ICC-ES TO CONSIDER REVISIONS TO AC-39 Walking Deck Acceptance Criteria February 2nd.

There's a movement afoot at ICC-Es to revise AC-39, the Acceptance Criteria used to determine if a deck coating meets fire resistance, wear and tear etc. I think this will confuse the public, not help...see for yourself and make up your own mind.

Click here to read the revisions being considered.

Nevada Coating Systems-Granite Deck Polyurea as a Deck Coating-Use at Your Own Risk

I've been getting beat up a little bit in a pricing battle with one of the larger local competitors in San Luis Obispo lately...

one of my clients, who is a little more astute than the average guy, came back to me and started asking questions about my competitors bid and product. They had got a bid from local competitor DeckTech, who is using "NCS Granite Deck"

They sent me the other company's proposal for me to review. After investigating the product they were proposing to use, I found out that it's a Polyurea 2 part spray applied coating. The manufacturer, Nevada Coating Systems of Rancho Mirage CA, offers their "NCS Granite Deck" (sounds tough right?) as a solution for walkways and decks.

Nevada Coating Systems website is found at http://www.nevadacoatings.com/; we invite you to look for yourself. On their site is all kinds of mfg specs, videos and marketing yackety yack about how good the product is for various coating needs.

The problem is that their Granite deck IS NOT an ICC-ES evaluated traffic deck coating (I could not find any ICC-ES report at the ICC-ES website) that has been tested and evaluated independently. So while maybe you could put it on, my question is why would you want to?

Reading their literature they have a "warranty" that is predicated on frequent maintenance that traps you into having to use the original installer for the next 10 years. Then I read their disclaimer, which basically negates their warranty...

Then I read their literature on NCS Granite deck....click here to read it yourself at the Material Safety Data section...see firefighting measures and then ask why would I want a coating on my deck that if it catches on fire or is exposed to flame, can ...well read it for yourself below...


5. Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: All extinguishing media are suitable.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Firefighters should be equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus to
protect against potentially toxic and irritating fumes. Use cold water spray to cool fire-exposed containers to
minimize risk of rupture.
Unusual Fire/Explosion Hazards: Toxic and irritating gases/fumes may be given off during burning or thermal
decomposition.

So, no ICC-ES report, doesn't meet traffic coating requirements that it be Class A fire resistant (so people can escape burning buildings safely), emits potentially toxic fumes when burned or exposed to flame...


DECK EXPERT GIVES THIS PRODUCT A "F" for failure, failure to protect, failure to meet the needs of code compliant building products, F for &$!*ed up as a product being sold to unwitting consumers.


I can only recommend that you STAY AWAY far far away and seek a better product that meets code requirements.


Our investigation also shows that Nevada Coating Systems is backed/owned by Dave Krubinski, former manager of Mer-Kote. That explains the shitty "warranty". Krubinski used this same basic warranty/sales formula when he was king at Mer-Kote, to twist extra money out of clients on a maintenance contract.


Further investigation shows that we could not find where NCS granite deck polyurea and their other products is manufactured; by snooping around my competitors trucks, I saw "Reactamine" polyurea on the truck...so by  reviewing their website at www.reactimine.com, it's my opinion that Reactamine sells to NCS and NCS is simply a private labeler, not a manufacturer. Unless NCS is making the stuff in their garage...but that's probably illegal, since the address listed in NCS' website is a residential address.

The 2 companies color charts are virtually identical too; see for yourself by clicking the links and comparing.... NCS Color Chart   Reactimine Color Chart So is their "Disclaimer". If I were a betting man, I'd bet Reactimine makes NCS' products under a private label deal..

Polyureas has a place as a coating, but not for decks under it's current formula. But that's just my opinion using my right to free speech.

Garage Floor Coating.com founder warns that one-day-coating-systems are a "recipe for disaster"

Found this article/press release on the Internets...

Passing it on for your consideration and thoughts.

Concrete coating expert Robert Hanson of GarageFloorCoating.com cautions consumers and coating companies about quick cure one day coating systems.

