COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION for Insulating and Finishing Poured Concrete Walls benefits Contractor, Builder and Homebuyer

CertainTeed’s T-RocTM Thermal Laminate Foundation Insulation System equips contractors with a tool to save builders money and provide extra living space for homebuyers — without the additional construction and labor costs associated with traditional basement finishing.

Using the T-RocTM Thermal Laminate Foundation Insulation System, the builder is able to bypass several costly, time-intensive tasks typically involved with finishing below-grade concrete walls, and offer a prized upgrade to prospective home buyers–a clean, dry, semi-finished insulated basement.

The ability to offer lower level living space without the additional steps of framing, insulating and installing drywall is very appealing to builders. And, it is a valuable upgrade for homebuyers.

Consisting of CertainTeed GlasRoc® paperless gypsum board permanently laminated to a high R-value expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam insulation, T-Roc panels install easily in conventional concrete wall forms and eliminate the need for stud frame out, batt insulation and drywall. Once the concrete has set, the forms are removed to reveal insulated basement walls, ready for final finishing.

“The T-Roc Thermal Laminate Foundation Insulation System off ers a streamlined approach to insulating and finishing poured concrete walls,” says Steve Gross, director of marketing for CertainTeed’s foundations business. “T-Roc is more economical than traditional methods and can be installed with far less labor in a fraction of the time without compromising performance or a quality finished look.”

Through the incorporation of GlasRoc gypsum board — with reinforcing glass mats that are fully embedded into a water-resistant core — the panels offer superior moisture resistance, as well as protection against mold and mildew growth. The EPS foam, which is treated with non-toxic Perform Guard®, protects the panels from termite infestation.

Once installed, T-Roc can be left as is or can be finished using mesh tape and setting compound, followed by painting for a customized look. For ease of wiring, T-Roc features an electrical chase running vertically through each panel. T-Roc is available in 8- or 9-foot high panels with foam thickness of up to 3 inches for a maximum R-value of 13.

T-Roc meets the 2006 International Residential Code (IRC) for insulated basement walls and exceeds UL 1715 fi re test requirements for interior finish materials. For more information, visit the newly redesigned certainteed.com.

DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER

DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER is a 3-ply sheet membrane containing a polyester needle punched fabric, a polyethylene barrier, and an ant-slip surface layer. Its primary purpose is to act as a capillary break between the footing and the foundation wall to prevent the capillary rise of moisture.

Building Code in several jurisdictions across North America have begun to require basements to be insulated to their full height. This is because basements can be identified as one of the major sources of heat loss in a house.

The primary issue is capillary rise of water. Concrete absorbs moisture. Th e moisture continues to move through the concrete’s micro pores and fissures from the wet areas to the dry. This happens without regard to gravity and continues so long as there is a source of moisture. The phenomenon is also known as capillary wicking.

When the footing for a home is poured, it must be poured directly on undisturbed soil. This is a building code requirement. Th e foundation wall is poured onto the footing. The footing begins to absorb water and, because it is always exposed to moisture, keeps absorbing water. Capillary wicking causes the water to rise up through the footing. It continues to rise through the foundation wall that has been poured directly on top of the footing.

In the basement area, the placement of the vapor barrier can create a problem. Without any changes to the system, the capillary wicking mechanism carrying moisture from the ground up into the basement wall is continuous. In a basement with full height insulation and a vapor barrier to the inside, moisture can no longer dry to the inside. Instead, it will continue to move upwards and inwards, just as it did before, where now it will be trapped in the cavity behind the vapor barrier and can wet the insulation and moisture-sensitive wood components of the wall. This can lead to mold, rot, and structural decay.

DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER is an elegantly simple solution to the capillary wicking problem. It acts as a physical barrier preventing the movement of moisture from the footings into the foundation wall where it can lead to mold growth, deterioration of the structure and an unhealthy basement living environment.

It is very easy to install. Just lay it into the freshly poured concrete footings and form the keyway with the membrane in place.

The specially-designed needle punch fabric forms a strong mechanical bond with the concrete. It resists tearing due to the force from the placement of the drainage gravel. The top polyethylene layer creates a positive barrier and break to prevent the wicking of water from the footings through to the foundation walls.

With a special non-slip surface coating, DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER helps keep the job-site a safe place to work.

Forms for the foundation walls are placed and the concrete is poured normally.

When used in combination with other DELTA® brand products, DELTA®-FOOTING BARRIER is an important part of the DELTA® Premium Moisture Protection System.

