty@redclayeditorial.com Art Director Alan Brubaker • albrubaker@lionhrtpub.com Online Projects Manager Patton McGinley • patton@lionhrtpub.com Assistant Online Projects Manager Leslie Proctor • leslie@lionhrtpub.com Advertising Sales Marvin Diamond • marvin@lionhrtpub.com Advertising Sales John Davis • jdavis@lionhrtpub.com Marketing Director and Audience Development Maria Bennett • bennett@lionhrtpub.com Reprints Kelly Millwood • kelly@lionhrtpub.com
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
CHAIRMAN’S
MESSAGE
Michael Sutter Chairman
Mason Contractors Association of America mike.sutter@suttermasonry.com
Making and Renewing Friendships If you read my column last month, you know I reported on the success of the MCAA Midyear Meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. But since I had to write that article in the beginning of September, I was just assuming it went well. Now that it is finished, I can report that it was truly a wonderful event. Almost everyone who attended remarked how well it went. We accomplished all of our committee business on Sunday while it rained for part of the day. Yes, I received a lot of grief from those in attendance about my promising perfect weather during this Midyear Meeting. But since we were locked in a room for the majority of the day, it didn’t really matter what the weather was like outside. I told everyone that I ordered a little rain to soften the greens so the golfers could shoot for the pins and also to keep the dust down for those riding the UTVs! That evening was the opening reception, which was extremely well attended. We were serenaded by a bagpiper at sunset to set the tone for the evening. Monday kicked off with the fast and furious “Speed Dating,” with 13 companies in 13 different suites to tell us about their products/services in 20-minute presentations as we moved from suite to suite. I heard from many of the attendees and exhibitors that the Speed Dating sessions just keep getting better each year. There are many who would have loved a few extra minutes with the vendors, but we have to keep the speed in Speed Dating! At the same time as the Speed Dating, the ladies went to their “Sip and Paint” outing and returned with some fabulous 8 |
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paintings. Monday afternoon brought the golfers out for our golf tournament, where a lot of money was raised for our PEC. When it was important to have perfect weather, Scottsdale did not disappoint. All the golfers had a great time on the course. Tuesday morning was our business meeting and roundtable discussions. The video on BIM-M provided by our BIM coalition was well received and did a great job of letting us know where we came from, where we are now and where we are heading. This is the end of the fourth year of a five-year schedule for BIM-M that is primarily funded by MCAA, NCMA, BAC and IMI. Participation was high in the roundtable discussions, with the topics provided by Andy Snead and MCAA’s Education Committee. After the roundtable discussion, the majority of the group hit the desert in UTVs. They must have had a good time, because they returned with smiles on their dirty faces while the rest of us enjoyed some pool time at the resort. The closing dinner outside the clubhouse on the green could not have been a prettier setting with the sun setting over the Sonoran Desert. Our guest speaker that night was Congressman Trent Franks. Though he began his talk with a little politics, the majority of his speech was about patriotism and reminding us that we live in the best country in the history of the world. He shared a touching story that left many in the audience with tears running down their cheeks. Alan Johnson from Utah and Mackie Bounds from Texas came up to me
November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
If you have not
attended an
MCAA Midyear Meeting before, you have to put
it on your
calendar for next year. It’s where friendships are made
and renewed each year. afterward and said they did not know Congressman Franks, but as soon as they get home they are going to send him a check even though this was not a fundraising event. As I often tell members who have not attended a Midyear event before, this is where friendships are made and renewed each year. If you weren’t able to make it this year, you have to put it on your calendar for next year. New members Melchor and Olivia Olguin of Aztec Masonry couldn’t stop talking about the great time they had meeting members for the first time, and how they were welcomed by everyone there. Paul and Cheryl Cantarella were there celebrating his becoming an MCAA Certified Contractor, and also expressed what a great group of members we have and how they can’t wait until next year. While we have not yet selected a city for next year, we received a lot of suggestions from those in attendance and we look forward to making the selection soon. Colleen and I thank you for visiting our state and seeing some of the beauty Arizona has to offer. yMAS The Voice of the Masonry Industry
GOVERNMENT
AFFAIRS
By Stephen Borg
The Sun Is Shining on MCAA I write this column having just returned to Washington, D.C., after another great couple of days with the Mason Contractors Association of America at our Mid-Year Meeting in beautiful Scottsdale, Ariz. I’d like to send out a big thank-you to Mike and Colleen Sutter for hosting us in their home state and showing us how therapeutic and inspirational the Arizona landscape and sun can be. As I stood before the MCAA members present at the meeting, I looked out across the room and was absolutely awed. Did I spend too much time lying out by the pool the day before in the hot Arizona sun? I did not recognize half the people in attendance! We had new members from all over the country — Massachusetts, Tennessee, Florida and elsewhere — members who are eager to jump in and become involved in MCAA and make their voices heard both at home and in Washington, D.C. I am constantly amazed at how committed, hard-working, and proud MCAA members are of their businesses and industry. As I mentioned during the meeting, that passion has gone a long way to put our association of about 700 members on par with some of the biggest associations in the country when it comes to our respect and impact on Capitol Hill. Now is the time to make sure your voices are being heard as we get ready to welcome a new administration and a new Congress. 10 |
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In the coming months, we will see many new chairmen of important Congressional committees take the gavel and new political appointees at all the agencies within the federal government. New members of Congress will be elected, many of whom may not have the first idea what a mason contractor is or the way that regulations and laws can adversely impact your business and our industry. We have seen many issues arise over the past couple of months as President Obama packs his bags and gets ready to leave the White House, such as new estate tax regulations specifically targeted at family businesses, numerous OSHA regulations and interpretations that will add many more layers of bureaucracy to your everyday business doings, and continued fights over our check-off program and the massive OSHA silica rule. Now is the time for both new and longtime MCAA members to take the great momentum we learned about in Scottsdale and turn it into one, massive, loud voice in Washington, D.C. MCAA now has a tool that makes contacting your member of Congress as simple as hitting a button on your smartphone. Take the time to download MCAA’s new mobile app, and make tweeting or calling your member of Congress as easy as 1-23. What an amazing tool to allow you to contact your representatives from anywhere…your worksite, while you
November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The passion of MCAA members has helped
put our
association of about 700 members on of the
par with some
biggest associations in
the country when it comes to our respect
and impact
on Capitol
Hill.
eat lunch, right after reading an article of interest in the newspaper or, even better, right before you head to the airport on your way to our 2017 Legislative Days in Washington, D.C.! The reports we heard in Scottsdale from our committee leaders and MCAA leadership got me excited for the future of the MCAA. The faces of so many new, committed and active members in Arizona fired me up to get back to D.C. and start laying the groundwork for a productive new year of hitting Capitol Hill to make our voices heard. The sun is shining on the Mason Contractors Association of America, and the future is bright. We must take this story to capitols throughout the country and ensure that our government is working for us. Won’t you join us? yMAS The Voice of the Masonry Industry
EZG
Manufacturing The Hoist Hog fits over the Hog Cart to easily transport materials to various heights. Support bars are placed into the coordinating slots to secure the two pieces of equipment together.
The Hoist Hog and Hog Cart are available in both block and brick.
Solid Grate Cover
With the new OSHA standard for silica dust, the Mud Hog Mixer solid grate cover provides your employees less exposure to silica dust. There are also two separate openings on the grate. One for mixing materials and one for water intake to make the job more efficient and safe.
1-800-417-9272 www.ezgrout.com ezgsales@ezgmfg.com
NEW
Product & Service Information
PRODUCTS To submit a new product, contact: Karen Hickey • Email: karen@lionhrtpub.com
Northern Tool + Equipment Burnsville, Minn.
www.masonrymagazine.com • 888-303-5639, Ext. 230
We’ve made it fast, easy and convenient to request FREE information about any product or service in this issue. To request information online, go to: www.masonrymagazine.com. Click on ‘FREE Product Information’ (right top corner), then… 1. Select the issue of the magazine you are reading 2. Check the box next to the advertiser you are interested in 3. Provide your name, address and business information 4. Click submit.
KEEN Utility
Wirebond
Portland, Ore.
Charlotte, N.C.
3-in-1 Convertible Wagon
New for Fall: KEEN Utility Tacoma Series Footwear
BOND-N-FLASH Composite Flashing
Northern Tool + Equipment recently launched Bannon, a new private label brand featuring industrial-grade wagons that can be used across multiple jobs. Bannon products have been designed to withstand the demands of diverse commercial and consumer applications — from the shop to the pasture. The 3-in-1 Convertible Wagon is built with heavy-duty materials to handle the daily wear and tear of a jobsite. The wagon is a uniquely versatile carrier that features zero-turn steering and a fully welded frame.
KEEN Utility has introduced the Tacoma series, a collection of safety footwear that offers non-metallic, heavy-duty protection for workers. The Tacoma 8” XT CSA features asymmetrical composite toes, metal-free eyelets and an undetectable and lightweight puncture-resistant midsole plate. The Tacoma 8” XT is crafted from leather that resists oleic acid, urea, sodium chloride and ammonium hydroxide. Also featuring a KEEN.Dry breathable membrane and an oil-and slip-resistant non-marking rubber outsole, this boot handles wet conditions with ease.
BOND -N- FLASH, the new stainless steel composite flashing, has been tested to meet ASTM E84 for fire resistance. With exceptional UV protection performance, effortless pliability and excellent puncture and tear resistance, BOND-N-FLASH lasts the life of the wall structure. The single sheet of type 304 stainless steel at 2 mils makes BOND-N-FLASH extremely flexible and easy to form on-site. The clear adhesive coating at 8 mils will not drool from UV and heat exposure. BOND-N-FLASH remains UV resistant, allowing for extended inspection time and workability.
www.northerntool.com
www.keenutility.com
www.wirebond.com
Terex Corp.
Bosch Power Tools
Redmond, Wash.
Mt. Prospect, Ill.
BlocTrak
New Generation of “XC” Booms Upgrades to Brute Tough Drill/ Philadelphia, Pa. Offer More Capacity, Precise Driver and Hammer Drill/Driver Bosch Power Tools has announced upgrades to its Galvanized Track System Positioning Enabling people to work at height safely with increasingly heavy loads using a single machine, Genie® Xtra Capacity (XC) boom lifts are designed to work in more applications that require higher capacities. To support additional weight on the platform, Genie XC booms are engineered with an updated boom structure that boasts increased performance, range of motion and envelope control, as well as a robust jib capable of easily handling the standard 1,000-lb. (454 kg) maximum capacity. www.genielift.com
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Brute Tough series, giving professionals greater protection, serious power and jobsite durability. Key features of the Brushless Brute Tough 1/2-in. Drill/Driver and 1/2-in. Hammer Drill/Driver include: Bosch-exclusive KickBack Control to stop the drill’s rotation during bit bind-up situations; a new LED light that shows when KickBack Control or the tool’s overload protection is activated; and 25+1 precision clutch settings, which provide driving accuracy for reduced fastener and work piece damage.
Bloctrak is a galvanized track that provides superior reinforcement between block mortar joints and enables block to be laid in a fast, easy, and selfleveling manner. The track system enables skilled masons or laypersons to build masonry walls with improved results. Bloctrak masonry walls have the strength and durability of the pyramids and will withstand the test of time. The product meets the tests of the ASTM 72-77 standard for strength test panels for building construction.
www.boschtools.com
uicbloctrak@gmail.com
November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
Sure-Tie WSe Designed with a Wide Slot to accept our NEW Sure Tie WS Adjustable Double Hook, Sure Tie WS installs faster and easier than ever, saving you time and money. Also NEW, is the Sure Tie Insulation Washer, made a of durable plastic 2" in diameter, it snaps into the already existing Sure Tie WS Standard washer and helps to keep wind and moisture from entering the wall at the point of installation as well as securing the insulation against the back up wall. • SURE-TIE WS works well with wood stud, steel stud, cmu and concrete backup. • With thicker insulations specified, there is a screw length that’s right for your project. • SURE-TIE WS holds insulation in place, permitting contractors to install 4’ x 8’ sheets with ease , saving time and money.
What about Thermal Bridging?e All of our Sure Tie Fasteners have been tested and do not create any measurable thermal bridging effects on the wall system.
For more info please visit our website or call us today.
