Sika Acquires Technology Leader in Liquid Membranes

The Sika Corporation announced it's purchase of Iotech Group Ltd, a manufacturer of polyurethane based liquid waterproofing membranes.

These liquid membranes are used primarily in roofing applications and waterproofing.

Iotech also manufacturers clean room coatings for kitchens hospitals etc.

Click on our headline to read Sika's Press Release

New Issue of WATERPROOF Magazine Out Now

The new issue of WATERPROOF Magazine hit my mailbox last week; this quarter's issue has articles on

• Vapor Barriers and the Underslab Solution
• Above Grade Waterproofing for Commercial Construction-Every building needs above-grade waterproofing. The article discusses the qualities such sealants need, and the different types on the market.
  

» Read the complete story here «

• Thrive in Hard Times:

Contractors can build a thriving business by providing basement waterproofing systems and partially finished basements

» Read the complete story here «

Click on the links to read the stories at WATERPROOF Magazine. Support them and subscribe!

Interesting Court Case Highlights Hazards of Hiring Non-Licensed Contractors

Use non-professional unlicensed waterproofers at your own risk...from the pages of a decision handed down from the Court of Appeals Division I in the State of Washington

After reading through this, I'm sure the repairs to redo the work by unqualified people will cost far more than it would have to just paid up front to do the job right.

Click our headline to read the whole decision if you care too...in fact I insist you do, because there is a very valuable lesson to be learnt here!

Lesson, going cheap does not save money! It costs...

Opinion Information Sheet

Docket Number:	61006-6
Title of Case:	Berg Holdings, Et Al., Apps. vs. Pinnacle Realty Mgmt. Co., Resp.
File Date:	12/29/2008

Berg is the owner of Keeler's Corner, an apartment complex in Lynnwood.

In February 1999, Berg entered into the PMA with Pinnacle.  The PMA set forth

the terms by which Pinnacle would manage Keeler's Corner on Berg's behalf.

     Seven months after signing the PMA, Berg began major reconstruction on

the Keeler's Corner complex.  The project included the complete stripping and

recladding of siding on the apartment buildings, as well as the reconstruction of

waterproofing for the apartment decks.  Berg retained Marx/Okubo & Associates,

Ltd. as its construction representative and employed USA Construction and

Arne's Construction to repair and replace the siding on the entire complex.  In

conjunction with this work, Marx/Okubo discussed with Pinnacle whether

Pinnacle could and would perform the deck waterproofing. Pinnacle employee

Dan McDougal agreed to waterproof the decks.  

     The two memoranda excerpted below are the only written record of the

                                        - 2 -

No. 61006-6-I (consol. with No. 61507-6-I)/3

parties' understanding regarding McDougal's work.  The first memorandum was

a facsimile sent from Greg Arnold of Marx/Okubo to Pinnacle representative Pat

Stullick, a copy of which was also sent to Skip Berg, the owner of Berg Holdings:

     I have spoken with Dan, the carpenter/waterproofer at the
     project about waterproofing the decking which has required
     removal and replacement.  I don't have an exact amount of
     new deck surface which requires waterproofing at the
     buildings where work has proceeded and repairs have been
     made, although the amount is far greater than was
     anticipated, and far more than one man can handle on his
     own, as was the original intention.  He indicated that he
     would be willing to hire one or perhaps two qualified
     applicators he used to work with, along with a couple/few
     unskilled laborers to accomplish the waterproofing.  He is
     ready to proceed on this, although is concerned about
     bonding and insurance.  I am wondering if he (and his
     workers) might do the work as maintenance
     workers/employees of Pinnacle.  The other options include
     getting a bid from a waterproofing contractor, or letting
     Arne's Construction proceed with the waterproofing.  I
     mentioned to Skip [Berg] that there is an employee of Arne's
     who used to be a waterproofing contractor, however, he is
     the only qualified applicator with Arne's Construction and
     would require more help.  Both of these other options would
     be more expensive than having Dan do the work.

