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One Word Turn to page 13 for more info
December 2011 | Volume 74, Issue 12 | The Voice of the Industry Since 1938™ | www.wconline.com
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© 2011 ClarkDietrich Building Systems
P r o S T U D® D r y w a l l F r a m i n g S y s t e m
ProSTUD drywall framing system. Developed, tested and approved ®
by professionals in the field—and proven in the most extensive third-party evaluations around—ProSTUD will leave you with no questions on performance or compliance. Plus, backed by easy mobile access to technical data through iProSTUD.com, it’s but one of the many ways that ClarkDietrich, a proud member of SFIA (Steel Framing Industry Association), is taking your confidence to a whole new level. clarkdietrich.com Please Circle #154 On Reader Action Card
Interior Framing ∙ Exterior Framing ∙ Interior Finishing ∙ Clips/Connectors ∙ Metal Lath/Accessories∙ Engineering
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december VO L U M E 7 4 N U M B E R 1 2
columns by Mark Fowler
32 Finish Line
by Robert Thomas
34 On the Safe Side by Michael Rich 35 Trowel Talk
by William E. Rogers
36 Straight Green by Chris Dixon
departments 10 Trade News
features
06 Up Front
20 Annual Excellence Awards Walls & Ceilings honors the winners of our Annual Excellence Awards contest.
26 Drywall vs. Plaster An historic account of the emergence of drywall and how the plaster industry campaigned against it.
30 Green Cottage Communities Using only materials he’d use on his own home, Greg Powell is constructing a golf course community on Lake Michigan that will be Gold-rated green and easy to maintain.
16 Most Requested Products of 2011 40 Classified Marketplace
38 New Product Buzz Guide
41 Advertiser Directory 43 Looking Up D
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December 2011 | Volume 74, Issue 12 | The Voice of the Industry Since 1938™ | www.wconline.com
ON THE WEB www.wconline.com Breaking News W&C Blogs Web-only Features Special Sections W&C Architect
W&C Digital Edition Media Kit Facebook White Papers/ Case Studies
Readers can download the mobile app to snap the mobile tag at http://gettag.mobi
on the cover The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas opened on the Strip in December 2010. KHS&S worked as a subcontractor for this massive project. See the article on page 20 for more information. Copyright of Rick Fowler 2011.
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| Walls & Ceilings | December 2011
NWCB—May 10-12 The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, Ariz.
FWCCA—July 18-22 Renaissance St. Augustine. St. Augustine, Fla.
Install drywall soffits faster and easier Now there is a better way to install drywall vertical drops. The newest Armstrong Installation Systems for drywall soffits are engineered to require less time and effort, while providing improved fit and alignment. QUIKSTIX™ Knockouts at 6" and 8" centers reduce cutting time. Alignment holes make screw installation simple and form perfect 30-, 45-, 60-, 75-, and 90-degree angles. Offset flattened bulb allows true angles without interference, and bending crimp prevents misalignment. New rout holes accommodate drywall tees, allowing larger section spans. You’ll save installation time with fewer ribs to create.
INSTALLATION
SY STEMS Between us, ideas become reality™
FA S T E R . E A S I E R . B E T T E R . armstrong.com/soffits12wc 1 877 ARMSTRONG Please Circle #103 On Reader Action Card
LOCKING ANGLE MOLDING Features pre-engineered locking tabs punched 8" on center. Locking tabs eliminate measuring and marking every 16" or 24", while preventing lateral and upward movement. Eliminates the need for screws, pop rivets, or crimpers to attach tees to molding. ScrewStop™ reverse hem prevents spin off and provides safer handling.
up
FRONT BY MARK FOWLER
Good, Fast and Cheap I recently was sent an e-mail by a contractor who said he lives by a simple rule: All customers want him to be good, fast and cheap, and that is just not realistic. All contractors bid work, which is an offer to do the work for a customer. The general contractor selects a subcontractor’s offer and prepares a contract, which has the additional terms the subcontractor must abide by beyond plans and specs. Many subcontractors are roped into signing a contract with terms and conditions that bear no resemblance to what he was envisioning during the bid and preparing the bid number. The subcontractor may agree to a timeline, sequence of scheduling, production rate and pay schedule, which in no fashion resembled what he was thinking. Many times the schedule is accelerated and there is little to no lead time, little tolerance and the pay schedule is set at a glacial pace. This where my friend’s rule comes into play. While the general contractor or owner wants all three, it is not possible to get all of them. My friend’s reply is, “Pick any two but you can’t have all three.”
DO A GOOD JOB The good is inherently most desirable. Everyone wants to do a good job and it’s not likely that they will give in on the good unless they use quality only as a sales slogan and are happy to write cheap bids, knowing quality is irrelevant. I believe that most subcontractors want to do good work. Fast is relative. Is “fast” a reasonable, well-scheduled pace or accelerated with people climbing over each other? Cheap is typically why the general contractor selected your offer—you were the low bidder.
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| Walls & Ceilings | December 2011
Now we must discuss the “how good” and “how fast.” Consider that there are usually some severe penalties for not adhering to quality standards and schedule. When reviewing the contract, you should consider my friend’s advice that has become his company’s motto: 1. If you want good and fast, it won’t be cheap. 2. If you want good and cheap, it won’t be fast. 3. If you want fast and cheap, it won’t be good.
YOU CAN’T HAVE EVERYTHING The problem is that when you push for all three, you typically only get one and, thanks to reality television, the myth that all three are possible is streng thened. T hese rea l it y shows have a g roup of people build a home in only a few days. That is television and certainly not reality in the construction world. I have a good friend who worked on one of these shows where the home is gutted and rebuilt in only five days. He is a craftsman and noticed that crews were constantly directed to cover up work that was anything but good. It was also not cheap work. If not for volunteers and donated products, the cost of the project would be staggering. While the television show makes it seems like good, fast and cheap are possible, by pushing hard for all three, in “reality,” they got only one—fast.