WIRE-BOND
MCAA MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
www.masoncontractors.org
Weeps:
Getting the Water Out DRAINAGE IN A MASONRY CAVITY WALL IS SOMETHING WE DEAL WITH EACH AND EVERY DAY AS WE CONSTRUCT OUR WALLS. But drainage can be complicated — from the arrangement of
By Steven Fechino
pipes and conduits found in the cavity and architectural features that can create obstructions, to footing step-downs due to grade differentials, insulation requirements, and anchors that can turn an “ordinary” installation into anything but ordinary. In the masonry industry, there are some things and Gary Porter that are done that don’t have a lot of technical facts or research behind them, but they follow the industry standard, work well to solve a problem and have a good performance history. Weeps or weep holes and their placement is one of these things. Weeps have several functions. However, the main function of a weep is to allow water that collects on the flashings (which can be placed at the base of the wall, at a shelf angle or lintel) a clear and open path to the exterior of the façade. In the masonry code describing masonry veneer, the commentary states: “Water w ill penetrate t h e v e n e e r, a n d t h e wall system should be designed, detailed and constructed to prevent water penetration into the building.” — TMS 402 12.1.2 Flashing and weeps are the means for water to exit the masonry wall.
Mortar Net WeepVent.
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November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
The Brick Industry Association (BIA, www.gobrick.com) has a technical note* which recommends leaving an open head joint by simply leaving mortar out of it. Experts agree this is the best method for getting moisture out of a masonry assembly, but sometimes this is not aesthetically pleasing, as head joints need to be at least 2 inches high. The technical note further explains that non-corrosive metal, mesh or plastic screens can be installed in the open head joints, thus forming weeps. T herefore, w hile it was once common to leave open head joints, a variety of weep configurations are now being used, with all of them attempting to serve the same function. Geographical locations, and thus meteorological variations, can offer different performance of a weep. Some of the weeps that have been around for a while are described below. Types of Weeps T he cotton wick , which TotalFlash drainage mat weeps. became popular in the late 1980s, is nothing more than a 3/8-inch thick cotton rope cut into sections on-site and laid into the conveniently match many mortars. This is a time-proven cavity, then extended through a head joint to the outside of product that does not offer a downside. A gray-colored vent the veneer. There is an area of the country where this weep will often work well during the life of the building, even will not function for more than about two years before it with contrasting mortar colors used during construction. begins to rot. Once decay of the cotton fiber begins, the Polyester mesh weeps are also available in several colors weep literally turns to a black mush, preventing any possible and can offer the least airflow restriction of all the weeps opportunity for drainage. For this reason, the Brick Industry listed. Manufactured to be 90 percent air, air and vapor can Association has removed these weeps as a recommended easily pass though the vent with very little resistance. The option. polyester weeps are non-directional and can be utilized with Plastic ferrules or weep tubes are another weep that has different-sized materials simply by rotating the weep. Some been commonly placed for years. These tubes are installed companies, like Mortar Net Solutions, have cut their weep simply by cutting away the bed mortar placed on the flashto work with a modular brick, or if rotated 90ยบ it can serve ing, placing the tube in the joint and pulling a buttered brick as a weep for a utility brick, thus minimizing the need to into place. Unfortunately, the tubes serve as an excellent paspurchase separate materials when both brick are used on a sageway for stink bugs, ants, honey bees and a host of other project. non-desirable insects. For a weep tube to be functional, the Louvered weeps also offer a tried and true weep insert interior opening of the tube must be against the mortar colthat is commonly used only in modular brick. This weep has lection device, so that mortar droppings will not spatter and a louver that fills the face of the head joint and a tab that clog the tube. extends across the top of the brick, keeping it secure. The Corrugated mesh weeps are available from many weep may not be the most aesthetic, but it has a good ability manufacturers and can be purchased in colors that to function for the life of the structure. www.masonrymagazine.com
November 2016
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MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
A variety of weep configurations are now being used, with all of them attempting to serve the same function. CMU wall weeping above finish grade and below finish floor.
Placement and Spacing of Weeps The function of weeps is not limited to flashing. It has become somewhat standard to place weeps at the upper level of the floor veneer, typically under the shelf angle in commercial construction or just under the soffit in residential construction. When placed in these locations, a chimney effect can occur in the cavity. During the heat of the day, vaporized air can find its way to the top of the cavity and vent through a weep placed at the top of the cavity — or what is becoming commonly known as a ventilation weep. Weeps are typically not placed in the head joints of a single-wythe wall, as this
CMU wall weeping excessively due to uncovered walls during construction.
PROSOCO pioneered the market for masonry cleaners and protective treatments more than 75 years ago, and we’ve been right there with our customers to help solve their problems ever since.
I’ve got this white stuff on my brick…
If it’s powdery, it’s likely efflorescence. If not, something else is going on that I can help you identify. Can you email me some photos? You. Us. The project. 800 255 4255
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PROSOCO.COM
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November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
The Complete Solution for Thin Brick
Snap for more information.
Masonry Veneer Installation System (MVIS™) LATICRETE has a complete solution for adhered manufactured thin brick veneers, providing a permanent, high strength installation that is freeze thaw stable and protects from water intrusion – backed by a LATICRETE® 25 Year System Warranty*. www.laticrete.com/mvis | 1.800.243.4788 A-8080-1016 *See Data Sheet 025.0 for complete warranty information. ©2016 LATICRETE International, Inc. All trademarks shown are the intellectual properties of their respective owners.
MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
would reduce strength and likely create an opportunity for leaks. One product on the market that is used for throughwall drainage and allows weeping of the single-wythe wall is called BlockFlash. It can be found detailed in the National Concrete Masonry Association’s single-wythe details 15B. A newly completed masonry project in suburban Chicago seems to possess more weep ropes than usual protruding from the brick wall. These weep ropes were spaced at 8 inches on center. Aesthetically, this looks odd and appears like too many weep ropes were used. Weeps are typically placed at 24 inches on center, and this is a good rule of thumb. The less distance the moisture has to travel once it collects on the flashings, the quicker it can dry. The recommended spacing for rope wick and tube weeps, if used, is no more than 16 inches on center. Most building codes allow no less than 3/16 inch diameter and up to 33 inches on center spacing of weeps. In this case, these wicks need to be at least 16
CMU single-wythe wall with functioning weep tubes. The building was dried in at time of photo.
Typical cell vent installation in veneer
inches long and extend through the brick into the airspace and along the back of the brick. The building in suburban Chicago is in compliance with the local code and with the BIA technical note, as the spacing is less than the recommended spacing for rope wicks. Yet, as mentioned earlier, experts recommend and prefer open head joints, as sometimes rope wicks can deteriorate, rot or become clogged with mortar dropped into the cavity if not properly installed. Conclusion Weeps are not exciting to discuss, so oftentimes little attention is paid to this accessory, and many masons do what they have always done. However, building science has identified many details that, when designed and constructed correctly, not only offer the building owner a higher-performing building, but actually simplify the mason’s work. Weeps are just one of those many details that can make your work simpler in the long run. And remember, simplified work means you will eventually make more money. yMAS Steven Fechino is engineering and construction manager with Mortar Net Solutions. He can be reached at sfechino@mortarnet.com. Gary Porter, executive director of the Masonry Advisory Council, can be reached at gporter@masonryadvisorycouncil.org. *Technical Note #7 — Water Penetration Resistance Design and Detailing, Brick Industry Association.
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November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
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Specifying the
Right Waterproofing Coverage By Jessica Gitto M A S O N RY R E S T O R AT I O N A N D P R E S E RVAT I O N A R E V E RY IMPORTANT TO THE LIFE OF A BUILDING. Although building exteriors are made of durable and resilient materials such as brick or stone, they are consistently subject to weather, pollutants, ground movement and moisture. If masonry distress is ignored or not prevented properly, a building’s structural stability could be compromised. Properly waterproofing a structure’s facade plays an important role in preserving every aspect of a structure’s construction. Knowing which waterproofing coverage to specify for a structure is more than just a science; it’s an art form that is best left to an experienced professional to determine. Water is moved through a structure via any number of forces, including: hydrostatic pressure, capillary action, wind/air currents, surface tension and natural gravity. If there is any breach in a structure’s envelope, water is sure to find its way in. Waterproofing has come a long way since 1915, when cutting-edge technology Ironite was first introduced. Painted onto the inside of basement walls, Ironite became a popular option because it could be applied quickly and less expensively than traditional waterproofing methods at the time. As the decades progressed, so did improvements in the materials Western Specialty Contractors worker sprays shotcrete on the entire west elevation of the historic Norden Hall building repurposed as a wine bar in Des and techniques used to waterproof Moines, Iowa. Once the new concrete had cured, a textured acrylic coating was a b u i l d i n g ’s f a c a d e . T h o s e applied to waterproof the wall and maintain its historic appearance. improvements are as follows: 22 |
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The Voice of the Masonry Industry
Waterproofing With Sealants The exterior walls of a building can be a significant source of unwanted water leakage. It’s easy to forget how many openings are required in commercial building walls — from plumbing and irrigation connections to lighting, HVAC system elements, exhaust vents, air intakes, joints around windows and doors, and fire alarms, to name a few. There are also unplanned holes caused by aging brick joints that need repointing, vanishing sealants, damage from acid rain and settling cracks. All wall penetrations provide easy access for water, bugs, field mice, birds or other unwanted pests to enter the building and cause damage. A structure’s first line of defense against the elements is above-grade waterproofing, which includes the use of caulks and sealants to seal the perimeters of windows and other openings, and sealants applied to a stone, concrete or masonry facade. The amount of sealant needed on a new or existing structure depends on exposure and expansion/ contraction problems that may be identified. Some types of commonly used facade sealants include: Elastomeric breathable wall coating systems. Excellent for waterproofing, these attractive systems are known for their stretchiness, which allows some substrate movement and bridging of moving hairline cracks. They are also permeable, which allows moisture vapor to pass www.masonrymagazine.com
Western Specialty Contractors performed a full masonry restoration of the historic Freedom Place apartment building for homeless veterans in St. Louis, Mo. Crews waterproofed the building’s entire brick, terra cotta and concrete facade with a clear water repellant.
through the film without compromising its adhesion to the surface. Protective/decorative surface coatings. Specially formulated to meet the requirements of demanding environments, these types of coatings can be applied to concrete, masonry block, metal or wood. Generally applied with a sprayer, these cost-effective coatings offer superior moisture protection and can also provide insulation, UV protection, and resistance to color fading, oil, grease and mildew. Clear water repellents. Ideal for protecting masonry, concrete, brick, block and stone, clear water repellents penetrate into treated surfaces and bond with the substrate to provide long-lasting moisture protection. These types of repellents help to keep buildings cleaner by repelling dirt and protecting against staining. Using Rainscreens to Repel Water One of the most successful technologies used today to deter rainwater intrusion into a building’s exterior wall and protect its envelope is the rainscreen system. Introduced more than 20 years ago in the United States, rainscreen technology has continued to advance, along with its popularity among building owners who desire a “stylish raincoat” for their structure. November 2016
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Walls with rainscreen systems tend to be more durable and are less prone to costly repairs resulting from water damage. In addition to managing water infiltration, rainscreen systems are also effective at managing air infiltration, negative wind pressures, heat transfer and vapor transmission into and out of a building. The only real drawback to a rainscreen system is the added cost associated with its more complex design and installation. Western Specialty Contractors installed a custom-designed rainscreen system Numerous terms have and terra cotta facade on one of been used in the past to deManhattan, New York’s most luxurious scribe rainscreen systems, condominium high-rise buildings. which has caused some confusion as to what a rainscreen really is. A rainscreen system is the attachment of an outer skin of rear-ventilated cladding to a new or existing building. The system is a form of double-wall construction that uses an outer layer to keep out the rain and
Western Specialty Contractors crews replaced all sealants on the former passenger terminal at Hector International Airport in Fargo, N.D., with 4,000 lineal feet of silicone, then thoroughly cleaned and sealed the entire building to protect it from future water damage.
an inner layer to provide thermal insulation, prevent excessive air leakage and carry wind loading. Cladding that does not stand off from the wall sheathing to create a cavity is not considered a rainscreen. However, a masonry veneer can be called a rainscreen wall if it is ventilated. The structural frame of the building is kept absolutely dry, as water never reaches it or the thermal insulation. Evaporation and drainage in the cavity remove water that penetrates between the panel joints. There are essentially three types of rainscreen systems available on the market today: vented, drained and vented, and pressure equalized. Vented systems. This type of rainscreen cladding system is not recommended for buildings more than four stories high. It utilizes a warm cavity, and no ventilation, and is open only at the bottom. The warm cavity provides a dewpoint similar to the outside, therefore reducing the chance of moisture entering the system. Drained and vented systems. This type of system is also not recommended for use on buildings more than four stories high, in order to prevent a buildup of condensation. Not watertight, this system requires a cavity opening at the top and bottom that provides drainage and promotes convection ventilation. An overhang is generally used to protect the cavity from the elements. Pressure-equalized systems. This type of system allows for ventilation openings large enough for air pressure to nearly equalize on both sides of the cladding. The system requires extensive design to balance the amount of air flowing into and out from behind the rainscreen panels. If a building is located in a relatively wet climate with an average annual rainfall of 60 inches or more, it is a good candidate for a rainscreen system. Conversely, in some cities, a rainscreen system is required by local building codes. So whether you use a type of repellant, sealant or coating to waterproof a building’s facade, or a rainscreen system, you have taken a giant step forward in protecting that building from preventable structural damage. Always consult with a specialty contractor experienced in waterproofing to recommend the right technology for the job. yMAS Jessica Gitto is business development representative for Western Specialty Contractors.