 

Garage Floor Coating.com founder Robert Hanson warns consumers and concrete coating companies that polyaspartic polyurea one-day-systems are a “recipe for disaster”

Concrete coating expert Robert Hanson of Garage Floor Coating.com cautions consumers and coating companies about quick cure one day coating systems. Commenting on a recent article in Residential Concrete Magazine that reports contractors are discovering that polyaspartic polyurea quick cure systems increase profits and are good for the customer, Robert Hanson, Founder of Garage Floor Coating.com warns that polyaspartic polyurea one-day-systems are a “recipe for disaster.”

In an article in Residential Concrete Magazine written by Jeanne Fields, “Garage Floor Coatings Pickup Speed”, Fields reports that contractors are discovering that polyaspartic polyurea systems increase profits because of their quick installation time. Source: RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE MAGAZINE
Publication date: December 15, 2007

 

READ THE REST BY CLICKING HERE

From Paint Square Daily News-Low Cost Contractor Software

Thursday, January 28, 2010 Contractor Software is Multi-Functional Dynamic Systems has announced the release of a low-cost, multi-function Software Suite for Contractors. The ‘CheckMate Contractors’ Suite integrates Toolroom Tool Tracking, Stockroom Inventory Control, and Time & Attendance, says the Redmond, Wash., software developer. The product allows the applications to share the inventory database and employee identification codes, making it possible to track tools and documents without time-consuming data entry. Bar codes are printed on work orders or drawings, badges and labels for tools and inventory. Bar code scanners (either corded to a PC or portable) scan the bar codes during transactions to record the movement or use of the job, document, tool or other item. This information is transmitted to the job foreman, accounting or purchasing to provide the location of important tools, employee attendance information, parts reorder reports and much more. In addition, a feature called Signature Capture on a portable terminal provides proof of delivery of tools or inventory items.  Dynamic Systems says the software can help reduce late jobs, identify bottlenecks, improve productivity, and provide more accurate job costing and payroll tracking. “Our customers see a typical payback for the software within three to four months,” said company president Alison Falco.

Association of Reserve Professionals Opens Registration to The 2010 APRA Symposium

For HOA's and Reserve Study professionals, you need to be here...

The Association of Professional Reserve Analysts is pleased to host
the 2010 APRA Symposium in its continued commitment to serving
the reserve study professional industry.
The 2010 APRA Symposium will provide cutting edge reserve study
education from industry experts, insightful round table discussions and
networking with peers from across the United States and Canada.
Join us in exciting Las Vegas!
Registration Deadline: April 15, 2010

Agenda
Saturday, May 1, 2010
8:00-9:00 am Registration/Breakfast/Networking
9:00-9:15 am Welcome, Introductions & Opening Remarks
9:15-10:30 am Roofing Truths & Trends
Expert Brian Seifert of Cox Associates LLC discusses the major roofing types and
common installation flaws.
10:30-10:45 BREAK
10:45-Noon Waterproofing the Structure
Architect David Kuivanen of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger teaches about common
water intrusion issues and how to prevent or correct them.
Noon-1 pm LUNCH
1:00-2:15 pm Panel Discussion-Roofing, Waterproofing & The Reserve Study
Ken Kosloff PRA of Richard Avelar & Associates, Brian Seifert and David
Kuivanen share how roofing and waterproofing impact a reserve study.
2:15-3:15 pm Roundtable Discussion-Construction Defects & The Reserve Study
Attendees offer personal experiences relating to integrating construction defect
corrections into a reserve study and protecting against effects of related litigation.
3:15-3:30 pm BREAK
3:30-4:30 pm APRA Annual Meeting (Members Only)
5:30-6:30 pm No Host Happy Hour at Paris Las Vegas
6:30-8:30 pm No Host Dinner at the Paris Las Vegas Le Provençal Restaurant

Reserve study manual

 Reserve study guidelines for community associations, condominiums, and planned developments

RCI SoCal Brings a Seminar on Stucco March 1, 2010

So Cal Chapter of RCI, Inc.

