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W&C’s expert columnist discuss plaster, drywall, EIFS, steel framing, stucco, software, codes and more.

Topics

Adventures in Drywall

Kevin Bush reports on the varied and newest products available to drywallers.

All in Agreement

Pete Battisti provides agreeable business advice.

All Things Gypsum

Technical and current information about the standards and practices in the drywall industry.

Art & Craft of Plastering

Patrick Webb writes about interior plaster, with an emphasis on historical and decorative applications.

Centered on Solutions

Specialist Mark Fly reports on software options and tools available for contractors.

Industry Voices

This column discusses important industry concerns and trends.

On the Safe Side

Safety consultant Michael Rich reports on equipment, creating programs and a safe working environment.

Trowel Talk

Plasterer William Rogers discusses the work force and the hawk-and-trowel trades.

Straight Green

Chris Dixon reports on green-related themes, code updates, innovations and products within the trades.

Stucco Stop

Albert Carrillo elaborates on stucco, including continuous insulation and EIFS.

The Finish Line

Robert Thomas offers invaluable editorial on EIFS trends and issues.

Up Front

Editorial Director Mark Fowler comments on contracts, codes and labor issues.

Exiting Your Business

Kevin Kennedy, President of Beacon Exit Planning LLC, discusses how to successfully exit your business. The information is not intended to be legal, accounting, insurance or tax advice.

ARTICLES

Making Money— The “Easy” Way

IS THERE AN EASIER WAY THAN WHAT CONTRACTORS ARE DOING TODAY TO TURN A PROFIT?

Mark Fowler

September 20, 2021

No Comments

The pure mark-up method of making a profit has me baffled.

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Trying a New Product: What’s in it for You?

THINKING ABOUT THE COST INCREASE AND LEARNING CURVE WHEN TRYING A NEW INNOVATIVE PRODUCT MAY SEEM NOT WORTH YOUR TIME. BUT DO YOU KNOW HOW YOUR INPUT BETTERS THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE, AND HOW IT BENEFITS YOU?

Mark M. Joseph

September 10, 2021

No Comments

Every business looks for opportunities to grow revenues, increase profitability, and boost market share.

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GA to Update All Code-Reference Documents in 2021

THE ASSOCIATION WILL UPDATE ALL CODE-REFERENCED DOCUMENTS, ESPECIALLY GA-600 AS IT IS RELIED UPON AS A SOURCE DOCUMENT FOR FIRE-RESISTANCE AND SOUND-CONTROL DESIGN.

Susan Hines

August 27, 2021

No Comments

Every three years, in alignment with the building code cycle, the Gypsum Association issues new editions of the Association’s three code-referenced publications: GA-600 Fire Resistance and Sound Control Design Manual, GA-216 Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products, and GA-253 Application of Gypsum Sheathing.

See the Forest for the Trees

AS A CONTRACTOR, IT’S IMPORTANT TO NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF THE BIG PICTURE.

Mark Fowler

July 14, 2021

No Comments

You know how the saying goes, “They can’t see the forest for the trees.” It is an interesting and confusing idiom. It generally means that someone is so focused on a detail or singular issue, they are missing the bigger picture.

How to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone in Challenging Times

THERE’S A REASON OUR INDUSTRY IS RESILIENT. WHEN WE FACE HARD TIMES, WE STEP OUT OF OUR COMFORT ZONE AND PERSEVERE. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN DO THAT TODAY.

Mark Fly

June 23, 2021

No Comments

You’ve probably done this before—maybe leaping before you looked. Like winning the low bid and living to regret it.

Code Updates

THE IBC’S LATEST CODE UPDATE HAS LEFT SOME PLASTERERS WONDERING IF THIS IS THE START OF THE END FOR THE STUCCO INDUSTRY.

Mark Fowler

June 21, 2021

No Comments

The International Building Codes are released every three years and go into effect as each jurisdiction adopts the codes. This gives a jurisdiction time to review and make amendments to properly reflect their region or address jurisdictional issues.

Gypsum Area Separation Firewalls

Michael Schmeida

January 21, 2021

One Comment

Passive fire protection is an essential aspect of gypsum construction. Gypsum firewalls of various types (shaft walls, simple partitions, etc.) prevent fire from spreading without relying on mechanical means of control, such as sprinkling.

Fair Labor Standards Act Proposed Rule Change

The Department Of Labor Believes Its Proposed Rule Change Could “Reduce Worker Misclassification, Reduce Litigation, Increase Efficiency And Job Satisfaction And Flexibility.”

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Trent Cotney

November 6, 2020

No Comments

The Fair Labor Standards Act was passed more than 80 years ago, and since then, the United States Department of Labor has struggled to define the term “independent contractor.”