The second memorandum was another facsimile sent from Greg Arnold to Pat

Stullick.

     I spoke with Skip [Berg] this morning on the telephone.  He
     wants Dan to start the waterproofing of the repaired
     deck/landings at Keeler's.  We agreed that it was more a
     Property Management scope of work, in that Dan is currently
     under contract with Keeler's and Pinnacle.

Pinnacle and Berg did not enter into a separate written agreement setting forth

the terms under which McDougal would perform the waterproofing work on

Pinnacle's behalf.    

THIS BIT OF HUMOR BROUGHT TO YOU COURTESY OF THE ONION....

Yes I copied and pasted the Onion's article over to here and then deliberately without malice changed the names they used in their article to use mine, Bill as a joke you know?, so click to their pages and keep 'the Onion happy about getting visitors. I thought this applied to decking since many are now made with concrete materials. Or maybe my sense of humor just differs from most, I don't know...enjoy!

Foreman Whips Up Special Batch Of Concrete Deck Coating For Favorite Customer

January 23, 2009 | Issue 45•04

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OMAHA, NE—Schultz Concrete Company foreman Al Grayson, 42, mixed up a home-made vat of his finest concrete deck coating blend Tuesday for Central Coast Waterproofing's Bill Leys, after inviting his favorite customer to "follow [him] 'round back for the good stuff." "Bill's been coming to me for years, and I know exactly how he likes it," said Grayson, adding that his special batch isn't the kind that lasts just long enough to satisfy the inspectors but then falls apart. "This is concrete deck coatings the way my grandfather made them, with just a touch of gypsum. There was only one bag left, so I tucked it away for my main man Bill." While Grayson refused to divulge his secret recipe, he did claim to use only organic cement, artesian well water, and "enough quartzite to make any deck sparkle."

Deck Expert Adds DM Figley's Blog to list of Feedburner Blogs we get feeds from

I've added in waterproofing wholesaler DM Figley's blog to my list of updated feedburner blog lists, watch for bloggers at Figley to post new items!
Click to go to Figley's Blog

Local Fav Grower Native Sons Now a "Live Roof" Regional Grower For Green Roofs

My wife sent me this update about local favorite grower of drought tolerant natives and Med/s Africa plants now being a Live Roof regional grower for green roof projects. Good for them, they are a great grower!

Visit Native Sons website by clicking on our headline!

about

Native Sons is the regional grower for the Live Roof modular green roof system. LiveRoof is the first prevegetated modular green roof system developed by growers and specifically designed to grow plants on a rooftop environment.

Aesthetic and Social Benefits

• Green roofs are much better looking than asphalt or tar.
• Natural views create more productive, healthy, happy, creative, relaxed people.
• Green roofs expand the usefulness of buildings via patios, gardens and vistas.

Environmental Benefits

• Urban Heat Island Mitigation
• Noise Reduction
• Fire Prevention
• Water Conservation

References

• Green Roof: A Case Study: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates' Design For the Headquarters of the American Society of Landscape Architects
• Green Roof Plants: A Resource and Planting Guide'
• Green Roofs for Healthy Cities

download catalog

Live Roof 2008 Catalog

project gallery

Quest Building Products Opens Doors in Anaheim

Quest Building Products has quietly opened it's doors as it ramps up to full capacity down in Anaheim. The new distributor of flooring, waterproofing and coatings materials will compete in a market that has changed dramatically.

Opening up at N Patt Street, the operation is located in a new building with a beautifully decorated showroom and offices, highlighted by Quest's flooring line of Liquid Lava on the concrete slab.

Training classes are coming soon on Liquid Lava's installation methods. Look for a future announcement at our Blog.

The company is headed up by Dennis Chevrier as General Manager and Ron Webber is the owner.

Call them up at the number below to check their operating hours, and check what is currently in stock for materials. Suppliers are delivering every day and new stock is being added as quickly as it can get put into the system.