March 1, 2010

STUCCO An In Depth Look At A Common Assembly

A look at all aspects of stucco, including full scale mock-ups and results of new testing. Areas covered include general wall design principles, structural requirements for supporting walls, weather resistive barriers for drainage pland and cavity walls, flashings, metal lath, stucco materials and mixes, stucco application, curing and finishes. Highlights Include: Expectations of stucco and where not to use it. Drainage wall and cavity wall performance differences Stiffness and stability needed for structural walls Wood and gypsum sheathing requirements Performance and application of weather resistive barriers and self adhered flashings. Flashing for windows (nail-on fin and store front) and doors. Flashings for parapets, beams, pipes, etc. and counter flashing for roofing Lath types and attachments. Control Joint and reveal performance and installation. Stucco materials and mixes, What to specify for different needs. Stucco application and curing. Stucco finished, elastomeric and fabric reinforced finishes.   Read More >

Program      Program Time: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Complimentary lunch provided between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM Registration Fees:     RCI Member: $225    Non-Member: $250        Student: $100 Registration on or after February 26, 2010    $275 all attendees, including RCI and Westcon Members

Continuing Education Credits RCI - Continuing Educational Hours (CEHs) - 7.0 AIA - Learning Units (LUs) from the American Institute of Architects - 7.0

To Register, click HERE  or call (866) 914-4RCI

This Company Did Not Read "THe Art of Making The Sale"

Watch out for this company if your in Indiana!  Hope there's no one around in Cali that's like this guy...

By Ryan Elijah

Story Published: Jan 29, 2010 at 8:36 AM EST
Story Updated: Jan 29, 2010 at 1:34 PM EST

FORT WAYNE, IN (Indiana's NewsCenter)
Patrick Chesbrough knew he had a wet basement so he agreed to a free inspection when a salesman from Everdry Waterproofing came to his home.

Multimedia

• Watch The Video

After about 4 hours, the salesman told the Chesbrough's they could sign to lock-in the price of nearly 11-thousand dollars, but not before what Patrick described were some hard sales tactics
"it started to feel like it was turning into scare tactics", said Patrick Chesbrough.
Two days later Patrick called to cancel, but was told it had to be done in person, at that point two Everdry workers showed up. While he thought it was over, over a month later, Patrick was sent a bill for nearly 4-thousand dollars for cancelling and supplies, even though work was never done
"we felt they went through the back door to get us to commit to the work"
Across town, another young couple had a different complaint about the same company. They bought a home that Everdry had done work on 12 years ago and had a lifetime warranty. They called Everdry over concerns about water and crumbling walls, after paying $45, which they said was to transfer the warranty, Scott says the company wouldn't honor the warranty from two franchises ago. He also said the corporate office in Ohio refused his attorney's letter. He paid another company 13-thousand dollars for the repairs.
"they said it was two franchises ago and they don't honor past warranties"
The question of lifetime warranties is not new to Everdry or the state of Indiana for that matter, back in 2005 then Attorney General Steve Carter sued the company for not honoring lifetime warranties.
Everdry did not respond to several requests for comment, we found the state's lawsuit came after a number of consumers complained that franchises were not honoring lifetime warranties, the company lost an appeal in 2008.
In Patrick's situation, a Federal Trade Commission "cooling off" rule applies giving the consumer 3 days to cancel the purchase it the contract was not signed at the company.
Mike Coil of the Better Business Bureau said "they have to give you a 3-day write of rescission, that's what the law says"
The FTC rule states no reason is needed for cancellation and the form can be mailed back if dated. The new franchise has an A- rating with the BBB and is not connected to the earlier lawsuits, but at least two local consumers say they weren't treated fairly.
Click here to read the FTC's Cooling Off Rules for Consumer Contracts.

DeckExpert.com Welcomes WATERPROOF! Magazine to our Site!

Waterproof! Magazine has joined our ranks of advertisers and their new ad is up and running on our site at www.deckexpert.com.

We are excited to have Waterproof! Magazine joining us in the quest to bring education, information and advice to our audience.

I love their magazine and look forward each quarter to seeing new articles on the subject of waterproofing. I subscribe and so should you!

Lowe's/AMEX offers Contractors a Rewards Program

Passing it on from Paint Square's daily newsletter...