GET REAL I believe most subcontractors know they can meet only two of the big three. It is that third piece that ruins all the best laid plans. If the client wants fast, he can get that by hiring more qualified people, accelerating the schedule, putting an extra supervisor on site and you have fast. But it does cost more money to do it good at that speed, so it won’t be cheap. If the client wants cheap, crews can be told to speed up production, relax tolerances and make the work of passable quality. This is where tract homes come from. Faster production and lower quality—it is not wrong or improper as long as it meets code and is within the realm of what will sell. I did it for years. We were low cost and fast; but the quality was not what we were able to deliver on custom homes or commercial work. This is also where tract style subcontractors get hit. They produce work t hey consider passable a nd t he owner or developer comes out with a straight edge or powerful light to shine on walls and then quote standards, some from their own manual that they made up. Some general contractors have an “accelerated schedule” and require workers to stand around and wait for an area to work on. This is not cheap for the subcontractor who pays by the hour and is also why piece rate workers are preferred. In either case, the result is workers climbing over each other to get their jobs done. It is called poor scheduling and bad supervision, and the end result is the “good” vanishes as they try to stay on budget. Remember these rules when you bid work and more importantly remind the client when they send you the contract, pick any two but only two. If you push for good, fast and cheap, you will probably only get one.
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[email protected] WALLS & CEILINGS (ISSN 0043-0161) is published 12 times annually, monthly, by BNP Media II, L.L.C., 2401 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 700, Troy, MI 48084-3333. Telephone: (248) 362-3700, Fax: (248) 362-0317. No charge for subscriptions to qualified individuals. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in the U.S.A.: $115.00 USD. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in Canada: $149.00 USD (includes GST & postage); all other countries: $165.00 (int’l mail) payable in U.S. funds. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2011, by BNP Media II, L.L.C. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for product claims and representations. Periodicals Postage Paid at Troy, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: WALLS & CEILINGS, P.O. Box 2147, Skokie, IL 60076. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. GST account: 131263923. Send returns (Canada) to Pitney Bowes, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON, N6C 6B2. Change of address: Send old address label along with new address to WALLS & CEILINGS, P.O. Box 2147, Skokie, IL 60076. For single copies or back issues: contact Ann Kalb at (248) 244-6499 or
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[email protected] FLEX-C ANGLE FLEX-C TRAC
Flex-C Trac - Fast, Easy, Effective - Flex-C Trac Please note the latest additions to our product line: 4” 18 Gauge Flex-C Trac 8” 18 Gauge Flex-C Trac 10” 18 Gauge Flex-C Trac All With 16 Gauge Flex-C Angle Hammer-Lock® Feature
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Flex-C Trac s Flex-C Angle s Flex-C Arch s Flex-C Header s Flex Lite s Deflection Products Please see our website for a complete listing of our family of products. WWWFLEXABILITYCONCEPTSCOMs4EL
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Please Circle #116 On Reader Action Card | Walls & Ceilings | December 2011
Please Circle #115 On Reader Action Card
®
$PSOFS3FJOGPSDFNFOU An easy-to-apply drywall corner that doesn’t blister, bubble, dent or crack Specially engineered beaded nose allows filling to the outer edge to create the perfect corner
8BUFSBDUJWBUFETFMG adhesive provides a superior bond directly to drywall
1FSGPSBUJPOTBMMPX compound to adhere to the drywall surface
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TRADENEWS CALENDAR JANUARY 24-27 WORLD OF CONCRETE Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas www.worldofconcrete.com
FEBRUARY 8-11 INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL www.buildersshow.com International Builder
APRIL 15-19 AWCI Charlotte, NC www.awci.org
16-19 CISCA Charlotte, NC www.cisca.org 17-18 EIMA Charlotte, NC www.eima.com 18-19 INTEX EXPO Charlotte, NC www.intexconstructionexpo.com
MAY 10-12 NWCB Scottsdale, Ariz. www.nwcb.org 17-19 AIA Washington D.C. www.aia.org For additions or corrections to our Calendar, please call (248) 244-6404.
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| Walls & Ceilings | December 2011
ARMSTRONG ACQUIRES SIMPLEX CEILINGS Armstrong World Ind. announced it has acquired Intalite Inc., operating under the name Simplex and based in Montreal, Quebec. The acquisition of Simplex strengthens Armstrong’s capabilities in the North American specialty ceiling market and supports the company’s overall growth strategy, which includes expanding its global leadership and manufacturing presence in targeted markets. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed. Simplex will become part of the Armstrong Building Products division. Simplex designs, develops and manufactures specialty metal ceiling systems for a wide range of market segments and applications, with sales primarily in the United States and Canada. “The acquisition of Simplex expands our technical capabilities, broadens our extensive specialty ceilings portfolio and improves our service and lead times for customers in North America. Simplex is a respected company in specialty metal ceilings with a strong team that understands the importance of responsiveness and practical design solutions. That’s what our customers are telling us they need.” said Mike Shirk, vice president, Armstrong Architectural Specialties Worldwide. “Simply put, our strategy is to offer the broadest set of innovative ceiling solutions with market-leading service and quality. Simplex is a great fit.” According to Gerald Morris, previous owner of Simplex, “The Armstrong acquisition of Simplex is a win-win for all involved. The combination of complementary capabilities from each of the companies will result in better products and service for customers, continued growth in the industry and opportunities for Simplex’s dedicated employees.”
PBS TO DISTRIBUTE ECOSTUD IN MIDWEST EcoStud LLC has announced that Prince Building Systems LLC will dis-
tribute the EcoStud product line in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. “We are looking forward to bringing the EcoStud product line to our market,” said Jerry Kuhl, general manager for Prince Building Systems. “The EcoStud line opens new opportunities for us as we expand.”
NPIJATF/OPCMIA RELOCATES The National Plastering Industry’s Joint Apprenticeship Trust Fund (aka Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ Job Corps) has moved its national headquarters to: 11720 Beltsville Dr. Suite 100 Beltsville, MD 20705 The fund’s new phone number is (301) 572-2600 and fax is (301) 572-2611.
CLARKDIETRICH ACQUIRES VINYL CORP. ClarkDietrich Building Systems announced that it has purchased the Vinyl Corp. business from Worthington Industries Inc. Located in Miami, Fla., Vinyl’s products include beads, trims and control joints for stucco/ plaster, drywall, EIFS and directapplied exterior finish systems. “This acquisition brings together two leading companies with complementary strategic visions and technology, and a shared commitment to customer satisfaction,” said Bill Courtney, president and CEO of ClarkDietrich Building Systems. “Together, we are wellpositioned to better serve our combined customer base with more products and resources than ever before.” Beginning immediately, ClarkDietrich will execute the planned integration of the two companies’ products, customers and employees to ensure a smooth transition. Vinyl Corp. currently has 34 employees.
