the trowel april / may 2015

Publications Mail / Agreement # 40719512

Serving the wall & ceiling industry since 1953 • www.wallandceiling.ca • April / May 2015

Also in this issue:

BuildForce Canada Forecasts the Future

EIFS in 2015

Royal Bank of Canada Tower

Ceilings

NWCB CONVENTION & TRADESHOW

I-STUDShaftwall System

The I-Stud Shaftwall System is pre-engineered and designed, cut-to-length, friction fit with ease and ready to install. Contractor preferred shaftwall studs are installed from the exterior of the shaft, which creates an exceptional safety and performance system.

• Elevator Shafts• Duct Shafts• Stairwells• Air Return Shafts• Mechanical Shafts• Horizontal Membranes

Alberta • Washington • Idaho • Montana • Oregon • California • Alaska4010 6A St. NE 403-265-9005Calgary, AB

In the next issue: Project of the Year Awards • Restoration / Renovation • Interior Finishing

08 NWCB Tradeshow and Convention Program Find out what to do and where to go at North America’s largest gathering of

wall and ceiling professionals.

14 BuildForce Canada Forecasts the Future Canada is poised for growth in all sectors, with various regions out-

performing others in both residential and non-residential work.

17 Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems in 2015: Ready to Deliver

EIFS just isn’t what it used to be—it is in fact, better than ever.

20 Creating Calm in the Executive Suite: Royal Bank of Canada Tower Renovation

A ceiling renovation turned acoustic treatment turned out challenging and complex, but nothing the SoundSeal and Wallworks teams couldn’t handle.

22 Sultry Ceilings Look no further than overhead for the latest in suave and sultry design treatments.

CONTENTS • april / may 2015

04 editorial

06 apprenticeship training

24 feature focus

26 regional report

27 contractor advice

28 business sense

29 industry news

31 advertiser index

Departments & Columns

Simply scan the QRCode with your

smartphone to be taken directly to

the wallandceiling.ca website.

The Trowel teamLara Perraton, Group [email protected]

Jessica Kirby, Editor877.755.2762• [email protected]

Lara Perraton, Advertising Sales 877.755.2762• [email protected]

Christina Tranberg, Advertising Sales877.755.2762• [email protected]

contributing writers

Mark BreslinBuildForce Canada EIFS Council of CanadaTed Garrison

cover photophoto courtesy of Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa

Publications Mail / Agreement # 40719512


Also in this issue:


EIFS in 2015


Ceilings


Published bi-monthly by

Point One Media, Inc.The Trowel P.O. Box 11, Station A Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K4t: 877.755.2762 • www.wallandceiling.ca

While information contained in this publication has been compiled from sources deemed to be reliable, the publisher may not be held liable for omissions or errors.

Contents ©2015 by Point One Media Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without prior written permission from the publisher.

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Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: The Trowel Circulation Department

P.O. Box 11, Station A Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K4 e: [email protected]

The Trowel is a registered trademark of the BC Wall & Ceiling Association.

The Trowel is published six times per year expressly for members of the wall and ceiling industry.

Journal of Record for

photo credit: EIFS Council of Canada

4 » The Trowel

By the time you read this, you may already be experiencing the excitement of the NWCB’s annual convention in Rancho Mirage, California. As the largest gathering of wall and ceiling professionals in North America, there may not be a better place to showcase your talents, gather information about the industry’s latest and greatest, or educate yourself on innovation and technical progress in wall and ceiling construction.

Taking away the most you can from a convention like this takes work. There is much benefit, of course, to networking, attending technical sessions, paying attention to speakers, and perusing the tradeshow, but with a few easy conference hacks, you can make sure every moment spent translates into greater value down the road.

First of all, take notes. Second of all, organize them later. Most speakers and instructor sessions provide notepads and pens and most people take notes. Whether you are a main-point-recorder or a ferocious details hound, be sure to make something of your notes at the end of the day or when you get home. This could mean translating

Maximizing the Value of Event Attendance By Jessica Kirby, Editor

each idea or concept into an action item or strategy for improving your business, or looking up the resources speakers provide during a talk, deciding which are practical and useful. If every note translates into a deeper action you are more likely to gain benefit from the effort of recording it.

Next, justify every choice about how to spend your time by resolving to take one strong idea or learning point away from the experience. If you choose the seminar on insulation over steel framing, make sure you learn one new thing about insulation while you are there. If you choose golf over the envelop talk, make sure you partner with a potential business comrade or even better, a competitor. Make every move count and don’t fall into the trap of thinking if it isn’t educational, it isn’t worth the time. Just ask veteran salespeople how important talking face-to-face with industry leaders can be.

Take organized action. When you receive someone’s business card, file it in one of three piles: never going to use it, possible connection, definitely going to follow up. For the second group, make a note on the card about exactly what struck your interest

so you can revisit this idea later, and for the last group, note exactly what action you wish to take with the contact. This little extra effort can make a big difference later on, when wading through the mountains of information you come away with.

Visit the tradeshow like a graduate student, not a grocery shopper. Tradeshows are an open market of research and information, laid out for the taking. Where else will you see the most current innovations, garner ideas for your own presentations, and witness the best your competition has to offer? Make sure you spend a good chunk of time wandering the aisles, checking out the booths, understanding the demonstrations, and observing the way people present their products and services. Use this time for research and note taking; don’t just grab the samples, nod politely, and keep moving. There is a wealth of knowledge waiting for you at every booth.

In parting, I wish you a fantastic time in California—be sure to stop by The Trowel’s booth at the tradeshow and say hello to Lara and Chrissy. They are excited to meet new readers and reconnect with veteran Trowel supporters.

If you didn’t make the convention, I hope you enjoy the issue, and know at least one person who takes good notes!

As always I welcome your comments and feedback at [email protected]. ■

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6 » The Trowel

apprenticeship TRAINING

As BC moves into busier times, work is picking up and headlines are calling for skilled labour across the country. The Major Capital Projects Inventory broke records in the third quarter of 2014, rising 9.4 percent higher than the record set in Q3 of that year. With $269.5 billion on the books, there has never been a better time to prepare for the future with certified Red Seal trades training.

Hamish Beckett completed his Red Seal wall and ceiling installer certification in January, 2014. He studied Modules A & B at the Finishing Trades Institute of BC (FTI) and Modules C & D at the BCWCA’s training centre.

Prior to his training, Beckett worked for two years in the wall and ceiling trade doing commercial wall and ceiling work and steel stud framing.

He opted to take the training course for a number of reasons including access to more work and better pay, but the most important reason was that it sent a clear message to prospective employers that he was ready to learn.

“I wanted to learn the trade more thoroughly and increase the scope of work I am able to do,” he said. “Learning how to do the work is the most important thing, but schooling can signal to employers that you are serious about learning, so that part is good.”

Having the Red Seal designation gives an employer a good indication about where you are at, he said, not to discount the work of people without the certification, many of whom do great work.

“You always have to be learning new things on the job site,” said Beckett. “There is always a new product or something to learn, always something no one has done before. Schooling helps to adapt to that.”

