Tag Archives: construction

Construction Publications

Construction Industry Publications To Read

Quite a while back I wrote about the business blogs I read. It’s time for a construction industry roundup.

There’s a lot out there. I know, “out there” is vague. But it’s true. You are a Google search away from just about anything you want to know.

To write for an industry, you have to read their publications. Here’s what I read.

Publications

Construction Dimensions

Isn’t it funny which one becomes your favorite? It’s hard to believe that a drywalling rag could be my favorite but I love the writing.

The paper magazine has sections for management, supervision, and estimators that can be useful, frankly, for any trade. The online version has very few in the archives, unfortunately.

Concrete Construction

So much of our work in Southern California involves concrete. As you may have read from our epoxy injection post, we have quite a few tilt-up buildings here, and they often need to be repaired or even replaced (we did that, too).

An example of an article that’s helpful to anyone, not just concrete contractors is “Keep Architectural Concrete Looking Great.”  This article discusses aesthetics, mix design, reinforcement, and waterproofing. Continue reading

Is your building watertight? Creative Commons Attribution Seaglass by Ken on Flickr

Is Your Building Watertight?

 

There is more to a building’s waterproofing than its roof.

Now, the roof is important don’t get me wrong, but there are other areas that should be carefully monitored.

We’re talking about a force of nature whose erosion created The Grand Canyon. Water is not to be ignored. Remember, water always travels the path of least resistance.

Water is great for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. Who doesn’t love a cup of coffee? But you do not want it invading your building. Its damage isn’t limited to rusting steel rebar within concrete. The smallest amount of moisture can allow mold to grow. Yikes. Who wants to breathe that?

In Southern California we are spoiled with a Mediterranean climate and an average annual rainfall of just under 15 inches (Seattle is 37 inches). This weather dynamic gives us beautiful days and awesome sunsets but the lack of rainfall causes us to forget and possibly neglect these waterproofing issues.

Roof

Depending upon your roof type, there are many areas of concern. These areas can be caught during regular roof maintenance (see more detailed blog post here).

HVAC Condensate

Condensate from roof-top equipment is required to exit to an approved receptor through approved piping. In no way do you want any kind of water, condensate or otherwise, just dripping and pooling on your roof. Continue reading

Featured Tweeter @iFloor

Everyone starts somewhere in Social Media.  Tips and tricks we’ve all learned along the way can be especially helpful to those still navigating uncharted waters.

This interview series features twitter accounts in and around the construction industry, a growing population within the Twittersphere.  My only disclaimer is that I do not always agree with the advice.

Stats:

Twitter Name: @iFloor
Twitter Bio: Flooring that Fits: Life, Home, Budget
City/State: We are based in Tukwila Washington but we have clients in almost every state!
Main Website: http://www.ifloor.com
Facebook Page: facebook.com/iFLOOR1
Admin Name:  Ali Holden
Klout Score: 27
Followers: 3,609
Following:Follower Ratio: 0.78

Questions:

1. When did you start your twitter account?

We started our twitter account in April 2009 and haven’t looked back since!

2. What was your biggest obstacle in twitter?

There honestly haven’t been any. Maybe just dealing with spammers. We have found amazing people on twitter in our industry and more. They are all so inspiring!

3. How often do you tweet? Do you have a schedule?

There isn’t a set schedule but we tweet a few times a day, sometimes more! Continue reading

Featured Tweeter @BlueCollarJames

Everyone starts somewhere in Social Media.  Tips and tricks we’ve all learned along the way can be especially helpful to those still navigating uncharted waters.

This interview series features twitter accounts in and around the construction industry, a growing population within the Twittersphere.  My only disclaimer is that I do not always agree with the advice.

Stats:

Twitter Name: @BlueCollarJames
Twitter Bio: Faith, by itself is really no faith at all. It’s when we put actions to our faith that God’s faithfulness can be revealed. Faith, without hard work, is dead.
City/State: Oak Grove, MO
Main Website: bluecollarliving.com
Facebook Page: facebook.com/BlueCollarLiving
Admin Name:  James Dibben
LinkedIN Profile:  linkedin.com/in/jamesdibben
Klout Score: 49
Followers: 553
Following:Follower Ratio: 0.56

Questions:

1. When did you start your twitter account?

Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

2. What was your biggest obstacle in twitter?

Understanding all the hashtags and how they worked.

3. How often do you tweet? Do you have a schedule?

I try to interact with my followers daily. I write (blogs) three times per week and will share that content an average of four times on the day the post is published. Continue reading