FLEX-ABILITY CONCEPTS EXPANDS, MOVES TO NEW FACILITY Flex-Ability Concepts has relocated to expanded quarters in Oklahoma City. The 90,000-square-foot facility
SPACKLE BY DAVE COVERLY customer base in Texas” said Tom Porter, executive vice president. “We have been servicing that market for years and it was just a natural move to locate a plant in Texas for our long term growth plans.” For more information, visit www.cemcosteel.com.
includes manufacturing, distribution and administrative areas. “The expansion provides muchneeded plant space plus contributes to the efficiency of our sales and administrative staff,” said Robert Widmer, marketing manager. The new facility is located at: 5500 W. Reno Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73127.
APPLEGATE RE-ENTERS WEST COAST
Telephone numbers remain unchanged.
CEMCO SECURES FACILITY IN TEXAS CEMCO has announced that it has secured a facility outside of Ft. Worth to better service Texas and the surrounding markets. Full scale manufacturing is expected to begin in early November and will be overseen by newly promoted Operations Manager Chad Rodgers, who is arriving from the company’s Denver plant. Leading the sales efforts is Regional Sales Manager Craig Baldwin who has handled the Texas market for CEMCO over the past few years. Joining Baldwin is Rocky Thomas, an experienced
sales professional previously based in Denver. Inside sales will be handled by newly hired Justin Miller who will be relocating from southern California. Baldwin, Thomas and their team of sales and customer service representatives will be expanding CEMCO for mill certified prime steel framing and metal lath products to the south central region. “We are very excited to increase the level of service and quality to our
The gloves are off.
by
The EDGE™ EQ Drywall Steel Framing System from Super Stud lets you take the gloves off. With its patent pending rolled edge to protect your hands, no other product in the industry rivals
www.edgesteelframing.com
Applegate Insulation, with its recent California approval and facility acquisition, is now sold coast-to-coast. The company gained licensure to market both Applegate Loose-fill and Applegate Stabilized Cellulose in California. Applegate’s insulation is a hybrid liquid/powder fire retardant treatment for cellulose insulation. Because of the dual nature of its fire resistant system, the powders are locked into the insulating fibers giving Applegate less dust and a permanent treatment that allows them to offer a lifetime warranty on their insulation. Added benefits of both Applegate Insulations is that they contain a minimum 85 percent recycled content and are
The EDGE. Formed from the highest quality, mill prime 40KSI steel, it is UL® classified for use in one-, two-, three- and four-hour wall assemblies, and meets or exceeds the criteria of ASTM C645 and C754. So if you’re ready to take the gloves off, let Super Stud give you The EDGE.
1-800-477-7883
For licensing opportunities at select locations across the US, call or visit our website. Please Circle #102 On Reader Action Card December 2011 | www.wconline.com |
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TRADENEWS widely accepted as meeting most green building criteria.
EU APPROVES LAFARGE SALE Belgian building materials group Etex won European Union approval on Friday to purchase most of French cement maker Lafarge’s plaster activities in Europe and South America. Lafarge is selling assets as part of a plan to cut its debt by 2 billion Euros ($2.83 billion), as reported by Robert-Jan Bartunek of Reuters.
The European Commission said the parties were not close competitors and the transaction would not significantly alter the market structure. While there was some overlap in the production of fire resistant boards, the commission said this would not have a major impact. “The boards made and sold by Etex and Lafarge are based on different materials and display different performance levels in terms of fireresistance time and their combined
market share does not give rise to any competition concerns,” the commission said in a statement. No reports at this time indicate how this will impact Lafarge’s U.S. gypsum and plaster division. W&C
PEOPLE Brad Burgess has joined Topcon Positioning Systems as national sales manager for scanning products in the Topcon Emerging Business Unit. Spider, a division of SafeWorks, has named Scott Quinters as district sales representative of its Charlotte operation center. The company has also hired Jason Buchanan as district sales representative in its New Orleans operation center.
Burgess
Quinters
Bob Baker, founder of Baker Drywall and Triangle Plastering, passed away October 14 after a yearlong battle Buchanan with cancer. Bob began working as a hod carrier (carried plaster mud before plaster pumps) for Storbeck & Gregory Plastering Co. in 1948. It was at Storbeck & Gregor y that Bob learned Baker how to do quantity takeoffs for lath and plastering. Later, he established several partnerships across Texas before settling down in Dallas to establish BakerTriangle. Bob focused most of his energy on the plastering division, while passing the drywall branch to his oldest son Steve, now Baker and Triangle’s CEO. Bob was able to grow his plastering company to one of the largest in Texas, completing such significant projects as: Myerson Symphony Hall, Bass Performance Hall and Lone Star Park. Baker had strong passion and knowledge of the lath and plastering trade and remained involved in the business until the age of 82, serving the industry for 60 years. He was especially proud of the work done on Lone Star Park because he was able to see many of his thoroughbred race horses perform there. Bob’s wife of 58 years, Frances, preceded him in death. He is survived by three sons, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
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Please Circle #104 On Reader Action Card | Walls & Ceilings | December 2011
Solve Your Acoustics Problem
With One Word Environmental Acoustics
87 hums from phones, not exactly in silent mode
+
150 squeaks as 150 students get comfortable
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207 periodic click-clicks waiting for class to end
=
Design Smarter Environments with Adagio® Ceilings. Add up all the distracting noise in the typical college classroom. Factor in the proven harmful effects noise has on student comprehension levels. Your answer is Adagio Ceilings Systems from CertainTeed. Nobody takes environmental acoustics more seriously. Adagio has a NRC value of 0.80 and a CAC value of 42, the best in the industry. So for those spaces where being able to hear every word is essential, it’s Adagio.
You’re not just solving a design problem. You’re helping teachers teach and students learn.
