Building Products

Etching concrete with a gel acid is the most effective solution. And it works!

If you have concrete sidewalks that have worn down  and become slippery, this the remedy to prevent slip and fall accidents. The causes of slippery sidewalks are due to two main reasons:

1. Foot Traffic will wear down concrete over time.
2. Algae buildup from wet sidewalks that never dry.

For years the solution has been liquid acid which will create a profile on cementitious surfaces. The problem is handling the hazardous material and the lack of control. The results are ineffective. Sand blasting is another solution that works but with obstacles . Price is the first. A few years ago Sandblasting was as high as $1.50 per square foot. It is down to about 80 cents psf but still way above the price of using a gelled acid which is under 20 cents psf.

Additionally sand blasting requires expensive machinery and 3 people to operate. Plus cleanup is a mess.

Concrete etching with a gel acid is simple, effective and LEED qualified. And it’s also used in a system called Flattoos, which has created a cottage industry with graphic design on concrete floors. Vist www.etchingconcrete.com for more information.

Flattoos

Master stone wall builder, Mike Minto of Conanicut Stoneworks of Rhode Island, recently launched his new company website.

Conanicut Stoneworks is based in Wakefield, near the coast between Newport and Westerly. Their specialty is natural stone wall design and construction the way it has been done by the old school master builders in New England.

Over the years the company led by Mike Minto has expanded into numerous types of projects using the same techniques used in stone wall design and construction. They have an extensive portfolio of projects including patios, walkways and pool decks utilizing local granite and stone.

Other projects include outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, fire pits, wine cellars and driveways.  They adhere to design that blends in with the local environment. According to Mike, “if the project stands out we haven’t done our job, we want our projects to look like they have been part of the landscape for years.”

Conanicut Stoneworks also builds custom wine cellars, stone benches and beautiful stone lamps.  For more information click Rhode Island Stone Wall

Enforce Coverage Group Partners Patrick Ryder and Patrick Scanlon

Enforce Coverage Group run by NYS Workers Comp Insurance specialists Patrick Ryder and Patrick Scanlon recently launched a a website with a breakdown of the most competitive rates in the industry.

Most businesses are not aware of the complexities of their policies until they actually have a workplace accident. Then the policy owner finds out what is really in their policy. It turns out that just because you have a policy does not mean that coverage is comprehensive.

Workers Compensation Insurance is categorized by Classification Code. In New York there are over 300 of them. Many trades have numerous classifications and pricing based on risk. There are insurance carriers with different risk appetites for each trade. It is common to be overpaying and underinsured. This is one area of insurance that requires specialization. Just because someone sells insurance does not mean they are experts in your field.

Enforce Coverage Group has a list of over 300 NYS Workers Comp Rates and price comparisons.

Madstone Boston MA, Decorative Concrete Stamped Patio

Madstone just launched their new website featuring cutting edge performance and designs of polished concrete, self leveling, epoxy and polyurea coatings. They are located in the Boston MA – Providence RI corridor with projects completed throughout New England.

Madstone provides a complete design, consulting and application service for commercial, municipal and residential customers.

The photos featured here are just a sampling. Their website features over 200 photos of various projects including:

• Polished Concrete
• Self Leveling and Overlays
• Epoxy and Polyurea Coatings
• Stamped Flooring in various patterns.

They work on all types of properties including residential homes, resorts, hotels, office buildings, shopping centers, schools and galleries. Visit their site to view their photo gallery. www.madstonefloors.com

Concrete Floor Polishing Boston MA

The 2011 Concrete Decor Show & Spring Training Event will be held in Nashville Tennessee March 15-18. The show will feature the latest in technology and design in the ever expanding decorative concrete industry.

Manufacturers of specialty products will converge with artisans, contractors designers and architects to demonstrate cutting edge industry advancements. Last year was the first show held in Phoenix, with impressive attendance, despite being in the depths of the most challenging recession in modern times.

As the economy emerges from a difficult time, home and commercial property improvements are in dire need. No doubt decorative concrete will play a substantial part of the recovery, with tremendous entrepreneurial opportunities. Millions of homes and commercial properties have neglected maintenance that will be cured with use of decorative concrete products.

Show features will include:

• Concrete Countertop build and design
• Artistic Furniture Design
• Vertical Wall applications
• Concrete overlays, micro toppings
• Stamped Concrete
• Epoxy and Polyurea Coatings
• Business Training
• Entrepreneurial Opportunities
• Idea Exchange

For additional information visit www.concretedecorshow.com

Southington Ct based Vault Residential, the leading home buyer and remodeler in Connecticut recently launched their new website www.vaultresidential.com.

