Mer-Kote Educational Seminars-Last Ones Of The Year

Mer-Ko Demonstration & Educational Seminar Schedule — 2010 September 9, 2010 Mer-Ko Fundamentals of Waterproofing Deck Systems Location: Parex USA, Inc. / Mer-Ko, 4130 E La Palma, Anaheim, CA 92807 (8am - 2pm) December 9, 2010 Mer-Ko Annual Round-Table Location: Parex USA, Inc. / Mer-Ko, 4130 E La Palma, Anaheim, CA 92807 (8am - 2pm) 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!

Tiled Deck Failure-Lawsuit Over 300K Worth Of H2O Damage to 4.5 Mil House

Fear Not Law blog has a great case on a tile job on decks that failed...read it here there's a lesson somewhere in that mess...

http://www.fearnotlaw.com/articles/a...952.html#_ftn2

Good Thread on Tile Deck/Mortar Bed At JLC Forums

Saw this on JLC's forums...anyone want to read more or chime in go to JLC and register to post at their forums... pestocat New Member

Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 16

Floating a Mortar Bed on a Balcony

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I will be floating a mortar bed on a balcony 4 ft. wide by 11 ft. long. There is nothing to confine the outside edges of the bed. How is this non confinement handled. Do I float to the edge and use a steel trowel to make a sharp cut just short of the edge and just make sure I have it compacted well. Maybe use my hand to confine the mortar at the edge. A little excess will fall off the edge. Is this the way it is done? After reading Michael Byrne's article "Tiling an Outdoor Countertop", it seems I could add temporary edging to the bacony facia that would be at the finish height of the mortar bed. Seems like a solution.

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Last edited by pestocat; 08-03-2010 at 05:25 PM.

CSLB Searching For Aqua Pool & Spa Customers

Passing on my email alert I just got today...

CSLB Urges Customers of Aqua Pool and Spa to File Online Complaint

Plans being formulated to help customers of potentially bankrupt company

SACRAMENTO – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is urging consumers who currently have a contract with Aqua Pool and Spa (License #799793), of Ripon, to file an online complaint if they believe they may have been harmed after a company officer, Richard Townsend, revealed to KCRA-TV news last Thursday that it had shut its doors and would be filing for bankruptcy.  The company apparently has more than 50 jobs unfinished. 

At the time of the news report, CSLB had begun investigating more than a half-dozen consumer complaints against the company.  Since the report, CSLB has received 16 additional complaints.  CSLB investigators have been unsuccessful in their attempts to contact Aqua Pool & Spa officers and are not aware of an official bankruptcy filing. 

“It’s important that Aqua Pool & Spa customers contact us as soon as possible,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands.  “This will help us build the necessary legal case and help consumers get the help they need to finish their pool projects.”  CSLB is working with the California Spa and Pool Industry Education Council (SPEC) and other groups to help consumers who may have been harmed by Aqua Pool & Spa.  The goal is to gather a group of licensed contractors to step in and help finish the jobs.  The effort is similar to one undertaken in 2006 after a Sacramento-based pool company filed for bankruptcy.

The fastest way to activate a complaint in CSLB’s system is to file online.  It’s important that consumers provide CSLB investigators with the following information:

§         The current stage of the project with Aqua Pool & Spa;

§         A copy of the contract;

§         A record of any payments made and copies of checks; and

§         Identify what work has been paid for, but not received and take photographs to document all work done.

Two of the four officers on the Aqua Pool & Spa license, Bryan John Townsend and Julio Cesar Rangel, disassociated from the company’s license on August 9, 2010.  The two have filed an application for a separate, new license.  CSLB has blocked that application pending further investigation.

“Disassociating from a license after there are consumer complaints doesn’t release you from your responsibility for those complaints,” said Sands.  “We will not issue a new license until the current investigation is completed.”

This case also highlights the importance for consumers to not let their payments get ahead of work performed, especially for the construction of swimming pools.  California Business & Professions (B&P) Code 7159.5(a)(5) prohibits contractors from either requesting nor accepting payment before work is done or materials are delivered.  B&P Code 7108 makes it a crime to divert funds from a construction project to any other purpose. 

CSLB urges consumers to remember the following tips when hiring and working with a contractor, especially for the construction of a swimming pool:

§         Do not make payments for work not performed or for materials not yet delivered.

§         Don't pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.

§         Don't pay in cash.

§         Verify the contractor's license online at www.cslb.ca.gov, or via CSLB’s automated phone system at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).

§         Ask to see the person’s identification to make sure you are dealing with the correct individual.

§         Check references, and get at least three bids and a written contract before your project begins.

§         Make sure your contractor obtains the necessary building permits for any project.  If you are unsure of these requirements, contact your local building department.

The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs.  More information and publications about hiring contractors are available on the CSLB website or by calling 800-321-CSLB (2752).  You can also sign up for CSLB e-mail alerts.  CSLB licenses and regulates California's more than 300,000 contractors, and is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States.  In fiscal year 2009-10 CSLB helped recover nearly $42 million in ordered restitution for consumers.

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Mer-Krete, A Division of Parex, Introduces New Website

Mer-Krete, the division of Parex that along with Mer-Ko, makes tile setting, mortar beds and waterproofing for tile decking and tile applications in showers/baths etc. has launched their new website at www.merkrete.com.

The new website brings us lots of updated information, better graphics, faster loading and lots of specs for tile and waterproofing applications!

The site looks great, check it out today! 

DeckExpert.com Contributes To Wilkipedia

In our never ending ques to educate the world, DeckExpert.com has improved the Wilkipedia listing for waterproofing at their website. ee what we added at the site...

Do you have knowledge? Share it at wilkepedia today! Click our headline to read up at Wilkipedia now.