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Articles by Katy Tomasulo
Designing Spaces® Show Highlights a Colorado Homeowner’s Low-Maintenance Deck Transformation
Located on a steep slope with tight space constraints, the deck maximizes mountain-view opportunities with a long walkway spanning the length of the house. Ridge Premium Decking with Cool Tread Technology from Envision Outdoor Living Products boasts a surface that is up to 25% cooler than average leading competitors. Envision Outdoor Living Products' composite decking is resistant to splintering, cracking, rot, and insects, and it doesn’t require staining, sanding, or sealing.
Systemair North America Launches SENSE Commercial ERVs for Ventilation in High-Performance Buildings
Systemair Sense CX decentralized compact air handling unit for ceiling installation The SENSE CX ERV offers a compact design, ultra-quiet operation, and simple maintenance, making it an ideal solution for classrooms, offices, conference rooms, and other commercial spaces.
Systemair North America Launches SENSE Commercial ERVs for Ventilation in High-Performance Buildings
Systemair Sense CX decentralized compact air handling unit for ceiling installation The SENSE CX ERV offers a compact design, ultra-quiet operation, and simple maintenance, making it an ideal solution for classrooms, offices, conference rooms, and other commercial spaces.
Benjamin Obdyke CEO Dave Campbell Retires; President George Caruso Named CEO
Retired Benjamin Obdyke CEO Dave Campbell Benjamin Obdyke President & CEO George Caruso After 45 years at Benjamin Obdyke, CEO Dave Campbell retired June 30, remaining as Board Chair. President George Caruso has been promoted to President & CEO. I look forward to watching Benjamin Obdyke continue to grow, not just financially, but in the legacy of the people.
Morsches Builders Mart builds on its 154-year legacy with culture, quality, and service
There are family-owned businesses and there are businesses that feel like family. For Morsches Builders Mart, it’s a little bit of both. The Columbia City, IN-based dealer has built a culture of collaboration and trust that’s helped foster a dedicated team of fulfilled, long-tenured employees committed to providing the best service to customers. And with more than 150 successful years under the company’s belt, those approaches have clearly paid off.
Woods Lumber & Home Center finds success in its people and products
With a population of just 8,500, Independence, Kansas, can certainly be considered a small town. But Woods Lumber & Home Center is anything but a small-town dealer. Not only does the company’s reach go far beyond town limits, Woods Lumber has built a foundation of products and services that cater to a diverse clientele, helping contractors and consumers alike get nearly everything they need without having to make the lengthy trek to a larger city.
DOL Kills Apprenticeship Rule Aimed to Raise Standards, Increase Diversity
Lawmakers and business groups objected to the burden the rule might place on small businesses and expressed concerns regarding its diversity proposals. The U.S. Department of Labor last week confirmed to HR Dive that it won’t be moving forward with its embattled apprenticeship rule meant to update the existing Registered Apprenticeship program. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs marked that the rule had been withdrawn on Nov. 27.
Gen Z Workers Want to Pursue Skilled Construction Trades but Face Barriers
More than two-thirds of high schoolers enrolled in skilled trades programs say they’re committed to their future trade career, but they also faced challenges when trying to access critical training, according to a recent report from Dewalt, a Stanley Black & Decker brand. In this survey of 225 U.S. high school students, half of students said they were placed on a waitlist for training.
Best Tool and Outdoor Holiday Gifts for Contractors
It’s clear that we at Pro Tool Reviews love our tools. In addition to seeing some truly amazing new tools this year, we also witnessed the release of equally impressive outdoor gear. That makes for lots of great gifts and ideas for this holiday season. We gathered up some of our favorite tools, products, and gear this year to present you with a “cheat sheet” of the best tool gifts for Christmas 2024.
Trump Administration Could Bring Short-Term Boost to Construction
A combination of fiscal stimulus, curbed immigration, increased tariffs and other policy decisions are likely to impact construction under Donald Trump's second term, economists say. That’s according to Oxford Economics, which assessed the prospects for the global construction industry ahead of Trump’s administration taking over the reins of the US government in January.
5 Concrete Cutting Tools for the Jobsite
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Can They Really Handle the Tough Jobs?
