When our Northwest weather turns cold and wet, most of us start thinking about the usual winter activities- holiday shopping, skiing and warm weather vacations. Unfortunately, not many people think about doing a home improvement project, especially one on the exterior. The truth is the “off-season” in the construction industry is a great time to do a project for several reasons:
1. Many areas in the Northwest have mild winter climates, so most projects can be done without having to adjust for weather issues.
2. In the areas with colder climates, contractors can use cold weather techniques that allow them to work in most situations.
3. Supply and demand dynamics work in your favor, as most contractors are eager to find projects during the winter months. The added competition can translate into overall cost savings for the homeowner.
4. There is a good chance your project will start sooner and take less time. With fewer jobs on their schedule, most contractors should have little or no lead-time and will not be trying to juggle multiple projects.
5. Your construction project will not disrupt your spring and summer activities. You can enjoy your new patio or outdoor fireplace as soon as the good weather arrives.
If you are interested in doing a home improvement project, and need a reliable mason or hardscape contractor, please visit our website at www.mutualmaterials.com and click on “Connect with a Preferred Contractor”. Happy Holidays!
Rob Rosson
Residential Sales Manager
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Backyard Transformation, Part Two
Mutual Materials has been at it again, transforming a backyard. This time with a new retaining wall, complete with stairs! We videotaped the project to walk through the steps necessary to create a retaining wall project in your own backyard.
A picture of the yard before the project:
And a couple of pictures after:
As always, if your project is too daunting to undertake on your own or if your interest level in backyard improvement only extends to choosing wall colors, please consider using one of our Preferred Contractors. To find our more about Mutual Materials products or our Preferred Contractor program please visit our website at: http://www.mutualmaterials.com/
Be sure to look for our videos coming up on YouTube, our Facebook page and the Mutual Materials website in coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Kendall Anderegg
Vice President, Sales and Distribution
A picture of the yard before the project:
And a couple of pictures after:
As always, if your project is too daunting to undertake on your own or if your interest level in backyard improvement only extends to choosing wall colors, please consider using one of our Preferred Contractors. To find our more about Mutual Materials products or our Preferred Contractor program please visit our website at: http://www.mutualmaterials.com/
Be sure to look for our videos coming up on YouTube, our Facebook page and the Mutual Materials website in coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Kendall Anderegg
Vice President, Sales and Distribution
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sustainable Masonry
This past weekend, The Masonry Society (www.masonrysociety.org) held its annual meeting in Bellevue, Washington. TMS is a professional, technical, and educational association dedicated to the advancement of knowledge of masonry materials, design and construction. Engineers, architects, contractors, educators, manufacturers and other interested parties participated in the four-day forum.
My involvement with the meeting was to present one manufacturer’s viewpoint on sustainable manufacturing of masonry products. While we still have a long way to go, some of Mutual Materials’ many noteworthy “green” accomplishments are:
1. Incorporating variable speed drive motors in manufacturing operations.
2. Replacing older motors with higher efficiency models that use less energy.
3. Innovative kiln firing systems that modulate energy input according to
demand, resulting in fuel savings.
4. Using best management practices at plants and yards to manage stormwater.
5. Reforestation of clay mining properties.
6. Use of clean-burning propane fuel in our forklift fleet to minimize emissions.
7. Mutual’s multiple manufacturing locations reduce long-haul trucking of
materials, saving fuel.
8. New product developments, like permeable interlocking concrete pavers(PICPs)
that help support low impact development strategies for our customers.
9. Recycling 100% of the waste water from grinding and press operations.
10. Recycling concrete product plant waste into usable products.
It is important to note that being a responsible corporate citizen when it comes to sustainable manufacturing processes can also be profitable. Many of the initiatives listed also resulted in cost savings as well as helping to conserve resources and protect our famous Pacific Northwest environment. So, when evaluating the cost of incorporating sustainable practices, don’t forget about the other “green” payback….cash!
Rick Crooks
Director of Business Development
My involvement with the meeting was to present one manufacturer’s viewpoint on sustainable manufacturing of masonry products. While we still have a long way to go, some of Mutual Materials’ many noteworthy “green” accomplishments are:
1. Incorporating variable speed drive motors in manufacturing operations.
2. Replacing older motors with higher efficiency models that use less energy.
3. Innovative kiln firing systems that modulate energy input according to
demand, resulting in fuel savings.
4. Using best management practices at plants and yards to manage stormwater.
5. Reforestation of clay mining properties.
6. Use of clean-burning propane fuel in our forklift fleet to minimize emissions.
7. Mutual’s multiple manufacturing locations reduce long-haul trucking of
materials, saving fuel.
8. New product developments, like permeable interlocking concrete pavers(PICPs)
that help support low impact development strategies for our customers.
9. Recycling 100% of the waste water from grinding and press operations.
10. Recycling concrete product plant waste into usable products.
It is important to note that being a responsible corporate citizen when it comes to sustainable manufacturing processes can also be profitable. Many of the initiatives listed also resulted in cost savings as well as helping to conserve resources and protect our famous Pacific Northwest environment. So, when evaluating the cost of incorporating sustainable practices, don’t forget about the other “green” payback….cash!
Rick Crooks
Director of Business Development
Monday, August 23, 2010
New Retail Activity - A Sign of Improving Economy or Anomaly?
Recently we have seen a mini-wave of new construction in the retail sector over and above the Walmart's and Winco's of the world who, with lots of cash, are funding their own re-positioning in the marketplace. We are talking small to medium-sized shopping centers, with grocery store anchors and supporting retail buildings.
Developers currently engaged in retail construction are convinced the demand is there, and interestingly enough, are not having a hard time finding tenants. There seems to be a variety of new national chains and local small businesses eager to take advantage of new digs, especially if they are located in trendy areas. The difficulty continues to be in the financing arena. Lower appraisals and tougher lending standards continue to plague developers in their efforts to get projects off the ground. A much higher equity position means the developer has to be in the project for the long run, eliminating those that traditionally build and sell.