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November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
WIRE-BOND’S
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Moisture Management’s
Front Line
Construction pros can help prevent moisture buildup with a system-based approach
A D VA N C E M E N T S I N B U I L D I N G T E C H N O L O G I E S H AV E PRODUCED both lighter-weight materials that help reduce initial construction costs and the ability to create tighter building envelopes, which can lower lifetime energy costs. As beneficial as these overall savings are, using such technologies poses the potential for moisture damage and associated costs down the road. Fortunately, the right combination of building technologies, products By Jim Cooper and installation techniques can net the benefits of efficiency and economics while also protecting against moisture damage.
Integrated masonry systems, such as Echelon’s EnduraMax High-Performance Wallsystem, often include a continuous moisture barrier, meeting today’s moisture management requirements.
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November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
Moisture or water vapor moves in and out of a building with air currents, by diffusion through the building’s materials, and through heat transfer. A building’s first line of defense is its exterior wall. Here, masonry is an excellent choice for moisture control, as long as it is installed in such a way as to both prevent the infiltration of water, and direct any water that does penetrate down the exterior cavity of the building. Different masonry types will require different installation and moisture management techniques, but in general the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) recommends the use of: flashing and counter-flashing, weeps, vents, sealants, water repellants, post-applied surface treatments, vapor retarders and crack control measures. The association also points to redundancy of components so the wall will remain watertight even if one of the systems fails. One way to reduce the number of steps and materials necessary to achieve moisture control is for designers and builders to consider using properly detailed single-wythe walls. These eliminate the need for a cavity wall as backup. Most contain an integral water repellant (IWR), drainable cores and an interior face shell. Used with flashing and weeps and a post-applied water repellant, they can keep moisture out of the interior envelope. Another way to install masonry while incorporating redundant moisture management strategies is by using complete masonry systems. These combine structures that more easily transport water vapor to minimize mold, Water repellants, which are added to both manufactured stone veneers and mortar, are another mildew and potential structural damhigh-performance solution for controlling moisture. A complete moisture management solution age and incorporate stainless steel ties should include the final step of sealing after the building’s completion. that won’t rust or corrode, as well as drainage channels that send water down and away from the tures are an integral part of a building’s moisture control building. These systems also may be easier to install because strategy. They enhance other technologies that direct moisthey already combine many products into one. ture down and away from a building by working to control Also important is the use of a proper ventilation system the penetration of moisture in the first place. and avoidance of materials that aid in the growth of bacteria Various water repellants can be applied to mortar or and mold, such as organic and paper-based products and block, either at the jobsite or during production. Howwall-to-wall carpeting. ever, jobsite applications have some limitations, including Water repellants, which are added to both manufactured a surface life that averages two to seven years and the fact stone veneers and mortar, are another high-performance that they usually require applying two coats, which can cut solution for controlling moisture. Water-repellant admixinto time and budget. Additionally, jobsite applications are www.masonrymagazine.com
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subject to human error and nature’s wrath: if the blocks become wet prior to sealing, there could be future moisture issues. A complete moisture management solution should include the final step of sealing after the building’s completion. On the other hand, IWRs or admixtures, such as the RainBloc System, are applied during the production of the mortar and/or block and are therefore factory controlled. They leave no surface film, won’t wear or wash off, and the masonry is breathable. Integrated water repellants are particularly effective in Another way to install masonry while incorporating multiple moisture management strategies is lightweight concrete masonry units by using complete masonry systems. and in single-wythe walls, where additional protection against water and wind-driven rain building, construction and masonry professionals can help is needed. safeguard their clients’ investments — and health — from For maximum benefit or extreme conditions, consider the damaging effects of moisture. . yMAS using block and mortar with integrated and applied water Jim Cooper is the national director for Artisan Masonry repellants together. Stone Veneers, which is part of the Echelon Masonry portfolio of products from Oldcastle Architectural. He can By using systems that combine water-resistant materials be reached at jim.cooper@oldcastle.com. and technology to direct moisture down and away from the
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The Voice of the Masonry Industry
>>> CASE STUDY
REHABS AND RESTORATIONS
Kansas State University: Memories to Last a Lifetime
Lightweight and environmentally friendly, Geofoam solves unique design and construction challenges on the K-State Memorial Stadium renovation. By John Myers Founded in 1863, Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., was the first public institution of higher learning in the state. The campus’ architectural style is well defined by the use of native Cottonwood Limestone in stout masonry buildings featuring arch-capped entrances and windows. Memorial Stadium was constructed as a tribute to Kansas State students killed in World War I, and is composed of two independent halves: west stadium (completed in 1922) and east stadium (completed in 1924). The general seating capacity was 17,500, and the stadium faithfully served as home to the Wildcats’ football team until 1967, when the University opened a newer facility.
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In the nearly 50 years since, Memorial Stadium has remained a fixture of K-State campus life without having a defined function. The fields have served campus activities like band practices, intramurals and jogging, while the functions of the interior buildings beneath the stands have included academic, administrative and storage. Most recently, the east stadium building housed KSU’s Telecommunications Department and the Purple Masque Theater, while the west stadium primarily provided creative space to students in the Graduate Studies in Arts Department. In a multi-phase process that reached completion in April 2016, the university undertook a program to
November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
In the News
Cathedral Apprentice Leaves His Mark revitalize and repurpose Memorial Stadium. With the first phase of construction breaking ground in November 2013, this two-anda-half-year process included a complete masonry rehabilitation and repositioning each of the wings as new campus amenities. “Being a part of the preservation of this important community touchstone is what makes being a mason feel special,” remarks Shawn Smoke, assistant vice president at Restoration and Water Proofing, the masonry contractor responsible for the stonework rehabilitation on Memorial Stadium. Restoration and Water Proofing is a 42-year-old business with offices in Wichita, Topeka and Kansas City, where Smoke is the branch manager. He oversees masonry and waterproofing teams working on a wide range of projects, but believes historic masonry is an exceptional challenge and thrill. His role in the K-State project stretches back to 2014, when he began working with the university to develop a masonry rehabilitation budget and scope of work that were ultimately used in the contract documents. While the thrill comes largely from completing the project, one of Smoke’s biggest challenges was finding replacement materials for stones taken from the ground close to a century ago. “Trying to source stone as close to a replica as possible is always a goal in preservation work,” says Smoke, who gladly shares credit with stone supplier Lardner for finding the best match on Memorial Stadium. Together, they closely scrutinized the stone being removed from Memorial Stadium in order to find a near-replica in Lardner’s quarry. “Lardner was able to cut every stone to the exact dimensions needed and sent them out to the site ready to be placed,” continues Smoke, who estimates that his www.masonrymagazine.com
Salisbury Cathedral is one of Britain’s finest medieval cathedrals. More than 300,000 people visit the cathedral each year to marvel at the nearly 800-year-old building and admire Britain’s tallest spire. The finest original copy of the 1215 Magna Carta is on permanent display to visitors in the Chapter House of the cathedral. The cathedral’s Major Repair Programme (MRP) began nearly 30 years ago. Comprehensive fabric repairs were needed. Many of the roofs were old, cracked in some places and distorted by thermal movement; the glazing, some of the finest in the country, was becoming frail and in need of re-leading, cleaning and isothermal glazing; and many of the stones in the walls were blistering, soot encrusted and eroded. The most significant problem was the spire, through which daylight could be seen in places and where some stones were only 2 inches thick, having once been 8 inches. Work on the tower and spire (except the finial at the top) was completed in 1992; the west-side front repairs ran from 1995 to 2000; and work on the roofs, which involved 90 percent replacement, was completed in 2005. Salisbury Cathedral is one of only nine English cathedrals to have its own Works Department, which includes a team of stonemasons, glaziers, a dedicated ecclesiastical carpenter and a lead plumber. The department takes on one apprentice every four years, a much sought-after training post in which the trainee learns traditional stonemasonry skills. On Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, cathedral stonemason Christian Sullivan marked the end of a four-year-long apprenticeship at a “topping off” ceremony held high on the scaffolding above the cathedral’s southeast side. Sullivan, who has now embarked on a Foundation degree in stonemasonry, spent the last two months of his apprenticeship carefully carving a copy of the damaged finial for the southeast side of the cathedral. Generally, only one major carving like this is done a year. Sullivan’s finial was the last stone to be laid, marking the end of that particular stage in Salisbury Cathedral’s 30-year-long MRP. The original finial was damaged as a result of Victorian restoration in which the masons used an iron pin to fix the finial to the stone below. The iron rusted and expanded, causing the stone to split. Today, cathedral masons use stainless steel pins, which do not rust. Sullivan said, “I knew I wanted to make things but never saw myself as a mason in particular. That is something that has grown with the job. It is amazing to think that my work is now up there on the east side and will be for the next few hundred years.” Also present at the “topping off” ceremony were 40 donors who participated in the Sponsor a Stone project. Donors have their initials carved into their stone, and it is fixed into the cathedral wall. They also receive a diagram that shows the position of their stone and can spend time in the Works Yard, visiting the mason who is creating it. Work is now beginning on the Trinity Chapel, on the east face, the oldest part of the cathedral. This has remained untouched since the foundations were laid in 1220. Now, frequent stone falls mean that it has to be roped off for restoration and its beautiful interior is being damaged by rain. yMAS For more information about the Sponsor a Stone project or the cathedral, contact Natalie Downing at n.downing@salcath.co.uk or Jilly Wright at j.wright@salcath.co.uk.