The program covers all aspects of the wall and ceiling industry, including those relevant on different scopes of work. With the objective of preparing students for Canada-wide job mobility, the training covers at least of glimpse of each component in the wall and ceiling trade.

Beckett took advantage of generous government grants and tax credits available to assist students throughout each Module.

Students can access grants during Modules A and B. They can also access additional grants and a tax credit upon completing Modules C and D, and after obtaining the Red Seal designation.

When he started his training, Beckett wasn’t working so was able to commit to the full-time A&B Module course through FTI.

“After I did my first bout of schooling it showed my employer that I was serious about learning, and that benefited me in the way that people were more willing to teach me,” he said.

Shortly afterward he was hired at a Vancouver company. He completed Modules C & D at the BCWCA’s Training Centre.

Beckett currently works on commercial wall and ceiling projects with Rufus Enterprises. He enjoys his work, is pleased with the decision to complete the training, and would encourage interested would-be students to take the plunge and do the same.

“I would encourage and have encouraged people to do the training because the grants are lucrative and it does indicate that people are interested and serious about their work,” he said. “If you do find yourself in a position where you have to change jobs, you have the accreditation that looks good to prospective employers. Learning academic things helps a lot and should be a part of what you can do.”

There is a certain amount of training just in A & B that can help people be more comfortable on a job site,” he said. “There is safety training, fall protection, WHMIS, and other things that it is good to have knowledge of.” For more information, please visit the BCWCA at www.bcwca.org. ■

by Jessica KirbyThe Role of Red Seal Certification

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www.comren.ca

Providing Steel Stud and Drywall Services to the Commercial, Institutional, Industrial, and Multi-Family Residential Markets.

As proud members of the BCWCA and as leaders in our industry, we would like to congratulate all of the nominees for NWCB Project of the Year Awards. We wish our associates all the best and future success.

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wallandceiling.ca » April / May 2015 » 9

2015 Golf

The convention activities start on Thursday, April 16, with a unique, local golf experience at the Desert Willow Golf Club and its fabulous Firecliff Course, where players get to test their skills against the natural hazards and myriad water features on this challenging course.

Signups for foursomes and single players are accepted. The course is a 10-minute drive from the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa. Transportation will be provided.

The tournament fee is $175, which includes a breakfast buffet, cart and green fees, transportation to and from the course, tournament services by the course, and prizes. Take advantage of the fabulous networking opportunity this tournament offers—reserve your spot early. Space is limited!

Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, set on 360 acres, features spacious and well-appointed guestrooms, two challenging championship golf courses, a luxurious spa, on-site shopping, three sparkling swimming pools, a 60-foot waterslide, and several dining options ranging from a casual poolside burger to fabulous fine dining. A short drive away, you will find a seemingly endless selection of bars, restaurants, and cafés to please any palate, not to mention some of the finest shopping anywhere—the shops of El Paseo.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 151:00 PM - 7:00 PM Convention Registration

1:00 PM - 9:00 PM Exhibit Setup

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM NWCB Board of Directors Meeting

THURSDAY, APRIL 165:00 AM - 4:00 PM Exhibit Setup (must be complete by 4:00 PM)

6:30 AM - 7:30 AM Golf Breakfast

7:15 AM - 6:30 PM Convention Registration

8:00 AM - 12:30 PM Golf Tournament

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Opening Session Keynote Speaker &Outstanding Project of the Year Awards

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM President’s Welcoming Party in the Exhibit Hall

FRIDAY, APRIL 177:30 AM - 4:00 PM Convention Registration

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Exhibit Breakfast

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM SEMINAR: Dive into Demographics — Translating Trends into Action for Your Business

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Free Time for Lunch

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM SEMINAR: Labor Productivity Study

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM SEMINAR: Managing, Documenting, and Getting Paid For Changes in 2015

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Labor Caucus Meeting

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Dealer Caucus Meeting

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Canadian Contractor Caucus Meeting

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM US Contractor Caucus Meeting

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM United Borders Reception

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Manufacturer & Dealer Party—an evening of fun, dining, and dancing

SATURDAY, APRIL 187:00 AM - 8:00 AM NWCB Annual Membership Meeting

7:30 AM - 1:00 PM Convention Registration

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Exhibit Breakfast

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM SEMINAR: Building with Knowledge—How Technology is Enhancing Traditional Construction Processes

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM SEMINAR: Understanding the Code Requirements for Suspended Acoustical Ceilings

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Reception

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2015 Banquet

10 » The Trowel

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

Keynote: The Top 4 Trends Affecting the Construction Industry Now and How to Maximize Them to GrowBusinessKelly McDonald

This engaging presentation will intrigue and inspire you to “think like a futurist” and spotlight the opportunities that these trends present for the construction industry. Find out what’s driving these trends and what the “new marketing expectation” means to your and your business.

Kelly McDonald is considered one of the nation’s top experts on consumer trends. Her company, McDonald Marketing, has twice been named by Advertising Age as one of the top ad agencies in the country. She has been featured on CNBC, in Forbes, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and on CNNMoney.com. She is the author of two best-selling books: How to Market to People Not Like You and Crafting the Customer Experience for People Not Like You. She has worked with numerous construction-related organizations.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

Dive into Demographics –Translating Trends into Action for Your BusinessKelly McDonald10:00 – 11:30 AM

This high-energy workshop takes an in-depth look at consumer preferences for “green” options; communication and socialization habits that affect the way people gather and spend leisure time;

2015 PRESENTERS

■ NWCB Convention


demographic shifts, including rural, urban, and suburban snapshots; and, trends in family formation.

This workshop helps you identify key trends affecting your business now and what you need to do to prepare for the demands of tomorrow. It will help you stay on top of change and help you discover opportunities that help grow business now and in the future.

This interactive session will equip you with dos and don’ts to navigate these changes, including actionable, low-cost or no-cost steps you can implement to stay on top of the ever-shifting business climate.

Labor Productivity StudyTerry Kastner, Technical Consultant, NWCBGerald H. Williams, Jr., Ph.D, P.E.. Construction Research, LLC 12:30 –1:30 PM

Proud Members of

In 2009, the Northwest Wall & Ceiling Bureau published Impacts to Labor Productivity in Steel Framing and the Installation and Finishing of Gypsum Wallboard, authored by Drs. Tim Anderson and Gerry Williams. This study found that certain factors were negatively correlated with labor productivity in our trades.

This session will present an updated User Guide for the study and sets forth an easy-to-apply method to estimate the reduction in productivity resulting from various impact variables. The session will present both the mathematical and statistical underpinnings of the study and a tutorial on its application.

12 » The Trowel

Managing, Documenting, and Getting Paid For Changes in 2015Roger Lenneberg, J.D., Jordan Ramis PC1:45 – 2:45 PM

Changes are part of the building industry, and managing the process is one of the keys to a successful job. Today’s contractors are faced with small margins, short time frames, and technology-driven information requirements that add to costs but not to profits. This presentation highlights the latest standards for documenting changes, managing the “field to owner” change process, and best practices for getting disagreements over price and scope resolved business to business.