It is our hope that this recent up-tick will be a sign of things to come. Similar to Wall Street, someone has to break the ice, and no one wants to be the last one in. Downturns in the past have shown that once the momentum shifts to forward, that others jump on board to take advantage of the lower land and construction costs. And once the developers understand that their return is on a longer cycle, they will find the means to work through the financing issues. Finally, as the banks confidence in private development returns, lending practices might loosen up. It just takes time for folks to adjust to a new environment and new rules. But it is a fact that if developers are not building, they are not making any money. So there is plenty of motivation to get this part of the economy back up and running again.
Developers currently engaged in retail construction are convinced the demand is there, and interestingly enough, are not having a hard time finding tenants. There seems to be a variety of new national chains and local small businesses eager to take advantage of new digs, especially if they are located in trendy areas. The difficulty continues to be in the financing arena. Lower appraisals and tougher lending standards continue to plague developers in their efforts to get projects off the ground. A much higher equity position means the developer has to be in the project for the long run, eliminating those that traditionally build and sell.
It is our hope that this recent up-tick will be a sign of things to come. Similar to Wall Street, someone has to break the ice, and no one wants to be the last one in. Downturns in the past have shown that once the momentum shifts to forward, that others jump on board to take advantage of the lower land and construction costs. And once the developers understand that their return is on a longer cycle, they will find the means to work through the financing issues. Finally, as the banks confidence in private development returns, lending practices might loosen up. It just takes time for folks to adjust to a new environment and new rules. But it is a fact that if developers are not building, they are not making any money. So there is plenty of motivation to get this part of the economy back up and running again.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Summer Means More Time Spent in the Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor living spaces, it seems, are all the rage in the northwest. They can be as simple as a small fire pit in the back yard, all the way up to those elaborate, high-end outdoor kitchens you see in Sunset Magazine. Both serve the same purpose; getting us outside to enjoy the warm weather, family and friends.
Mutual Materials offers many different products that can help create your ideal outdoor living space. Installing a paver patio is a simple, low-cost way to enhance your backyard and create a functional, beautiful area for people to gather. Add retaining wall block to your design to create a seating wall for guests to sit and relax, or to build a fire pit for warmth and pizzazz.
For those with larger areas to work with, an outdoor fireplace can be a beautiful addition to your backyard. Mutual Materials now carries the FireRock line of prefab fireplace units. These fireplaces are both cost effective and fairly simple to install. Generally, they can be constructed in one day and faced with your favorite brick or stone in one day. A two-day outdoor fireplace solution is great option for homeowners and contractors alike. Please visit our website at www.mutualmaterials.com, or one of our many northwest branches, for more information on all our products that can be used to build the outdoor living space of your dreams.
Rob Rosson
Residential Sales Manager
Mutual Materials offers many different products that can help create your ideal outdoor living space. Installing a paver patio is a simple, low-cost way to enhance your backyard and create a functional, beautiful area for people to gather. Add retaining wall block to your design to create a seating wall for guests to sit and relax, or to build a fire pit for warmth and pizzazz.
For those with larger areas to work with, an outdoor fireplace can be a beautiful addition to your backyard. Mutual Materials now carries the FireRock line of prefab fireplace units. These fireplaces are both cost effective and fairly simple to install. Generally, they can be constructed in one day and faced with your favorite brick or stone in one day. A two-day outdoor fireplace solution is great option for homeowners and contractors alike. Please visit our website at www.mutualmaterials.com, or one of our many northwest branches, for more information on all our products that can be used to build the outdoor living space of your dreams.
Rob Rosson
Residential Sales Manager
Friday, June 18, 2010
DesignEyeQ
Guest blog from Krista Bucher, Owens Corning Masonry Products Area Sales Manager. Mutual Materials supplies Cultured Stone and Prostone products throughout our sales and distribution network.
A picture can be worth a thousand words. It holds true with masonry as well. That's why Owens Corning recently introduced a new visualization tool called Design EyeQ. It was created to help homeowners, contractors, builders, and designers visualize what stone would look like on, in, and around the home. Have a particular project in mind? Simply upload a photo of the home, determine what areas to add stone, and apply one of many popular Cultured Stone products to it. When you're done, you can save it, print it, and show it off! Then bring it in to one of the many Mutual Materials branches for samples and additional product info.
Don't have a specific project yet? That's OK too - feel free to choose from a number of popular home styles that are pre-populated and try out professionally designed color palettes or create custom combinations.
If you can dream it, we'll help you design it.
Be sure to check it out at www.culturedstone.com/
A picture can be worth a thousand words. It holds true with masonry as well. That's why Owens Corning recently introduced a new visualization tool called Design EyeQ. It was created to help homeowners, contractors, builders, and designers visualize what stone would look like on, in, and around the home. Have a particular project in mind? Simply upload a photo of the home, determine what areas to add stone, and apply one of many popular Cultured Stone products to it. When you're done, you can save it, print it, and show it off! Then bring it in to one of the many Mutual Materials branches for samples and additional product info.
Don't have a specific project yet? That's OK too - feel free to choose from a number of popular home styles that are pre-populated and try out professionally designed color palettes or create custom combinations.
If you can dream it, we'll help you design it.
Be sure to check it out at www.culturedstone.com/
Monday, June 14, 2010
Mutual Brick Selected for Future Hospital Expansions
For the fifteenth consecutive year, Cleveland Clinic has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for heart care according to the 2009 U.S News & World Report, “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. Since 1994 no other hospital in the country has ranked higher than Cleveland Clinic for cardio care. The survey also ranked Cleveland Clinic as one of the best hospitals overall – ranked at No. 4 nationally.