Quest Building Products, Inc.
1129 N. Patt Street, Anaheim, CA 92801
(714) 715-5703

Great Article For Contractors in JLC Online on Getting Paid

Hey if your a contractor and you want to get paid on your work, this article online at JLC gives some great tips on keeping a payment schedule going...

Legal Adviser: Why Wait to Get Paid?

by Quenda Behler Story

A lot of my columns seem to be about how to get paid for your work — and with good reason. When it comes to business legal questions, that’s the big one. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do during the course of a job that will help head off any payment problems.

Progress Payments
Structure your payment schedule so you get paid as you go. A customer is less likely to miss a scheduled payment if, for example, you could walk off the job, leaving his roof open.

You can make a payment due every Friday or something, but I personally like to tie progress payments to events: when you finish pouring the footings, complete the drywall, install the utilities — things like that.

Leave as little owing as possible at the completion of the job. In the sample contract language that follows, only 5% is left owing when the job is finished:

CLICK ON OUR HEADLINE TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE AT JLC

Mer-Ko Posts It's 2009 Training Schedule

Still surfing and found at Mer-Ko's site their training class schedule for 2009...


Mer-Ko Demonstration & Educational Seminar Schedule — 2008/2009

December 11, 2008	New Product Highlights, Contractor & Applicator Round-Table/Focus Group
March 12, 2009	Mer-Ko Fundamentals of Waterproofing Deck Systems
June 11, 2009	Mer-Ko Decorative Coatings* *Location: 4130 E. LaPalma Ave., Anaheim, CA
September 10, 2009	Mer-Ko Fundamentals of Waterproofing Deck Systems
December 10, 2009	Mer-Ko Round-Table
Location:	501 Van Ness Avenue, Torrance, CA
Time:	8AM to 4PM
	Register Online

Seminar Descriptions

Fundamentals of Seamless Decking & Waterproofing Systems
This hands-on demonstration and seminar covers the methods and techniques you need to successfully install Mer-Ko's waterproofing and decking systems. Materials and application techniques used in Mer-Ko's waterproofing membranes, underlayments, pedestrian, vehicular and flat roof decking systems are reviewed, as well as basic project considerations, flashing details, and how to select the proper systems and topcoats for a project.

Decorative Coatings & Accents
This hands-on demonstration and seminar covers the methods and techniques you need to successfully install Mer-Ko's decorative coating systems. Materials and application techniques used in Mer-Ko's decorative coating line are reviewed, in addition to various accents and artistic affects (i.e., Antiquing Gels, Antique Release Agents, Kolor Packs, etc.).

---

Lunch is provided at all seminars in conjunction with interactive discussions on topics impacting project site efficiency and application success.

Upon completion of the seminar, new participants are eligible to complete the application process to become a Mer-Ko Currently Listed Applicator. For those who hold an active status as a Mer-Ko Currently Listed Applicator, attendance at any of these sessions qualifies for renewal of your status. Our Currently Listed Applicators enjoy access to Mer-Ko's complete line of waterproofing and decking systems, opening new doors of opportunity to offer high-quality systems that protect and beautify new construction, renovation, preservation, retro-fit and maintenance projects.

Join us for this exciting new seminar and position yourself to capitalize on new project opportunities!

Advertising Space Opens Up For Distributors of Waterproof Decking, Below Grade and Flooring

Are you a distributor of decking and flooring products for concrete, decks and waterproofing?

I am happy to announce the opening of 3 spaces to distributors of waterproofing materials. We will have these 3 spaces available on our BLOG and our website, over 200 pages in all where your ad will appear, and only 2 other competitors will ever be next to your ad.

At our website www.deckexpert.com, we will feature the ads right below our manufacturer's ads in the same format, one row with only 3 logo's appearing!

Get in now, Waterproofdeckcoatingadvice.com 2.0 is being planned and designed for a launch later this year, with all new features, a new look and our new site will be easier than ever to navigate through and find information.

According to our stat machine, over 40,000 visits were recorded in 2008. Almost 50% of our visitors added us to their Favorites files.