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T S O M S 2011’
D E T S E U Q RE DUCTS PRO
Ceilings have told us which & lls Wa f of rs de d rea the s, nth For the past 12 mo by filling out the reader m the to st ere int of re we ure products and literat following have appeared the s, trie en of s red nd hu m fro action cards. Tallied er, here’s departments. In no particular ord in the Product Focus and Toolbox st. what you told us you found of intere
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SCREWS FOR LIGHT GAUGE STEEL
KNOCKDOWN TEXTURE REPAIR TOOL
GRABBER CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS
TEMPLATE LLC
The company’s Spectrum screw was specifically designed to produce exceptionally high pull-out values in light gauge steel without sacrificing fastener drilling speed in these new materials. Spectrum’s 7 gauge shank diameter, buttress threads and reduced drill point all combine to offer superior drilling performance. Additionally, the fastener is ideal for attaching high density sheathing products to the new materials being used in the market today. For all 16 through 20 gauge applications, the screw is specially designed to work with the next generation of steel framing.
The Drywall Repair Tool is a flexible plastic template with a random knockdown pattern that enables the user to replicate the knockdown texture on the rest of the wall after a drywall repair has been made. The process is clean and fast because there is no overspray and no need to tape off the area to protect the surrounding surfaces. The benefit to drywall professionals is that they can make multiple repairs more quickly after contractors have completed their work. The tool can be re-used on multiple projects, making it extremely cost-effective for those who perform frequent drywall repairs.
If you read this article, please circle number 119.
If you read this article, please circle number 120.
| Walls & Ceilings | December 2011
FORMALDEHYDE-FREE FORMULATED INSULATION OWENS CORNING EcoTouch Pink Fiberglas Insulation with PureFiber Technology is made with natural materials and a formaldehyde-free formulation. This product uses a minimum of 50 percent recycled content (30 percent post-consumer recycled content). It provides for energy-efficiency and comfort, and is designed with the environment in mind while delivering the same thermal performance. EcoTouch is fast and easy to install, helping reduce build-cycle time, enhance profitability and improve cash flow. EcoTouch is GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality Certified, as well as GreenGuard Children and Schools Certified, to meet certification standards. If you read this article, please circle number 121.
ARCHITECTURAL THIN BLOCK VENEER CEBU STONE The company manufactures a commercial thin cast block veneer. The product is affordable and highly unique made with the installer in mind. High production rates (400 square feet on average per day, per man), ease of application plus an architectural “splitface look” is a different line to any stucco company’s offerings. All blocks are lightweight by design, have a 1-inch base thickness and incorporate a cast-in place, patent pending AccuTab Set system for a precise installation.
PAPER-FACED PLASTIC CORNER BEAD USG CORP.
ProSquare Ceilings offers a low cost grid alternative for acoustical ceiling contractors. Current product line includes a 15/16-inch grid system including 7/8-inch wall angle in standard white. The products feature a stab style end that is raised to allow for a smooth transition at connection points of main tees and cross tees. The company has more than 30 years of experience into the design of its grid. The focused product line and minimal overhead costs allow the company to offer this high-quality product at an affordable price.
Sheetrock paper-faced plastic bead is made with a strong paper tape laminated to a durable composite plastic that creates crack- and chip-resistant corners. The product is rust-proof and is backed by a limited lifetime 30-year warranty. The highly engineered paper tape ensures excellent adhesion of joint compound, textures and paints for a strong, smooth finish for flawless corners. No screws, nails or other fasteners are required with the tape-on styles, making installation and precision corner alignment efficient while eliminating nail pops. The durable plastic also provides greater impact and abuse resistance, helping to reduce damage during transit and at the job site. The plastic bead is also 25 percent lighter than metal bead, making it easier to handle and more flexible to maneuver, especially in tight places like hallways and stairwells. Its light weight makes it easier to transport and helps save freight costs.
If you read this article, please circle number 123.
If you read this article, please circle number 124.
If you read this article, please circle number 122.
LOW COST CEILING GRID PROSQUARE
CURVED CORNERS FOR DRYWALL FULCRUM COMPOSITES INC. Curve Corners bridge the gap between the very tight radii achievable with trim products and the minimum curvature that can be created by bending conventional drywall. Initial products include 90 degree curves for internal and external corners and 180 degree bullnose corners for fi nishing end walls or half walls. Installation uses the same techniques as conventional drywall including depth set screws and existing taping and mudding techniques. The products are extremely lightweight and durable. They are available in 8 and 10 foot lengths, 1/2 and 5/8 inch thickness and dimensions to match both 2x4 stud walls and steel framing. They can be specified with or without tapered edges. Additional shapes will be added as demand dictates. If you read this article, please circle number 125.
December 2011 | Walls & Ceilings |
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2011’S MOST
REQUPREODSUCTETSD WINDOW AND DOOR FOAM SEALANT POWERS FASTENERS TriggerFoam Pro Window and Door Foam is a professional grade, low-pressure, gun applied polyurethane foam sealant. This foam does not distort window and door frames when expanded. The product adheres to wood, metal, masonry and concrete. It seals gaps and joints, insulates, stops air infiltration and saves time and money and is ideal for use around pipes, wires and ductwork. The foam is dispensed though a standard foam gun that allows the user to control the flow rate and the diameter of the bead. The easily adjustable applicator can dispense foam beads as small as 1/8 inch, allowing for precise placement of the foam. The precision value helps prevent pressure loss and prolongs shelf life. Voids should be filled approximately 30 to 40 percent to allow for the final expansion of the foam. The product is safe to use, containing no CFCs no PCBs and no urea formaldehyde as they are being dispensed, and has a neutral odor. The stopand-go application product remains liquid in the applicator until dispensed. If you read this article, please circle number 126.
DEFLECTION CLIP FLEX-ABILITY CONCEPTS The Three Legged Dog deflection clip by Flex-Ability Concepts eliminates fumbling or dropped clips. Slide the clip onto the top end of the stud. With the clip attached, raise the stud into the deep-leg track and snap into place. Then, secure the clip using conventional fasteners. If you read this article, please circle number 127.
DURABLE EXTERIOR TRIM MOLDINGS JAMES HARDIE
RECORD ORGANIZER FOR LEAD PAINT LEAD RECORDS The EPA’s RRP Rule requires renovators who disturb lead-based paint to create and store records detailing their work practices on every job or face stiff penalties. Lead Records’ Organizer simplifies RRP recordkeeping. The product is a comprehensive guide to fulfilling the EPA’s recordkeeping requirements and includes: • Complete set of forms covering all contingencies • Easy-to-follow instructions to complete the recordkeeping requirements • Recommendations for additional documentation Renovators should compile • Guide to creating end-of-project reports for homeowners • Renovate Right brochure • Customizable three-ring binder If you read this article, please circle number 128.