So with billions of dollars in research grant money, Cleveland Clinic is on a building spree. And they have selected Mutual Materials’ Granite smooth colored face brick on three state of the art health and research facilities in and around the greater Cleveland area.
The first project to select Mutual brick was the Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center (GCIC) that broke ground in the fall of 2009. As one can imagine, competition was fierce. Our distributor in the area, The Thomas Brick Co., reported that local area brick manufacturers and distributors were “pulling out all the stops” in trying to supply product on such a high profile project - not to mention a severe recession in this area that has suppliers scrambling to find business. But in the end, a determined effort by Thomas Brick was able to convince the architect and ownership that no one in the US has a color quite like Mutual’s granite brick. It is a singular color made up of a white clay body with a dark speckle. It was a perfect fit for the simplistic, modern building design envisioned by the designers.
Building number two is the Family Health & Surgery Center located in the Cleveland suburb of Twinsburg. At nearly four times the square footage, this project will require about four times as much brick as the GCIC. A third project, the Family Health Center in Avon, OH will feature an approximate three-fold use in brick over the original GCIC. Again, both projects feature very modernistic design for which Mutual’s Granite brick color is uniquely suited.
There is currently a fourth building in the design phase. With the momentum gained from the first three buildings, it looks as if Mutual Materials will continue to play an important role in the expansion plans in one of our nation’s top health care providers.
Steve Hubbard
Distributor Sales Manager
So with billions of dollars in research grant money, Cleveland Clinic is on a building spree. And they have selected Mutual Materials’ Granite smooth colored face brick on three state of the art health and research facilities in and around the greater Cleveland area.
The first project to select Mutual brick was the Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center (GCIC) that broke ground in the fall of 2009. As one can imagine, competition was fierce. Our distributor in the area, The Thomas Brick Co., reported that local area brick manufacturers and distributors were “pulling out all the stops” in trying to supply product on such a high profile project - not to mention a severe recession in this area that has suppliers scrambling to find business. But in the end, a determined effort by Thomas Brick was able to convince the architect and ownership that no one in the US has a color quite like Mutual’s granite brick. It is a singular color made up of a white clay body with a dark speckle. It was a perfect fit for the simplistic, modern building design envisioned by the designers.
Building number two is the Family Health & Surgery Center located in the Cleveland suburb of Twinsburg. At nearly four times the square footage, this project will require about four times as much brick as the GCIC. A third project, the Family Health Center in Avon, OH will feature an approximate three-fold use in brick over the original GCIC. Again, both projects feature very modernistic design for which Mutual’s Granite brick color is uniquely suited.
There is currently a fourth building in the design phase. With the momentum gained from the first three buildings, it looks as if Mutual Materials will continue to play an important role in the expansion plans in one of our nation’s top health care providers.
Steve Hubbard
Distributor Sales Manager
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Turn up the heat in your backyard
More and more people are choosing to expand their living space into their back yards. Outdoor living spaces have become a popular area for the remodel market. Besides a BBQ, one of the necessities of a functional outdoor living space is a source of heat. This is particularly true in the Northwest where chilly evenings are the norm.
Fireplaces and firepits are an excellent choice for adding both a source of heat and an aesthetic element to your yard.
Mutual Materials offers a wide array of outdoor fireplace and firepit choices. We sell all the necessary items to build your own fireplace whether it is a regular fireplace or a Rumford design fireplace. We have recently become a distributor of Firerock fireplaces, which are pre –engineered component fireplaces. These are manufactured masonry units that are designed for their easy of installation and cost savings. They are designed to burn wood, but can be hooked up to gas if you prefer.
For those of you who may be more adventurous, we also offer pizza ovens from Superior Clay products. On Tuesday June 8th we will be conducting a hands on demonstration at our Vancouver branch from 2:00PM to 4:30PM.
For those who would prefer to stick to something a little less challenging, Mutual Materials offers an number of choices for you to do your own firepit.
Check out your options at any one of our nineteen branch locations and start enjoying your new backyard immediately!
Sincerely,
Craig Olsen
Branch Operations Manager
Fireplaces and firepits are an excellent choice for adding both a source of heat and an aesthetic element to your yard.
Mutual Materials offers a wide array of outdoor fireplace and firepit choices. We sell all the necessary items to build your own fireplace whether it is a regular fireplace or a Rumford design fireplace. We have recently become a distributor of Firerock fireplaces, which are pre –engineered component fireplaces. These are manufactured masonry units that are designed for their easy of installation and cost savings. They are designed to burn wood, but can be hooked up to gas if you prefer.
For those of you who may be more adventurous, we also offer pizza ovens from Superior Clay products. On Tuesday June 8th we will be conducting a hands on demonstration at our Vancouver branch from 2:00PM to 4:30PM.
For those who would prefer to stick to something a little less challenging, Mutual Materials offers an number of choices for you to do your own firepit.
Check out your options at any one of our nineteen branch locations and start enjoying your new backyard immediately!
Sincerely,
Craig Olsen
Branch Operations Manager
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Positive News for the spring
As we head into Spring there is positive buzz from consumers again. It started with the headlines touting “Housing starts jump in March”, “Existing-home sales up 6.8%” and “Uptick predicted in remodeling activity”.
Homeowners are beginning to jump back on the spending bandwagon. The post recession consumers are not as carefree with their spending and thankfully they are ready to invest in their homes again. Gains in housing prices and a stabilization in the employment outlook have helped homeowners refocus on renovation projects.
Reports we see from retailers show that our milder El Nino year gave people early motivation to think more about their outdoor living spaces. Sales this year have started off positive relative to the past couple years. One change from the past is that folks are more value conscious than they were in the heady days of 2007. People are ready to shape their landscape with a classy paver patio or retaining walls, but they want their projects to be affordable at the same time.