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>>> CASE STUDY
REHABS AND RESTORATIONS team replaced approximately 20 percent of the existing stones in both stadium wings. They were also charged with removing and completely rebuilding the parapet walls ringing both structures. “The way the parapets were originally built didn’t really consider the need for water to escape from the stone properly. We needed to modernize that and decided to build a composite wall system to increase l o n g e v i t y a n d e ff e c t i v e n e s s . ” The new parapets are built from a CMU core encased in the new replica stone. The result is a near-perfect match to the original structure in appearance, yet more structurally sound. Beyond the masonry restoration, the project involved a complete gut and renovation of both wing buildings below the stands. The west wing now serves as a campus theater, and the east wing is a new location for student services, financial aid, housing and dining services, and the career center. One unusual challenge
in the project was how to rehabilitate the concrete risers above the revitalized structures. Since the stands had always served as roofs to the buildings underneath, that function had to remain, though they no longer needed to account for 17,500 screaming Wildcats fans. K-State’s landscape architecture department proposed transforming the majority of the seating into green roofs. Planted with native materials, the green roof provides an ideal way to reseal the structures, while enhancing the
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The Voice of the Masonry Industry
Fast Lightweight Safe Easy to Clean stadium aesthetically and making a strong environmental statement. Because current building codes wouldn’t allow a tremendous amount of weight to be added to the roofs, designers turned to ACH Foam Technologies’ Foam-Control EPS Geofoam, an innovative commercial building product that is about 1 percent of the weight of natural soil. ACH’s specially engineered expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam offered a lightweight material capable of filling in the slopes created by the rows of seating without overburdening the structural capacity of the roofs. The contoured slab was then covered with a thin layer of soil and planted with native species in a K-State color palette, creating a sloped prairie hillside bisected by a running track. “Figuring out the contours of all the steps was really quite a puzzle,” says Curtis Calvert, project manager for Hutton Construction, who is a K-State alumnus. Calvert credits roofing subcontractor Western Specialty Group for determining the most efficient way to cover the slope without much material or labor waste. “They came out and mapped every inch of the stadium, which allowed each piece of foam to be specially cut and configured for placement on the slope.” Smoke and Calvert both shared a story for the ages about the project. “As we were doing the punch list, walking along the east stadium’s exterior wall, a few individual stones were identified that we wanted to replace,” recalls Smoke. Behind one of those stones among literally thousands, a foreman discovered an old tin can with a note inside. “The note was handwritten and signed by five masons who had worked on the original construction,” continues Smoke. Such an incredible find should remind us all that buildings are built by real people with a commitment to their craft. yMAS John Myers, ACH Foam Technologies, can be reached at jmyers@achfoam.com. www.masonrymagazine.com
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>>> CASE STUDY
REHABS AND RESTORATIONS
Restoring the Historic Chickasaw Nation Boarding School Unique mortar joint finish requires ingenuity and close attention to detail Established in 1854 near the banks of the Red River in a small town called Lebanon, Okla., sat an abandoned, two-story brick structure. It once served as a boarding school for Chickasaw Nation girls, an orphanage, then as a manual labor school where Chickasaw children learned agriculture, horticulture, homemaking, sewing, knitting, cooking and housekeeping. Steeped in Chickasaw history, the structure, named the Burney Institute, had fallen into disrepair when it was abandoned some time after 1910. In 2014–15, Chickasaw Nation officials funded a complete restoration of the historic landmark for possible use as a museum. Western Specialty Contractors – Dallas, Texas branch was hired to tuckpoint the structure’s entire brick facade, as well as rebuild interior and exterior brick walls and corners, and provide structural anchoring at the cracks. Restoration of the building’s exterior was a challenge for Western’s crews in terms of specifying modern materials that were compatible with materials used in the original construction. It was discovered that fine sands from the nearby Red River were used to make the original mortar and the bricks themselves. Western used modern technology to determine the best mortar mix for the job. “We sent the mortar to a testing facility in Iowa to determine its exact makeup,” said Dallas branch manager Ben Grandbois. “Once we knew what it was made out of, we worked closely with a concrete and mortar company and the architect to find the most compatible material to use. We ended up using a Type O mortar as a match.” Due to a limited supply of bricks, Western crews got creative and used salvaged bricks from the building’s interior walls to match the existing exterior facade, as well as bricks taken from footings beneath the main floor that were replaced with structural steel supports. Multiple cracks toward the bottom of the building, caused by more than 100 years of ground settling, were also repaired using helical anchors set into epoxy at angles to stitch the cracks prior to any wall repairs. Using an IBIX grout pump allowed Western crews to increase production on the massive tuckpointing job by 200 percent.
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PHOTOS The Burney Institute after the restoration work. <Inset left> — The Burney Institute prior to the restoration work. <Inset right> — The Burney Institute during restoration. Experience and a little ingenuity by Western enabled crews to create the ever-so-slight concave finish on the mortar joints to match the building’s original finish. “The finish of the original mortar joints did not allow for the typical striking we see most commonly today,” said Grandbois. “In order to maintain the historical significance and receive approval from the Chickasaw Nation, we performed many different mock-ups. Having a very seasoned foreman on the job helped tremendously as we tried many unique approaches. We eventually settled with a flush struck joint, followed by a light rake when the mortar had cured to an exact hardness.” We s t e r n w a s a b l e t o c o m p l e t e t h e p ro j e c t w i t h i n 14 months, on time and within budget. yMAS For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit www.westernspecialtycontractors.com.
November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
Cut Big or Go Home
TS 420 STIHL Cutquik®
The TS 420 STIHL Cutquik® features a 14” cutting wheel, giving you up to 4.9 inches of cutting depth. Whether your day calls for trimming metal pipes down to size or cutting curbs and expansion joints, STIHL is “reinventing the wheel” to get it done better. The TS 420 also features the X2 filtration system for a smooth-running engine with filters that are virtually maintenance free. And because it’s a STIHL, you can expect a lightweight, ergonomic design, fuel-efficient engine and quality-first construction. Pick up a TS 420 at your local STIHL Dealer today. Available at participating dealers while supplies last. © 2016 STIHL / MWS MWS16-3MAS12-129658-3 Chicago, IL Turek & Sons 1333 S. Jefferson St. (312) 850-1333
Dubuque, IA J & R Supply Inc. 220 Frentress Lake Road (815) 747-6501
Ottumwa, IA Carroll Dist & Const. Supply 205 South Iowa Ave. (641) 683-1888
Addison, IL McCann Industries, Inc. 543 S. Rohlwing Road (630) 627-8707
Chicago, IL Way-Ken Supply Co. 4640 W. Belmont Ave (773) 283-2413
East Peoria, IL Altorfer Rents 601 W. Washington St. (309) 694-9898
Palatine, IL Multiple Concrete Assoc. 20284 N. Rand Road (847) 438-2000
Bloomington, IL Midwest Construction Rental 810 North Linden St. (309) 829-1046
Crystal Lake, IL Lee Jensen Sales Co., Inc. 101 W. Terra Cotta Ave. (815) 459-0929
Hanover Park, IL Bracing Systems, Inc. 4N350 Old Gary Ave. (630) 665-2732
River Grove, IL Murphy Contractor Equip. 2420 N. River Rd. (708) 456-6900
Cedar Rapids, IA Campbell Supply Co. 2127 N. Towne Lane NE (319) 395-0991
Davenport, IA Gierke-Robinson Co. 3929 West River Road (563) 322-1725
Lemont, IL Concrete Clinic 13089 Main St. (630) 257-5440
Warrenville, IL R & J Construction Supply 30 W. 180 Butterfield Rd. (630) 393-9020
Chicago, IL O’Leary’s Contractors Equipment 1031 N. Cicero Ave (773)-252-6600
Des Moines, IA Logan Contractor Supply, Inc. 4101 106th St. (515) 253-9048
Morton, IL Mathis Kelley Const. Supply 1046 W. Jefferson Street (309) 266-9733
Waukegan, IL Burris Equipment Co. 2216 N. Green Bay Rd. (847) 336-1205
Find your local servicing STIHL Dealer at:
STIHLdealers.com
>>> CASE STUDY
REHABS AND RESTORATIONS
Recrowning the Jewel of the French Quarter:
Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis, King of France The St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, La., was built in 1793 and renovated in 1851. It is the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United S t a t e s . T h e c a t h e d r a l ’s hallmark three-spire image is ubiquitous and considered a symbol of New Orleans. Overlooking Jackson Square, it is often the backdrop for everything from live musical performances to films. Following the major renovation in 1851, the cathedral’s original 1819 bell was incorporated into the new design. However, after many years, one of St. Louis Cathedral’s famous three spires had structurally declined to the point of great concern. Affected in the deterioration was the housing of the original 1819 church bell. The pilasters on the spire were pulling away from the rest of the structure, contributing to a shifting masonry shell and exterior cracking. Throughout any potential repair program, technicians would need to leave the appearance of this symbolic structure unaltered and normal operations undisturbed. Masonry Solutions International (MSI) began by evaluating the spire and its pilasters to determine the extent of the separation and damage. MSI technicians used fiber-optic borescoping and ground-penetrating radar to non-destructively evaluate any underlying structural conditions. Once a clear understanding of the situation was attained, MSI worked with the design team to develop a multi-pronged approach. The first phase of the program
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called for pinning the separating pilasters back to the main structure. MSI designed, manufactured, and installed custom Gruenstark fabric anchorage that was both non-corrosive and non-epoxy based, tying the large stone pillars to the rear supports. MSI laboratory engineers then developed a customized, compatible CIF, one that would match the characteristics of the spire’s masonry and promote long-term stability, breathability, and sympathetic performance. Utilizing a low-pressure injection system, MSI techs then carefully injected the spire, immobilizing the masonry shell to prevent future cracking. Throughout Masonry Solutions’ work, the church bells continued to ring out from St. Louis Cathedral, an outcome not possible with the alternatives originally considered. yMAS Masonry Solutions International has worked in the field of masonry preservation and enhancement for over 20 years. Visit www.masonrysolutions.com for more information about MSI.
November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
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>>> CASE STUDY
REHABS AND RESTORATIONS
The Impact of Staining on Masonry By Don Foster
World-famous for its Golden D o m e , t h e 1 3 7 - y e a r- o l d Administration Building at the University of Notre Dame (UND) serves as headquarters for its president and provost. The 1879 building is a must-see destination and a popular place for picture taking. Its exterior brick, in particular, demonstrates the ingenuity of builders in the late 1800s. Since the clay was excavated from the two lakes on campus, the finished yellow bricks are known as “Notre Dame bricks.” The Golden Dome, or Main Building as it is called on campus, was beginning to show the effects of weather over the years. In the spring of 2015, university officials took on the task of restoring the exterior to its original beauty. A technique known Photo by Eccekevin. as Proven Masonry Staining helped (see https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AGolden_Dome.JPG) overcome some of the challenges associated with this restoration project. restoration contractor. Multiple areas of the building UND’s Facilities Design & Operations, led by Doug where brick and stone colors did not match the original Marsh, was the owner/architect/engineer on the project. appearance of the building presented additional Marsh is committed to excellence in every facet of his challenges. “The luxury that Ziolkowski Construction, Inc. department’s projects, ranging from new construction had was using Masonry Cosmetics, Inc. to stain the brick to renovation of older buildings. “It would be a mistake and stone, instead of full replacement,” Balcerzak said. just to focus on new construction,” Marsh noted. “We “With proper coordination,” he added, “the savings on have a balanced mission — we see ourselves as the time allowed us to produce an outstanding project and chief stewards of this incomparably beautiful and historic meet a tight schedule.” campus.” Masonry Cosmetics, Inc. served as the staining Anthony Polotto, UND senior project manager, was contractor, headed on-site by Shawn Hoffman, regional one of the lead figures contributing to the success of this sales manager. “Communication and teamwork on this project. “We always strive for perfection, which can be project were the best I have ever seen,” Hoffman said. difficult on a building this old,” he said. “Masonry staining “Since the building was being restored in different helped in many areas where aesthetics was an issue. sections at a time, it was so important to time each It has been important to use the right stain process,” phase of the color enhancement of the brick, mortar and he continued, “and Masonry Cosmetics, Inc. has the limestone banding.” product we depend on.” When restoration began on the Administration Building Larry Balcerzak was the estimator/project manager in 2015, it would have been difficult to find replacement for Ziolkowski Construction, Inc., which served as
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November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
brick needed for the project. It was unlikely that the brick created in the 1800s from clay at Notre Dame could be easily matched. Wisely, UND had saved brick from a previous deconstruction. That brick was close in size and texture, but not all of it matched the color of the original brick of the Main Building. As a result, UND selected the Proven Masonry Staining system they had used several times before to match masonry color. The Proven Masonry Stain that Masonry Cosmetics, Inc. uses on all its projects is a proprietary system that has withstood the test of time on buildings throughout the country for over 30 years. This product is not a paint or a paint-like product. It cannot be sprayed or rolled onto the bricks. Rather, it is applied with a brush, one brick at a time. The Proven Masonry Stain is a translucent product that does not create a layer, so it never peels, blisters or cracks. Absorption is the key to the Proven Masonry Stain’s endurance; it penetrates the pore structure of each brick and bonds to it. Once the bonding process is complete, the brick will look natural, whether the wall is wet or dry, and the stain will not create a sheen when wet. Brick color that was damaged by deeply embedded atmospheric dirt was another challenge during this project. Since the Proven Masonry Stain application process requires a clean, dry surface, problem areas were cleaned multiple times. Great care was taken not to damage darkened brick by over-cleaning. Lastly, Masonry Cosmetics corrected the color of these bricks by staining darkened a re a s w i t h a s p eci al blend of colors. Proven Masonry Staining will never hurt a brick. Therefore, workers were able to brush on several translucent applications to overlay the darkened brick with the correct color. Several c u s t o m c o l o r s w e re developed to create the color blend that ultimately resulted in the damaged bricks matching the undamaged bricks beautifully. Everyone on this project also understood www.masonrymagazine.com
that mortar can represent up to 18–20 percent of a wall’s color and can drastically affect its overall aesthetics. It is important to consider the coarseness and color of sand needed and what type of mortar joint is required. The importance of mirroring the joint plays a significant role in repairing the affected area. There were extensive repairs on the limestone band that clad the building. As the accompanying photos show, repairs ranged from patches to re-facing the entire stone. When the decision was made to not paint the limestone band after it was repaired, the use of Proven Masonry Stain was again helpful. Because of many varied patches and larger areas of repair, it was a challenge to color-enhance so much of the band. The advantage to using Proven Masonry Stain was that the color of the limestone could be blended for a closer match, allowing it to retain a natural look. This project under The Dome was very successful, to everyone’s great satisfaction. Proven Masonry Stain helped accomplish the high-quality result: beautifying one of America’s truly prestigious buildings. All parties involved were awarded the 2015 Excellence in Construction Award for Masonry RestorationEducation by the Michiana Area Construction Industry Advancement Fund. yMAS Don Foster is founder and vice president of Masonry Cosmetics Inc. He can be reached at brickmen@gmail. com or (888) 698-8705. Visit www.masonrycosmetics.com for more information.
