Concrete Briefs . . .

Quad-Lock Introduces Quad-Deck for Floors, Roofs and Tilt-up
Quad-Deck is a new joist and deck forming system for floors and roofs that can be used for both commercial and residential construction. Quad-Deck combines the strength, security and reliability of concrete with the energy efficiency, design flexibility and comfort of insulating concrete forms (ICF).

"Quad-Deck is an integral component in our ability to offer our customers a complete building solution. We have developed a system to seamlessly integrate Quad-Lock walls with Quad-Deck floors" says Hubert Max Kustermann, CEO of Quad-Lock Building Systems Ltd. "Because of the modular design, units are replicated very quickly. Also, it's much easier on the forming crews since they're only hauling foam around the jobsite."

For more information on Quad-Lock and its products visit www.quadlock.com or call 888-711-5625.

CFA  Awards Gary Bromley of ABI Corporation
Gary Bromley of ABI Corporation was awarded the Robert D. Sawyer Distinguished Service Award at the CFA annual awards luncheon on July 8 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.

Bromley, founder of ABI Corporation, is recognized for his dedication to the industry for over three decades.  Founded in 1968, ABI was originally operated out of Bromley’s own basement.  In 1988, ABI moved to its current location and has grown into a leading concrete foundation contractor in Kansas City.  Their company now employs 50 dedicated employees with diverse experience in residential and commercial construction. 

Bromley’s attitude about the industry goes hand in hand with how ABI Corporation is run. “We constantly strive for and are driven by the highest customer satisfaction with a dedication to quality and service.”  states Dan Bromley, president of ABI and son of Gary. 

The Tile Roofing Institute Shows It's Industry Growth from 2003 to 2004
While roof tile has adorned buildings in the U.S. since the 17th century, its popularity has ebbed and flowed over time with changes in housing economics and architectural trends. Today, concrete and clay roof tiles are more popular than ever. Over the past six years, the roof tile industry has experienced sustained growth, increasing more than 60%, according to an annual sales survey conducted by the Tile Roofing Institute (TRI).

In 2004, roof tile sales grew almost 13% from the previous year, due in part to the domestic housing boom, and an increased demand for tile roofs. Roof tile sales are increasing in expected areas such as southern California and Florida, but also in states outside of the Sunbelt whose residents are discovering the benefits of tile roofing.

Growth in the roof tile industry is not surprising given the long-term value of the product. Tile roofing offers some of the best protection against the elements, including fire, earthquakes, strong winds, hail and snow. Most manufacturers provide warranties of 50 years or more. Architects and homeowners also now realize the design flexibility of roof tile. Tiles are available in an array of colors and profiles, including styles that emulate English slate and Cedar wood shake. For more information about concrete and clay tile roofing, visit www.tileroofing.org.

Insulated Concrete Walls (ICW) Launches New Web Design
Insulated Concrete Walls, Inc. (ICW), a CHBC member, launched a new Web site design, www.icwalls.com, with improved content, graphical user interface systems, easy navigation and in-depth product information for both residential and commercial building contractors.

With two locations in the U.S. including Port St. Lucie, Fla. and Bakersfield, Calif., ICW is dedicated to expansion and becoming the market leader of the Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) industry.

“Our new Web Site serves as a primary resource for customers, employees, suppliers and outside interests to learn about ICW, the industry, trends, products, services and technical information,” said Jeff Alexander, Vice President and COO for ICW.

“One key feature is the Partner Login area for customers to post CAD drawings to bid, obtain proposals and even view job site status photos,” Alexander continues. 

DECORATIVE CONCRETE
This Tech Brief (No. 17) is designed in a single-page format and written in a non-technical style intended to inform the building industry and consumers of the value of decorative concrete. In the past, when one thought of concrete, a simple sidewalk or driveway would have come to mind. Times have certainly changed. This moldable material we call concrete has gone mainstream, catching the eyes of architects, designers, builders, and homeowners with an ever-increasing variety of colors and textures. Decorative concrete’s popularity has grown rapidly due to the myriad design possibilities now available. Sold in packs of 50. This publication is also available in PDF format (284 KB).

3rd International Housing Conference of the Americas
We are pleased to confirm that Carlos Gutiérrez Ruiz, Mexico's National Housing Commissioner, will be a keynote speaker at the 3rd International Housing Conference of the Americas.

Carlos Gutiérrez Ruiz will be speaking on:

• The State of the Mexican Housing Market
• Trends in the Market
• The Government's Role in the Housing Market

CONAFOVI is Mexico's National Commission of Housing Promotion created by Mexican President Vicente Fox to design, coordinate and promote Mexico's housing policies and programs.

Register now for the 3rd International Housing Conference of the Americas in Mexico City, November 3-5, 2005, at: www.nahb.org/mexicoconference

CFA Releases Lower Level Living Brochure
Turning a basement into lower level living holds tremendous potential for any home.  It makes space below the house functional and liveable.  It is cost effective, economical, safe, durable, and environmentally friendly.  With lower level living space homeowners get more space for less, which can be used as a safe haven from nature or just room to grow.  The extra space provides a warm, dry area for storage, as well as easy access for heating, plumbing, electrical, gas and other services.

The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) has released Lower Level Living, a brochure that provides builders and homeowners with important information needed to consider building below.  It is a great addition to any poured wall contractor’s resources.

Lower Level Living can be purchased for $1.50 per brochure by CFA members and $4.00 by nonmembers.  To order your supply, call 319-895-6940 or order online at www.cfawalls.org. 

E. James Parks Named Executive VP of ECO-Block
ECO-Block is pleased to announce the appointment of E. James Parks to the position of Executive Vice President. Parks has been working closely with ECO-Block President, Joe Lake on matters of company strategy and development of the company's infrastructure. His extensive leadership and management experience has been an invaluable asset to ECO-Block.

As one of the original founders of ECO-Block, Parks has, at one time or another, held every job in the company. With his experience and historical perspective, Parks is truly an integral part of the company. Parks was recently named to serve on ECO-Block's Board of Managers, providing insight and perspective on company positioning within the industry.

Parks will continue to lead the way as Managing Director of ECO-Block's international operations, which includes significant sales activity in Canada and an emerging Mexico market. Under his direction ECO-Block has also gained a strong foothold in Australasia, and is active in Europe and the Middle East.

IRS Small Business Resource Guide
The IRS announces the release of the 2005 Small Business Resource Guide. This free, interactive CD contains all the business tax forms, instructions, and publications small business owners need.
The CD provides additional resources, such as information on how to prepare a business plan, finding financing for your business, new tax law changes for 2005, and other topics.  There's also an IRS Tax Map, a subscription option to join the SB/SE Mailing List, and a "Rate the Product" survey.
 
To request a copy of this CD, visit the IRS Small Business Products Online ordering page. [ return to top ]