Outdoor living spaces are a very reasonable investment. A budget number builders use to estimate the average cost per SF in a home is $135/SF, the cost of a deck $24 SF and the cost of a paver patio is even less. For the next several months the best place to be in the Northwest is outside relaxing with family and friends on the patio. Several colors and textures are available to design stunning areas that also meet the post recession consumer’s needs.
Sincerely,
Brian Healow
Dealer Sales Manager
Homeowners are beginning to jump back on the spending bandwagon. The post recession consumers are not as carefree with their spending and thankfully they are ready to invest in their homes again. Gains in housing prices and a stabilization in the employment outlook have helped homeowners refocus on renovation projects.
Reports we see from retailers show that our milder El Nino year gave people early motivation to think more about their outdoor living spaces. Sales this year have started off positive relative to the past couple years. One change from the past is that folks are more value conscious than they were in the heady days of 2007. People are ready to shape their landscape with a classy paver patio or retaining walls, but they want their projects to be affordable at the same time.
Outdoor living spaces are a very reasonable investment. A budget number builders use to estimate the average cost per SF in a home is $135/SF, the cost of a deck $24 SF and the cost of a paver patio is even less. For the next several months the best place to be in the Northwest is outside relaxing with family and friends on the patio. Several colors and textures are available to design stunning areas that also meet the post recession consumer’s needs.
Sincerely,
Brian Healow
Dealer Sales Manager
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Amendment to the Oregon Energy Code Bodes Well for Industry
Back on February 3rd of this year, the Building Code Structures Board approved the 2010 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC) for public comment. This proposed new code will drastically increase the insulation requirements for what is probably one of the most popular and cost effective building systems on the market; structurally reinforced concrete masonry walls with integral insulation. Under the proposed code requirements block walls used in the construction of gymnasiums, shopping centers, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, etc., would be required to provide continuous insulation on the interior or exterior side of the walls.
Installing continuous insulation is not only costly, but it will diminish or completely eliminate the low maintenance and durability aspects of mass walls. One good example is gymnasiums. Continuous insulation on the interior wall would require furring, insulation and some sort of sheathing, most likely gyp board. Can you imagine what will happen after a basketball slams into one of these walls?
Fortunately for our industry, the proposed changes have been closely monitored by the Northwest Concrete Masonry Association. Through the efforts of its Director, Tom Young, along with individuals from the Mutual Materials Co. and the Masonry Institute of Oregon, an effective lobby effort to persuade the Board to look at the economic impacts of the changes seems to have had a beneficial effect. There is now a proposed amendment to the OEESC that will virtually leave intact most of the current industry friendly insulation requirements. This amendment is listed as an agenda item on the upcoming May 5th meeting of the Board.
Sincerely,
Steve Hubbard
Distributor Sales Manager
Installing continuous insulation is not only costly, but it will diminish or completely eliminate the low maintenance and durability aspects of mass walls. One good example is gymnasiums. Continuous insulation on the interior wall would require furring, insulation and some sort of sheathing, most likely gyp board. Can you imagine what will happen after a basketball slams into one of these walls?
Fortunately for our industry, the proposed changes have been closely monitored by the Northwest Concrete Masonry Association. Through the efforts of its Director, Tom Young, along with individuals from the Mutual Materials Co. and the Masonry Institute of Oregon, an effective lobby effort to persuade the Board to look at the economic impacts of the changes seems to have had a beneficial effect. There is now a proposed amendment to the OEESC that will virtually leave intact most of the current industry friendly insulation requirements. This amendment is listed as an agenda item on the upcoming May 5th meeting of the Board.
Sincerely,
Steve Hubbard
Distributor Sales Manager
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The World of Commercial
The commercial construction market continues to struggle much as the rest of the overall economy. With the exception of the financial and legal markets, the rest of us remain on the slow train toward recovery.
In the private development market, re-capitalization is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome. As billions and billions of dollars worth of term loans come due, owners and developers are struggling to find the capital necessary to refinance their properties. A huge problem comes in the form of appraisals that set the market value for a property. For example: a property owner has a $3 million equity stake in a building that was worth $9 million a year ago. A new appraisal comes in at $1.5 million. The bank, now wants $1.5 million to continue to carry the debt on the property. Understand that the new appraisal is not worth the paper it is written on, but it shows the 180 degree turn around in the process that helped get us where we are today. This newly found conservatism is having a profound impact on the commercial real estate industry.
As more and more of these properties go through this process, many owners will lose their properties and many others will have properties of lesser value making it difficult for new development to compete. As the developers of new projects seek loans, the lower market value means higher equity contribution from the investors, and a longer duration before a similar return. Therefore, many investors are looking at investment opportunities other than development.
Having said all that, once this process runs it course, the market will settle down, and new development will commence again. In the meantime, there will be a few owner-occupied projects to bid, plus a decent amount of work in the public and hospital sectors to keep us going for a while....
Sincerely,
Gary Zagelow
Commercial Segment Manager
In the private development market, re-capitalization is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome. As billions and billions of dollars worth of term loans come due, owners and developers are struggling to find the capital necessary to refinance their properties. A huge problem comes in the form of appraisals that set the market value for a property. For example: a property owner has a $3 million equity stake in a building that was worth $9 million a year ago. A new appraisal comes in at $1.5 million. The bank, now wants $1.5 million to continue to carry the debt on the property. Understand that the new appraisal is not worth the paper it is written on, but it shows the 180 degree turn around in the process that helped get us where we are today. This newly found conservatism is having a profound impact on the commercial real estate industry.
As more and more of these properties go through this process, many owners will lose their properties and many others will have properties of lesser value making it difficult for new development to compete. As the developers of new projects seek loans, the lower market value means higher equity contribution from the investors, and a longer duration before a similar return. Therefore, many investors are looking at investment opportunities other than development.