How to Attract, Hire & Retain Great, Younger Talent Takes place at the Contractor-Labor Joint Caucus MeetingKelly McDonald4:00 – 5:00 PM

The construction industry is undergoing significant change caused by factors such as the consolidation of companies, new online competitors, communication trends, and most importantly, the “Silver Tsunami,” which will leave behind an unprecedented shortage of skilled workers as the Baby Boomer generation transitions into retirement.

Proud Members of

It’s imperative that you know how to adapt your business to meet the needs and expectations of a generation that approaches work very differently than you do. Whether you are a supervisor, manager, owner, or a labour union representative, you need to have a plan how to have the best possible mix of workers to remain competitive.

The wall and ceiling industry is only one segment of the construction industry competing for the best young talent. Come and find out what other industry segments are doing to recruit younger people and take part in this conversation that is critical for our industry.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Building with Knowledge —How Technology is EnhancingTraditional Construction ProcessesKale Wisnia, AIA, NCARBCRKW|Studio Inc.10:00 – 11:00 AM

The wall and ceiling industry has been doing many things the same way for centuries; however, technology is revolutionizing how we build buildings. How will technology continue to change and evolve our industry?

Come and see how technology can assist in prefabricating portions

of the projects we construct and learn strategies for modelling these prefabricated segments—both visual and representational examples. You will learn how these and many other elements are transforming our industry.

Understanding the Code Requirements for Suspended Acoustical CeilingsTerry Kastner, Technical Consultant, NWCBDarin Coats, TSIB11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

Over the years, the International Building Code (IBC) and referenced ASCE 7 requirements for the installation of suspended acoustical ceilings have been somewhat confusing for contractors, architects, and even the inspectors. With the introduction of ASTM E580, The Standard Practice for Installation of Ceiling Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-In Panels in Areas Subject to Earthquake Ground Motions, the rules governing these installations have been clarified in an easy-to-understand manner.

Wall and Ceiling Conference (WCC) members Darin Coats and Terry Kastner will lead you through ASTM E580 and explain how to use the document and clarify the rules surrounding areas of 144-sf, 1,000-sf, and free-floating clouds. They will also discuss the most recent update to the NWCB 401 document, Suspension Systems for Acoustical Lay-in Ceilings Seismic Design Categories D, E and F. Following a Q & A, Darin and Terry will explain the latest developments from the WCC. ■

■ NWCB Convention


Armstrong Ceilings and New West Gypsum Recycling offer Ceiling Recycling in Seattle, WA

Armstrong World Industries has named New West Gypsum Recycling (NWGR) of Kent, WA, an Armstrong Certified Construction and Demolition Processor.

As an Armstrong C&D processor, NWGR will collect used ceiling panels that have been removed from construction, renovation, and demolition sites throughout the Seattle area. The company will then process the ceilings and prepare them for shipment to an Armstrong plant where they will be used in the manufacture of new ceilings in a closed-loop process.

Armstrong designates new panels made with high levels of recycled ceilings as Ceiling-2-CeilingTM panels.

NWGR will offer the ceiling recycling processing services at its recycling plant in Kent, WA. Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, NWGR has recycling plants in Canada, Europe, an the US.

Alternative to Landfill Disposal As an Armstrong Certified C&D Processor, NWGR is now an integral part of the Armstrong Ceiling Recycling Program. The program, which is the first and longest-running program of its kind, enables commercial building owners and contractors to send used ceilings from renovation and demolition projects to the nearest Armstrong ceiling plant as an alternative to landfill disposal.

Since it began the program in 1999, Armstrong has recycled more than 163 million square feet of used ceiling panels globally, preventing more than 81,500 tons of construction waste from being deposited in landfills throughout the world.

Ceiling recycling can also help building owners and contractors save money on container costs and landfill fees and can contribute to LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits for Construction Waste Management.

Conserves Resources for Future Use “New West Gypsum Recycling has always committed itself to seeking out forward-thinking manufacturers willing to use recycled materials in their products,” said NWGR president Tony McCamley. “Armstrong is one of those companies that makes it easy to close the loop.

For more information on New West Gypsum Recycling, visit www.nwgypsum.com. For additional information on the Armstrong Ceiling Recycling Program, visit armstrong.com/recycling. ■

GYPSUM RECYCLINGNEW WEST

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We ARE Gypsum Recycling

Whether you call it drywall,gypsum wallboard or sheetrock,

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Documentation for LEED certification is available.

Gypsum is a true closed-loop product, designed for your safety and to be

infinitely recycled in to new drywall.

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KINETICSTM QuietTile uses additional mass and sound damping to produce a composite ceiling tile that reduces sound transmission through a lay-in ceiling.

“As oil investments slow, opportunities continue in pipeline, transportation systems, electricity generation, and distribution projects,” said Rosemary Sparks, executive director of BuildForce Canada. “New jobs are being created, supporting current and future resource production.”

BuildForce Canada’s “2015-2024 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward” forecast shows that Canada’s construction workforce must meet the demands of new and ongoing resource development, as well as sustaining and maintenance work. Despite weaker conditions at times during the 10-year forecast period, the workforce continues to grow, with 81,000 new jobs created. Industry’s bigger challenge is offsetting the rising number of retirements. Up to 250,000 construction workers, or 21 percent of the workforce, is set to retire in the next decade.

“Replacing that many retirees is an ongoing challenge,” added Sparks. “Industry can’t afford to let up on recruitment, whether it’s attracting young people, workers from other industries, or from outside the country.”

BuildForce Canada’s annual forecast also shows employment in residential construction rises modestly across Canada from now to 2024, with stronger gains in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. More than half of residential construction investment will be in renovation and

BuildForce Canada has released its most recent report, “2015-2024 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward,” forecasting construction, investment, and labour trends across Canada. Read on for highlights from BC and areas of Canada most affected by labour.

By BuildForce Canada

BuildForce Canada Forecaststhe Future

Canada-wideThe composition of resource-related investments is changing after more than a decade-long construction expansion, driven by new resource developments. Major infrastructure projects, sustaining capital and maintenance work that support Canada’s new resource capacity become important drivers of labour market demands, said the latest forecast released in March by BuildForce Canada.


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to build a home... You work... maintenance work. Residential construction is more cyclical in Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, where resource project cycles drive new housing lower across the scenario period.

In non-residential construction, employment grows gradually to 2024 with the strongest gains in the West. Engineering projects drive employment cycles in Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan. In Alberta, oil price declines drive oil and gas construction lower until 2017, when job growth resumes. Commercial construction is a steady source of new construction jobs across all provinces.

British ColumbiaAccording to the report, BC’s construction industry is poised for significant energy development over the next decade.

With the startup of major projects, B.C.’s construction job growth will lead all other provinces from now to 2024.

“Big engineering projects are starting, and commercial and residential building is gaining momentum,” said Sparks. “These industry dynamics will create a lot of new construction jobs and the need for steady recruiting, hiring, and training.”

The report forecasts most construction markets gaining strength each year through the forecast period. New resource projects set the stage, with employment levels rising by up to 70 percent by 2018. Growth is sustained beyond that by ongoing activity in industrial, commercial, and institutional building.