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| Walls & Ceilings | December 2011
The HardieTrim Crown Moulding is a highly durable and dimensionally stable trim accessory that can be used as window ornamentals and to enhance the design of the roof line. The moldings are available in two profile sizes: 3¼ and 5¼ inch. The products are manufactured as part of the HardieZone System that provides exterior products with specific performance attributes relative to the climate where the product is being used. The moldings perform well in all climates, which allow the product to maintain long-term aesthetics compared to wood. Also, unlike PVC trims, HardieTrim Crown Mouldings are dimensionally stable while PVC expands and contracts with change in temperatures. The products also come with a 15-year limited, transferable product warranty. These can be used in various applications such as, a decorative trim transition from frieze board to soffit, window headers and as a gable trim accent. If you read this article, please circle number 129.
MAINTENANCE-FREE CEILING PANELS ACP The company has introduced a new maintenancefree ceiling panel designed to solve the problems of staining, water damage and mold or mildew that are often experienced with fiber- or paper-based, lay-in panels. The new Genesis ceiling panels install in any standard ceiling grid system and are perfect for commercial kitchens, food processing plants, healthcare and education facilities, marine applications, high-humidity climates and clean rooms. The 100 percent waterproof panels are washable and can easily be cleaned by power-washing or soap and water. The PVC material assures mold, mildew and bacteria resistance. The non-shedding, white panels are available in either a smooth or textured finish. They will not water-spot, rot, swell or peel. Sag-resistant Genesis panels are Class A fire-rated for flame and smoke. Available in 2-feet-by-2-feet or 2-feet-by-4-feet dimensions, the panels are also impact and damage-resistant. If you read this article, please circle number 130.
TROWEL APPLIED WALL FINISH ATOVA INTERNATIONAL Marmorino Veneziano Carrara is a trowel applied wall finish based on slaked lime putty finely filtered and seasoned for at least six months. Its environmentally friendly formula is solvent free (no VOCs) and extremely low in chemical additives. Easy to apply, it has excellent filling power and resists aggression by molds and bacteria. The wall finish is suitable for decorative indoor wall surfaces. Carrara is used to create a true, marble-like finish smooth to the touch. From contemporary to Old World, Carrara Marmorino is an ideal product for projects. If you read this article, please circle number 133.
MULTI-PURPOSE MINERAL WOOL INSULATION THERMAFIBER
MIXER AND STIRRER PRAZI USA The StirWhip Mixer and Stirrer allows the user to quickly mix or stir liquids, paints, glues, epoxies, compounds, concrete smoothly and evenly. Durable and flexible it will even fit through a 5-gallon pouring spout. The design reduces strain on your drill motor. The product comes in two models the 8-inch 1 gallon model #PR-9808 and the PR-9818 18-inch, 5-gallon model.
VersaBoard mineral wool insulation is a multi-purpose commercial product that has high-recycled content designed for commercial construction. The product is available in four densities (3.5 to 8.0 pcf). The product is engineered to provide thermal insulation, fire protection and strong sound and noise absorption. The company can apply a variety of facings to the product during manufacturing to meet the aesthetic and functional needs of a building. It also repels moisture and can be an exposed interior surface. The insulation has up to 90 percent recycled content. It contributes to 33 LEED credits across four categories. It helps buildings conserve energy, control noise, improve indoor air quality, improve life safety and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If you read this article, please circle number 134.
If you read this article, please circle number 131.
NOISE-DAMPENING PRODUCTS SOUND ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS INC.
STAINLESS STEEL LATH AND ACCESSORIES AMICO From AMICO, Stainless Steel T304 Trims are now available in addition to T304 and T316 Stainless Steel Lath. The products provide excellent corrosive resistance for specialty lath applications. The cornerbead, casing bead and control joints meet ASTM Specifications C1063 and C841. The lath meets ASTM C847-95. AMICO is proud to be the first company to offer these outstanding products as standard items in our comprehensive line of lath products. For more information, visit www.amico-lath.com. AMICO is a Gibraltar Industries Company. If you read this article, please circle number 132.
SilentCurtain is a thin and flexible noise curtain that cuts the amount of sound moving through the air. It is portable and has a vinyl laminate on both sides that resists damage from sunlight and other environmental factors. The noise-dampening curtain comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The company also offers solutions for home use. SilentCeiling Black is an acoustic tile made from fiberglass. They are light enough to be installed in drop ceilings. SilentWrap is an acoustic sound barrier that works by dampening vibrations within a structure. It cuts perceived sound transmission by up to 88 percent and is made from a flexible, mass-loaded vinyl barrier that is fully recyclable. SilentImpact is a recycled rubber product made to be placed underneath many different kinds of flooring to dampen sound in noisy buildings. If you read this article, please circle number 135.
NON-VOC PLASTER BINDER AMERICAN CLAY ENTERPRISES INC. The PlasterPlus binder is added to the company’s earthen plasters resulting in a hard, yet repairable, non-VOC finish for the cost of a high-quality paint job. The product is sold dry in 27-pound lots through select commercial distributors and is intended for commercial projects—such as healthcare, hospitality, universities and “big build” residential. The polymer binder is mold resistant, extremely easy-toapply and still can contribute up to eight LEED points to any project. No wonder the field response has been positive thus far. Walls coated with PlasterPlus can be wetted and reworked after application (without adding additional binder) to achieve desired results and yet is hard and durable. If you read this article, please circle number 136.
December 2011 | Walls & Ceilings |
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annual
Excellence W
alls & Ceilings is honored to present the winners of our annual Excellence Awards contest. The categories awarded this year are Ceilings, Drywall, EIFS/Stucco, Interior Plaster/Ornamentation, Metal Framing and ICFs/SIPs. The entries were judged by a panel of W&C staff members and its Editorial Advisory Board (see this list on page 8 in the masthead).