BILCO INTRODUCES NEW AND IMPROVED STAKWEL® WINDOW WELL SYSTEM ENHANCED DESIGN Results in Added Product Strength

The Bilco Company has enhanced its stakWEL® Window Well System, a modular system of units that are stacked together to accommodate virtually any foundation depth. The new design features high-density polyethylene inserts that add strength and rigidity to withstand adverse freeze/thaw and site-settling conditions. Inserts also simplify the backfilling process and lock modules together to create a cohesive window well assembly.

The interlocking modular design of the stakWEL® Window Well System makes installation fast and easy. Th e modules simply slide and mate together, with a slot-and-tab interface that ensures proper alignment and a secure installation. Mounting flanges are supplied with anchor holes that allow them to be quickly fastened directly to a foundation wall or window buck. Once installation is complete, the stakWEL® is designed and tested to withstand even the most severe soil loading conditions to ensure superior performance.

The stakWEL® Window Well System, which can be used with both utility and egress windows, meets building code requirements for emergency egress in finished basement areas, including Section 310.4 of the Uniform Building Code and the 2009 International Residential Code. Its innovative design features a built-in grip/step that facilitates a safe exit and eliminates the need for a fixed ladder.

Constructed of corrosion-resistant high-density polyethylene, the stakWEL® is impervious to soil and moisture conditions. It will not rust, rot, or discolor, providing a maintenance-free alternative to builders and homeowners. The stakWEL® comes in a neutral driftwood color and features a pebbled interior finish that will compliment the interior of any home. As with Bilco’s other window well – ScapeWEL® – the stakWEL® transforms basements into valuable living space, resulting in increased square footage for the home. It lets in a tremendous amount of light, making the basement appear as comfortable as any other room on the home’s main level.

Bilco’s stakWEL® Window Well System is part of the company’s complete line of code compliant basement egress products that also includes the PermEntry® Basement Entrance, ScapeWEL® Window Well System, and Ultra Series, Classic Series Steel Sided and Sloped Wall Basement Doors. The basement doors and PermEntry precast concrete stairwell work in tandem to facilitate direct basement access.

The Bilco Company is ISO 9001 certified and has been serving residential and commercial building markets for more than 80 years. With headquarters in West Haven, Connecticut, Bilco has manufacturing facilities in Trumann, Arkansas, and Zanesville, Ohio, and an international network of sales offices, dealers, distributors, and representatives.

For more information about Bilco’s stakWEL® Window Well System and other basement products, please visit www.bilco.com, call (203) 934-6363 or email bilco@bilco.com.

Hit The Deck!

As foundation contractors your focus in this recession is certainly obtaining work…any work and as much of it as you can. One way to secure more work in this down economy (and into the future) is to do more on the jobs you do get. Your crews are on the job, your equipment is there, the concrete pump is there – but you only cast the foundation walls and footings. Some of you have made the jump to above grade housing and most of you have at least contemplated it. If you aren’t quite ready to jump in with both feet why not go part way—cast the deck (main floor of the house) in concrete. You might not be able to increase the number of your projects this year but you can increase your gross sale. One contractor, who has built several decks, said the concrete decks cost around 30% more than a traditional wood deck.

Why would an owner spend more to get a deck; and, what is in it for you?

WHY AN OWNER SHOULD INCLUDE A DECK

There are many good reasons for owners to consider concrete decks. Here are some of them:

• Clients get the ultimate Safe Room. A basement with six to eight inches of concrete on 3 or 4 sides and 6” to 8” above. A room with those specifi cations can resist just about anything Mother Nature can throw at it.
• Concrete floors are quiet. Six inches of concrete has tremendous sound absorptive qualities at all spectrums on the audible scale.
• Fire protection. A fire that starts in the basement (say, the furnace room) is going to take much longer to spread and will be much more easily contained if there is a horizontal concrete layer separating the fire from the balance of the habitable space.
• The elimination of mold and varmint damage. Mold needs three things to grow: mold spores (they are everywhere), moisture, and a food source. Concrete is not a food source for mold growth like wood or drywall, so this is not a concern. As to wood eaters such as termites, mice, and carpenter ants – if you find one that eats concrete then we’ve got a lot bigger problems to worry about.
• Thinner floors. A six inch concrete deck can span up to 20’ without intermediate support. It would take at least a premium grade (Douglas Fir-Larch #1) 2×10 spaced 12” o.c. to span that distance – and the wood won’t provide any of the other qualities discussed. The continuous connection between a concrete deck and a standard 8” foundation wall produces a strong structural detail at the wall/floor juncture, which will further improve the structural efficiency and performance of the floor system and wall.
• Radiant floor heating. In-floor heating is the ultimate in comfort and efficiency. Concrete floor systems are the best material to use with radiant heating systems.
• Decorative concrete floors. This craft has come a long way since its introduction. Stains, stamps, and a host of other concrete finishes will add durability, beauty, and functionality to your home.
• Energy efficiency. The most efficient method of casting the walls and decks is in a single placement operation. The resulting monolithic cast will provide the most airtight, structurally integral basement wall/deck available on the market with little, if any, material waste.