This will create short-term hiring peaks for select tradespeople in 2018. Job growth across most trades and occupations is expected to reach new historical highs by 2024.

BuildForce Canada’s forecast also shows employment rises by 16,000 jobs, or more than 20 percent, in non-residential construction across the forecast period. Growth in residential renovation work will offset lower levels of new home construction, resulting in employment growth of 16 percent, or 6,700 jobs, and more than 39,000 workers will need to be hired over the next 10 years to offset rising retirements.

“With the startup of major projects, B.C.’s construction job growth will lead all other provinces from now to 2024.”

Photo by Kenny Louie, Vancouver, Canada

16 » The Trowel

Trowel Trades Accessories Ltd.

“Over 24 percent of the construction workforce is retiring this decade, and local employers need to plan for that,” added Sparks. “The industry is losing years of skill and experience that can’t be easily replaced.”

LabourShifting demographics, retirements, and changes in career path for youth are affecting the industry across Canada. In Ontario, major projects are increasing demand for construction workers at a time when industry is also under pressure to replace thousands of retiring skilled workers.

■ BuildForce Canada

“Major projects and aging demographics are two forces the industry must plan for,” said Sparks. “Recruiting, hiring, and training are a priority, given that over 21 percent of the Ontario construction workforce is retiring in the next 10 years.”

In the Maritimes, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia are feeling the pressure. With a shrinking youth population and the retirement of more than 8,000 construction workers over the coming decade, Nova Scotia’s construction employers need to stay focused on recruitment, said the report.

“Labour mobility is a must to bolster the local construction workforce, especially during peak periods,” said Sparks. “With 27 percent of the workforce retiring over the next 10 years, recruiters are under real pressure to make up for that huge loss in skills and experience.”

“Nova Scotia’s construction industry will need to replenish its aging workforce with young people,” added Sparks. “The challenge is attracting enough first-time workers to offset the baby boomers leaving the workforce.”

For more information about BuildForce Canada’s “2015-2024 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward” report, please visit www.constructionforecasts.ca. ■


Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems in 2015: Ready to Deliver

Articles and photos by / EIFS Council of Canada

Today, all EIFS designed in compliance with the newly codified S716 series of ULC Standards must include a WRB system. The required performance characteristics of the WRB are very stringent. In comparison to traditional building papers, liquid-applied WRBs have a water absorption coefficient that is established over three days as opposed to paper’s old 30- to 60-minute rating system.

The WRB is able to provide effective air leakage control as a key component of the wall’s air barrier system. All EIFS manufacturer’s Liquid Applied WRBs reviewed have a tested air leakage rate less than the code’s required 0.02L/(sq.m.)@75Pa pressure difference. They’re also available in a range of vapour permeance ratings, affording the designer the ability to balance WRB permeability and wall system characteristics with the building’s interior moisture load and the external environment.

In the not too distant past, the term “EIFS” (pronounced eefs), was understood by certain sectors of the design community to mean a “lower cost cladding,” which

effectively minimized the many building science advantages that EIFS provided. EIFS was no longer the acronym for Exterior Insulation and Finish System, but a label, a word having its own definition quite unlike the words it represents.

Today, the EIFS Council of Canada (ECC) would like the designer and user communities to revisit EIFS, and in doing so, redefine their perceptions to fit with current technology and understandings.

Stepping into 2015, expectations for enclosure systems are very high. The EIFS industry has done its homework and has made significant advancements in its technology and system delivery models to ready itself to meet these expectations and, surprisingly to some, surpass many performance characteristics of alternative exterior insulating strategies.

EIFS may no longer be what you recall from your last look, but at the core, EIFS remains an exterior insulating strategy that also provides a cladding.

EIFS and its components

Exterior Beyond EIFS’ continuous insulation on the outside of exterior walls, the system aspect of EIFS also places other key components on the exterior side of the wall. The system’s required Water Resistive Barrier (WRB) has the primary function of protecting the underlying structure. However, it can also act as the control layer capable of managing wall system behaviours such as air leakage and vapour diffusion.

18 » The Trowel

documentation such as ASHRAE’s 90.1 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. Further to what can be drawn from 90.1’s continuous insulation and the effective R-value of a between-the-stud approach, are the effects of “thermal bridges” located elsewhere in the exterior wall.

While suspected for years by the building science community and academia as necessarily impacting effective R-value, the actual impact hadn’t found its way into the public domain. That changed with the publication of B.C. Hydro’s “Building Envelope Thermal Bridging Guide,” prepared by Morrison Hershfield. The extensive research shows that some exterior insulation strategies can experience as much as a 50 percent reduction in their reported clear wall R-value.

While not immune to thermal bridging (at locations such as windows), EIFS requires minimal accommodation to significantly reduce their impact and preserve the system’s continuous insulation value. EIFS’ cost effectiveness and the degree to which it effectively preserves energy, can free up monies to enhance and improve other envelope features such as thermally broken parapets and balconies. Cost savings can also be applied to investments in higher efficiency heating and cooling systems.

FinishThe array of finish options has grown considerably in recent years, to the point where EIFS can mimic any number of alternative cladding looks. However, some technological improvements may not be as readily apparent, at least not until the building has been in service for a number of years. EIFS manufacturers have made improvements in finish performance relating to colour-fastness and dirt pick-up resistance.

While not exclusive to the EIFS industry, the use of non-organic colour-fast pigments as found in automotive paints and other high-performance coatings have been adopted into a number of available finish options. Described by one proponent as Plus Finishes, nano-chemistry and other technologies have been harnessed by a number of EIFS finish producers to provide extended colour fastness and a cleaner exterior. Beyond the cosmetic, some finishes possess IR reflective technology with the ability of cooling exterior wall temperatures and reducing cooling costs. How’s that for advancement in technology?

System(s)The system nature of EIFS cannot be ignored. This should not be applied solely to the proprietary nature of a manufacturer’s EIFS offering. EIFS use also benefits from a systematic approach, and so can the building as a whole. When considering EIFS, it is both important and practical to

Having these two key control layers on the same plane within the wall is desirable for a variety of reasons, simplification of construction being just one. The location being both external and protected, renders the approach ideal. Conceptually, and of course figuratively speaking, Dr. Joseph W. Lstiburek, founding principal of the Building Science Corporation, describes this arrangement along with a protective cladding and exterior insulation as comprising the “Perfect Wall”.

Figure 1. Exterior Layers

InsulationThe exterior insulation of EIFS has been part of the system’s make-up since its inception. Always touted by its proponents as having greater effective R-value than many alternative approaches, the degree of difference and validation of that difference has only recently found its way into accessible

■ EIFS in 2015


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think of the Exterior Insulation and Finish System, the balance of the exterior structure, and the building’s use as having a relationship. Like any relationship, it’s best to think ahead and consider how the behaviour of one member of the group may affect another. In other words, take a holistic approach. While the benefits of this model extend to any functional element of a building’s make-up, the inherent and adaptable functions of EIFS can and have sometimes been overlooked.