Having said all that, once this process runs it course, the market will settle down, and new development will commence again. In the meantime, there will be a few owner-occupied projects to bid, plus a decent amount of work in the public and hospital sectors to keep us going for a while....
Sincerely,
Gary Zagelow
Commercial Segment Manager
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Environmental Additions
As a society we are becoming increasingly aware of our effect on the environment. This awareness is driving demand for more sustainable products across every industry. The difficult part is balancing what’s environmentally responsible with what is economically sensible. As consumers and designers, we look for opportunities where we can get what we need for the right price and do the right thing.
At Mutual Materials, we recognize the demand for more sustainable options in our product line and have expanded our Environmental product family beyond our group of permeable pavers. Helping our plants and our customers reduce their carbon footprint, we are now offering a paver and segmental retaining wall block that are made with recycled content.
Our Holland
and Manorstone are both attractive products that are very difficult to distinguish from the original products. Holland pavers and Manorstone have been two of the most popular products, making them an ideal starting point for using recycled materials. Both of these products may contribute to LEED credits based on their recycled content. For more information contact your local branch or check www.mutualmaterials.com.
One last note to remember is that Mutual Materials original product, brick, is also very green. It may not be part of the Environmental family of products, but that does not mean we take for granted the environmental aspects of brick: a 100 year life cycle, non toxic, and locally produced.
More new products are on the way so stay tuned.
Sincerely,
Brian Healow
Dealer Segment Manager
At Mutual Materials, we recognize the demand for more sustainable options in our product line and have expanded our Environmental product family beyond our group of permeable pavers. Helping our plants and our customers reduce their carbon footprint, we are now offering a paver and segmental retaining wall block that are made with recycled content.
Our Holland
and Manorstone are both attractive products that are very difficult to distinguish from the original products. Holland pavers and Manorstone have been two of the most popular products, making them an ideal starting point for using recycled materials. Both of these products may contribute to LEED credits based on their recycled content. For more information contact your local branch or check www.mutualmaterials.com.
One last note to remember is that Mutual Materials original product, brick, is also very green. It may not be part of the Environmental family of products, but that does not mean we take for granted the environmental aspects of brick: a 100 year life cycle, non toxic, and locally produced.
More new products are on the way so stay tuned.
Sincerely,
Brian Healow
Dealer Segment Manager
Monday, March 1, 2010
Now Is The Time To Find A Qualified Contractor
Spring is right around the corner, so now is the time to start thinking about your home improvement projects. If your project includes masonry or hardscape work, you’ll want to consider our Preferred Contractor Program. This program takes the mystery and trepidation out of finding a qualified contractor within your area. Preferred Contractors must meet minimum qualifications to be associated with the program, so you can be confident that the companies responding to your request for a bid will be professional and experienced. Keep in mind contractors are also gearing up for the construction season, which means their schedules will start filling up fast. So if you think you’ll need a contractor for your project, take the time to at least get a couple of bids.
To find a Preferred Contractor, go to www.mutualmaterials.com and click on “Connect with a Contractor”. From there, it’s just a few easy steps to finding a quality contractor who is familiar with our products. Prior to going through this process, please take some time to review our product offerings on the website. This will prepare you to discuss your project needs with the contractors who contact you. We wish you much success with your project!
Sincerely,
Rob Rosson
Residential Sales Manager
To find a Preferred Contractor, go to www.mutualmaterials.com and click on “Connect with a Contractor”. From there, it’s just a few easy steps to finding a quality contractor who is familiar with our products. Prior to going through this process, please take some time to review our product offerings on the website. This will prepare you to discuss your project needs with the contractors who contact you. We wish you much success with your project!
Sincerely,
Rob Rosson
Residential Sales Manager
Monday, February 8, 2010
Updates from north of the border
February 2010. The sun is shining and the weather is dry with temperatures in the mid 50’s. The Olympic Committee is trucking in snow from Manning Park, some 3 hours away to the east, and the world is set to visit the 2010 Olympic Winter Games beginning on Friday, February 05, 2010. We’re excited about the events that will take place over the next three weeks, followed by the Para-games stretching into March. In case you wanted to know, there are tickets and accommodations still available, maybe not the opening ceremonies or the gold medal hockey game, but for many other events. Come and visit us. We have a number of customers from other parts of Canada coming and we’ll take the opportunity to show them the beauty of Mutual Materials brick buildings, hardscape installations, as well as the beauty of the lower mainland, mountains, sun and water.
There is no bricklaying race in Vancouver, but as Canadians we were proud to hear that one of own finished second in Las Vegas this past Wednesday, laying well over 800 brick in 60 minutes and with no workmanship deductions, sounds like the trade is in good and qualified hands.
With respect to other training, Mutual Materials Canada is planning an ICPI Certified Installer class in Surrey for this spring; further details will be released as they become available. Keep checking our websites: www.mutualmaterials.ca and www.mutualmaterials.com for further information.
We’re also looking forward to participating in the four “contractor events” Rona stores will have this spring at Kelwona, Vancouver, Victoria and Abbotsford.
While the world is here, construction is expected to slow down, but the good news is we have the manpower and product capacity ready to complete the work being designed now and soon to be tendered. Having Mutual brick plants running has been helpful to the design and construction sector, a number of multiple tenant projects have started again looking to capture the housing demand abetted by continued low interest rates.
Looking forward to seeing you this month and to an improved 2010.
Sincerely,
Brian Cote
Canadian Sales Manager
There is no bricklaying race in Vancouver, but as Canadians we were proud to hear that one of own finished second in Las Vegas this past Wednesday, laying well over 800 brick in 60 minutes and with no workmanship deductions, sounds like the trade is in good and qualified hands.
With respect to other training, Mutual Materials Canada is planning an ICPI Certified Installer class in Surrey for this spring; further details will be released as they become available. Keep checking our websites: www.mutualmaterials.ca and www.mutualmaterials.com for further information.