November 2016
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>>> CASE STUDY
REHABS AND RESTORATIONS
Pillsbury A-Mill Artists’ Lofts Get a Lift By Tim Miller
The Pillsbury A-Mill was erected in 1881 in Minneapolis, Minn., and operated two of the most powerful direct-drive waterwheels ever built. It was listed on the National Register of Historic places in 1966 — one of the earliest registrations. Coincidentally, buildings built in 1966 are now eligible for listing on the National Register. The original purpose of the building, which was owned by the familiar Pillsbury family, was to mill flour. Purchased in 2012 by Dominium Management, the goal was to take the dilapidated building and turn it into affordable artists’ lofts, preserving the exterior as it originally appeared. The complete exterior restoration of the building was central to the overall project and to the historic Mill District of Minneapolis. Advanced Masonry Restoration, Inc. (AMR) was called in to perform all phases of restoration, from masonry to stone and concrete repair.
Parapet Repair and Removal The existing stone parapet was a “Platteville limestone” of multi-width construction. The parapet was removed from the top down six feet, and the attic area The finished product with the whalers gone and a newly restored parapet and attic wall on above. A new core-filled interior block wall was the top six feet of the structure. All of the mortar joints were repointed, and over 100 new installed, and the exterior finish was a “Lannon stone sills were installed. A true historical restoration project. Pewter Gray limestone,” quarried near Green were finished with a struck/doweled joint that was slightly Bay, Wis. It was chosen for its close match to the existing concave and matched the original interior mortar color. remaining Platteville limestone. More than 1,500 square feet When it came to the Main Street elevation below the of new stone was installed on top of the building, along with revitalized canopy, the joints were repointed with a raised the block, mortar and rebar to install a new wall. joint using a tool fabricated by AMR to match historic Stone Sill Replacement photos and records. This was done to show that, at one time, the entire building may have had this raised joint All of the window sills were removed and replaced with on it. the same Lannon Pewter Gray limestone. In addition, As an interesting side note, the Main Street elevation during the period of significance, a concrete wash was has a bow in it extending out about 6–8 inches across the installed, and AMR replicated the concrete sills in both elevation. Within a few years after the building was built, design and material. whalers were installed to keep the building from moving. Repointing On the opposite side, concrete bracing was poured to stabilize the building. The concrete was restored by AMR Each and every stone mortar joint was removed and and is visible on the east elevation. replaced on the exterior. The majority of the stone joints
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November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
Rebuilding of Windows and Stone Replacement Several windows were rebuilt to original specifications to correct modifications that were made over the years. AMR successfully restored several arched windows to their original condition.
Cleaning Cleaning of the building was completed under the auspices of the Secretary of the Interior Standards, and no acid-containing or other harsh chemical agents were used in the cleaning process. The project was completed in 2015, and each added year will enhance the restoration to replicate the original condition. yMAS Timothy J. Miller is president of Advanced Masonry Restoration, Inc. He can be reached at tjmiller@ advancedmasonry.com.
AMR journeyman PCC Craig Lundberg removes old mortar to prepare for the installation of crafted joints that replicate the original work. <Inset left> â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Due to neglect over the years, vegetation had started to take root on the sills. <Inset right> â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Progress on the parapet wall. Over 2,000 stones were replaced, along with a new block interior wall.
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The Fraco Model:
A New Working Environment for the Bricklayer By Jacques Lainé THE ADVENT OF THE MAST CLIMBING WORK PLATFORM HAS BROUGHT ABOUT A REDUCTION OF THE LABORER-TO- BRICKLAYER RATIO IN THE MASONRY INDUSTRY. This has forced the identification of new ways to work with masonry equipment. The concept of division of labor may represent a solution. Today, almost all masonry work platforms are delivered with step decks. At the same time, a higher level of competition in the industry has forced masonry contractors to reevaluate the ways in which they work. No aspect of their work is left out of the investigation. In that light, Fraco — which has extensive experience in studying time and movement in the series production environment — has conducted several analyses with masonry contractors to fully understand the sources of
Fig. 1 — Regular step deck.
Fig. 2 — Fraco production table.
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productivity for these businesses. The result of these studies gave birth to the Fraco model, which promotes a new working environment for the bricklayer. Observations The above-mentioned studies have highlighted a few observations: • Masons perform many tasks that are not bricklaying, e.g., waiting for flashing, angle irons, sills and other materials; mixing concrete; asking laborers to get tools, etc. • Too many materials (brick, block, etc.) are loaded by the laborers in front of masons and bricklayers. • The combination of the step deck and material creates a wall in front of the bricklayer which prevents movement and also prevents people coming in to help him (Fig. 1). Fraco’s studies of time and movement have brought about other observations. If we agree that the spreading movement and action to lay a brick can be completed at a rhythm of 15 seconds per brick, and if we consider a wall 20 brick long with a window in it, then it takes five minutes to complete a row (15 seconds x 20 brick = 300 seconds = 5 minutes). Some contractors in the studies told Fraco that their bricklayers lay an average of 500 brick per day. What does that mean in terms of time? It means that in one day, the bricklayer has his trowel in hand and lays brick during a little bit more than two hours (15 seconds x 500 brick = 7,500 seconds = 2 hours and 5 minutes), or 25 percent of a workday. The consequences of these observations are as follows: • There is a direct decrease of productivity because too much time is spent by bricklayers in waiting. • The bricklayer’s position is not efficient, and therefore the benefits resulting from the ergonomic design of the platform are lost. It is important that the position of the work environment is set in an ideal manner. • Bricklayers are expecting masonry materials (e.g., flashing, angle irons, sills and others) to come to them.
November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
The Fraco Model W ith the F raco model , the bricklayer is able to spend more time on his areas of competence and specialization, i.e., laying brick, block and stone and other masonry tasks. Laborers are no longer considered as providers of material; they are now members of a supply chain, and they participate in the overall performance of a team. This model also consists of a new defiFig. 3 — Side view of the nition of the workspace offered by a Fraco production table. mast climbing work platform. The bricklayer can now benefit from increased room and better utilization of resources. In order to translate the Fraco model into an operational reality, Fraco has developed a production table (Figs. 2 and 3), which increases the room on the platform and allows for storage of all the components other than bricks and mortar. Tools and materials like flashing, wall ties, etc., can now be stored underneath that production table, thus creating a new workspace. This allows the mason to perform bricklaying without having to ask the laborer to bring one thing or another. The production table is interrupted by a 1-foot opening to give access to the laborer. That way, he can easily access the bricklayer’s zone to assist in the application of wall ties, seals, window protections and other material. In fact, the aim of the Fraco model is not to increase the mason’s rhythm, but to allow him to concentrate on bricklaying alone, or as much as possible. The model requires good planning from the foreman. At the end of the day, he prepares a worksheet indicating the list of materials that will be needed to serve bricklayers the next day, and he provides that list to the concerned people. The next morning, when the laborer shows up to the jobsite, he does not need to go
up to organize the workspace on the platform. He takes the time to prepare his pallet with all accessories and tools other than the mortar and brick necessary for his day of work. Once he is ready, he gets on his platform and the forklift operator brings him his pallet. In the Fraco model, a copy of the foreman’s worksheet is also provided to the forklift driver, so that he knows the number of brick, block and mortar pans that will be required for the day. With the Fraco model, the initial objectives are achieved, and a real teamwork culture is applied on the jobsite. The model also creates better planning, improved communication and a greater commitment from everyone involved. yMAS Jacques Lainé is director of marketing for Fraco. He can be reached at jacques.laine@fraco.com.
Fig. 4 — Fraco production table in operation.
www.masonrymagazine.com
November 2016 SWScaffolding_half-island_10-16.indd 1
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The EZ Compact Mast Climber:
Unconventional Scaffold for Tight Spaces By Clint Bridges “I HATE FRAMES!” How many times have you heard that phrase? I hear this one a lot, too: “I’d love to use EZ Scaffold, but this is not a mast climber job. I don’t want to use frames, but I don’t have a choice.” The fact is, we will never completely eliminate the need for frame scaffold. However, the use of mast climbers dramatically increases safety and production while decreasing labor. In the three cases described below, McGee Brothers in Greensboro, N.C.; Luna Masonry in Henderson, Tenn.; and C&C Masonry from Carrollton, Ga., turned to EZ Scaffold to use mast climbers in unconventional areas — jobs for which frame scaffold would traditionally have been used. Case 1: McGee Brothers
C liff M c G ee , assistant vice president of McGee Brothers, had a masonry elevator shaft to build. The interior dimensions were 7’ 10” x 8’ 6”. The shaft had to be built from the inside — by no means the perfect conditions to lay block on any scaffold, and definitely not a job where mast climbers would normally be considered. McGee remembered seeing information on a new type of mast climber made by EZ Scaffold, a compact mast climber that can be rolled through a 3’ 0” door and set up by hand. He thought this would be the perfect wall to test it out. EZ Scaffold provided training and certification for McGee’s employees. The platform was shipped 44 |
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November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
already assembled and was installed using a telescoping forklift. The towers were added by hand as the wall was built. The mast climber was dismantled the same way, pulling the platform out through the elevator door. Matt Mahoney, supervisor for McGee Brothers, said that being able to raise and lower the platform as needed is one of the benefits of using the EZ Compact Mast Climber instead of conventional frame “buck” scaffold. According to Mahoney,
“Anything we used would be difficult, and the room would have been limited. Using buck scaffold, we would have had to get the bucks up there and constantly stop work to raise boards and get more material. I really liked the EZ Compact Mast Climber. It helped being able to run it up and down for access with personnel and material. The walls were to be painted. The mast climber gave us the ability to easily lower the platform to rub and point the walls. I can’t wait to use it on a larger elevator shaft.”
Case 2: Luna Masonry
Rufino Gill with Luna Masonry was working on several school jobs, and was looking for a scaffold that was safer, didn’t require as much labor, and was more flexible for partition and corridor walls. “I have good guys, and we do good work,” said Gill. “But no matter how good you are, it is almost impossible to keep a frame scaffold safe, much less compliant.” The EZ Scaffold Compact Mast Climber keeps all boards and guardrails in place as you are going up the wall. The adjustability of the platform allowed Luna to work both sides of hallways off the same scaffold, without having to move it or reconfigure. When Luna moved the scaffold, the built-in casters on the base allowed them to roll it into place without taking it apart. They could leave the platforms assembled, boards in place and not remove the guardrail. According to Gill, “Labor is a major issue now more than ever. We have to
do more with less. The EZ Compact Mast Climber allows us spend less time installing scaffold and requires less labor. Not having to constantly worry about, as well as spend so much time fixing, scaffold issues allows us to spend more of our day getting block in the wall, being productive.”