To aid in this approach, the EIFS Council of Canada has developed and published the EIFS Practice Manual. It provides easy to adopt design and use considerations that can be applied to all building and project types, be it new or retrofit construction.

The systematic approach can also be applied to the installation itself. The EIFS Quality Assurance Program was developed by the ECC and enrols all key EIFS delivery stakeholders into a system of quality assurance. The program is not a come one - come all enrolment, but requires demonstration of knowledge, experience, and quality system adoption by EIFS mechanics, EIFS manufacturers, and manufacturers’ representatives. Supported by certified, independent auditors and third-party insurers, the program is comprehensive and fits in very well with the holistic approach to project delivery.

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems in 2015

EIFS today is not the same as the EIFS of the 90s. The industry has moved well beyond the provision of an economical cladding, and is positioning itself to be the ideal choice, by delivering a durable and environmentally responsible insulating enclosure strategy to meet the demands of the twenty-first century. ■

John M. Garbin, president/CEO of the EIFS Council of Canada, can be reached at [email protected], phone (416) 499-4000 ext 121. Comprehensive resources are available at the eifscouncil.org website.

20 » The Trowel

in the Executive Suite: Royal Bank of Canada Tower Renovation

The Royal Bank of Canada embarked on a significant renovation of the executive offices in its corporate tower in downtown Winnipeg. The ren-ovation began like any other—stripping out the guts of the building’s interior to prepare for the new layout and finishes that would highlight the conversion. However, it was during this phase when the space was stripped down to the ele-ments that the project team discovered there were issues with sound quality that would severely affect the intended performance of the executive office space if left unchecked.

The problems stemmed from vibrations and noise intrusion caused by the tower’s chillers and HVAC equipment. The building contractors contacted Wallworks Architectural Products, Inc. to perform an initial assessment and identify possible solutions for isolating the noise and ensuring it didn’t impact the finished office space. Wallworks’

investigation showed the sound transmission registered on the high end of the spectrum (approximately 80 decibels), rendering the issue significant enough that an innovative solution was needed for the project to be a success.

“Typical suspended ceilings act much like a drum head for amplifying and transmitting noise and vibration down from the building structure through the suspension wires,” said Darcey Jerrom, project engineer for Wallworks. “In this scenario, the noise and vibration were beginning with the air handling units and pumps.”

Working in Concert to Quell the Din

Wallworks performed a detailed review, analysis, and cost-calculation exercise to devise a solution for balancing architectural aesthetics with high-performance acoustical treatment. The team proposed installing an isolation

Creating Calm in the Executive Suite:


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ShimmerScreen Beaded Chain Curtains, Walls, Partitions

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hanger in tandem with a mass-loaded ceiling tile. Based on the complexity of the noise and vibration problem, the team determined that two products working together as a complete system were necessary to reduce unwanted intrusions.

To prevent the transmission of the vibration, it was necessary to interrupt it. The isolation hanger accomplished this by breaking the direct transmission link. The hanger itself must be pre-loaded to a certain deflection to effectively diminish the resonance generated by the vibration. Wallworks chose Sound Seal’s C100B specialty ceiling tile to achieve this result. Sound Seal is a Massachusetts-based manufacturer specializing in acoustical noise control products,

The C100B features a 1 PSF foil-backed barrier for high Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) requirements and was available in the necessary 1 1/8” or 2 1/8” thickness. Standard sizes are designed to fit a 2’ x 2’ or 2’ x 4’ lay-in ceiling tile grid, which provided the Royal Bank of Canada team with the ideal fitments for the executive offices.

Building a Barrier that Performs

Installation of the system was performed by Winnipeg’s Sych Drywall and Plastering. When the project was completed, the team again evaluated the acoustical performance of the executive office space. With the C100B tiles in place, sound vibrations from the roof-mounted chillers and HVAC units above were reduced significantly. Thanks to the loaded vinyl covering on

the tiles, the added mass acts as a sound barrier. This further complemented the sound-containment abilities of the room-within-a-room isolation system that, acting alone, was projected to be capable of eliminating 75 percent of the unwanted mechanical vibrations.

The project was completed on time and on-budget, and the Royal Bank of Canada moved into a space that was as functional as it was beautiful. Although the discovery of the noise and vibration

elements was an unexpected surprise, the end result was a high-quality space finished with an engineered solution that ensures the owner’s executive office space performed as it should, with mechanical noise and vibrations kept isolated from building occupants.

For more information please visit Wallworks at www.wallworks.com or Sound Seal at C100B ceiling tiles at www.soundseal.com/application-search-schools.shtml. ■

“Typical suspended ceilings act much like a drum head for amplifying and transmitting noise and vibration down from the building structure through the suspension wires.”


Ceiling art is a growing trend in North America, with designers taking a deeper look at realizing the aesthetic and functional potential of overhead surfaces. The evolution of materials and higher NRC ratings in non-traditional component shapes is opening up the door for stunning and sometimes sultry overhead beauty in commercial and luxury residential applications.

SultryCEILINGS


Stretch Ceiling

Stretch ceiling is an especially suitable product for rooms containing pools, hot tubs, and other sources of high humidity and chemical vapours like chlorine and bromine.

Being non-porous, Laqfoil’s stretch membrane resists mould and mildew, which can grow in moist environments, and blocks the spread of humidity, chemical vapours, and smells into the surrounding building.

This Caledonia, Ontario bungalow has a pool with walk-out access to an outdoor patio on the foundation level. Above the ceiling, which is steel I-beam construction, is the living room.

The owner wanted to contain moisture and sound within the pool area, while creating aesthetic appeal and remaining within budget.

Most residential spaces only require stretch ceiling support around the perimeter of the room, but swimming pool rooms are unusually large, so Laqfoil opted to install the stretch ceiling in sections, attaching the support profiles directly to the I-beams.

The client chose a golden classical graphic to print on the centre sections. The entire family is happy with the results. The whole project came in at under $10,000 and a turnaround time of less than two weeks.

Atlantis Dubai

The Atlantis Dubai, a $1.5 billion dollar resort and water theme park located in Dubai Jumeriah Palm, was one of the most exciting projects Formglas ever had the pleasure of working on.

This architectural wonder has towering arches, arabesque domes, and ornate spires that demonstrate Formglas’ ability to shape endless possibilities. With similar features to its sister resort, Atlantis Bahamas, the Dubai

project entailed more innovative design in line with the Moroccan and Indian-based architectural themes, and provided Formglas with an opportunity to specifically custom design and engineer all geometric patterns for this project.

Formglas’ presence dominates with features such as the grand 100-foot diameter dome made of GRG, QuarryCast® arches and columns, and other supplied custom decorative elements.

With MetalCast® mural panels, fish scale panels, and mini domes that continue the aquatic design, they are highlighted by the large scale aquarium, which is the largest open-air marine habitat in the world and home to over 65,000 marine animals in various lagoons and displays. At the Formglas Toronto facility, there were five full-time sculptors engaged for one year, sculpting the various intricate items seen in the main lobby.

Infusion Shapes

Armstrong® Ceiling Systems has expanded its portfolio of translucent ceilings to include new Infusions® Shapes Accent Clouds.