HOW DECKS BENEFIT CONTRACTORS

What’s in it for you, the contractor, in addition to more work and money from the same project?

• Top restraint. You will get the best support possible for the top of the wall so there won’t be any more call-backs because the excavator pushed a wall in during the backfilling operation.
• Anchorage to deck. You won’t have to be concerned about anchor bolts giving way during backfilling.
• End wall bracing. There won’t be any more issues about the possible lack of “required” bracing for the joists parallel to the end walls.
• Performance. There are fewer problems with cracks because the top of the wall is not only fixed, it gives greater load capacity to the wall itself.
• Floor Diaphragm. If you are building walk-out basements, there is always concern since there is no soil opposite the backfilled wall to resist the force of the soil. With a concrete deck, you have the ultimate diaphragm which can transfer load to the transverse or perpendicular walls.

The ACI 332 Committee is contemplating the inclusion of decks in future versions of the ACI 332 Standard. Empirical tables will likely be part of the output of the committee reducing or eliminating the need for an engineer on many decks, or if an engineer’s approval is required, the cost can be substantially reduced.

EQUIPMENT NEEDS

What do you need to begin pouring decks as well as walls? Fortunately, the form manufacturers have anticipated this need and have all of the accessories and tools required to form, brace, and support the decks. Decks are typically cast at the same time as the walls, which makes casting a one-step operation. The two major needs are a ledge or support to form the transition from the wall to the deck and to support the deck form. The second is the temporary intermediate beam and shoring system to support deck form panels.

How does it change your operation? You will spend more time on the job (for which you will be compensated) and as you do more of them, you will develop crews who can be as efficient with wall/deck combinations as they are with wall/footings (relative to the cost or man/hour).

PREPLANNING – OPENINGS AND SERVICES

One aspect of building concrete decks that becomes more important when compared to building with wood is planning. With wood, you simply drill and cut openings where required for plumbing chases and vents. Wiring is installed after the wood deck is already in place.

While it is possible to drill and saw concrete after placement, it makes more sense to use block-outs and simply eliminate the concrete from locations where stairs, ducts, and chases are required. The location and size of these elements should be included in the plans. Why not save time and concrete? Both equate to cost savings. The also needs to know where the openings will be placed as additional reinforcement may be required at the openings.

Wiring can be installed in surface mounted “Wiremold” or similar products, but it is more efficient and aesthetically pleasing to have conduit in the slab instead of surface mounted. The location of lights, outlets, and switches can be easily predetermined. When in doubt, install an extra conduit. Depending on your local codes, the concrete contractor may be able to install the conduit with a licensed electrician making all of the connections.

REINFORCEMENT

Steel reinforcement in a structural slab is a critical component to its performance. Depending on whether or not there is an intermediate beam, the reinforcement may be near the bottom or top of the slab. Drawings and specifications prepared by an engineer will inform you as to the proper size, location, spacing, and cover for the reinforcement.

LARGER SPANS

When spans are longer than twenty feet, there are several options. First, you can thicken the slab. An additional 2” of concrete with the appropriate amount of reinforcement will allow you to increase the span by several feet.

A second option is an intermediate, integral concrete beam. You could also use a steel beam but a concrete beam can be cast integral with the floor and wall pour.

The beam can be supported with steel columns spaced appropriately to the beam depth and loading conditions. Another option is an intermediate bearing concrete wall, cast monolithically with the exterior walls and deck. Post-tensioning is yet another option if the expertise is available in your area. A down economy is an excellent time to entice specialty contractors who otherwise might not consider residential construction.

OTHER SYSTEMS

The fl at slab system is not the only option available for doing concrete decks. Another innovation for residential construction is the oneway or ribbed slab, which consists of a concrete beam spanning one direction cast integrally with the floor. The advantage of this type of system is that you can span much greater distances. The total depth of the floor system will be greater but the amount of concrete used will be less for greater spans. One system uses sliding pans that can be varied depending on the span length.