Case 3: C&C Masonry
Scott Cunningham with C&C Masonry had an entirely different situation. Have you ever had a job where you scratch your head and ask, “How do they expect me to lay brick there?” This particular job had alcoves that were 7’ 7” wide x 4’ 2” deep before they tapered in 3’ to a narrow opening of 3’ 5”. Again, www.masonrymagazine.com
this was not an ideal scaffold job. Cunningham turned to his EZ Scaffold salesman, Curtis Jones, who thought he could provide a solution with the new EZ Scaffold Compact Mast Climber. EZ Scaffold provided wedge decks to fit the wall dimensions of the alcove. But when the installation began, the November 2016
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MAST CLIMBERS wood framer was off by as much as 6”. The wall narrowed as it went up. Of course this was not a problem to the general contractor — the mason would make it look good, right? But the flexibility of the EZ Scaffold Mast Climber was what made it possible to adjust outriggers to fit the tighter wall. Similar to the McGee job, C&C was able to lower and raise the platform to provide access for employees and for cleaning the wall, making a tough job easy.
It is more important now than ever to be as efficient and productive as possible. One way in which costs can get out of hand on a job is to not have enough scaffold and/or to not have the right scaffold. If you ever heard the late Sam McGee, founding member of McGee Brothers, speak, he touted, “Get him on the wall and get a brick in his hand” and “three brick a minute.” If the employee has nowhere to work because there is not enough scaffold, the scaffold is not ready or there is no brick to lay or mud to lay it with, he is not being productive. This can be the difference between 500–600 brick a day, two brick a minute, and more than 1,000 brick a day, three brick a minute. The purpose of a mast climber is to position personnel at their most productive and safest working level. A 1990 article in Masonry Construction* references an independent study by the University of Texas, which shows that using adjustable scaffolding rather than conventional tubular scaffolds increased
productivity by more than 20 percent. The article illustrated how just a 10 percent increase in production can double your profit — or, these days, more than double. It makes sense. People are more productive when they are comfortable, especially when they are not bent over or reaching over their heads. Mast climbers can dramatically save labor and increase production, allowing you to do more with less. The EZ Scaffold Compact Mast Climber provides an alternative to using frames in areas where mast climbers would not traditionally have been considered. It’s an alternative that is safer, more productive and saves labor. The fact is, we’ll never completely get rid of conventional frame scaffold, but we can try. yMAS Clint Bridges is vice president of EZ Scaffold in Columbia, Tenn. He can be reached at clint@ezscaffold.com. *B. Suprenant, “Tower Scaffolding Increases Productivity by 20%,” Masonry Construction, January 1990, pp. 20–23.
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November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
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Charging Into 2016 – Part 6
The Season of Thanks ~ Looming Concerns ~ As you open this issue of Masonry Magazine, we enter into November, the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving, fall football, Black Friday, pre-Christmas, post-election, you name it. Politically, it may be a time of jubilation or condolences for you — depending! We have made our choices — or may still be making them — to do things or not. Shakespeare’s Hamlet once asked the question, “To be, or not to be…?” These days, isn’t it more like, “To do, or not to do…”? So many things to do, so much stuff, so many choices. Opportunities. Challenges. Obligations. Yikes! My previous column was in September, and 9/11 was heavy on my mind, as well as the minds of many Americans, including one of the mentors in my life, Coach Kenneth. What a horrific, sobering time in our history that was! Yet, here we still are. In the shadow of 9/11, we are STILL here! Back then, many wondered if that would even be the case. A couple weeks ago, Coach Kenneth gathered together our team and reminded us that we all have to make a choice in the upcoming election. He reminded us of the words of that “ancient philosopher,” Bob Dylan, who also gave us the instruction, “You’ve got to choose somebody!” Coach Kenneth would not let us get down or lose heart. He said, “America is still a country blessed by God.” And you know, by and large we remain a 50 |
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joyful and thankful people. In spite of things, in spite of it all. I used to think that having joy meant I was happy — so I had missed the point. Fortunately, Coach Kenneth concluded his pep talk by saying, “Joy is not related to circumstances, but a deep-down belief that all is well.” Embellishing his point, like all great coaches do, he laid this down for our team: “Joy thrives in tough times, in any circumstance. It comes through a confidence, knowing that we actually can still be joyful, even when not happy.” Now, in my opinion, that’s a real writer-downer! Not being a prognosticator, I don’t know what lies directly ahead of us. I certainly have no clue what Americans and their families will be thinking as they gather together this month and the next — not only for our Thanksgiving celebrations, but all of the holidays — as well as their concerns extending into the new year. I don’t know if American citizens, this political season, will be voting for principles or for stuff. I think I’m voting for principles, but I recognize that mine may not be the same as yours. That’s too bad, but it’s also kind of neat, when you think about it! We certainly have diverse points of view and, so far, almost all views have always been tolerated here. But you gotta ask why, right?
November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
I might say that this reason is also a writer-downer, but the fact is that it has already been written down, and is the essence of why we will get through these tough times, and with a sense of joy. Here’s the reason: In our country, we believe — we hold — that certain things are selfevident, such as the notions that all men and women are created equal, and that they have been given by God certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Because of this, we have a type of government that is still the envy of the world. Yes, really. In spite of all you may hear — and much of that bad — people still want to come here, invest here, work here, be here. And their families do, as well. Our laws are dependent upon our Constitution, and that is based on eternal concepts — that “inalienable rights” thing. You see, this is the first country in the history of the world that was founded on the idea that “the law is king.” Now that should just knock your socks off! Why? Because previously the governing of countries was based on the notion that “the king is law.” See the difference? Admittedly, our government leaders don’t always do a fabulous job. Leaders are human, and humans are flawed. Democracies and dictatorships both have leaders, but you know what? I’d The Voice of the Masonry Industry
rather throw in my lot with a flawed leader of a democracy than a flawed leader of a dictatorship! We may be a mess from time to time, but we are still the best mess around! If you ever doubt that, then play this simple game with me. First you’ve got to agree that you will answer the question truthfully. Ready? Here it is. Imagine yourself as the leader of a small country somewhere in the world, and you have some kind of natural disaster hit you. Your phones are down, and you have just two minutes left on your cell phone battery. You can call any country in the world for help, but only one, and then your battery will be dead and you’ll be out of hope. Make your call. Now for your truthful answer. Which country did you call? That’s right, the good ol’ USA! Even with all of its many faults, it’s still the one. Back to the present day. It’s November, the month of thanksgiving.
And here’s what you’re going to see: America will have made it through yet another election. Considering all of the negative press around the world about our country and our process of selecting leaders, I do know enough to make one accurate prognostication, after all: one leader will be succeeding another. But unlike other countries, this will all be done without bloodletting. Tears for some? Of course! Happiness for others? Certainly! Traces of blood? Not so much! How can it be? There will be no coup, no revolution coming, no mob rule. Simply the act of individual American citizens going to the ballot box and voting their conscience. And I say that confidently. People in other countries marvel at this. Remember what Coach Kenneth said, that joy comes through a confidence, even when we’re not necessarily happy. But happiness can’t
steal joy, because joy, when it’s real, is based upon truths — eternal truths. We can elect crooks or jerks. We can vote for stuff or vote for principles. Our Constitution allows us to do that to ourselves. And for that I’m so very thankful and, yes, joyful. Even if I’m crying when I read this in print! So I invite you this Thanksgiving season, to do exactly that: give thanks. Count your many blessings. We live in a land of opportunity. We have relative abundance and safety, and will continue to experience true joy that can exist even in the midst of chaos — because we have confidence in the foundations upon which it all rests. yMAS COACH GARY’S CORNER: Gary Micheloni is a construction company marketer, speaker, author, consultant…and a coach. Get Coach Gary to speak for your group. FullContactTeam@gmail.com Write him and ask!
Copyright 2016 Gary Micheloni
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BUSINESS
BUILDING
By George Hedley
Stop Doing Change Orders for Free If you were asked by a good friend to pour money down the drain, would you do it to make them happy and avoid conflict? No! Then why do you do it on construction projects for your customers? Contractors often try to avoid conflicts and keep their customers happy by not asking for extra money for work performed that is not included in their contract. Everyone knows additional work orders must be in writing before you start extra work if you want to get paid for it. But there are always a million excuses why formal approval for added work wasn’t obtained until after the work was performed. To make matters worse, when you proceed on extra work without prior approval, you are at the mercy of your customer, hoping they’ll grant you some portion of the money it cost you to do the work on their behalf. Changes Will Occur in Construction Change orders are written, binding amendments to the original contract signed and agreed to by both parties, documenting changes in scope of work, price, time, schedule or terms. Your customer has the right to change your contract, and you have to do what you are directed to do, provided you agree to the terms. When a construction project owner or your customer decides to change, delay, add to or deduct something from the project or contract, it is a legitimate change order opportunity. And any differing, unforeseen, or missing conditions or requirements not identified in the contract documents, plans or scope of work will constitute a potential change 52 |
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order. Change orders must be agreed to in writing to be binding, enforceable, and to authorize extra money for contract changes. Rules to Stop Doing Change Orders for Free 1. Train your customers
To make sure you don’t do change orders for free, request a pre-job start-up meeting with your customer to discuss the contract terms and how to proceed when potential change orders occur. Read the contract terms together and ask if they want you to follow them. Most contracts will indicate change orders must be approved in writing prior to proceeding with the work if you want to get paid. Discuss what will be included in change order requests, like labor and equipment rates, supervision, markup, etc. When they ask you to do something without putting it in writing, you can refer them to that meeting held weeks ago, and your agreement as to how change orders are to be handled. 2. He who has the gold does not rule
Read your contract or subcontract, and know what it says about doing extra work and getting it approved and paid for. You were hired to do only what’s included in your contract— no more, no less. If the plans or specifications are incomplete or incorrect, you deserve to get paid for whatever the work entails. Don’t let your customer bully you to do extra work for free, just because they think it should be included. Put your foot down at
November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
the beginning of the project and tell your customer how you work, how change orders will be handled, and if they want something done to put it in writing. 3. Charge /the right price
Make sure you know what labor, equipment, supervision, overhead and markup rates are allowed by contract before you submit a change order request. The best way to avoid conflicts is to submit a standard time and material work order or extra work rate sheet at the start of your project to your customer and staple it to your contract. List all the field employees, equipment, tools, overhead and profit rates you charge. To get started on creating a change order system, email GH@ HardhatPresentations.com for your copy of “Project Management Forms for Contractors.” 4. Two heads are better than one
When deciding the terms and price for a change order request, sit down with another of your company managers and discuss the options available and how best to get the change order request approved quickly by your customer. By talking about the issues, you will temper your temper, and then submit a proposed change order that will get approved without delay. 5. Don’t play “change order ping-pong”
Settle change order requests quickly. Rather than submit an unreasonably high lump-sum price for The Voice of the Masonry Industry
change order requests and argue back and forth for weeks while the project gets delayed, submit detailed cost breakdowns explaining how all the costs were calculated. Then sit down as soon as possible and negotiate a quick resolution. It is better to compromise and agree quickly than to get into a drawn-out dispute with customers. Remember, when you don’t get approvals reasonably quickly and end up in court, only the lawyers win. 6. Solve field problems at the field level
When managers and company owners have to get involved in every little cost issue and potential change order request, it adds time, delays and hassle to projects. Design your change order approval process to allow field foreman and supervisors to resolve issues with their peers at the lowest level possible. Most foremen can get a fair decision with a customer in about five minutes, whereas it can take weeks or months to get final decisions when running issues up the ladder. 7. Don’t start extra work without a signature
Sometimes you can’t determine the final price for extra work before you need to start the work. For example, hitting an underground water pipe requires an immediate fix to stop water flowing. When these instances occur, be sure to get a written notice to proceed or an interim construction change directive, authorizing you to go ahead with the additional work before you start. The directive must also include language that a final change order will be approved for the extra work based on standard rates and markup upon completion of the item. 8. Get it in writing or do it for free
Money fades as memories fade. People can change their minds, forget the facts, change their story or leave the company. You have leverage with your customer before you do extra work, not after the work is completed. After you finish, the only thing to negotiate is price, and the only way you can win is to reduce your price. Not good leverage! Therefore, document every potential change order now. Put your detailed documentation and claims for changes, errors, omissions, time, delays, acceleration, differing conditions, or money in writing immediately — the same day you become aware of the issue. And never do extra work for free! yMAS As a professional construction BIZCOACH and popular industry speaker, George Hedley helps contractors increase profits, grow and get their companies to work! He is the best-selling author of “Get Your Construction Business To Always Make A Profit!” available at his online bookstore at www.HardhatPresentations.com. E-mail GH@ HardhatPresentations.com to sign-up for his free e-newsletter, join a peer mastermind BIZGROUP, attend a BIZ-BUILDER Boot Camp, implement the BIZ-BUILDER BLUEPRINT, or get a discount for online courses at www.HardhatBizSchool.com. George Hedley HARDHAT Presentations, 800-851-8553
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INDUSTRY
NEWS New PROSOCO Cleaner Earns EPA Safer Choice Label PROSOCO has introduced a new product that meets the EPA’s safer product standards. EK Select, a phosphate-free interior cleaner and degreaser for use on soiled stone, tile, masonry and metal panels, has officially earned the EPA’s Safer Choice label. The EPA Safer Choice label means that every ingredient in the product has been reviewed by EPA scientists, is safer for people and the planet, meets EPA safer product standards and is effective. EK Select offers more positive env ironmental and human health characteristics than conventional cleaning for mulations. In addition to containing no phosphates, EK Select contains no hazardous solvents, environmentally harmful surfactants, dyes or fragrances. Its environmental profile does not compromise EK Select’s ability to perform. An effective remover of biological staining, EK Select is an effective interior cleaner in homes, schools and workplaces, and on all kinds of surfaces, from unpolished natural stone like limestone and granite to windows, bathroom tubs and tile, and countertops. EK Select is easy to use and water-rinsable. Three other PROSOCO products have earned the EPA Safer Choice label: DailyKlean, DailyKlean ULTRA 15 and DailyKlean ULTRA 30, which are phosphate-free cleaners for concrete floors. For more information, visit the EK Select product page at www.prosoco. com/products/enviro-klean-ek-select. www.masonrymagazine.com
Please submit your news and events to: karen@lionhrtpub.com
Duffy Named MCAA Connecticut State Chairman
John F. Duffy
John F. Duffy, CPE, executive vice president of Acranom Masonry, Inc. (Middlefield, Conn.), has been appointed to the position of MCAA Connecticut State Chairman.