The translucent ceiling clouds give designers the opportunity to add dramatic visual impact to exposed structure spaces with a variety of shapes, colours, and configurations.

Infusions Shapes tackle a wide range of design aesthetics with Circle, Curved Square, Oval, and Curved Rectangle forms, and a choice of 18 colours. The Circle and Curved Square shapes are 4’ x 4’ in size and the Oval and Curved Rectangle shapes are 8’ x 4’ in size.

Infusions Shapes can be used to create a variety of visuals, depending on the configuration or angle of the installation. The unique shape designs can be installed as hills, valleys, or at angles of 30 degrees or less. They can be used to create small accent areas or to add visual interest to an entire room.

The visual excitement the colourful, translucent clouds bring to a space make them ideal for high visibility areas in hospitality, retail, higher education, offices, and transportation applications.

Infusions Shapes install easily with standard components from a hanging kit that is shipped with the shapes. The clouds integrate easily with sprinkler and lighting systems. They have a Class A fire rating and have been seismic tested and approved. ■

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24 » The Trowel

Experience the Flannery Difference Today

Tel: 818-837-7585 • Fax: 818-837-1155www.flannerytrim.com • [email protected]

Flannery’s aluminum architectural products will help take your design one step further. From smooth lines to curved edges,

our trim’s creation possibilities are endless.Together let’s make them look up

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Make Them Look Up

Drywall Plaster Fiber Cement Wood Panels

Flannery’s successful line of Millwork Panel trims has led the company to a new partnership with TruGrain made with Resysta, a revolutionary wood alternative.

This partnership has led to the development of five new aluminum trims designed to accommodate TruGrain’s siding profiles. There is nothing like the warm feel and workability of wood, but with that comes a plethora of disadvantages including water damage and splintering. While there are many options of wood composites on the market, there hasn’t been one that encompasses all of wood’s desirable characteristics, such as its natural grain and stainability, until now.

TruGrain made with Resysta siding is indistinguishable from natural hardwood and when combined with Flannery’s aluminum trims, achieves a powerful design statement. Since this new siding mimics the natural grain of wood, it can be sanded and stained to take the appearance of many different types of hardwoods. Flannery is confident that this new siding system will be a game changer in the high-end residential and light commercial construction industry over the next several years.

Flannery has developed a Starter Strip for the TruGrain siding, which provides the starting point for the first piece of siding to hook to along a wall. Flannery’s line of trims is necessary to complete the TruGrain siding design as the trims will create clean corners and allow for the streamlined use of other

materials on the design such as stucco or other wall systems.

For more information about Flannery and its new line of trims for TruGrain made with Resysta siding, please visit www.flannerytrim.com. ■

Flannery Partners with TruGrain

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A Superior Alternative to Onsite Soffit FramingFastwalls has created and delivered a superior alternative to onsite soffit framing. The most complex architectural and detailed framing work can be prefabricated and delivered in sections, ready to be installed with a unique hanging system to ensure ease and accuracy of the install.

Choosing to prefabricate components on your job site will allow you to decrease waste on site, cut workforce requirements, have a reduced project schedule, and improve safety. Fastwalls can be used for radius bulkheads, circles, domes, clouds, arches, and much more. The company continues to develop and expand its product range to meet the growing construction demands for innovative and cost-effective products.

The Edmonton International Airport utilized Fastwalls interior soffit and bulkhead prefabrication. This project required prefabricated ceilings as well as radius and compound radius bulkheads. Fastwalls was provided CAD drawings and prefabricated all of the profiles in its factory. The profiles were then put into 10-12 foot sections and shipped to site.

Once the sections arrived, they were spliced together and installed. The

crew utilized a spring hanger clip with an innovative design that allows adjustment of the suspended ceiling during the installation process. Using offsite construction and prefabrication for these interior components helped to greatly reduce the onsite framing for this already tight project schedule.

The Fastwalls team ensures all projects exceed its clients’ expectations for design and functionality. As a company, Fastwalls operates with key values—

integrity, quality service, consistency, and teamwork—as the basis for its vision and positive culture. ■

26 » The Trowel

Regional Report: Thompson – Okanagan

The Thompson – Okanagan region falls over 94,428 square kilometres in the Interior part of BC. Driven by mining, forestry, agriculture, and manufacturing, the region also sees its share of tourism and benefit from the retirement industry.

The area’s vast geographic range and industrial market equates to a lower population density of 5.7 per square km, but the population overall has increased moderately over the past decade, with seasonal and transient workers following fluctuations in the industrial cycle.

Capital InvestmentBC’s Major Projects Inventory, which tracks information about projects worth $20 million or more in the Lower Mainland, and with $15 million or more in all of BC, broke records in the last quarter of 2014, reporting $269.5 billion on the books—a 9.4 per cent increase over the record set in Q3 2014.

More than 50 major projects are underway or finishing up this year in the Thompson-Okanagan region. Nearly $3.6 billion in industrial, infrastructure, and commercial projects will wrap up in 2015, with another $10.4 billion underway.

Building PermitsPermits in both commercial / non-residential and residential sectors spiked

at the end of last year for the Thompson-Okanagan, reporting $41.6 million in industrial, $109.6 in commercial, $130.3 million in institutional permits, and $627.9 million in residential.

The region has approximately 11 major projects on hold, totalling more than $880 million and another 55 proposed for starts between 2015 and 2016 and beyond.

LabourAs an occupational group, trades and transport are expected to open up 160,000 jobs in BC between now and 2022. Approximately 98,300 job

openings are expected to arise between now and 2022 in the Thompson-Okanagan region.

Thompson / Okanagan Major Projects Starting Construction 2014-15 Value in ($mil) Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops 80

Manteo Resort Expansion, Kelowna 130

Okanagan Correctional Centre, Oliver 193

Skaha Hills Development, Penticton 200 ■

regional report

Is your company a Project of the Year Award Winner?

We’ll be showcasing the 2015 NWCB Outstanding Project of the Year Award winners in the June / July issue of The Trowel.

This is a great opportunity for you to advertise and promote your company’s award-winning workmanship.

Call Christina Tranberg today at 1.877.755.2762 or email [email protected] Publications Mail / Agreement

# 40719512


Also in this issue:


EIFS in 2015


Ceilings


photo credit: Darren Kirby


Fire the Entire Sales & Marketing Departmentcontractor advice

Firing the entire sales and marketing department may seem a little drastic, but I’m serious. I’m not suggesting that you fire the individuals but merely eliminate the department, because its role is no longer needed. It starts with a problem that people are skeptical of salespeople in the first place. That attitude only gets worse when the sales price soars to six figures, seven figures or even higher.

Attempting to justify construction costs by explaining the benefits the contractor brings to the project job carries little weight with prospects. A bigger problem is most contractors’ sales and marketing departments emphasize the wrong things. First, too many contractors do not market their services as they merely respond to requests for proposals (RFPs). RFPs invite contractors to enter a bid competition, but that’s not marketing. In fact, it’s more like a sporting event than a marketing effort.