American Express and Lowe's Companies have teamed up to offer small-business owners a new "Rewards" credit card that accumulates redeemable points.
The Lowe's Business Rewards Card from American Express is a new business credit card that enables business owners to earn points on virtually all card purchases. This is the first rewards program offered to Lowe's small-business credit customers.
"Every month, we provide billions of dollars in working capital to small business owners who use our pay-in-full charge cards and our credit cards," said Richard Flynn, senior vice president, product management, American Express OPEN. "Through the Lowe's Business Rewards Card program, we will help business owners manage their spending and provide credit that they can use to run and grow their companies while earning rewards they can reinvest in their businesses."
The new card provides a tiered structure for earning rewards points. Card members earn:

• One reward point for every eligible dollar spent on the Card;
• Double rewards points on every eligible dollar spent at Lowe's; and
• Triple rewards points on every eligible dollar spent on restaurant purchases, office supplies and wireless bills.

Cardmembers may redeem points for a variety of valuable business credit card rewards, including Lowe's or American Express Gift Cards. There is no cap on the amount of business rewards a Card member can earn, and there is no expiration date to redeem the points.
"The Lowe's Business Rewards Card is the latest way our company is adding value for our commercial customers through a unique blend of benefits and rewards," said Larry D. Stone, president and chief operating officer of Lowe's. "Lowe's has always been committed to providing the best customer experience and this new product offers convenience and rewards at a time when business owners need it most."
Additional features of the card include:

• No annual fee
• Automatic enrollment in OPEN Savings, a program that gives small-business owners automatic savings virtually every time they use an American Express Business Card to make purchases at any OPEN Savings partner
• Retail and business-related benefits and protections as well as travel protections.

The Lowe's Business Rewards Card will be available at all Lowe's retail locations by March 2010. To learn more and/or apply, visit: open.com/lowes or call 877-673-6947.

Contractors-Save Money and Get Job Leads From McGraw Hill With this Offer I'm Passing On

Contractors... Your Future is Now. Make it Happen.

Is the future of your business worth a short conversation? For a limited time, we are offering contractors over 50% savings when accessing the leading Dodge project database for opportunities in your local markets. Invest in your business and put the power of the superior, local project reporting of Dodge Reports, along with plans and specifications, to work for you for the entire year. Call us now at 800-393-6343 and mention discount code "DodgeJanOffer2". What Your Investment Will Return... More Opportunity... with access to private and public projects out for bid and being planned. Increased Productivity... save time and money with easy access to online print plans and specs. Expanded Project Backlog and Cashflow. This is a limited time offer only - click on the blue button, tell us about your priorities, and receive a free copy of ENR magazine's 2009 Top 400 Contractors publication. McGraw-Hill Construction - Dodge has been serving the construction industry and helping contractors like you build their businesses for over 115 years. No one else can claim that kind of commitment to the contracting community. This offer is available to new customers only.

Passing it On, From PAINT SQUARE (r) The portal to the Coatings Industry, Comes this Job Posting From Polycoat

POLYCOAT PRODUCTS, a leading industrial coating manufacturer of Polyurethane/Polyurea/Polyaspartic materials used in the Construction/Waterproofing industry is currently seeking experienced Independent Sales Reps/Agencies, and/or distributors, throughout the United States. Our products have a proven track record of superior performance and are sold successfully worldwide.  Qualifications for this position require a self-starter with the ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with contractors, architects and engineers, distributors and the end users. We offer full support and unlimited potential. If you are an experienced sales professional supplying industrial coatings, linings, flooring or waterproofing materials and looking for an economic advantage, with great commissions, then this would be of interest to you.   Please send email with relevant information to joenichy@polycoatusa.com, or call 562 212 3997.
Salary:
Apply for this job
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WATERPROOF! Magazine's Winter 2010 issue hits the Streets!

Green roofs are all the rage right now...but how the heck do you find a leak in one without tearing out the vegatation? Waterproof! Magazine has an article with the answers on their first issue of 2010 with

"Rooftop Leak Detection"

Comparing the various methods of leak detection, water testing, infrared, high voltage etc, this article will help you decide which method to use if your vegatted roof deck is leaking.

Full of other waterproofing news, announcements and information on the sport of waterproofing, you should subscribe! Deck Expert does to ensure he's getting the latest and greatest news and info.

Be sure to check out Waterproof! Magazine today...click here to go to their new issue.

Five Days Of Rain = The Ultimate Water Testing!