Originally from Shantallow, Derry City, Northern Ireland, John emigrated to the United States in 1990 with his wife, Sadie. Taking his background in the building trade with him, Duffy has since broken records with his groundbreaking approach to masonry, working his way up from being a bricklayer to the vice president of a multimillion-dollar company. Acranom Masonry is one of the largest union masonry contractors in the News continued on page 56
Steven Fechino Inducted to National Masonry Instructors Association Hall of Fame
Steven Fechino (pictured, third from right), engineering and construction manager at Mortar Net Solutions, was inducted into the National Masonry Instructors Association (NMIA) Hall of Fame as the Industry Member. Robert Campbell was inducted as the Instructor Member. The NMIA works to promote the professionalism of the masonry trade and help provide quality masonry programs and training for anyone interested in becoming a mason. It helps in the unification of masonry programs and works to improve curricula and training methods. It seeks to help recruit new masons and to provide them with the high-quality training they need to work in the trades as respected craftspeople. Steven Fechino has been involved in the masonry industry for over 30 years. He is dedicated to bringing young people into the masonry industry and to helping train them to become expert masons. yMAS
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INDUSTRY NEWS
2016 MCAA Safety Advantage Award Winners
New Members The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to welcome the following new members to the Association. The MCAA would like to thank them for joining their fellow mason contractors nationwide in helping to build a strong and successful masonry industry.
NOVEMBER 2016 Custom Stone Works Left to right: Bob Gates, Gates Construction Company, Inc.; Mike Cook, Gates Construction Company, Inc.; Mike Sutter, MCAA Chairman; and Danks Burton, Pinnacle Masonry, Inc.
The MCAA presented its 2016 Safety Advantage Awards to six companies on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, during the MCAA Midyear Meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. Safety Advantage Awards are presented based on a mason contractor’s incident rate. Awards were presented to the top companies with greater than 100,000 hours worked by all employees, and the top companies with less than 100,000 hours worked by all employees.
The winners were: Greater Than 100,000 Hours First Place: Gates Construction Co., Inc., Mooresville, N.C. Second Place: Fenimore-Blythe, Ltd., Fort Worth, Texas
Less Than 100,000 Hours First Place (4-Way Tie): C & S Co., Inc., Pittsfield, Mass.; Grant Contracting Co., Inc., Fenton, Mo.; Molter Corp., Tinley Park, Ill.; and Pinnacle Masonry, Inc., Cary, N.C.
The goal of the MCAA Safety Advantage Awards is to help draw attention to the need and benefits of performing safely. Visit www. masoncontractors.org/safety/awards for more information. yMAS
Livonia, Mich. (734) 427-8158 www.cswstone.com Regional Associate Member
Kiser Masonry
Charlotte, N.C. (704) 392-1650 Contractor Member
Mid-State Masonry Contractors, Inc.
Lexington, S.C. (803) 798-4556 www.midstatemasonry.com Contractor Member
SPR Waterproofing, LLC Scranton, Pa. (888) 730-1333 www.spr.construction Contractor Member
Discover the many benefits your company is missing by not becoming a member of the MCAA. Call 800-536-2225 or visit www.masoncontractors.org/join to join the MCAA today. Together, we are stronger.
News continued from page 55
U.S., with annual sales averaging $20–35 million and a bonding program of $100 million. As company vice president, Duffy and his staff constantly manage and oversee 10–15 major construction projects with approximately 50–200 or more union field employees. The MCAA and its members welcome Duffy to his new role.
KEENE Announces Acquisition of Continental Products Co. KEENE Building Products and Dependable announced an addition to the p or t folio of companies
owned by KEENE Family Holdings. The Continental Products Co., a manufacturing firm with branded products in the greenhouse and log cabin industry and a strong presence in specialty industrial coatings, has been acquired. Continental has been owned by the same family since 1955. The succession planning of Emerson McArthur and Miriam Strebeck led to the sale. Started in 1916 in Euclid, Ohio, Continental runs a 45,000-square-foot manufacturing facility manufacturing Puttylastic, Weather Seal and Kool Ray brands With a number of other manufacturing processes, the relationship with
KEENE and Dependable will allow for brand expansion and some synergistic opportunities. This is the fifth acquisition for KEENE, with the object of growing more in the local community. Keene Building Products is a manufacturer of 3D filament products for the building envelope and noise control markets. Dependable, LLC is an American manufacturer of professional-grade floor products for repair, restoration and new construction. For further information, visit www. keenebuilding.com, www.floorprep. com and www.continentalprod.com. News continued on page 58
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SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 ® Regional Competition Winners to Date The 2016 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® Regional Qualifier competitions have been taking place in major cities all over North America. Hundreds of top masons have honed their skill, speed and stamina, hoping to earn a spot at the 15th Annual World Championship, to be held Jan. 18, 2017, during World of Concrete in Las Vegas. Twenty-five teams of bricklayers and mason tenders will battle for the title, “World’s Best Bricklayer,” as well as $15,000 in cash and prizes, including the big payoff — a new Ford Super Duty F-250 XLT 4x4 truck. The Regional and World Championship competitions involve a two-person team consisting of a mason and mason tender that are given 60 minutes to construct a 26foot 8-inch, double-wythe brick wall while meeting strict quality standards, with a brick deduction system for craftsmanship infractions. The highest adjusted brick count wins the event. The last qualifying contest was completed in October. The first eight regional
competitions resulted in the following winning teams of bricklayer and mason tender (as of Sept. 26, 2016): Missouri: Josh Jackson, Jackson Masonry, Granite City, Ill. Greg Jackson
Florida: David Langston Jr., Masonry Incorporated, Tallahassee, Fla. Antonio Barrera Jr.
Ohio: Cole Stamper, Mason Structure, Lexington, Ky. Forest Stamper
Utah: Brian Tuttle, Quik Trowell Masonry, Clearfield, Utah Scott Tuttle
Oregon: Ben Griffin, Keystone Masonry, Yelm, Wash. Rory Chessie
Colorado: Esteban Cabral Ceballos, Phoenix Masonry, Thornton, Colo. Oscar Gaucin
Wisconsin: Jake Brock, Brock Construction, Fort Atkinson, Wis. Eric Wiesmann
Troy Aikman Stars in Television Commercials for Acme Brick Co.
Troy Aikman, former Dallas Cowboy quarterback and winning quarterback in three Super Bowls, is starring in a series of new commercials for Acme Brick Co. The relationship between Aikman and Acme Brick began in the early 1990s. The new television campaign began in July and is airing across Acme’s 14-state footprint, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, and will continue through 2016. In the first commercial, Troy decides to take the beauty and durability of Acme Brick to the next (inside) level and has a house full of furnishings crafted of Acme brick. A second commercial is planned for release in 2017. To view the first commercial, visit https://youtu.be/f0GHYxAqaxg. yMAS
Texas-Houston: David Chavez, Ranch Masonry, Houston, Texas Omar Castro
The regional winners from this season will head to Las Vegas for a shot at a total cash and prize list worth $100,000 divided between five awards: Champion, SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN®, second, third and SPEC MIX TOUGHEST TENDER®. They will compete against the returning 2016 World Champion, Scott Tuttle of Utah and SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN®, Darian Douthit of Oklahoma, who laid 775 and 687 bricks, respectively. For complete details about the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500, visit www.specmixbricklayer500.com.
New ASTM Standard Will Help Improve Concrete Production A new ASTM International standard will help with efforts to enhance the cement content in concrete while also reducing CO2 emissions during production. The new specification (C1797, Specification for Ground Calcium Carbonate and Aggregate Mineral Fillers for Use in Hydraulic Cement Concrete) was developed by ASTM International’s committee on concrete and concrete aggregates (C09). The new standard covers the use of ground calcium carbonate and aggregate mineral fillers used in concrete. According to ASTM member Caroline Talbot, “Limestone and fillers can help optimize concrete mix design in terms of workability and finishing by improving packing density. Notably, this will reduce the amount of cementitious product needed for concrete production, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative.” Better packing density improves both plastic and hardened properties, including shrinkage, according to Talbot, who serves as national News continued on page 60
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1 2 3
Education Calendar
INDUSTRY NEWS
News continued from page 58
technical service manager for Euclid Chemical. In addition, there are indications that the presence of ground limestone enhances the hydration of cement and flyash. The new standard will be useful to anyone who produces, or otherwise works with, concretes, as well as other materials. Materials covered by the standard have been used around the world for years; C1797 will allow these companies to show that their materials can be used in concrete without negatively affecting fresh or hardened properties, leading to cost savings and environmental sustainability. Visit www.astm.org for more information about this and other ASTM standards.
MAC Seminars: Better Masonry Walls and Tornado Shelters The Masonry Advisory Council (MAC) will present two seminars on the morning of December 7, 2016, at the East Bank Club in Chicago. Both seminars are geared toward architects, structural engineers, building code officials, distributors and mason contractors. The first seminar, “Designing a Better Masonry Wall,” will review the evolution of masonry wall design and construction from solid walls into today’s cavity walls. Attendees will: (1) learn what types of masonry reinforcing and their placement are best for today’s walls, (2) understand why truss and ladder reinforcing has evolved into adjustable metal tie reinforcing, (3) grasp the basics of adjustable metal tie design and installation as required by the building code, and (4) review how flashing, mortar collection devices and weeps work together to control moisture in a cavity wall. The second seminar will be “Dos and Don’ts of Tornado Shelter Design.” This presentation addresses many of the major issues for designers to consider during the design process, from broad conceptual considerations down to the smallest of details, with an emphasis on masonry shelters.