We’re also looking forward to participating in the four “contractor events” Rona stores will have this spring at Kelwona, Vancouver, Victoria and Abbotsford.
While the world is here, construction is expected to slow down, but the good news is we have the manpower and product capacity ready to complete the work being designed now and soon to be tendered. Having Mutual brick plants running has been helpful to the design and construction sector, a number of multiple tenant projects have started again looking to capture the housing demand abetted by continued low interest rates.
Looking forward to seeing you this month and to an improved 2010.
Sincerely,
Brian Cote
Canadian Sales Manager
Monday, February 1, 2010
Fly Ash “Brick” vs. Clay Brick
Over the past several months, a venture-capital backed company has aggressively launched a fly ash brick campaign on the east coast, claiming they have a product that out performs, and is more environmentally friendly than clay brick. While no fly ash brick has yet been manufactured in the US, claims this product is more environmentally friendly and “greener” than traditional clay brick are easily made but difficult to back up.
Currently, claims that fly ash brick are more environmentally friendly and perform better than clay brick cannot be substantiated. There are currently no scientific studies, no track record of durability and no concrete evidence of performance anywhere in the building industry. Without any production yet taking place in the US, claims about its performance are grossly premature.
Clay brick, however, has a performance history that spans thousand of years. Proof of its quality exists in structures found throughout the world. Clay brick is also fully compliant with current ASTM Standards (national building product standards) that govern its physical properties and, to some extent, the performance of brick in the real world.
Only comprehensive testing and development of ASTM Standards specific to fly ash brick, along with a proven track record in the built environment will determine its future. However, the history and extensive testing of clay brick ensures you’re going with a proven winner!
Steve Hubbard
Distributor Sales Manager
Currently, claims that fly ash brick are more environmentally friendly and perform better than clay brick cannot be substantiated. There are currently no scientific studies, no track record of durability and no concrete evidence of performance anywhere in the building industry. Without any production yet taking place in the US, claims about its performance are grossly premature.
Clay brick, however, has a performance history that spans thousand of years. Proof of its quality exists in structures found throughout the world. Clay brick is also fully compliant with current ASTM Standards (national building product standards) that govern its physical properties and, to some extent, the performance of brick in the real world.
Only comprehensive testing and development of ASTM Standards specific to fly ash brick, along with a proven track record in the built environment will determine its future. However, the history and extensive testing of clay brick ensures you’re going with a proven winner!
Steve Hubbard
Distributor Sales Manager
Monday, January 25, 2010
Vitamin D
Doctors recommend that we take Vitamin D for its many benefits including strong bones and better energy. Well, last week we finally got a huge dose of vitamin D courtesy of an unusually warm week in January with clear skies. It was the perfect way to get psyched up about the upcoming Spring season. One can feel the energy to go back outside and get projects started.
In the housing industry there is a more upbeat feel as experts predict improvement in the housing market. David Crowe, the chief economist for the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders), predicts that interest rates will stay low through 2010 which helps set the stage for buyers to return to the housing market. Further the NAHB forecast expects the recovery to take place in the single-family sector, where starts are predicted to rise 37.7%.
Consumers are still cautious but have to feel more confident than they did a year ago. A warmer winter than last year will prompt people to get in the mood earlier and start thinking about what they can do to improve their outdoor living spaces. To kick start the creative juices and help people with their outdoor visions, we will be showing our products at the various shows throughout the Northwest. The show season kicked off with the Seattle Remodel Show. Next will be the Tacoma Home Show followed by the Northwest Flower and Garden show in Seattle, the Spokane Home and Yard show, Missoula Home and Garden show, and the Seattle Home Show.
Our industry will begin to rebound and get energy as the real Vitamin D, “DEMAND”, improves in both the housing market and consumer market. Our effort will be to show people new products and create great looking displays that inspire needs. Please visit the shows and check out the products. We hope that our work will help create the demand that helps all of our businesses.
Sincerely,
Brian Healow
DIY Segment Manager
Monday, January 18, 2010
NEW ASTM MORTAR STANDARD
With 2010 being the new year and the start of a new decade, it also marks the beginning of a new ASTM mortar standard: C1714. The official title for C1714 is the Standard Specification for Preblended Dry Mortar Mix for Unit Masonry. After several years in development, C1714 was ratified during the December ASTM meeting, and first made available as an official standard on December 28, 2009. At present it is only available from the ASTM website because the collection of standards volume 04.05 won’t be published until June. More information is available on the ASTM website at www.astm.org.
C1714 is really a subset of the reigning mortar standard C270. In fact, most people in the industry know C270 by its 1800psi strength requirement. C270 was first published in 1951, so it was developed during a time when mortar mix materials were batched on jobsite at the mixer. While C270 governs the mortar’s physical characteristics necessary for a structure’s engineering requirements, the spirit of the standard is still rooted in mortar mix materials batched on the jobsite.
The majority of the mortar used today is a preblended dry mortar mix in 80lb small bags or 3000-3500lb bulk bags, all of which is designed to meet the requirements of C270. The industry has switched to preblending mortar due to the many advantages it offers over mortar mixed on a jobsite including consistency from batch to batch, consistency of ingredient ratios, the ability to combine ingredients of extremely small dosages, custom sand blends, confidence that the mortar mix complies with the ASTM standards, etc. Preblended mortar simplifies material handling on the job site; everything is “ready to use” all in one bag; “all you have to do is open the bag and add water.”
One particularly useful advantage, Preblended mortar offers the ability to directly compare the test results from the mortar mix sampled at the manufacturing facility to the mortar mix sampled at the jobsite. The preblended mortar mix is delivered to the jobsite dry and therefore can be sampled dry and taken back to the lab to be tested alongside mortar sampled from the plant using the exact same laboratory test methods. On the other hand, with mortars batched at the jobsite, where the sand already contains moisture, the mortar mix is wet as soon as the sand is added, which starts the mortar setting process, and therefore requires different test methods. The results from these test methods are not directly comparable to those of the laboratory test methods.