Also, many of the contractors that try to market their services make a fundamental mistake in how they attempt to differentiate their services from their competitors. Contractors need to differentiate their services, but the emphasis should not be on how the contractor differs from its competitors. Instead, the contractor must demonstrate that it better understands the prospects, understands what is important to the prospect, and reveals how they will provide greater value for the prospect. It’s critical the contractor’s value proposition is both understood and valued by the prospect. In other words, prospects are typically not interested in the relative value of various delivery methods; they are interested in one thing - their bottom line.

In an NCS Radio interview with Robert McCoole, VP of Facilities Resources Group of Ascension Health, expanded on how the contractor can provide value. When I asked McCoole how contractors could be considered to do work for them, he responded: First they need to be a good contractor, but that’s a given. What gets our attention are contractors that can add value before construction. He clarified by added that means being able to meet with the users, the owner, the engineers, and architect and in real time make suggestions that will improve the project. [To listen to his entire interview go to: http://ow.ly/vcitU].

To be able to do this, contractors need to not only be experts on construction practices, but they need to know and understand their client’s business. Only through knowledge and experience can a contractor provide superior value to their clients in the form of lower expenses or increased revenue or both.

Professor Niraj Dawar from the Ivery School of Business in Ontario supports this view in a Harvard Business Review

article, “It’s no secret that in many industries today, upstream activities – such as sourcing, production, and logistics – are becoming commoditized or outsourced, while downstream activities aim at reducing customers’ costs and risk are emerging as the drivers of value creation and sources of competitive advantage.” It is no longer about being the best contractor; it is about being a contractor with the best solution.

Business Development Department What makes the business development department different than the sales and marketing department is the focus on clients. Forget your brochures and focus on how to solve client problems. For example, if you build hospitals you should attend programs on how to operate hospitals more efficiently. You should join their associations so that you sit in their meetings anddemonstrate that you have ideas to help them solve their problems. By building your credibility in this manner you will build a business, because when your colleagues are stuck they will turn to a colleague they think can help. In essence, you are developing business instead of attempting to sell your services.

The important question is who belongs in the business development department? The simple answer is everyone. Obviously, you need people assigned to the department on a full-time basis to do the many follow up tasks that are necessary. But just as important are the part-time members of the department. These people are critical to obtaining information about client problems. Typically, more information is uncovered in a casual environment than when we go out trying to obtain it. Also, your people’s day-to-day actions play an important role in developing future business by building trust and a strong relationship.

In today’s highly competitive marketplace, the name of the game is value to the client—if you want to build your business you need to develop it through superior value.

Ted Garrison, president of Garrison Associates, is a catalyst for change. As a

consultant, author, and speaker, he delivers his Construction 3.0 Strategies that

offer breakthrough solutions for the construction industry by focusing on critical

issues in leadership, project management, strategic thinking, strategic alliances,

and marketing. Contact Ted at 800-861-0874 or [email protected]. Further

information can be found at www.TedGarrison.com.

By / Ted Garrison

28 » The Trowel

Disciplined Leadership: How to Claw Back an Hour a Weekbusiness sense

For many leaders the one thing in most short supply is time. The result of this is an ever-challenging set of choices on prioritization. Who or what gets attention. Sometimes this is planned and strategic, but most times it ends up as reactive firefighting. This runs from CEO right down to the field level foreman.

Most leaders would then be very interested in any method possible to obtain more time. More freedom. Greater focus. Less reactive responses. So to help out, I would like to propose a simple but disciplined change in your leadership style that should give you at least an hour a week back for you to use as necessary. But this process begins with two questions and your very honest response.

1. How much time do you spend (on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis) responding to requests from your people for decisions, resources, or responses that they should be handling for themselves?

2. Are you willing to change your leadership style to change this time impact?

The brutal truth is that a lot of leaders like everyone coming to them. What are the payoffs that people get from having everyone come to them excessively?

• Control or micromanagement needs or issues

• Need to feel important

• Inability to delegate or empower• Ego or attention needs• Protecting their power in the

organization• Learned that way and has not

evolved• Trained their people to be dependent

and now stuck with the result

The cure for this is a disciplined approach. It must be consistently applied in all situations, even when time, stress and circumstances are screaming for you to simply give them the answer, resource, or decision. For the rest of eternity, every time someone comes to you with something they need you will refuse to help them until they answer one of these questions:

1. What do you think we should do in this situation?

2. What would you do if I was not here to give you an answer?

This is a lot harder than it sounds. Most leaders give people what they ask for because it is easier and faster. Just one more thing off the plate. One more fire put out. The problem is that it breeds dependency, kills initiative, and slows down the development of others. The hard part is being patient enough and consistent enough to reverse the interaction. To put the responsibility back on the person asking and to break the chain of dependency.

There was a time where I fell victim to this dependent model. I thought that

by / Mark Breslin

dealing with people at an individual level was helpful and it made me feel necessary. Giving people what they wanted appealed to that part of me that wanted to feel needed and important. But in the process I unconsciously got in the way of their development and minimized their ability to stretch. Interestingly, the greatest impact of my engaging in “painful delegation” was to the growth and bottom line of the business. We doubled in size within three years of my changing my leadership style. I had to get out of the way.

If you have the discipline to do this, and can let go of some of the needs that stand in the way, you will create more empowered and independent employees, greater team productivity, and an hour a week for you personally. And that’s just a start. ■

Mark is noted as the number one speaker in the

nation on construction leadership, strategy, and

labour-management relations. He is also the author

of five bestselling books that have created profound

and positive change across the industry. He has

spoken to and inspired more than 300,000 people

during his career. Please view his latest book The

Five Minute Foreman or his collection of five at www.

breslin.biz.

Get ready for coverage of the Project of the Year Awards in our next issue. Be sure to book your ad space - call Christina today.

Christina Tranberg at 1.877.755.2762 or email [email protected]


industry news

Sonar Stone Wool Ceiling Panels Offer 0.95 NRCAcoustics specialist, Gary Madaras, Ph.D., ASA, INCE, Assoc. AIA, explains, “High sound absorption helps control the ambient noise levels and prevents excessive reverberance. This increases speech intelligibility, improves concentration, and mitigates the ‘Lombard effect,’ where people talk louder and louder to make themselves heard when trying to talk in noisy environments.”

High-performing absorptive ceiling panels of NRC 0.95 can improve the acoustic experience in open-plan offices, classrooms, retail shops, health care patient recovery areas, as well as in multifunctional rooms, corridors, meeting rooms, lobbies and reception areas. In addition to the benefits

associated with 0.95 NRC, Rockfon Sonar’s Articulation Class (AC) rating of 190 supports speech privacy, such as for conversations in human resource departments and medical clinics with partial height walls.

Along with high acoustic performance, the panels’ lightly textured white surface delivers high light reflectance (0.85 LR) to maximize daylighting and dimensional stability at up to 100% relative humidity. Contributing to buildings’ environmental goals, ROCKFON’s extensive portfolio of stone wool acoustic ceiling solutions has earned UL® Environment’s GREENGUARD Gold Certification for low-emitting products.