Vault specializes in buying residential homes throughout the state and restoring them for resale to new buyers. A typical property is old and dated, requiring extensive restoration. Once complete the newly remodeled property is put on the market for sale with sales usually within a few days to 60 days depending on the season and market conditions.

Vault is run by Mike Majeski and Mike Riccio from their offices in Southington. They scout opportunities throughout the state. Each purchase is all cash with closings within days if the seller needs cash fast. They are not constricted by bank financing. Once their offer is made, they perform. As soon as closing of sale is complete their crews move in and start the remodel process immediately.

As you can see in the photos here, their remodel is high end. They do not cut corners. New kitchens get granite countertops, appliances are usually stainless steel, baths get new tile, furniture quality vaities and hardwood floors throughout.

Most homes they purchase have outdated floor plans, so they remove walls opening up space creating interiors with kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms as one open large space. As is their signature, they create Vaulted ceilings wherever possible.

If you are a seller visit their site and learn more about their processes. They have an extensive track record and case studies about many of their projects. If you are a buyer get on their newsletter list for new properties for sale.

Model – Bosch Power Box PB 360S

Power – 26 Watts, 12 Volt, Lithium Battery

Features -  360 Degree Sound,  4 speaker & Subwoofer, Inputs for MP3 Palyer and CD

It just doesn’t pay to cut corners. If you are looking for a heavy duty jobsite radio that lasts and performs, the Bosch Power Box 360 is the best choice among a sea of portables. According to the reviews, the performance is top notch with lots of 5 star ratings. We own many Bosch tools and have found it’s always a waster to buy inferior products. And when it comes to music while working, only quality sound is worthwhile. Inferior static sounding models deserve the sledge hammer.

If you are looking to buy the best Jobsite radio the Bosch PB360s is it!

Reviews

Amazon- It is a fantastic piece of technology

Home Depot – loved it so much I had to buy one for my son

Home Depot – you have to go with the Bosch

Smith and Company Painting based in McMinnville Oregon just launched their new company website. www.smithandcompanypainting.com

The company was started over 50 years ago servicing the Portland to McMinnville corridor. Originally started as a house painting company, they have expanded into painting and coatings for commercial and residential including interiors and exteriors.

Their services include the following:

• Interior and exterior painting
• Concrete floor coatings
• Roofing membranes
• Masonry and steel coatings
• Waterproofing

Property Types include:

• Residential Homes
• Retail Stores and Shopping Centers
• Restaurants and Commercial Kitchens
• Office Buildings
• Industrial and Warehouses
• Winneries

For more information visit Smith and Company Painting.

Chimney Sweep Burlington Vermont

The photo above shows the extent of creosote buildup from a recent chimney sweep project in Burlington Vermont by Brickliners Vt.

The buildup of creosote is the result of numerous factors such as  smoldering fires that do not burn hot enough or in this case burning moist wood. It is important to use wood with a moisture content less than 25% to get a nice clean burn  reducing smoke and creosote build.

Notice the second photo of what a clean  flue looks like before excessive use.

To prevent the risk of a fire and for efficient use,  it is advisable to have the flue checked annually. There are also creosote reduction products available at most hardware stores making it easier to clean.

There are various tips recommended by Brickliners that will increase performance of a fireplace or wood stove such as keeping temperature of fire in the burn zone for maximum efficiency and a clean burn. It is also recommended to retain a certified and trained technician.

Brickliners Vt provides chimney sweep, cleaning and repair services in the Burlington Vermont area. They can be reached at 802-872-0123 or visit their website at www.brickliners.com .

Additional Articles – Chimney Repair Case Study By Brickerliners

Chimney Repair Shelburne Vermont

This is a chimney repair project in Shelburne Vermont completed by Brickliners. The problems were caused from years of harsh weather exposure. Rain, snow and freeze thaw factors permeated the mortar and brick cracking the concrete crown.

Tear Down and Rebuild

The bricks need to be removed and the  structure rebuilt. The rebuild took approximately 3 days and 750 new bricks. Brickliners tested the new crown to ensure that it was functioning properlyand that there were no leaks that would cause problems in the future.

Expansion joints were installed between the crown and flue tiles allowing for  expansion and contraction. They include rebar in the new concrete crown to increase strength and prevent cracking.

New flashing was added to the roof and chimney area plus a new multi flue cap  installed as you can see in the second photo.

Finally a sealer was applied to the bricks and mortar. A crown sealer and rain caps were applied as well.

For more information visit Brickliners website or contact Jake Loeffler at 802-872-0123