CATEGORY: CEILINGS Performance Contracting Inc. Project Name: Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Project Materials: USG, G-P Gypsum, National Gypsum, Trim-Tex, Dryvit, ClarkDietrich. Radius Track, Fellert North America The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is the newest member of an elite group of buildings designed for the fine arts in Kansas City, Mo. The 285,000-square-foot facility is now the new home of Kan-
Awards The final results of Walls & Ceilings’ Annual Excellence Awards. sas City Ballet, the Lyric Opera, and the Kansas City Symphony. Encapsulated within this building are two distinct halls: the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Theater and the Helzberg Hall. With construction starting in early 2007 by locally based JE Dunn Construction, this building has redefined the standard for acoustical performance. With more than 72 primary subcontractors on site, Performance Contracting has been a major contributor in helping achieve the high acoustical requirements and the overall aesthetics of this project. Performance Contracting was on a select bid list for this project because of the company’s skills and experience with plastering and drywall. When you compile 1.93 million pounds of plaster, 1.3 million square feet of drywall, and 25,000
Performance Contacting did the ceilings, plaster, drywall and more on the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts project in Kansas City, Mo.
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| Walls & Ceilings | December 2011
square feet of Fellert acoustical plaster with the complexity of the project, a well-rounded subcontractor was needed to achieve the end goal. After multiple bid revisions and months of scope reviews, PCI was awarded the drywall/plastering bid package which included the following scopes of work: metal framing, insulation, drywall, finish, metal lath, traditional plaster, two-coat veneer plaster, EIFS, fire resistant joint systems, fire/ acoustical sealant, access doors, 3-D modeling of the Muriel and Helzberg ceilings and layout. The 1.93 million pounds of plaster was comprised of traditional plaster in the two halls and nearly 50,000 square feet of veneer plaster in the four-story glass lobby. A majority of the traditional plaster was on the 11,500 square foot Muriel Theater Ceiling and the
The Amway Center Project by Kenpat USA. The contractor installed more than 86 percent of 1.5 million square feet of gypsum board and wall assemblies.
10,800 square foot Helzberg Ceiling. These ceilings have complex curves with a 2½-inch-thick cross section of plaster which equates to a 25 to 30 psf density rating. The remainder of the plaster was comprised of acoustical wall bumps which were designed to dissipate and divert sound waves to specific locations. With up to nine different psf density requirements throughout the halls, the plaster work had to be precise to say the least. T he complex radius and densit y of t he Mu r iel C ei l i ng a nd t he H el zb erg C ei l i ng were not only designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also were critical for peak acoustical performance. To achieve design criteria, both ceilings were 3 -D modeled and the stud locations were pre-determined to avoid clashes with critical light placement and other penetrations. T h roug h t he modeli ng process, PCI was able to engineer and have the 16 gauge, 4-inch ceiling members pre-bent to the designed radii. This allowed PCI to frame these two ceilings with a three-man crew over five months with very minimal modifications due to clashes with other trades. In addition, the Total Station (described below) was used to lay out support straps and radius studs in the Muriel and Helzberg Ceiling. The construction of the wall systems were also a challenging pro-
cess throughout the duration of this project. The layout of the walls was based on three different grid systems, one for each hall and one for the rest of the project. To add to the complexity, the majority of the gridlines were splayed, non-parallel and radiused. To help with the layout process, PCI elected to use a robotic Total Station by first plotting points using Auto Cad and then implementing them in the field using the Total Station equipment. Upon completion of layout, PCI had to decipher and process the staggering amount of variables associated with the wall types on the project. Having 68 wall types with each having three head of wall deflection criteria (0, 1 inch, 2 inch), PCI quickly had hundreds of variations in wall types. Combined with the addition of fire track, slotted track, double studded walls and up to six layers of drywall, one can only imagine the skill required to process and accurately execute the construction of the walls.
CATEGORY: DRYWALL Kenpat USA Project Name: Amway Center Materials: National Gypsum, USG, CertainTeed Gypsum, G-P Gypsum,
Marino\Ware, ClarkDietrich, Gordon, Fry Reglet, Alpro, Tectum, Kinetics, Decoustics, SoundSeal, Glasliner FRP Wall Panels The Amway Center in Downtown Orlando, Fla., provides the finest entertainment experience for professional basketball and music fans in the United States. This technologically advanced venue houses more than 72 suites, 68 loge boxes, 14 M V P tables, three club hospitality rooms, two All-Star decks, AirTran Flight deck, Kia deck and 37 restrooms. Kenpat performed more than 86 percent of the labor to construct 1.5 million square feet of gypsum board and finish assemblies and 44,000 square feet of acoustical wall panels in the new Amway Center during April 2009 through September 2010. One of the key components of the Amway project and the surrounding neighborhood was the creation of the Blueprint Program to create jobs in the local area and get the greatest utilization of local firms that were qualified as Minority or Women Owned Businesses. Kenpat embraced the challenge and exceeded the goal of 36 percent MWBE pa r t icipat ion by a n add it iona l $700,000. This was achieved by recruiting several local MWBE subcontractors to assist with field and administrative workload.
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The Gallegos Corp. installed more than 250,000 square feet of stucco and synthetic stone veneer on the St. Anthony Hospital in Denver.
CATEGORY: EIFS/STUCCO The Gallegos Corp. Project Name: St. Anthony Hospital, Denver Materials: Omega, Sunset Stone, ArcusStone St. Anthony’s Hospital is a 673,000 square foot replacement facility for an existing building that could no longer expand due to site constraints. The new site provided significant opportunity for expansion and connectivity. This hospital was on a 32-month fast-track schedule that required precise coordination of trades and materials to be successful. The Gallegos Corp. was selected as the subcontractor to install 200,000 square feet of hardcoat stucco and 52,000 square feet of synthetic stone veneer with precast concrete trims on the exterior façade and interior common areas. For the exterior enclosure package the company also provided the scaf-
Ford Drywall & Stucco worked on this home in Naples, Fla.
fold, flashing and caulking to ensure a water tight installation. Specialty items included multiple custom made-precast caps and sills, and limestone plaster coating over drywall to simulate stone in the interior public spaces. Fort Collins Precast provided the precast materials. This was a challenging project due to the complexity of details, the multiple scopes performed, and the “fast-track” schedule. The large scale of the project, combined with the scaffold erection and weather protection during the winter months, and over 68,000 man hours in the field, made this dynamic project a consistent management challenge. This project demanded the cooperation of multiple scopes and tradesmen, all working together to produce a quality and functional building that has significantly changed the landscape of the area and provides St. Anthony’s Hospital with a stateof-the-art facility to help them continue to provide the exemplary medical treatment they are known for and
give them an opportunity to expand the number of services they offer.