The mortar test that causes the most misconception about comparable results is the mortar strength test. C270 requires a Type S mortar to have a minimum strength of 1800psi. The number 1800 is easily remembered; however it is not the only part of the requirement. The rest of the requirement places specific, controlled restrictions on exactly how the mortar is to be tested, in a laboratory. One of these controls is water content, which plays a huge role in defining the strength of the mortar. The amount of water in the mortar required for a C270 strength test is anywhere from one third to a half of the amount of water used on the jobsite. (Side note: In general, the lower the water content of the mortar the higher the mortar strength. So, why the difference in water contents between lab test mortar and mortar used on the jobsite? The jobsite mortar has more water to make it easier to place in the wall. When the mortar is placed in the wall, the masonry unit absorbs some of the water out of the mortar thereby increasing the strength of the mortar. The lab test is designed to loosely simulate the strength of the mortar after placement in the wall.)
Specification C270 doesn’t directly address the characteristics and practices associated with preblended mortar, which makes specifying the preblended mortar process more complicated. That is where C1714 comes in.
Under the umbrella of C270, there are five main components to C1714: traceability of ingredients of the mortar mix, ingredient blending consistency, testing frequency, allowance of additives based upon performance, and all ingredients are to be dry. Specification C1714 requires the ingredients and their corresponding dosage in a batch be recorded for every batch, and every mortar mix package receive a traceability marking linking it to the corresponding batch from which it was made, and all of this information is to be recorded and retained. C1714 places calibration requirements on the batching equipment for ingredients added in large and small quantities as well as tolerances on the ingredient dosages.
C1714 really defines a subset of mortars available under the umbrella of C270, so one of the biggest challenges in developing C1714 was in the area of admixtures. In C270 admixtures are only allowed if specified. From the overview standpoint of C270, the concern regarding the use of admixtures without being specified centered on a lack of real control of how and what type of admixtures are added in the field. In C1714 the as specified restriction was removed. The approach to admixture use in C1714 required three things. One, a clearly stated requirement that all ingredients of the mortar mix be dry. Two, a clearly stated requirement that all ingredients be added at the manufacturing facility, where the dosage can be precisely controlled and the resulting mortar mix can be tested. Three, the definition of admixture needed to be modified. Admixtures for masonry mortars have had a standard for several years, C1384. C270 even recognizes it. The only problem with using C1384 was the definition of admixture includes liquid ingredients-combining liquid materials with dry materials for long term use as a dry material is tricky. Instead of placing modification requirements on the use of admixtures, the task group decided to develop a new term for our desired type of ingredients: additives. C12 does not have a specific definition for additives, so we developed one. The C1714 definition of additive is essentially the same as for admixture only restricted to dry materials, so as a result these ingredients must comply with the requirements of C1384. For reference, some of these additives have dosage requirements that are extremely small, for example 30g of additive may be added to batch with a total weight of 4500lb. That type of dosage is just not practical for a jobsite mix.
C1714 has only been an official ASTM standard for a few weeks, so it’s going to take time to find its way into the industry.
Sincerely,
Jeff Thompson
QC Manager of Dry Mix Plant
C1714 is really a subset of the reigning mortar standard C270. In fact, most people in the industry know C270 by its 1800psi strength requirement. C270 was first published in 1951, so it was developed during a time when mortar mix materials were batched on jobsite at the mixer. While C270 governs the mortar’s physical characteristics necessary for a structure’s engineering requirements, the spirit of the standard is still rooted in mortar mix materials batched on the jobsite.
The majority of the mortar used today is a preblended dry mortar mix in 80lb small bags or 3000-3500lb bulk bags, all of which is designed to meet the requirements of C270. The industry has switched to preblending mortar due to the many advantages it offers over mortar mixed on a jobsite including consistency from batch to batch, consistency of ingredient ratios, the ability to combine ingredients of extremely small dosages, custom sand blends, confidence that the mortar mix complies with the ASTM standards, etc. Preblended mortar simplifies material handling on the job site; everything is “ready to use” all in one bag; “all you have to do is open the bag and add water.”
One particularly useful advantage, Preblended mortar offers the ability to directly compare the test results from the mortar mix sampled at the manufacturing facility to the mortar mix sampled at the jobsite. The preblended mortar mix is delivered to the jobsite dry and therefore can be sampled dry and taken back to the lab to be tested alongside mortar sampled from the plant using the exact same laboratory test methods. On the other hand, with mortars batched at the jobsite, where the sand already contains moisture, the mortar mix is wet as soon as the sand is added, which starts the mortar setting process, and therefore requires different test methods. The results from these test methods are not directly comparable to those of the laboratory test methods.
The mortar test that causes the most misconception about comparable results is the mortar strength test. C270 requires a Type S mortar to have a minimum strength of 1800psi. The number 1800 is easily remembered; however it is not the only part of the requirement. The rest of the requirement places specific, controlled restrictions on exactly how the mortar is to be tested, in a laboratory. One of these controls is water content, which plays a huge role in defining the strength of the mortar. The amount of water in the mortar required for a C270 strength test is anywhere from one third to a half of the amount of water used on the jobsite. (Side note: In general, the lower the water content of the mortar the higher the mortar strength. So, why the difference in water contents between lab test mortar and mortar used on the jobsite? The jobsite mortar has more water to make it easier to place in the wall. When the mortar is placed in the wall, the masonry unit absorbs some of the water out of the mortar thereby increasing the strength of the mortar. The lab test is designed to loosely simulate the strength of the mortar after placement in the wall.)