Well California is drying out a bit after 5 days of rain...I'd call that the ultimate water test for decks, walls, windows and doors...

How did your decks do?

Call Bill at Central Coast Waterproofing if your decks aren't performing up to par! 805-545-8300

We're Not Getting Our Picture on The Cover of Rolling Stone...but, Deck Expert's New Article Gets the Cover of JLC!

Yes folks we are letting the cat outta the bag so to speak...it's officially official, my new article written for Journal of Light Construction is hitting the streets in about 2 weeks time. I'm finalling the article today for any last minute corrections/additions etc. and it's off to the printers!

The best news of all though is we are getting the coveted cover with waterproofing specialist Ricky Rojas featured on it installing a door pan.

Look for JLC on your newstand in early February, featuring 8 pages of our pictures and article where we show how the Desert Crete system is installed on a plywood deck over a garage/living space.

JLC Live Residential Construction Show is Coming Up in Providence RI

JLC LIVE NEW ENGLAND 2010

REGISTER FOR JLC LIVE 2010 TODAY! 

Arm yourself with the education, skills and product knowledge you need to help you see more GREEN in your future. JLC LIVE is the ONLY residential construction
show that brings all this information directly to you!
By registering early, you will receive Early-Bird pricing on exhibit hall admission (a $20 savings) and conference package discounts.
Register from this email by February 25, 2010 to receive the Early-Bird Pricing.

Exhibits:  March 26-27 | Conference:  March 24-27 | Providence, RI

ELITE CRETE INVITES YOU TO WORLD OF CONCRETE!

Get Your Free WORLD OF CONCRETE Tickets for a Limited Time...    The World of Concrete exposition will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 2nd to the 5th. We hope to see you there...

See REFLECTOR Enhancer being applied in the Artistry in Decorative Concrete demos for free.   Stop by and we will give you a step by step overview of the hottest flooring system in the decorative concrete trades. To receive your free discount tickets, simply click on the email address below and include your complete mailing address. We will send the free tickets out immediately.   info@elitecrete.com    Dont forget to visit Elite Crete Systems booth located in the South Hall at booth number S12027      As an added bonus... Stop by our booth and mention this announcement and receive $100.00 off the attendance of our next Training and Certification near you.   CLICK HERE to view training location and 2010 dates.

Elite Crete Systems Incorporated 888.323.4446 International: 219.465.7671 Email: info@elitecrete.com   Online: www.elitecrete.com   Decorative Concrete Discussion Forum: www.concretelocator.com

found this bit of soil in the scupper...pulled her out and found a little weed clinging on...
Bill leys

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Estimator for Roofing/Waterproofing HELP WANTED AD AT Craigslist Orange County CA

Passing it on here at DeckExpert.com's Blog, this help wanted ad is at Craigslist...

Roofing/Waterproofing Sales/Estimator (Orange County)

---

Date: 2009-12-24, 1:29PM PST
Reply to: job-pgrhj-1523914078@craigslist.org ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}

---

Established roofing and waterproofing contractor seeks professional estimator/salesperson with expertise in roofing, deck and balcony waterproofing, and other waterproofing applications. The successful candidate will be responsible for estimating, proposal development and presentation, and sales closure to residential, commercial, and light industrial accounts throughout Southern California. Candidate must be technically expert in the field of waterproofing as our sales approach is that of acting as a technical advisor to our customers.

Responsibilities:
•Responsible for the complete sales cycle including lead qualification, estimate development, proposal development and presentation, and sales closure
•Establish and maintain account relationships through formal presentations and ongoing communications
•Coordinate with field personnel to ensure customer satisfaction during and after project execution

Qualifications:
•Must be technically expert in all areas of residential, commercial, and light industrial waterproofing
•Must have strong computer skills, particularly with MS Excel and Word
•Excellent organization skills and both written and oral communications skills a must
•Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
•Minimum of 10 years experience in estimating, sales, and/or installation of waterproofing systems or 5 years experience plus four year college degree

This is a career development opportunity as the selected candidate will be trained to assume broader responsibilities in the future management of the company.

• Location: Orange County
• Compensation: Commission + DOE
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

PostingID: 1523914078
2009 National Construction Estimator