Masonry Magazine August 1994 Page. 40
DUR-O-WAL
products. The fast, easy, economical way to retrofit existing masonry walls.
DUR-O-WAL restoration products stabilize facade walls and panels quickly, effectively and affordably. Three easy-to-install products solve virtually any wall stabilization problem:
Repair Anchors
Mechanical anchors tie façades to solid or hollow backup with high strength and durability. The economical answer to most wall movement problems.
Epoxy Anchors
Dur-O-Pair epoxy anchors provide fast-setting, low-stress anchoring. Two-part system is automatically mixed for a perfect application every time. Can be used in hollow or solid backup, and as an anchor bolt for plaques, decorative copings, steel beams etc. Available in Low Odor formulation.
Panel Tie Anchors
Locks veneer stone panels in place quickly and effectively. Saves time and money by eliminating the need to remove and reset panels.
And More...
DUR-O-WAL can supply you with all the other materials, such as masonry anchors, moisture protection and veneer ties assemblies, you need to complete the job should reconstruction be required.
For more information or a FREE consultation, contact your factory authorized distributor or call toll-free: 1-800-323-0090
DUR-O-WAL, INC.
Engineered Products Group
3115 N. Wilke Road, Suite A
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(708) 577-6400
FAX: (708) 577-6418
40 MASONRY-JULY/AUGUST, 1994
I must negotiate and re-negotiate many times to land a job in today's economy. I want to know exactly what I am giving away or promising in terms of crew production when I negotiate. I can't afford to lose my shirt on a job.
Solution:
Masonry estimating software. Estimating software has a wide cost range, from $100 to $3,000 or more and is very specific to the needs of the estimator using the software. It can take from one week to two months to implement estimating software, but it is always worth it.
Purchase estimating software that is so easy to use, your estimator can use it directly-even if he or she has never used a computer before. Don't be too quick to buy features that you do not need or will not realistically use on a regular basis-sav in eighty percent of the estimates that you do.
TO AID IN YOUR SEARCH for useful software, Larry Wendt has compiled a contact list of software companies, including phone numbers and addresses, where you can call or write for complete product information. These aren't recommendations, just software that he's encountered over the years that can be used to solve the problems mentioned above. If you would like a free copy of this fact sheet, send a self addressed, stamped envelope to: Computers. Masonry Magazine, 1550 Spring Road, Oak Brook, IL 60521.
Construction Slides 7 Percent
APRIL'S VOLUME of construction fell 7 percent from the previous month, according to the F. W. Dodge Division of McGraw-Hill. A loss of momentum for nonresidential building and housing was the cause of the decline, as nonbuilding construction (public works and utilities) held steady.
The latest month's report lowered the seasonally adjusted Dodge Index to 103 (1987100), down from March's revised 111 in a retreat from the stronger totals which were posted in the prior two months. Earlier, the Index reached a peak of 110 in October, slipped back over the next three months in falling to January's 105, and then experienced a rebound in February and March as the construction recovery seemed to get back on track.
"Given the stop-and-go behavior for the first two years of recovery, 1992 and 1993, the uneven pattern witnessed so far in 1994 is not surprising," said Robert A. Murray, vice president of economic affairs for Dodge. "One feature of the gradual recovery is an occasional setback, such as April's, when the industry fluctuates around a generally upward trend. While April's shortfall is disappointing, it will take a few more months of weak construction activity before declaring that the current recovery is in trouble."
Nonresidential building in April dropped 12 percent, with lower contracting reported by most of the structure types. Commercial building returned to a pace more typical of recent months, as March had drawn support from the bunching of several large retail and office projects. Murray noted. "Even with a 20 percent decline in April, store construction was still within 3 percent of 1993's average level, and the prospects remain good that this category will bounce back quickly as large discount chains continue to expand." The institutional sector also retreated from its March surge, reflecting a slight one percent downturn for school construction and more substantial declines for this sector's other categories, such as healthcare building.
Residential construction decreased 7 percent in April, to moderate weakening for single family housing which still still remained at a relatively healthy volume. Multifamily housing. in a more depressed condition, fell back from its heightened March amount. The residential decline was most pronounced in the West, while the other regions of the country stayed close to the previous month.
"This spring's higher mortgage rates may have begun to dampen housing activity, but the current situation still carries significant positives- such as improved consumer confidence and employment growth." said Murray. "Furthermore, the Federal Reserve's recent hike in short-term interest rates by half a point has apparently calmed the financial markets. This makes it more likely that the cost of long-term financing, including mortgage rates, will stabilize."