Call Bill Leys at 805-801-2380 today!

Hey Deck Expert-My installer wants to put "crickets" in the corners of my deck. I have a hard time sleeping now, won't crickets keep me awake?

Dear Reader,

Thanks for your question about crickets.
To help ease your mind about being able to sleep, the crickets your installer wants to put in are the silent type of crickets that don't chirp all night long, so you'll get plenty of rest.

So what are these "crickets" that our reader is inquiring about? Quite simply, in the parlance of the deck coating world, a "cricket" is a method used to provide reverse slope, or move water in a different direction than where it wants to go.

Water seeks it's own level, so when a deck is pitched 2% from the wall out to the edge,
the water will run out to the edge and run off. That works fine in the case of an open railing system. But often times, a stucco or wood sided solid wall will be built at the edge. As seen above in the picture, water is trapped in a corner, mere inches away from the scupper (not visible in pic). By building slope into the corner across from the outside edge to the scupper, water would move off to the scupper instead of being trapped in a low spot.

Ponding water on a deck is not a good thing, ponded water can over time damage the waterproofing membrane and causes dirt stains and is unsightly.

Installing crickets in corners and in between drains or scuppers helps eliminate ponding water.

So in this case reader, get your self some crickets in those corners and get a good night's rest too!

From Huffington Post Comes News about an EPA Settlemement over Mercury in Cement

From the Huffington Post comes this news about Cement Plants and mercury emissions. Many deck coating manufacturer's use cement based products as their material of choice for decking, sloping, waterproofing etc.

How will the changes effect cement prices, and deck coating material prices? Isn't our health and welfare paramount over manufacturing concerns?

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Federal regulators have settled a lawsuit with environmental activists and nine states over standards for mercury emissions from cement plants, the plaintiffs announced Friday.

Earthjustice, an environmental law firm based in Washington, sued the Environmental Protection Agency in 2007 on behalf of activist groups. The firm said existing federal regulations that exempted older cement kilns failed to impose adequate mercury pollution controls.

Nine states, including New York and Michigan, also joined the suit, contending the agency had not based its standards on the latest pollution control technology.

About 150 kilns around the nation generate nearly 23,000 pounds of airborne mercury a year, according to Earthjustice. Mercury, a toxic metal that can damage the brain and nervous system, is generated from the raw materials and some fuels used in cement-making.

The agency had issued mercury regulations for cement plants three years ago, but they applied only to kilns built after Dec. 2, 2005. Most operating kilns, however, were built earlier and were exempt.

CLICK ON OUR HEADLINE TO READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

From Los Angeles Based Commercial Real Estate Inspector Bob Pace Comes His Article "Don't Overlook the Exterior of a Building"

I found an interesting read at this website (click our headline to read all of it) from a commercial building inspector, he basically affirms my statements about decks, leaks, drains/scuppers and railings...

Exterior doors vary from the usual metal frame and glass entry doors to metal roll up doors for loading and unloading and metal pedestrian fire escape/exit doors. In my experience, exterior door thresholds, that portion on the flooring that you step across when you walk through a door, are the main source of water intrusion at doors.

A problem with thresholds usually occurs when they are level with the exterior. This is often a source of moisture intrusion. The industry standard is that the threshold is to be above the exterior level by at least 1.5 inches. This is to allow for a proper moisture barrier. Rarely is this the case.

Exterior decks can be of many types. Tile, stone, waterproof material, concrete and metal are the most common for a commercial building. My biggest issue with decks is the waterproofing, especially if it is over occupied space. I look very closely at the transitions such as connections to the building and railings with special attention to the door thresholds. These areas usually require regular maintenance such as resealing the waterproof decking surface every 3 to 5 years depending on the material and foot traffic. In a very heavy traffic area this may need to be done more often.