CATEGORY: EIFS/STUCCO (HONORABLE MENTION) Ford Drywall & Stucco Project Name: Naples Beach Home Materials: AMICO, Thoroseal, Florida Rock Stucco, ArcusStone Ford Drywall & Stucco Inc. installed a custom limestone finish that not only lowered the client’s costs but also provided them with a superior warranty while using “Made in the USA” products. Ford Drywall President John Ford says his company was hired to do the exterior lath, waterproofing and stucco with limestone finishes. He says the original plans called for a “Barbados” stone finish on the outside of the residential home; he suggested an alternative—ArcusStone Coat.
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Specialists in Drywall Finishing Products 295 North Pekin Road • Woodland, WA 98674 Phone: (800) 871-4998 • Fax: (800) 871-5007 www.hamiltonnw.com
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He proposed using the handapplied and formed product because it gives his workers the ability to create the same look as the Barbados stone at a cost and time savings. Another benefit of using the hawkand-trowel product is that Ford’s workers are able to make corrections to imperfections in the substrate that would have been much harder with the less-forgiving stone. The ArcusStone product was also good for making the molds and architectural profiles the job called for by hand. The bowed ceilings and arches were much easier to do compared to stone, Ford says. There were other benefits to working with an American-made product, he says. There was no dealing with import/export officials, a far lighter product to handle and transport, and the benefit of getting a 12-year warranty from the manufacturer that might not have been available with the stone. In all, Ford estimates his company saved several months and between $600,000 and $700,000 for the client. At the same time, the more than 40,000-square-foot project gave him and his workers a great deal of practice in turning out artistic finishes in the field. Allied Building Products supplied materials for the project.
CATEGORY: ICFS/SIPs Midwest Modern LLC Project Name: Hurry Back Home in Portage, Wis.
Materials: Quad-Lock, Fry Reglet, Pella Windows, Rubio, Monocoat, Gris Belge, Buechel Stone Planned as a 100 year-plus home, this Quad-Lock ICF project was designed with many generations in mind and has been designated in the estate plan. The project’s 4,000 square foot size is large enough for extended family accommodations with small bedrooms on the basement floor, ADA accessibility for two regular inhabitants on the first floor with their place of business located on the second floor. Experienced with LEED commercial projects, the architect and builder designed the live/work home space with LEED guidelines in mind. Thus interior air quality, energy and water conservation, waste reduction and lower operating costs were primary goals of the project. The Quad-Lock ICF system was chosen to help achieve those goals. Built into a rugged and hilly 35-acre site, the project juts into the horizon with large cantilevering rooflines whose forms appear to hover over the extensive glazing that allows expansive 20-mile panoramic views to the east, south and west over the historic Wisconsin River Valley and six neighboring towns. In addition to creating the sensation of being in a cave overlooking the vista; the overhanging, dark stained cedar and pine roof/ceiling forms temper the summer heat while holding back winter’s chill. The largest of these seemingly floating double
The Hurry Back Home in Wisconsin is constructed using ICFs.
cantilevering roof forms is constructed out of site cast reinforced concrete that weighs an astonishing 20 tons. The home is situated directly atop a 60-foot deep wooded ravine along the north side. This juxtaposition sets the stage for the underlying story of the home that is seen in the interplay between the form and the material palate. Themes of dark and light, heavy and delicate, solid and void, expansion and contraction, rustic and refinement can be seen throughout the home. This project is exemplary in its well thought-out planning and execution of details. High performance building systems, such as in-floor radiant heat and high velocity air handling coupled to a vertical geothermal field are deftly integrated and are barely noticed while allowing the home to function at energy costs lower than a project half the size. The thermal mass and airtight construction achieved with the use of Quad-Lock ICF walls, floors and roof create a quiet and pleasant atmosphere during the harsh months while the shaded interior can
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Professio by Matt Henson did the plaster and finishing work on The Harris County Courthouse project.
The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, with work performed by KHS&S. Copyright Rick Fowler.
also be opened up to the wonderful cross breezes the elevated site enjoys during the summer months.
reconstructed and recreated with the aid of historic photographs. Professio by Matt Henson’s team did the art drawings, mold making, casting, installation and historic paint finish. The large capital in the Rotunda is 13 feet across and 11 feet high. It was reconstructed in total from designs taken from the site to match the vernacular of the “Sullivanistic” design. Professio by Matt Henson is responsible for the design, creation and installation of all elements. The project took more than two years to complete and it restored a building that is a marvelous example of craftsmanship from the industrial age. In total, there were 37 differ-
CATEGORY: INTERIOR PLASTER/ ORNAMENTAL Professio by Matt Henson Inc. Project Name: 1910 Harris County Courthouse Restoration Materials: USG, Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore T h i s 1910 c ou r t hou s e pl a s ter ornamentation was completely restored. Work included salvaging the ornamentation, which was
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| Walls & Ceilings | December 2011
ent ornamental castings—seven of which didn’t exist (both courtrooms ornaments were completely missing) and had to be recreated from pictures. The large capital, however, did not have a photo to use as a reference and had to be designed from scratch to fit the building. The decorative ceiling on the sixth floor barely had enough ornaments left to work with.
CATEGORY: METAL FRAMING KHS&S Contractors Name: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Materials: USG, G-P Gypsum, Monokote, Johns Manville, ZNZ Manufacturing, Western Architectural and Formglas, ClarkDietrich, CEMCO, Sherwin Williams, Vista, Dunn Edwards, Modern Mastery and Schuff Masters, Dryvit, Texston (Venetian), Armstrong Wall Systems
The Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino project was originally budgeted at $2 billion (KHS&S scope approximately $75.3 million) when KHS&S began work on the project in October 2007. The scope originally included all the metal framing and drywall for the interior of the podium and recreation deck, exterior EIFS at the podium and recreation deck and thematic items throughout the podium. KHS&S was contracted to provide design-assist services for all new venues. The opportunity to be a part of the design-assist process made it possible to work side-byside with the project designers, architects, Perini’s project and field management as well as the new owners. This allowed KHS&S to streamline pricing and design and offered an opportunity to improve the contractor’s relationship with all parties. The redesign of the Cosmopolitan also created an opportunity for KHS&S to nearly double its contract value to approximately $146 million by completing the metal framing and drywall for the 1.85 million square feet of podium space. The owner never stopped changing the design, but they also did not spare any expense to create the final product they envisioned. The project was successful; it was delivered on time and within budget. Constructing the interiors and exteriors of the Cosmopolitan indeed had its fair share of challenges. Most of the exterior walls were designed with faceted and undulating geometry and not the typical vertical wall as seen on most buildings. Combine this with wall spans of 100feet plus and a still-under development building design all made for rather unique obstacles to overcome. For the north and south exterior walls of the podium, as well as the night club, KSH&S used a light gauge metal truss system manufactured by M-Truss normally used to frame roofs. The design is similar in nature but in this application the roof would be tilted vertically and attached with metal clips back to the building structure. Throughout the course of construction, the interior walls, ceilings and soffits were under constant design and redesign. In the end, what was initially scheduled for six months of preconstruction design turned into almost three years. Due to delays caused by the redesign of the schematic layout of the podium levels, the construction means and methods had to be altered. The “attic” space, what would become the finished ceiling, was being filled in with MEP
lines and equipment, and the building structure above was many times no longer accessible. Most of the Level 1 casino ceiling required the installation of a 4-foot-by-4-foot tube steel grid that was suspended from the concrete deck above. This gave a flat level surface for which to suspend the light gauge metal soffits from. So somewhere between schedule, cost, design, ownership change and designer change, KHS&S managed to draw, review, build, redraw, tear down and rebuild the interior walls, ceilings and soffits twice. W&C If you read this article, please circle number 140.