Exoskeletons hold great potential for improving safety and reducing injuries but challenges like compatibility, adoption resistance and cost concerns remain. Despite the ongoing debate around how open or resistant the industry is to accepting change, construction has long been a sector where innovation can significantly enhance safety and efficiency. One such innovation making waves is wearable robots, commonly known as exoskeletons.
Beware of Cyber Threats This Halloween by Leveraging Command Cloud
Don't Get Spooked by Cyber Threats with Command Cloud Beware of Cyber Threats This Halloween by Leveraging Command Cloud As Halloween approaches, it's time to think about the real monsters lurking in the shadows: cyber-attacks! At Command Alkon, we take the fright out of data security, ensuring that your sensitive information is protected from these spooky threats.
5 Water-Repellent Concrete Coatings
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Where the 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on Construction’s Top Issues
Here are Kamala Harris’ and Donald Trump’s views on the industry’s most pressing topics, including immigration, permitting, infrastructure and more. As the 2024 presidential election nears, the platforms of the major parties’ candidates have emerged — and there’s no shortage of policy stances that affect construction execs. Below is a look at where former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris — and, in some cases, their respective running mates, Ohio Sen.
Casting Structural Concrete Efficiently
In this 2024 pre-construction series webinar, we will delve into the practical techniques that concrete contractors use to cast walls and elevated floors, making the placement process more efficient and productive. Efficient strategies when placing structural concrete allow contractors to reduce the length of their critical path and yield more significant profits. Contractors must deal with highly congested reinforcement elements, high-strength mixes and complicated placement strategies.
Durable Winter Work Clothes for the Jobsite
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Selecting the Suitable Formwork for Quality and Profitability
In this 2024 Pre-construction series webinar, we will provide you with practical best practices and material options. These are not just theoretical concepts, but tools that you can apply to make the placement more efficient and productive, empowering you to excel on your next project. The pre-construction meeting is a crucial step where the entire construction team must thoroughly review the contract document.
3D Construction Printing Technologies That Reduced Time, Labor
Here are five 3D printing products to consider for a variety of applications. 3D construction printers have been all the buzz for the past few years, and in that time, companies have been showcasing the possibilities in individual homes and even full communities—and homeowners are moving in. Though the technology is still in its early stages, the benefits, from reducing waste and labor to speeding construction, are hard to ignore.
Ultimate Clean Drilling in Concrete and Rebar
Dust Extraction is Easy with this Quicker, Easier Anchoring Solution Since the turn of the millennium, the demand for rebar in concrete construction has surged, driven by major infrastructure projects and the resurgence of commercial building. This has increased the need for more holes and anchors in larger concrete structures, resulting in unavoidable dust filled jobsites from drilling.
5 New Pickup Trucks Delivering Style and Substance
The newest pickup introductions continue the trend of increased performance and capacities while delivering new safety features, advanced engine technologies and aesthetic flair. Today’s pickup trucks deftly balance power and strength with modern comfort and convenience—as well as a bit of style. The last new models of 2024 and the options rolling out for 2025 are no exception, with well-appointed interiors and exteriors, hefty towing capacities and always-improving off-road capabilities.
The Need for Speed Can Lead to Problems on Projects
The push to accelerate construction and a lack of maintenance on existing infrastructure and buildings are top concerns for structural engineers, a new survey found. What keeps structural engineers up at night? Most of all, it’s the pressure to accelerate construction projects and the country’s lack of infrastructure maintenance.
5 Trowels to Add to Your Construction Arsenal
Trowels are go-to tools for nearly any small or large job. And while seemingly simple, manufacturers continue to improve them with robust construction, added durability, increased versatility and more comfort. Here are a few options to consider.
Super-Fast Bricklaying Construction Robot Comes to US
If all goes well, Hadrian X will build up to 10 single-story homes as part of a demonstration program. A robotic truck equipped with a 105-ft (32-m) telescopic boom arm has just journeyed from Australia to Florida. Now the construction robot will get busy churning out up to 10 houses in a bid to become the employee of choice for building entire communities.
5 Final Finds From 2024 World of Concrete
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Maximizing Asset Value and Understanding Market Conditions
This discussion is appropriate for business owners, asset managers, and purchasers of construction equipment and heavy machinery who want a deeper understanding of how market conditions can impact the lifecycle and value of their assets. Join asset management experts from BigIron for a webinar highlighting asset management and market conditions.