HEATING AND COOLING

Another advantage in making more of your home of concrete will be less dynamic temperature gradients. The thermal mass inherent in the concrete will absorb heat and once at a given level, it takes much longer for concrete to change temperature. While it takes less heating and cooling energy to maintain temperature, space conditioning is still required.

Radiant heating is considered the ultimate heating system by many and with an in-floor radiant heating system you attain this goal without the cumbersome radiators typical in traditional hot water or steam systems. In-floor heating systems are simple with concrete decks. They are cast into the deck in conjunction with the reinforcement and electrical conduit.

Preplanning is again important as you cannot attach plates or cut openings where the piping has been placed. A warmed slab can be a real comfort on cold winter days.

Air conditioning can be accomplished using a traditional duct distribution system or with a high velocity duct system which uses much smaller ducts. Dehumidification is typically the number one need for cooling in a home with concrete decks or walls.

FLOOR FINISHES

You have several options when it comes to finishing concrete floors. You can carpet the floor, but you will greatly reduce its ability to improve energy performance by isolating the thermal mass of the floor from the habitable space. Carpet also increases the possibility of mold, mildew, and other undesirable things that reside in the piling. If you must use carpet, consider using area rugs, which can be removed, cleaned, and varied as your tastes change.

Placing wood over concrete will also reduce thermal performance but not to the same degree as carpet. Tile of any kind, applied directly over the concrete is the best way to introduce more variety in appearance for entries, kitchens, and baths while maintaining the mass storage potential.

Decorative concrete is one area of that has made great strides over the past decade. It has evolved from a curiosity to an art form with contractors specializing in the craft. There are dozens of systems producing an unlimited number of patterns, colors, and textures. They result in a low maintenance, durable, and unique finish that will serve you well for years to come.

The case for considering concrete decks is compelling. Yes, it will cost a little more but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. In the case of concrete decks, you get a lot more than what you pay for.

BUT HOW DO YOU GET STARTED?

What are the tools you need, the information and support and more importantly, how do you get your mind around how it might make a difference?

This is where the CFA comes in. At Summer Convention this year in Amelia Island, we’ve brought back our resident concrete expert, Brent Anderson. A significant amount of his work over the last half-decade has come from the transition internationally to concrete shells, including concrete decks.

If you want to get started in this transition, what better way to meet with your peers and discover the reality behind this opportunity? There is much more here than adding to your potential work. Concrete decks have the ability to significantly strengthen the wall, reducing the required concrete thickness and/or the amount of steel reinforcement.

Here it all as you take in Summer Convention 2009 with the CFA. See the Summer Meeting information packet in this magazine, contact a CFA staff member today or visit our website at www.cfawalls.org to get more information.

ADDIDRIVE SYSTEM DEBUTS on Putzmeister America, Inc.’s 70Z

The Addidrive system, the first of its kind in North America, is an innovative front drive system that provides over 12,000 pounds (5,443kg) of traction force to aunit’s tractor steer axles giving it an incredible 10×10 drive configuration. The system is featured on Putzmeister America, Inc.’s 70Z truck-mounted concrete boom pump.

“With the ability to be activated on the fly, this feature is especially helpful when the unit loses traction while driving up hills or through difficult terrain,” says Dave Wright, Putzmeister America’s manager of engineering. “The system allows you to drive off road on job sites with added assurance that you won’t get stuck in the mud.”

Addidrive was a collaboration between Monroe Trucks, Poclain Hydraulics and Putzmeister America.

“In addition, fuel consumption is lower because the inefficiencies of a mechanical system are removed,” Wright explains. “Because Addidrive can be activated on the fly, there is very little power consumption when it’s not activated.

“The system doesn’t use mechanically driven axles, drive lines or a transfer case, so it weighs about 900 pounds (408kg) less than a traditional front drive.”

The system also maintains the turn radius of a unit, provides optimal vehicle control and does not require a spacer frame, so the cab height is unchanged.

“We plan to expand Addidrive as an optional feature to the rest of our product line in the future,” notes Wright.

For more information on Addidrive, please contact Putzmeister America toll-free at (800) 884-7210, or visit their website at www.putzmeister.com.

IMPROVED WALL SURFACES. Cleaner Forms & Cleaner Application. Lower Applied Cost.