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WHAT HAPPENED?
drywall vs.
plaster A
not so long time ago and in our own galaxy, interior plaster was king and drywall was considered a second rate product, but that changed in a big way fast. In the 1950s, you could hear terms like “button” board and “hardwall” on virtually every project. Drywall was not taken seriously. But, after the span of a single decade, plasterers stopped laughing when drywall became the dominant finish. Did interior plasterers just give up without a fight? No, they fought and spent money on marketing plans to regain market share. If you think that failure was inevitable, consider that today interior plaster is still more popular in Europe than drywall.
ILL-PLANNED MARKETING The post-World War II era created a housing boom like this country had never seen before. Builders wanted
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When drywall appeared on the market, plasterers mounted a campaign to discredit its use. How did that fail? By Mark Fowler less costly, faster construction, the tract home was the revolution and drywall was a natural fit. Plastering contractors had to do something to prevent erosion of their market share. In California, a marketing firm conducted research to devise a s t rate g y to pre s er ve m a rke t share against the drywall invasion. Through interviews and surveys, they learned homeowners did not seem to appreciate the benefit of lath and plaster. A marketing plan was established based on some very basic assumptions about the difference between plaster and drywall. 1) Plaster was harder and more durable than drywall.
2) Plaster had better sound attenuation than drywall. The marketing strategy became obvious: a two point attack on the builder and the home buyer was launched with the message that plaster walls are better walls. It was believed that if the home buyer knew the difference between drywall and plaster, they would demand plaster every time. The easy test method that anyone could try was to “knock on the wall.” T he hom e bu i ld er promot e d quality, as per his advertisements, and the plasterers would help with promotional items like signs and
as concerned about drywall. They came up with a solution, skim coat or veneer plaster. It could be put up faster than drywall and would save time and money com-
brochures to display at the model homes to demonstrate that they used lath and plaster, not drywall. T he campaign went so far as to include radio and newspaper advertisements. The catch phrase “ K n o c k o n t he Wa l l” i s s t i l l remembered by many in the trades and it was pushed hard for a few years during sporting events like professional baseball.
THE FACTS Home buyers walking through a tract home are not going to demand plaster or pay extra for it. Did anyone really believe that potential buyers would walk out on a home sale because it did not have lath and plaster or buy a home because it did? While builders promote quality, at the end of the day, they demand cheaper and faster turnover. Drywall was cheaper and faster to install. The home builders also learned quickly that buyers only paid more for upgraded appliances and fixtures, not plaster walls. Plasterers had exteriors (stucco) to work on and the housing market was booming, so the loss of interior plaster work was not really critical—they still had a lot of work. Builders claimed plaster was too expensive and took too much time. Plastering is still bigger in Europe than America? How could that be? One main reason was masonry walls were, and still are, a main building material there and plastering over masonry involves no great loss of time. In addition, the extra cost of furring out masonry, hanging drywall and taping is not cheaper than just plastering a masonry
wall. The reason why America lost interior plastering runs even deeper than this. The American plasterer could have saved interior plastering back in the ’60s, but he refused to adapt or change.
NEW THINKING Manufacturers of interior plast e r we r e ju s t
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drywall vs.
plaster pared to traditional lath and plaster. It must have seemed to manufacturers that interior plaster was about to be saved. Alas no. Was it a lack of skilled workers with trowels? No, we had thousands of trained and skilled plasterers. So why did it fail to capture the market in America? I found the primary cause for the new skim coat plaster failure from the 1960s when I was remodeling my home a few years back. I used a veneer skim coat plaster on my home and my father offered
to come over and help. He and my uncle, old time plasterers, were in the heart of the transition from genuine lath and plaster to drywall. They often talked about “cheap dry wall” and how it ruined the industry. As we started to spread the veneer plaster, my father asked, “What is this stuff?” He had a sudden recollection and exclaimed “this is the stuff they created to compete with drywall back in the ’60s,” in an irritated voice. He went on to explain that this was an
imitation for real lath and plaster and, in his day, they refused to use it. He also noted how the material did not work like the real finish or putty coats of his day. It was not as friendly to work with. What would have happened if they had embraced the skim coat plaster? Would history be different? I love plastering and have nothing but the utmost respect for the trade and the great plasterers out there, but cutting off our noses to spite our faces is just not smart business.
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Use the new HYDROTRIM Roller for absolute bonding to the drywall.
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The fallout from this transitional era may have had longer lasting repercussions that many of us are not fully aware of. Is it possible a cultural change occurred back then and the effects are still being felt today? The wall and ceiling industry prior to the 1960s was more contractor-driven. Standards, codes and even products were all centered around the contractor’s needs. Consider that the manufacturers developed a new plaster to “save” interior plastering and it was rejected. The innovative skim coat plaster system was developed to be competitive in cost, faster in application and to provide an abuse resistant wall. The system was dubbed as a sell-out or second cousin to real or genuine lath and plaster. The plastering contractors made the unfortunate stance of “all or nothing” and that’s what sunk lath and plaster. W&C If you read this article, please circle number 141.
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