5 Equipment Options for Surveying Speed and Accuracy
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6 Products to Enhance Concrete Formwork
Forms, release agents and other options for the jobsite. Dayton Superior The Symons Steel-Ply Concrete Forming System offers 1,000 psi of allowable pressure for creating commercial or residential walls of any shape and size. The pre-engineered, re-useable panels and fillers are made with a rugged steel frame in 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- and 8-foot sizes. The system requires no special tools (just a hammer) and uses just one type of connecting hardware (wedge bolts).
Best Cordless Circular Saws for the Contractor
Pros tested 11 models and several battery pack configurations to determine the reigning sidewinder champ. Where battery-powered circular saws once struggled for adequate performance, top models now complete full-depth cuts through dense material. That’s a task most 15-amp corded sidewinders can’t accomplish. The Pro Tool Reviews crew manually tested 11 models and several battery pack configurations to determine the reigning sidewinder champ. And the winners are: You May Also Like
OU Softball Field
OU Love’s Field of Dreams: Concrete Protection Helps Make Sooners' New Softball Stadium a Reality in Norman The Oklahoma Sooner Softball team had a record-breaking 2022 season with the program's sixth overall and second consecutive national title, finishing the season 59-3. That's right! The Oklahoma Sooners' softball team had an exceptional 2022 season. Their success solidified their reputation as one of the top programs in college softball.
Prepping Distressed Concrete Surfaces Before Polishing
Managing owners' expectations for final surface quality and costs is essential before a polished concrete project starts. Agreement can be complicated when the polishing contractor discovers the slab's surface has defects or is softer than expected. These conditions can lengthen project timelines and create unbudgeted expenses. Fortunately, polishing contractors have industry guidance on how to handle these difficult situations.
5 Products for Masonry Projects
Tools, materials and more to consider for your next job. Keene Building Products New from Keene, Driwall LathNet combines a structural strand polymer drainage mesh with a 2.5- or 3.4-pound metal lath into one component to streamline installation versus separate materials. The new drainage mesh offers up to five times greater airflow, the maker says.
The Essential Elements of a Pre-Construction Meeting
Twenty years ago, pre-construction wasn’t really a thing for concrete projects.
5 More Finds From 2024 World of Concrete
Concrete forming tubes, breaker hammers and more products from the show. DICA DICA’s new FiberTech MultiPad Systems assist equipment operators who need to assemble supporting surfaces for outriggers without the aid of secondary equipment. MultiPad Systems can withstand forces ranging from 60,000 to 110,000 pounds. They feature ergonomically placed TuffGrip handles for easy placement and pickup along with industrial-grade safety texturing.
Optimizing Mobile Concrete Batch Plant Operations From the Ground Up
This guide provides an in-depth look at the essential stages of setting up and managing a mobile concrete batch plant—covering everything from understanding local regulations and selecting the ideal site to the specific details of plant assembly and daily operations. In addition, we’ll discuss strategies for optimizing production and incorporating environmental considerations to ensure sustainable practices are implemented throughout the process.
5 Concrete Pump Trucks for Improving Jobsite Efficiency
These models deliver versatility for a range of project types. Alliance Concrete Pumps With a robust yet lightweight pedestal and streamlined side panels and outriggers, the 38 Meter Z-Fold - 75% Road Ban Legal boom pump offers a modern design with less overall weight, which makes it legal in more places, the company says.
6 Solutions for a Range of Concrete Repairs
Stitching, hardware and epoxy products to mend cracked concrete. Concrete Anchor Bolts LLC Concrete Anchor Bolts repair foundation cracks, corroded anchor bolts and straps in seconds, the company says, saving time and frustration while eliminating the need to re-finish siding and drywall.
Best Slab Placement Day Practices
In this third webinar series session exploring how to improve Class 9 floor quality, we will focus on the contractor's placement activities. Contractors get one chance at placing the floor, so they must have information on the industry's best practices as they participate in the pre-pour meeting. This critical discussion is their last and best chance to adjust essential placement and finishing operations.
