To what extent should society insist on terrorist-proof buildings? In post-Sept. 11, should we construct every new building so that it is completely safe from a terrorist action or should we view terrorism as a random event and construct buildings much as we have in the past?
One of the questions I am frequently asked is how to fix sealant joints when the edge of the EIFS is coming apart or the sealant has detached from the EIFS, or when the sealant simply wears out. Sometimes, the old sealant can be removed and the existing edge of the EIFS reused for the application of new sealant.
"No matter how close a friend you are, you must kill that person. When it is over, you can shake hands and be a friend again," said Kutilda Woods, mother of golf maverick Tiger. No doubt in my mind that Tiger's competitive spirit came from his mother. All of us who heard her say these words on "60 Minutes" knew she did not mean to "kill" literally. She is a play-to-win kind of woman and she instilled this attitude in Tiger.
We'll go two different directions this time around. First, we're discussing an older home and a repair project I did recently and an exciting plaster finish that I'm sure you'll be interested in knowing more about.
Believe me when I say I enjoy reader feedback. Occasionally, readers call to say specifically what they liked or didn't like in the current issue. Great. Less frequently, I receive something in writing that I can publish.
This month, we'll begin a series that takes an in-depth look into all aspects of sheathing materials used in modern-day construction. In particular, we'll focus on the environmental concerns, thus complementing the "Déjà Vu x 2" series recently concluded, which examined alternatives for formaldehyde-based binders and substitutes for wood fiber in composite wood panel products.
In last month's article, I dealt with the white-collar segment of construction industry theft represented by embezzlement. Now, let's turn our attention to the more common problems associated with the theft of tools, equipment and materials, which can be thought of as construction's "blue collar" crime wave.
Rarely do you find anyone in the construction business who hasn't been victimized by "shrinkage" of tools, equipment and inventory. Most estimates peg construction theft to be a $1 billion "industry." Pilferage is estimated to add a percentage point or two to the cost of new homes and small commercial buildings.
I live in France and have found it very difficult to find a person who does plastering. I have been back to England to buy the materials, as the man I found to do the work said he cannot work with the lime-based products available here.
I learned that nothing sends a person into a tailspin quicker than feeling he is not valued or respected. I believe people have an interior dialogue going on in their head, causing them to react the same way each time they are hurt.
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