Specification C270 doesn’t directly address the characteristics and practices associated with preblended mortar, which makes specifying the preblended mortar process more complicated. That is where C1714 comes in.
Under the umbrella of C270, there are five main components to C1714: traceability of ingredients of the mortar mix, ingredient blending consistency, testing frequency, allowance of additives based upon performance, and all ingredients are to be dry. Specification C1714 requires the ingredients and their corresponding dosage in a batch be recorded for every batch, and every mortar mix package receive a traceability marking linking it to the corresponding batch from which it was made, and all of this information is to be recorded and retained. C1714 places calibration requirements on the batching equipment for ingredients added in large and small quantities as well as tolerances on the ingredient dosages.
C1714 really defines a subset of mortars available under the umbrella of C270, so one of the biggest challenges in developing C1714 was in the area of admixtures. In C270 admixtures are only allowed if specified. From the overview standpoint of C270, the concern regarding the use of admixtures without being specified centered on a lack of real control of how and what type of admixtures are added in the field. In C1714 the as specified restriction was removed. The approach to admixture use in C1714 required three things. One, a clearly stated requirement that all ingredients of the mortar mix be dry. Two, a clearly stated requirement that all ingredients be added at the manufacturing facility, where the dosage can be precisely controlled and the resulting mortar mix can be tested. Three, the definition of admixture needed to be modified. Admixtures for masonry mortars have had a standard for several years, C1384. C270 even recognizes it. The only problem with using C1384 was the definition of admixture includes liquid ingredients-combining liquid materials with dry materials for long term use as a dry material is tricky. Instead of placing modification requirements on the use of admixtures, the task group decided to develop a new term for our desired type of ingredients: additives. C12 does not have a specific definition for additives, so we developed one. The C1714 definition of additive is essentially the same as for admixture only restricted to dry materials, so as a result these ingredients must comply with the requirements of C1384. For reference, some of these additives have dosage requirements that are extremely small, for example 30g of additive may be added to batch with a total weight of 4500lb. That type of dosage is just not practical for a jobsite mix.
C1714 has only been an official ASTM standard for a few weeks, so it’s going to take time to find its way into the industry.
Sincerely,
Jeff Thompson
QC Manager of Dry Mix Plant
Monday, January 11, 2010
Winter Doldrums - 2010 starts off slower than 2009
I think a lot of folks were hoping that 2010 would miraculously start off better than 2009, as if the faucet that was the recession would be shut off and all the pent up demand would begin flowing again. Not so. We are only half way through January and my colleagues are wondering if 2010 might be even worse than 2009. There seems to be nothing in the short term pipeline.
A couple of thoughts might help give some perspective to things:
At the end of 2008, there was still some inertia from earlier in the year that slopped into the first quarter of 2009. Indeed some markets actually exceeded expectations through the first three months.
Secondly and perhaps more importantly, it appears that we are now in a seasonal construction cycle. Years ago, before interest rates and schedule were all that mattered, construction slowed significantly in the winter. Builders saw very little benefit in trying to pour concrete and pound nails in the rain and snow. In those days, construction began slowing in early November and didn't start back up until February or so, because there was no hurry. The home buying season was late Spring and Summer, so as long as homes and buildings were well into the construction phase, things were fine.
In the Commercial Market, we continue to see a considerable amount of backlog in Public Sector projects. The Subsidized Housing market is making some waves, and we even see some of our Retail developers raising their heads and poking around at some projects that were left on hold last year. It is way too early to predict that we are through the worst, just that there is some activity which should pave the way for a little optimism. On the Residential side, which is not my expertise, I grab at a few data points that seem to indicate better times to come. First, housing inventory continues to drop, always a good sign. Secondly, a few of the larger builders are optimistic that 2010 will be better, and plan more starts this year. I overheard a colleague mention that housing permits are up from last January. Finally, our Administration will continue to spend money in an effort to jump start the housing market.
So let's not use the first few days of the New Year as an indicator of the year ahead. It's cold and wet, and nobody is motivated to work right now. But it is in our nature to be active and productive and those in the business are ready to move on. 2010 might just surprise some people.....
Sincerely,
Gary Zagelow
Commercial Sales Manager
A couple of thoughts might help give some perspective to things:
At the end of 2008, there was still some inertia from earlier in the year that slopped into the first quarter of 2009. Indeed some markets actually exceeded expectations through the first three months.
Secondly and perhaps more importantly, it appears that we are now in a seasonal construction cycle. Years ago, before interest rates and schedule were all that mattered, construction slowed significantly in the winter. Builders saw very little benefit in trying to pour concrete and pound nails in the rain and snow. In those days, construction began slowing in early November and didn't start back up until February or so, because there was no hurry. The home buying season was late Spring and Summer, so as long as homes and buildings were well into the construction phase, things were fine.
In the Commercial Market, we continue to see a considerable amount of backlog in Public Sector projects. The Subsidized Housing market is making some waves, and we even see some of our Retail developers raising their heads and poking around at some projects that were left on hold last year. It is way too early to predict that we are through the worst, just that there is some activity which should pave the way for a little optimism. On the Residential side, which is not my expertise, I grab at a few data points that seem to indicate better times to come. First, housing inventory continues to drop, always a good sign. Secondly, a few of the larger builders are optimistic that 2010 will be better, and plan more starts this year. I overheard a colleague mention that housing permits are up from last January. Finally, our Administration will continue to spend money in an effort to jump start the housing market.
So let's not use the first few days of the New Year as an indicator of the year ahead. It's cold and wet, and nobody is motivated to work right now. But it is in our nature to be active and productive and those in the business are ready to move on. 2010 might just surprise some people.....
Sincerely,
Gary Zagelow
Commercial Sales Manager
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Columbia Brick Plant Fires Up Again
Gresham Outlook recently published an article on the Columbia brick plant reopening after getting the Oregon State Hospital contract.
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