The following is the MCAA’s education calendar:
2017
November 2
Seismic Requirements of the Building Code Location: Online Discipline: Codes and Standards Credits: 1 Cost: Free
November 16
Mechanics Liens and Related Rights Location: Online Discipline: Ethics and Business Practices Credits: 1 Cost: Free
November 30
Harassment and Discrimination Basics Location: Online Discipline: Ethics and Business Practices Credits: 1 Cost: Free
January 15–16
Masonry Foreman Development Course Location: Las Vegas, Nev. Discipline: Ethics and Business Practices Credits: 16 Cost: Members $650, Non-Members $800
January 17
Silica Train-the-Trainer Course Location: Las Vegas, Nev. Discipline: Safety Credits: 3 Cost: Members $225, Non-Members $325
January 19
Storm Shelter Program Location: Las Vegas, Nev. Discipline: Safety Credits: 3 Cost: Members $400, Non-Members $600
December 7
Masonry Past, Present and Future Location: Online Discipline: General Credits: 1 Cost: Free
January 19
Masonry Wall Bracing Seminar Location: Las Vegas, Nev. Discipline: Safety Credits: 3 Cost: Members $225, Non-Members $275
December 14
Litigating and Negotiating Construction Contracts Location: Online Discipline: Ethics and Business Practices Credits: 1 Cost: Free
January 19
Networking Roundtable Discussions Location: Las Vegas, Nev. Discipline: Ethics and Business Practices Credits: 2 Cost: Free
Online classes available at: www.masoncontractors.org/live For more information and to view a complete list of all upcoming education, please visit www.masoncontractors.org/education
T he cost is $30 p er p erson. You can register online at www. masonryadvisorycouncil.org/seminars or by calling (847) 297-6704.
U.S. House Votes to Delay Overtime Rule Changes The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill in late September
to delay the implementation of the new overtime rules. The legislation would delay the rule by six months, moving the start date from Dec. 1, 2016, to June 1, 2017. Under the overtime rule, employers will be required to pay overtime to salaried workers earning less than $47,476 a year, nearly doubling the current threshold of $23,660. News continued on page 63
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The Voice of the Masonry Industry
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A D V E R T O R I A L
Contractor Tip of the
Month | By Damian Lang
Fundamentals Are the Foundation of Business Success You’ve heard the definition of insanity, haven’t you? It’s doing something the same way, over and over, yet expecting different results. Take golf, for example. If you practice your swing without using the correct movements while on the driving range, you won’t become much better, regardless of how many swings you take. Because to become good at the game of golf, there are basic fundamentals you must master. It’s no different in the business world. However, instead of studying and trying to emulate how the top business leaders operate daily, many of us just go to work doing the same thing day in and day out, while expecting different results. The reality is, if you go to work every day and do not practice efficient success fundamentals, you will likely wind up at the end of your working years without ever becoming truly successful at what you do — per my earlier definition, insane. Over the last 30 years, I have never missed the annual golf trip that a group of friends and I take. At the end of each year, my cousin Russ handicaps each of us by tallying how we scored during the last several rounds of our most recent trips, and ranks us from best to worst. From 2009 to 2015, my average handicap was 32, placing me 27th out of 28 golfers. Not good, to say the least. When it came to business, I felt I was on top of my game. But when you’re on a golf trip, you’re judged on how well you play golf, not your recent business performance. I thought, “Why can I ‘crush it’ when it comes to leading numerous successful companies in the real world, but not on the golf course?” Heck, I even have a small private course to hit balls around in my own yard. But even with the increased practice, I just couldn’t seem to improve my game. Drained and embarrassed after the 2015 golf trip, I asked myself how I
would handle this situation in my work life. The answer was that I would have to become a student of the game. Instead of just “putting in my time” and guessing how to swing the club, I would need to spend time learning the fundamentals of the game of golf. When I did an Internet search for “the number one training aid in golf,” Ben Hogan’s book, Five Lessons — The Modern Fundamentals of Golf, came up. So I bought it. It was a short and simple read that I truly enjoyed. Even though Ben’s book was written 59 years ago, it remains the number one golf training book today. One of the parts that really hit home was when Ben stated, “Without learning the basic fundamentals, if a golfer stands out there on the practice tee till he’s 90, he’s not going to improve. He’s going to get worse and worse, because he’s going to get his bad habits more and more deeply ingrained.” He goes on to say, “The average golfer is entirely capable of building a repeating swing and breaking 80 in one golfing season, if he learns to perform a small number of correct movements.” The crazy thing is, according to Ben, the average golfer has all the physical equipment he needs to execute a full swing. It’s not a talent or ability factor, it’s that the average golfer doesn’t know what to do when he’s swinging the club. So it wasn’t my lack of ability that was holding me back. Instead, it was the golfing fundamentals, such as the plane of my swing. Back to the Internet I went, and found a training aid called the Plane Swing and ordered it right away. This training device actually does double-duty, in that it teaches you a proper swing plane, while getting a little exercise in at the same time. Between Ben’s book and the Plane Swing trainer, I’ve been able to make time for regular physical activity and have added at least 40 yards to my average drive.
Eight months, an old book on golf fundamentals and the Plane Swing trainer later, and I was a serious student of the game. And guess what happened next? For the first time in over 15 years, I scored in the 80s at our country club. I even did it four times in a row! That’s at least 15 strokes better than my average score there over the last 10 years. Business is no different than golf. In business, there are fundamentals that must be practiced daily to get better results. And just like I was able to find golfing fundamentals in a 60-year-old book, there are tons of books (new and old) offering lessons in business fundamentals from many of the top business leaders in the world. These fundamentals are also taught in seminars, and can be learned by networking with other business leaders in your industry. You have to start by becoming a student of the (business) game. Don’t stop seeking and learning when you feel you’re on top of your game. Learning is a lifelong process. It all starts with building a foundation — starting with the fundamentals. So today I encourage you not to live out the definition of insanity, but instead to start each day learning the fundamentals of business. Damian Lang owns and operates several companies in Ohio. He is the inventor of the Grout HogGrout Delivery System, Mud Hog mortar mixers, Hog Leg wallbracing system, and several other labor-saving devices used in the construction industry. He is the author of the book called “RACE— Rewarding And Challenging Employees for Profits in Masonry.” He writes for Masonry Magazine each month and consults with many of the leading contractors in the country.
All rights reserved, © 2016 Damian Lang, President of Lang Masonry Contractors, Inc., and EZ Grout Corp.
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November 2016 • www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
INDEX TO
INDUSTRY NEWS
ADVERTISERS
News continued from page 60
The bill, passed by the House, was scheduled to move on to the U.S. Senate. If passed in the Senate, it would need to be signed by President Obama before the implementation date would be changed.
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847.595.5444 www.bennuparts.com
800.845.0845 www.nonstopscaffolding.com
Boral Confirms Merger Clearance Obtained for North American Bricks Joint Venture
54
54 PavMor
Boral Limited has obtained merger clearance from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for the previously announced North American Bricks joint venture with Forterra Brick. The parties are now working toward a completion date on or before November 30, 2016. Boral will recognize its earnings contribution from the joint venture on an equity accounted basis, from commencement of the joint venture. Paul Samples has been appointed CEO of the bricks joint venture, reporting through to the equally represented joint-venture board. Samples brings over 30 years of experience with Boral in the U.S. brick industry.
Two Companies Certified at 2016 MCAA Midyear Meeting Cantarella & Son, Inc. of Pittsfield, Mass., and C & S Co., Inc. of Pittsfield, Mass., are the latest companies to have earned certification through the Masonry Certification program, sponsored by the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). The MCAA has developed the national Masonr y Certification program to provide customers with a tool to select mason contractors who are committed to quality and enduser satisfaction. Companies must earn 75 credit hours and pass an exam in order to become certified. In addition, companies must obtain 45 credits every three years to renew their certification. For more information about certification, visit www.masoncontractors. org/certification. yMAS www.masonrymagazine.com
Arriscraft International, Inc.
35
Mississippi Valley Stihl
800.265.8123 www.arriscraft.com
800.447.2429 www.mvstihl.com
C3 Amerimix
21, 37
888.313.0755 www.amerimix.com
800.664.6638 www.mortarnet.com
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7, 9
Bennu Parts & Service
ChemGrout, Inc.
Mortar Net Solutions
Non-Stop Scaffolding
708.354.7112 www.chemgrout.com
413.743.2064 www.paverplacer.com
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29 Pavestone
Cummer Manufacturing
563.552.2733 www.cummermanufacturing.com
11, EZ Grout / Grout Hog 62 800.417.9272 www.ezgrout.com
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EZ Scaffold Corporation
800.699.6831 www.ezscaffold.com
33
Grout Grunt
877.266.6432 www.groutgrunt.com
2
Hohmann and Barnard, Inc.
800.645.0616 www.H-B.com
C2 Hydro-Mobile 888.484.9376 www.hydro-mobile.com
32
IQ Power Tools
888.274.7744 www.iqpowertools.com
20
Kennison Forest Products
888.697.5585 www.kennisonforest.com www.sandslevel.com
3
Krando Metal Products, Inc.
610.543.4311 www.krando.com
19
Laticrete International, Inc.
800.243.4788 www.laticrete.com/mvis
14-15, MCAA 59 800.536.2225
www.masoncontractors.org
24
McCausey Specialty Products
www.pavestone.com/
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PR Diamond Products
800.445.1967 www.prdiamond.com
18 Prosoco 800.255.4255 www.prosoco.com
28
Quikpoint, Inc.
800.368.2292 www.quikpoint.com
C4
The Quikrete Companies
800.282.5828 www.quikrete.com
5
Scaffold Mart
252.756.3862 www.scaffoldmart.com
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Southwest Scaffolding
972.331.1094 www.scaffoldingrentalandsales.com
1
SPEC MIX, Inc.
888.773.2649 www.specmix.com
53
Tradesmen’s Software
800.494.6922 www.tradesmens.com
33
Trow & Holden
800.451.4349 www.trowandholden.com
13, Wirebond 25, 800.849.6722 57 www.wirebond.com 61
World of Concrete www.worldofconcrete.com
800.365.9663 www.mccausey.com
Get FREE INFORMATION from these advertisers now. You’re busy, but you need to find out about this product. We’ve made it fast, easy and convenient to request FREE information about any product or service in this issue. To request information online, go to: www.masonrymagazine.com. Click on ‘FREE Product Information’ (Right top corner) then… 1. Select the issue of the magazine you are reading 2. Check the box next to the advertiser you are interested in 3. Provide your name, address and business information, and click submit. Not close to your computer? Request information by phone. Dial toll free 888-303-5639, Ext.230. Follow the voice guidelines to request FREE information. In a hurry, and you don’t want to wait? We have provided the advertiser’s website and phone # for your convenience. You can call direct for information on the products and services you have been reading about in this issue. Don’t forget to tell them you saw their ad in MASONRY Magazine.
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C O V E R
PROFILE Old Parkland Campus Acknowledgment Brick in Architecture 2016 Awards, Best in Class, Commercial â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Corporate/ Office Building
Architect Beck Architecture LLC, Dallas, Texas
Builder The Beck Group, Dallas, Texas
Brick Manufacturer Old Carolina Brick Co., Salisbury, N.C.
Mason Contractor DMG Masonry, Arlington, Texas
Photographer Casey Dunn
Details The Old Parkland campus was the original municipal hospital for the city of Dallas, Texas. Located just north of downtown, the campus was eventually acquired by Crow Family Holdings, who added two new buildings and an addition to the back of the hospital building. Because early American masonry is such a passion for the owner, the project team traveled multiple times to places like Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello to experience the architectural details and aesthetics first-hand. The masonry scope of the project included detailing and coordination
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of handmade bricks from the East Coast, limestone capitols from Portugal, over five million pounds of cast stone and numerous artesian pieces installed throughout the project. It was the largest cast stone project in the country during production. Many of the cast stone pieces weighed in excess of 1,000 pounds. Every individual brick and masonry unit was modeled in 3D to maintain a perfectly symmetrical jamb at all conditions. Each masonry foreman was trained on 3D viewer software in order to course the bricks perfectly. As a result of this complexity, an architectural inspection was performed
November 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ www.masoncontractors.org
on every floor at every elevation to ensure the brick work was in alignment and consistent with historical precedence. The layout of the masonry was made even more difficult due to the requirement of symmetrical cuts at all openings. The most complex portion of the project involved the upper floors of the Parkland Hall building on the campus. The brick was installed on a common radius in a Flemish bond pattern interrupted by punched openings roughly every 6 feet. The addition of the diamond-patterned glazed headers made the installation extremely difficult. yMAS The Voice of the Masonry Industry
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