Another area I pay particular attention to is the drainage. This can be an issue with enclosed decks with surface drains. Enclosed decks are the decks with solid walls for railings. The only place water can get out is through surface drains. If any leaves or debris get on these drains this can create a dam in a very short time during a heavy rain. These drains can clog up very easily and the deck can quickly become a tub. I really try to make sure the interested parties understand how important it is to keep these drains free flowing and to maintain them. I speak here from hard won experience.

In my experience, railings around decks generally have two main areas of concern. One is the height. Some of the very old deck rails dont feel safe specifically, any railing type or style that is less than 36 inches tall. The other is spacing. The City of Los Angeles recommends that the spacing between rails be no wider than 4 inches. The other possible issues are rusted, damaged or loose railings.

See their website at http://www.commercialrealestateinspectors.com

Versatile, a Manufacturer Has Interesting Video Training Series Online

VERSATILE has an impressive number of training videos on line at it's website; click our headline to go to their library of videos page. We put one on here for you to see, hope they don't mind we're promoting their stuff by putting this up...

San Diego's TV 10 Turns Up Contractor Involved In Fraud

San Diego's TV 10 turns up this fraud involving a contractor who has already been accused of fraud...


Lauren Reynolds
10News I-Team Reporter
SAN DIEGO -- The 10News I-Team confronts Janice Culp outside her business on Sports Arena Boulevard."Hi, Janice Culp, I'm Lauren Reynolds from Channel 10 News, I need to talk to you about running Sunco. Are you afraid to talk to us?"Culp ignores our questions and ducks back into Sunco Construction, the company employees say she runs along with her husband Keith Marbury and brother Dale Culp.

Watch the I Team video by clicking here

Read the rest at TV 10's I Team Investigations page by clicking on our headline...

Waterproofers torch results in burned down building, millions in lawsuits, and all because of violations of the Building Safety Code that were let by?

From Calgary Canada comes this huge lawsuit involving a waterproofer's employee on their second day of employment, burning down a condo project...

It is alleged that the City is liable too, as they initially rejected the building as being in violation of safety codes, but eventually accepted the project, contrary to the building safety code.

I would take that to mean if there is a violation of an ICC approved product or assembly that was installed, and it doesn't meet the building safety code, the City will take liability on for the damages that occurred by allowing it to go by without ordering the problem corrected.

by Daryl Slade, Calgary Herald

Published: Friday, January 16, 2009

A condo complex in Erlton was a "five-storey pile of kindling" ignited by a worker using a propane torch on his second day on the job, court heard during the opening address of a 16-week civil trial.

Lawyers Jim Rose and Donald Chernichen, representing the owners who lost their homes and belongings in the city's largest fire, are seeking $21.7 million in damages. The massive May 30, 2002, blaze left 300 Calgarians temporarily homeless.

According to court documents, it was Karl Swan, an employee of Cactus Waterproofing and Roofing, who started the fire while working in the southwest corner of the Waterford D building that afternoon.

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE BY CLICKING ON OUR HEADLINE

Quality Systems, Inc. offers online continuing ed course for polymer surface systems

FROM PAINT SQUARE's NEWSLETTER COMES THIS OFFERING-

Monday, December 22, 2008

Polymer-Concrete CEU offered

Quality Systems Inc., the manufacturer of PERMA-CRETE® products, is offering a fully accredited, online continuing-education course (CEU) on polymer-concrete surface systems for architects, specifiers, and engineers.

The company said the course, “Polymer Concrete Surface Systems: A Green & Sustainable Solution,” can be accessed on the website located at www.aecdaily.com/sponsor/permacrete.

Acrylic-polymer concrete products are applied to concrete, masonry, aggregate, foam, and steel, and provide an architectural surface offering strength and flexibility. Typical applications include commercial and residential buildings and vehicular and pedestrian traffic surfaces.

More information: www.permacrete.com.

JLC Live Residential Construction Show Returns to Long Beach May 6-8, 2009; Deck Expert Bill Leys Tapped to Present Seminar

I'm pleased to announce that I'll be returning to the Journal of Light Construction's JLC Live Residential Construction show to be held this year in Long Beach CA on May 6th through the 8th.