How ‘Billy the Bot’ Helps Construction Company Streamline Accounts Payable
With Billy the Bot, created by software firm Stampli, controller Milissa Douglas of Cork Howard Construction tracks the litany of invoices that her firm receives and needs to process on any given day with less time and effort. While the price of the software varies for different tiers, Douglas said at Cork Howard, it works out to about $2 per invoice, and she’s saved about 50% of research and data entry time.
5 Strong Concrete Densifiers for Contractors
These densifiers will improve concrete performance and ease maintenance, according to their manufacturers. ChemTec ONE ChemTec ONE concrete sealer hardens and densifies concrete infrastructure including bridges, parking facilities, runways and more.
5 Pavers That Offer Form and Function
Whether you need permeability, accessibility or simply a beautiful place to relax, these pavers offer a range of options. Belden Brick Company Belden’s extruded ADA pavers have truncated domes that provide traction, create textural contrast and offer guidance for wheelchair and pedestrian access to street walkways. The pavers feature through-the-body color and are designed to blend well with surrounding materials, the company says.
Ten Point Redi Mix, LLC Boosts Operations
Cloud-native Dispatch Improves Daily Planning Processes The Challenge In the spring of 2022, Kory Chapman, Joe Paul Nichols and Michael Read corroborated to start Ten Point Redi Mix, LLC.The group then brought on Billy Sessom to serve as General Manager. The startup, located in Bridgeport, Texas, began well as the company already had a solid customer contact base from which to draw due to Kory and Billy’s tenure in the industry.
How to Minimize Risks for Portland-Limestone Cement Concrete Slabs
While many contractors have successfully placed and finished concrete slabs constructed using Type IL cement (Portland-limestone cement), others have struggled with project delays and unacceptable finishes. To find the root causes of unsuccessful outcomes, jobsite data such as mixture proportions, weather conditions, construction practices and equipment, and finish requirements must be evaluated.
EEOC Releases Anti-Harassment Guide for Contractors
The federal agency says it wants to empower the industry to make the jobsite safer for all workers. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Tuesday released a guide to help construction leaders prevent and address harassment on the job. “Promising Practices for Preventing Harassment in the Construction Industry” is part of the EEOC’s ongoing focus to address bias within the building sector.
Manufactured Stone - Ideal for Indoors
Stone is a traditional and time-honored material for exterior cladding and landscape features. But stone isn’t just for the outdoors – its natural essence and beauty can create stunning focal points and design features indoors as well. Stone can impart a rustic atmosphere to an ordinary room, provide a visual and physical boundary between living areas, or accentuate existing architectural features.
5 Additional Products From 2024 World of Concrete
Truck accessories, concrete sealer, jobsite power and more. ANA, Inc. The BOSS70-25 hybrid energy system pairs a top-tier generator with cutting-edge battery technology for energy security, lower emissions, greater efficiency and lower operating costs than standalone generators, and fast charging. The compact, easily deployable solution features a 25-kWh battery with up to a 41-year life cycle.
10 Father’s Day Gifts for Contractors
Want to celebrate a special contractor-dad in your life? Check out these ideas. Blaklader Reflectivity meets style with this Visibility Polo. The soft, breathable, casual-fit work shirt features tailored reflective transfers on the body and sleeves. It also provides UV protection and has anti-odor properties. The shirt includes a rib-knitted collar, reinforced neck seam and side vents. Navy blue and black colors are available.
5 Gear Offerings for Hot Weather
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Hear from PRO’s about the “KING OF DEMO”
The next generation of circular saw blade technology has arrived. A new standard for framing / demolition saw blades has arrived with up to 15X longer cutting life and pro contractors across the trades are blown away. The buzz around this blade is real with one General Contractor raving “… seem to last forever … Tooth retention is remarkable”. A PRO Carpenter sums it up “this blade does it all… when work goes easy, it all goes easy!” Jobsites and building materials are evolving.
Chronic Stress Can Kill Construction Workers
Construction companies need to do more to address chronic stress and mental health issues among their workers because there still are too many suicides in the industry, said one professional who has provided many proven supports. Erin Craw, account director at Youturn Health, which provides virtual support for persons struggling with stress and suicidal ideation, said research shows that: One in five Americans will experience a mental health challenge during their lives.
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