Construction Top Stories

The Future of Stucco: Faster Installation, Better Energy Performance

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:08:04 -0400

Continuous insulation and integrated panels are reshaping stucco construction, helping contractors improve efficiency, meet energy codes and streamline installation.

Legal Trends Shaping the Construction Industry

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:47:26 -0400

Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney shares legal updates on contracts, insurance, OSHA and reputation management.

Fire Suppression Is Changing the Wall and Ceiling Scope

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:39:09 -0400

Why residential fire suppression systems are creating new challenges for finish trades.

CSI Licensing Controversy Continues as Members Press for Answers on Governance, Transparency

lewisl@bnpmedia.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:12:00 -0400

Months after the institute's overhaul of its licensing model sparked widespread concern among specifiers and design professionals, the conversation has shifted from pricing to questions surrounding transparency, governance and member trust.

Why Expanded Metal Is Gaining Popularity in Modern Façade Design

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:59:01 -0400

From daylighting and privacy to LEED contributions and architectural expression, expanded metal delivers advantages beyond aesthetics.

Closing More Jobs with Data, Not Lower Prices

tom@letstalkpur.com (Tom Harris) — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Tom Harris explains why transparency, code knowledge, and data help contractors beat low-price bids.

Best Practices for Plaster and Stucco Installation in Extreme Weather

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:02:28 -0400

Proper planning, temperature monitoring and moisture management help contractors prevent defects and ensure long-term plaster and stucco performance in hot and cold conditions.

Liddle Brothers Builds on a Legacy of Craftsmanship

wyattj@bnpmedia.com (John Wyatt) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:11:54 -0400

Mike Taylor shares how Liddle Brothers blends historic plaster expertise with modern innovation.

Legal Trends Shaping the Industry

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:11:57 -0400

Trent Cotney shares legal updates on contracts, insurance, OSHA and reputation management.

Air Barriers: Code Beats Spec Sheet Myths in Field

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Codes prioritize system continuity over product choice. Contractors who build assemblies right win.

The Power of Soft Architecture: Managing Noise Through Visual and Acoustic Zoning

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Soft architecture uses drapery and PET screens to manage noise in open-plan interiors efficiently.

Building Safety Month Puts Wall and Ceiling Contractors on Notice

wyattj@bnpmedia.com (John Wyatt) — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Codes, resilience and accessibility pressures are raising the bar for gypsum and ceiling contractors.

Insul-Techs Adapts to Shifting Market Demands

wyattj@bnpmedia.com (John Wyatt) — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Rising costs and delays test contractors, but SPF demand and planning keep projects on track.

A History of Wall and Ceiling Systems in the U.S.

wyattj@bnpmedia.com (John Wyatt) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A history of the craftsmen, contractors and materials that built America's walls and ceilings.

Dear Anna: 6 Marketing Metrics Every Roofing Contractor Needs

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:35:01 -0400

Track the six marketing metrics that improve lead quality, sales, and long-term roofing growth.

How Air Barriers Support Healthier Indoor Air

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The case for air barriers in healthy building design rests on thinking about the envelope as a system rather than a collection of individual layers.

SkillsUSA Champ Builds Thriving Business, Makes Team USA

kernt@bnpmedia.com (Tanja Kern) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Tristan Coates turned a high school carpentry program into a thriving construction company and a chance to represent the U.S. at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Build Trust That Wins More Contracts Now

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:36:24 -0400

On the “If Walls Could Talk” podcast, A-Squared Marketing CEO Anna Anderson talks about why referrals, certifications and media coverage remain critical trust signals today for contractors.

Safety Standards Must Hold Across Every Jobsite

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:50:38 -0400

Safety isn’t just compliance. By building consistent habits and quick risk checks into daily work, contractors can reduce incidents and keep crews protected without slowing production.

Employment Risks and Severance

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney explains what is entailed with terminating a problematic employee.

Metal Siding Drives High-Performance Wall Systems

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Metal cladding boosts durability, moisture control, and install speed in modern wall systems.

When Designing for Health, Don’t Forget to Look Up

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Material choices are health decisions—improving air quality, acoustics, and daylight while supporting sustainability, safety, and circularity through smarter ceiling specifications like stone wool.

SPF Success Starts with a Strong Team Approach

tom@letstalkpur.com (Tom Harris) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Tom Harris explains how trusted partnerships help spray foam contractors win more work safely.

Air, Water, Vapor Barriers: What Matters Most

ldalgleish@airbarrier.org (Laverne Dalgleish) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Understanding air, water and vapor barriers is essential for airtight, durable wall and ceiling assemblies that meet modern code and performance demands.

Jason Bertoniere Inc. on Historic Renovation

wyattj@bnpmedia.com (John Wyatt) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:19:09 -0400

Historic Benjamin Button home restoration showcases expert plastering and painting craftsmanship.

Steady Growth, Strong Field Execution: Inside GK Knutson’s Institutional Project

wyattj@bnpmedia.com (John Wyatt) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

GK Knutson navigates tighter margins and complex institutional work by prioritizing disciplined growth, field execution and team development in the Pacific Northwest interiors market.

Data Centers Drive Steel Framing Demand Surge

allen@steelframing.org (Don Allen P.E., S.E., LEED A.P.) — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Many argue that the current pace of data center construction is not sustainable, but the question is: when will this slow or end? And how will data center construction change over the next few months and years?

Data Center Risks Amid Oil Price Volatility Issues

Wed, 27 May 2026 14:25:32 -0400

Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney explains oil costs, data centers and contract exposure issues.

Doug Kramer: PolyCon Expands Roofing Foam Solutions

Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In the latest episode of If Walls Could Talk, Jill Bloom speaks with PolyCon’s Doug Kramer, an insulation industry figure, on spray foam innovation today.

The Danger of Assumptions on the Jobsite

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A simple story reveals how assumptions about intent can lead to conflict—on jobsites and beyond—highlighting the importance of clear communication over speculation.