The Challenges of Lath and Plaster in Winter Months
We all know that weather affects the installation of metal lath and plaster, but do we really understand all the different challenges that we have with the winter months? After all, here in Southern California the winter is our rainy season as well as a drop in temperatures. And don’t forget that winter also means […]
Safe Stilts?
Does OSHA have any information of the safe use of stilts for drywall workers? A trip to the OSHA Web site, www.osha.gov, produced some responses to written inquires dating back to 1974. The replies all contain the statement that OSHA regulations do not prohibit their use. The biggest caution is in regard to […]
Forging Ahead in 2005
Another year has passed and while some of us experienced good times throughout 2004, others had a tough go of things. The important thing is that we survived, and we should be a little smarter for our experiences during the last 12 months. My congratulations go out to all of the members of the Association […]
Simpson Strong-Tie Acquires Quik Drive
Quik Drive, Gallatin, Tenn., was acquired by the Simpson Strong-Tie, Dublin, Calif., on Oct. 15, 2004. Simpson Strong-Tie is a manufacturer of connectors and shearwalls. Quik Drive manufactures a variety of specialty fasteners and AutoFeed driving systems. Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., through its subsidiary, Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc., designs, engineers and […]
New Merger Combines Stucco Manufacturing Companies
Parex Incorporated of Redan, Ga., LaHabra Products Incorporated of Anaheim, Calif., and El Rey Stucco Co. of Albuquerque, N.M., merged to form ParexLahabra, Inc., a California corporation based in Anaheim, on Jan. 1, 2005. ParexLahabra Inc. will combine its brands: Parex, LaHabra, El Rey Stucco and Surewall. Each brand will develop its own marketing […]
Construction Outlook Moderate in 2004
Despite all of the variables in the economy that can effect construction, optimism for a strong rebound in the new year remains for the North American construction industry. Industry analysts and economists gathered to present their outlooks for 2004 and beyond at Reed Construction Data’s North American Construction Forecast conference held at the National Press […]
Interviewing and Hiring
This is the first of three articles dealing with the interviewing and hiring process. In this article we will take a broad overview of the three key questions, and their subset questions, that must be answered in order to make a reasonable hiring judgment. We will also examine some general guidelines for hiring the “best.” […]
Grabbing the Bull by the Horns
In September and October 2002, a two-part Contractor Review article in this magazine canvassed contractors on the subject of EIFS insurance. One Arizonan stated at the time, “If EIFS manufacturers want to stay in business, they need to start selfinsuring the contractors.” What he did not know was that that is exactly what the EIFS […]
Responsibilities of Cold-Formed Steel Systems
Over the last 25 years, cold-formed steel framing — also referred to as light gauge steel framing — has become an increasingly popular material and system for nonload-bearing and load-bearing framing for entire structures, curtain walls, roof framing and trusses and many other applications. This increased popularity is a result of steel framing’s lower material […]