Alumi-Con from Nox-Crete Products Group is a chemically reactive, low odor, low VOC, super concentrated form release agent specifically formulated for use on aluminum forms. Alumi-Con is Green Engineered™ and is manufactured to be safer for both the applicator and the environment through the use of safer raw materials.

IMPROVED WALL SURFACES.

Nox-Crete’s Alumi-Con off ers the consistent, quality performance expected of a Nox-Crete form release agent. As the original creators of chemically active form release agents, Nox-Crete continues to innovate new formulations to meet contractors’ performance standards with today’s concrete mix designs. Alumi-Con produces walls that are uniformly colored with far fewer surface defects than is achieved with competing products. Once dried on the form surface, Alumi-Con resists removal by rain showers, preventing unexpected sticking and related wall damage and avoiding the need for reapplication after rain.

CLEANER FORMS & CLEANER APPLICATION.

Used regularly, Alumi-Con keeps forms nearly buildup-free. For forms which do evidence buildup, a simple adjustment in the dilution ratio allows Alumi-Con to be used as a form cleaner while also functioning as a release agent. This eliminates the need for additional products or the lost production time experienced when forms are taken out of service for cleaning. For workers, applying Alumi-Con is a welcome, low odor change from the smell of traditional petroleum based products. And, unlike oil based products, Alumi-Con dries quickly so it doesn’t collect dirt and dust throughout the day, meaning workers go home cleaner than with petroleum based products.

LOWER APPLIED COST.

Contractors can maximize their savings on form release agent costs with the use of super concentrate Alumi-Con. Contractors add their own water, reducing the pass-along cost of product delivery. Because Alumi-Con is dilutable up to 6:1 with water, it allows users to customize product performance by simply adjusting the dilution rate to fit specific needs.

Achieving the proper dilution rate of Alumi-Con is easily achieved with Nox-Crete’s Mix Station which simultaneously dilutes and mixes in one easy step. Contractors need only dilute and mix as much product as they need at a given time. Once diluted, Alumi-Con stays well mixed through the day.

Make the switch to Nox-Crete. We are the industry leader in water based form release agent technology. For more information about the advantages of water based release agents, contact Nox-Crete at (800) 669-2738 or visit www.nox-crete.com. Full product data sheets for Alumi-Con, the Mix Station and all Nox-Crete’s water based form release agent options are available online.

WHEN QUALITY MEETS VALUE Zoomlion 40-meter Boom Pump

During the World of Concrete 2009, CIFA USA, Inc., the management group for Zoomlion America, introduced the new ZLJ 40X-4Z. Th is is the 1st concrete boom pump unit produced exclusively for the North American marketplace in cooperation of the two newly joined groups at their Milwaukee Wisconsin facility. “We planned the unit knowing that the American buyer not only looks for a great value in original cost, but service and support. That is why we designed and integrated main components that are well known in the industry”, says CIFA USA sales manager Bob Miller. Zoomlion pumping technology has been in place for over 10 years with over 6,000 concrete booms currently in operation worldwide, the product is proven and is backed by a worldwide organization with over 15,000 employees. The unit’s 40 meter boom with 4 section Z fold design increases placement options and convenience while the X style outriggers provide stable support for an easy fast set-up. Th e ZL 40X-4Z is perfect for those contractors who demand quality and want to maximize both purchasing power and job-site reach.

Zoomlion’s detail to make the ZLJ 40X-4Z a success can be noticed in many ways by those who know concrete boom pumps.

Starting with the boom construction by using Swedish steel combined with an Italian Brevini turret gear drive to provide a smooth steady boom. Th e ZLJ 40X-4Z wireless remote control unit is made by HBC from Germany a respected leader in the field. Th e remote unit with built-in LED display provides data feedback through two-way communication technology. It is lightweight and programmable allowing the operator to customize boom functions.

World class dependable Rexroth Hydraulic pumps driven by a Stiebel PTO where selected. Th e open loop style hydraulic system provides for a smooth and quiet pumping operation. The hydraulic oil is constantly filtered before returning to the main pumps and kept cool by an oversized oil cooling system. Schneider/Square D electrical components were chosen for their superior service and easy parts availability. Th e complete pumping system is monitored in real time and working parameters for general operational conditions plus concrete volumes can be viewed on the main control box Siemens LED monitor located in a weather proof compartment. Critical wear parts in the hopper area were taken into high consideration to insure long service life with the standard installation of Carbide and hard faced components. Daily maintenance is simplified with the automatic greaser and the industries quickest change out two piece style mud cups. Operators will also appreciate the smooth hopper design with large clean out port for quick and easy clean ups.

