Yes, gypsum board does shrink due to changing heat and humidity levels. But don’t jump to conclusions. We review articles, reports and technical documents from a variety of sources at the Gypsum Association, and some contain some “unique” conclusions. An article that recently appeared in a national periodical discussing “shrinking gypsum board” falls squarely in that category.<
I got into a “stimulating” discussion (as in “almost a fist fight”) the other day with some building code people who think they know more about EIFS than I do. They know so much, so they think, that they are thinking of developing their own EIFS designs and putting them into the codes as the acceptable way to do EIFS. I had to ask them: “What is your job? Are you in the product development business, or are you a regulator?
I was fortunate enough to attend the Specialties of the Drywall Trade Instructor Seminar held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 at the IUPAT facility in Baltimore. It was obvious that a lot of planning went into setting up this building, with classrooms on the upper level and a lower level that is wide open, allowing plenty of room for the attendees to hone their skills on miles of drywall.
Today’s wall and ceiling industry hardly resembles what it was in the past. If you have been around the business for more than a few decades, you will relate to what I am saying. If you are new to the business, you may want to pay attention and heed some advice.
On Dec. 20, Michael Alford and his son, Michael Jr., were joined by more than a dozen volunteers and others who made their dream gift possible as they were presented the keys to their new house, a Habitat for Humanity home that was created in large part due to the efforts of various contractors and construction professionals who donated a number of products, supplies and man hours to bring the home to life.
The cost of owning and managing a drywall business continues to increase, calling into question the likely prosperity garnered from such an endeavor. With employee benefits, unemployment taxes, payroll taxes, liability insurance and worker’s compensation, there is a great deal to overcome. Taken individually, the costs are depressing. Taken collectively, however, the costs can be devastating. So what’s an enterprising drywall business owner to do?
Ornamentation is certainly still possible with real plaster. Look at all the old castles and churches in Europe. They have tons of ornamentation. The wall and ceiling industry today has new products and systems coming out all the time that continue to push the envelope on design and creativity. Architects have a seemingly unlimited source of products to add all types of ornamentation to buildings at a reasonable cost. Ornamentation is still here – it has just changed.
Once I settled in, I became acquainted with some people who work with retirement investment programs for small businesses. A particular program - which seemed suited for contractors - caught my eye. So I brought it to the attention of Walls & Ceilings. What follows is an interview by me going into the basics of the program with Mike Mitchell of Mitchell Capital Management, Inc., of Sarasota, Fla. By the time you finish, I think you’ll be as amazed as I was.
Regardless of its vexing pronunciation, a foyer speaks volumes about its surroundings. While its purpose is to welcome guests, the foyer is also an indication of architectural style and, in the case of a private residence, the occupant’s personal taste.
Utilizing specialty ceilings as an artistic element is one of the latest trends in commercial design. Three-dimensional shapes, cool colors and creative lighting add intrinsic drama to any space, large or small. By integrating materials as diverse as wood, metal, plastic, acrylic and glass into unusual forms and shapes, these unconventional ceilings not only make a visual statement, but reinforce the emotional feel of a space as well.
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