JLC Live Residential Trade Show is designed for small construction and remodeling companies to come see, learn and try different tools, techniques and methods that will improve their crews and staffs abilities.

I'm not sure yet what the speaking schedule is going to be; watch for that at a later date to be announced once all speakers are tapped.

I'll be doing a 75 minute seminar on "Waterproofing Decks Over Living Spaces-It's A TEAM Effort", where I'll do a Powerpoint seminar that discusses various types of deck coatings, the installation of a typical decking system and how/why the contractor and the waterproofer must be a team together, to ensure a high quality job.

Do you have any suggestions on what you'd like to see discussed or addressed? Issues that have happened on your job? Send and requests you might have to me at Bill@deckexpert.com
and I'll see if I can work it into the program.

Waterproofing Manufacturer From Turkey Invites You to Visit

Their website that is...unless your going to go for a vacation of course. I was contacted by this firm and I have looked at their website. The company doesn't offer deck coatings, but does offer waterproofing for below grade applications and other waterproofing solutions for many needs.

I don't see any ICC #'s, but maybe I missed them in my haste...take a look and see how other manufacturers approach waterproofing solutions in other parts of the world. Who knows, maybe we'll learn something!

Happy surfing...

BIS 2008 stats vs BIS 2007 Stats Reveals Significant Decline in Attendees

A newly released info sheet from the Building Industry Show at Long Beach registered a significant decline in people who attended. Approximately 1900 fewer people registered; I having walked the floor would guess that a lot fewer even showed. A couple vendors I know said that it was very slow...here's hoping to a better 2009!

See all the stats by clicking on our headline.

2008 Attendee Show Stats
5626 Attendees registered for BIS 2008

Builders 50%
Subcontractors 26%
Associates 24%

54% - Presidents/CEOs/Principals/Vice Presidents/General Managers
12% - Purchasing
34% - Other

2007 Attendee Show Stats
7505 Attendees registered for BIS 2007

Builders 56%
Subcontractors 26%
Consultants 25%

51% - Presidents/CEOs/Principals/Vice Presidents/General Managers
32% - Purchasing
17% - Other

El Camino Building Supply in AtascaderoCA Now a BASF/Sonnenborn Distributor

We are now the local distributor for BASF/Sonneborn polyurethane deck coating and waterproofing products. We are stocking the single component Sonoguard base and topcoat system in all three standard colors (aluminum grey, charcoal grey and tan), NP1 sealants, as well as HLM5000 roller grade waterproofing and DBS6200 drain board in 4’ x 50’ rolls. We have access to the complete product line if there are other Sonneborn or Thoro products that you are interested in. Please feel free to call with any inquiries regarding this line of products.

Thanks

Paul Johnson

El Camino Building Supply

8800 Santa Rosa Rd.

Atascadero, CA 93423

Ph. 466-3133

Fax 466-5546

WORLD OF COBCRETE COMING UP QUIK! Feb 2-Feb 6 2009

If your planning on going, better get planning!

World of Concrete is starting on February 2 and runs through Feb 6th.

Discounts and deals abound on hotels I hear and I hear WOC is still registration discounts too.

Open for Business Again!

Hello Everybody! Happy New Year and Welcome to 2009!

I hope your holidays were safe and sane and Santa gave you what you were hoping for.

Having traveled over 20,000 miles by land sea and air, I'm glad to have my butt sitting down on my own chair in my house...the term "African Massage sounds endearing, but it's true meaning is 300 miles in a vehicle over unpaved roads that in America would be considered "Rock Crawling" in the parlance of 4 wheelers. Relentless bumps and jolts...

The scenery and countryside were spectacular though and the chance to see the countries of Kenya and Tanzania up close and personal is something that can't be gained by flying into Game Parks and then flying off to the next like the uppity up's do.

However, the time spent on the beaches of Zanzibar was well worth the time to get to...the pic above is the resorts beach at Pongwe, Zanzibar.