Theses major name brand components and the latest technology are a few of the many great features that can be found on this unit. In addition the Zoomlion “SES” system automatically matches the trucks engine power demand to the pumps operational demand by adjusting engine RPM’s to maintain pumping rates and maximize fuel usage.

Top of the brand components, low maintenance costs and 24/7 spare parts and service in the US at a reasonable price bring quality and value together.

The Zoomlion ZLJ 40X-4Z makes sense

For additional information please contact CIFA USA at 1-877-243-2345

Great Reasons to Head to Amelia Island

I hope to see you this summer at the CFA 33rd annual Summer Convention July 29 – Aug 1, 2009 in Amelia Island Plantation, Florida. With the economy the way it is I can understand if you are thinking maybe we should sit this one out. Let me give you some great reasons why you should attend.

Education – the quality of our program continues to improve and this year looks timely and better than ever.

Stress – with the additional stress and hard work we are doing during the recession take a few days off .

• Networking – hear what others are doing.
• Moral Support – you are not alone.
• Friends – meet old friends and make new ones.
• Amelia Island – a quaint low-key barrier island.
• Learn – I have always picked something up that has improved my business.
• CFA Certification – Take the certified technician test.
• CEU – gain hours for CFA company certification.
• CFA – support the only association for our industry.
• Travel – expenses are down.
• Beach – sand and the Atlantic Ocean (need I say more on this one)
• Civil War – there is a historic fort on the island.

For more information contact CFA or the web site. I look forward to seeing you there!

Dan Bromley, CFA President, ABI Corporation

danb@abi-corp.com

Education, Education, Education

The CFA Summer Convention 2009 is all about education. We may be in a down economy but CFA staff feels they have assembled one of the strongest educational programs ever. Our most popular presenters over the past 12 years have been recalled to active duty to serve the needs of members. Topics are relevant and should be indispensable as we enter the recovery (it is coming) as leaner, meaner, and more astute businesses.

We now have twelve fully certified concrete foundation companies and the education portion of our event is designed so that their entire continuing education requirement for the year can be met by attending the seminars. Others interested in certification can take the first step by having company personnel take the Foundation Technician seminar and examination.

One or our most popular presenters last year was David Whitlock, an attorney specializing in labor law. His enlightening, and at times humorous, presentation left everyone with a deeper understanding of immigration law. This year he will provide further insight into labor relations in his presentation on Workers as Independent Contractors.

Brent Anderson is known to just about everyone in our Association as the presenter of our popular Foundation Fundamentals series or for his annual presentations on a variety of topics at the World of Concrete. He has not presented at the summer meeting in several years. However this year he will present an entirely new topic, which should be of interest to all of our contractors. Hit the Deck will present the advantages, methods, and reasons why you should be considering replacing wood decks with concrete decks. If you are doing fewer jobs, why not get more work on the jobs you are doing?

Doug Staebler will make his 12th consecutive presentation at a CFA Summer Convention. His presentations have run the gamut of industry management topics from succession planning to financial strategies to retirement plans. He has never failed to impress our members with his knowledge of our industry. Th is year, his presentation Build it Forward will focus on how you can position your company now, for what we all know is coming – an upturn in the economy.

Sustainability is one of the hottest topics in the building and construction industry and if you aren’t knowledgeable or conversant in the topic, you had better become so soon. The National Association of Home Builders introduced their green building standard called the Green Building Initiative (GBI) in late 2004. Owners and builders are asking their contractors how their product (concrete foundations and slabs in our case) can contribute to the “greenness” of their homes. Concrete has a good story to tell and Amy Miller of the National Ready-Mix Concrete Association will bring you up to speed in all that is “green” in concrete.

A subtheme of our convention this year is Why Waste a Good Recession. The focus of the final session of the convention will be a series of short presentations on things you can do to expand your horizons and streamline your company, followed by an open panel discussion and sharing of ideas.

Rounding out the program will be two additional offerings: The Thermomass and the CFA Certifi ed Technician certification programs.

And then there’s the Ocean… Yes, we have a great location but this is one meeting you shouldn’t miss – for the education. Let’s ‘Catch the Wave!’

Ed Sauter, Executive Director, CFA

esauter@cfawalls.org

CFA Announces Call for Entries for 2010 Projects of the Year Awards

The deadline for submissions is December 15, 2009