Get Your Own Copy of The Trowel magazine

Subscribe online today at www.wallandceiling.ca

Hazardous Products Act / Hazardous Products RegulationsOn February 11, 2015, Health Canada announced that the revised Hazardous Products Act and the new Hazardous Products Regulations would now be law in Canada.

In 2014, Health Canada amended its Hazardous Products Act and introduced the new Hazardous Products Regulations. This new legislation governs the implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in all Canadian workplaces. It also establishes new rules for classifying and labelling hazardous occupational materials and new information for safety data sheets under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

The Act and Regulations will regulate suppliers (importers, manufacturers, and distributors), while WorkSafeBC will continue to regulate WHMIS requirements in workplaces.

In addition to these federal legislative changes, WorkSafeBC is proposing similar amendments to the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Regulation by June 2015 (see the public hearing information on the proposed amendments at worksafebc.org).

The original WHMIS, developed in 1988, is not being replaced. Rather, it has been updated to reflect elements of the globally harmonized system. As of 2015, the new WHMIS program aligns Canada’s occupational hazard classification and communication requirements with those used by the United States and other major trading partners.

WHMIS 2015 is the result of a collaborative effort between the federal, provincial, and territorial occupational health and safety agencies, and includes input from supplier, employer, and worker representatives.

In order to allow time for partners and stakeholders to uniformly adopt the new requirement, WHMIS 2015 will be implemented in three phases. The first phase begins with the introduction of the amended Hazardous Products Act and new Hazardous Products Regulations, with the second and third phases of implementation expected to be concluded by December 2018.

During the first phase, specific controlled or hazardous products must comply with either WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 requirements. In other words, the supplier must choose which classification, label, and material safety data sheet to follow, rather than trying to abide by both sets of requirements.

You can find information about the changes to WHMIS on Health Canada’s website at WHMIS.gc.ca, or at the new, nationally co-ordinated web portal, WHMIS.org, which provides useful links to WHMIS resources across Canada. You can also seek training through the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, which offers a free online course, WMIS (After GHS) for Workers, as well as other eCourses on WHMIS.

For more information about the new WHMIS requirements, contact WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line at 604.276.3100 or toll-free in BC at 1.888.621.7233.

Easily installed in standard 9/16-inch and 15/16-inch ceiling suspension systems or directly applied to a sound-reflecting surface, Rockfon Sonar 1-inch-thick stone wool panels are available in 2-foot to 8-foot lengths and up to 4-foot widths, including plank sizes. These panels’ edge designations include: square lay-in, square tegular narrow, angled tegular, direct mount, shiplap, semi-concealed, and fully concealed options. ■

30 » The Trowel

industry newsWood WORKS! Alberta Prairie Wood Design Award Winners AnnouncedA select group of Canada’s leading architects, engineers, and project teams received Prairie Wood Design Awards trophies at the 8th annual Wood WORKS! Alberta celebration in Edmonton in March. The awards program recognizes projects and organizations that, through design excellence, advocacy, and innovation, advance the use of wood in all types of construction.

The winning projects were thoughtfully selected from over forty entries by our esteemed jury panel:

• Larry McFarland, Architect AIBC, Fellow RAIC, Principal, McFarland Marceau Architects Ltd.

• Daryl Procinsky, MArch, LEED-AP,FRAIC, Creativity Activator, Design Revolution Ltd.

• Vedran Skopac, dipl.ing.arh., M.Arch. Architect, HKA, Manasc Isaac

“The calibre of entries was extremely high this year, making the selection process challenging for the jury,” says Rory Koska, program director of the Wood WORKS! Alberta program. “We have seen an increase in innovative wood buildings from the designers and increased commitment from clients choosing to build with wood.”

Winning projects this year include the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, Junction 9 Yoga and Pilates studio in Alberta; and, Qualico Family Centre and St. Vital Park Pavilion in Manitoba.

This year’s gala also celebrated the passage of Bill 203, sponsored by George VanderBurg (MLA for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne). The Bill mandates regulatory changes to allow six-storey wood buildings in Alberta. With the Bill and regulations now complete, six-storey buildings will be permitted as of May 1. ■

“For now, inventories of fuel remain elevated and most believe that the U.S. dollar’s upward movement is not at an end.” —ABC chief economist Anirban Basu.

The largest monthly gain in petroleum prices in over three years caused construction materials prices to expand 0.4 percent in February, ending a six-month streak when prices failed to rise. On a year-over-year basis, construction input prices fell 3.9 percent. Nonresidential construction input prices also rose 0.4 percent on a monthly basis and were down 4.9 percent on a yearly basis.

“While conventional wisdom suggests that oil and natural gas prices will eventually rise, the adjustment period could be a lengthy one and although crude petroleum prices were up 12.3 percent on a monthly basis, this is likely a function of an abnormally cold

Construction Materials Prices Rise for First Time in Six Months

February,” said Associated Builders and Contractors chief economist Anirban Basu. “This rise is the first monthly gain since April 2014 and the eighth consecutive month in which petroleum prices were down on a year-over-year basis.

“For now, inventories of fuel remain elevated and most believe that the U.S. dollar’s upward movement is not at an end,” said Basu. “This, in addition to the quantitative easing that has begun in Europe and the potential for increasing interest rates in America, means that there is likely to be greater demand for U.S. fixed income assets, which will serve to further strengthen the U.S. dollar and put downward pressure on certain key construction input prices. This dynamic was widely apparent in February, during which prices for seven of the 11 key construction inputs failed to rise and no input other than crude

petroleum increased in excess of one percent.”

The following materials prices increased in February.

• Nonferrous wire and cable prices grew 0.8 percent on a monthly basis but fell 4.4 percent on a yearly basis

• Crude petroleum prices gained 12.3 percent in February but are down 53.4 percent from the same time last year.

• Crude energy materials prices expanded 0.9 percent in February but are 45 percent lower year-over-year.

• Concrete products prices expanded 0.2 percent in February and are up 4.3 percent on a yearly basis.

Seven of the 11 key construction inputs did not expand for the month.


New App for Safe Lifting

Company Phone Page

Bailey Metals Products 800.818.2666 OBC

Comren Contracting Inc. 604.525.8111 06

Cosella Dörken 888.4DELTA4 05

Demand Products 800.325.7540 18

Fastwalls 403.567.1435 25

Flannery Trim 818.837.7585 24

Grabber Construction Products (Canada) Inc. 800.567.8876 04

Kinetics Noise Control 800.684.2766 13

Mansonville Plastics 604.534.8626 07

Nathan Kimmel Company 800.421.0005 11, 12

New West Gypsum Recycling 604.534.9925 13

Plasterform 800.268.4534 23

Plexxis Software 905.889.8979 11

SCAFCO Steel Stud Company 403.265.9005 IFC

Steeler Ltd (Delta BC) 877.678.6565 15

Sturdy Ladder Inc. 403.264.2934 19

Trowel Trades Accessories Ltd. 604.536.6100 16

Wallworks Acoustic Architectural Products Inc. 877.829.2550 21

Winroc Corporation 888.2.WINROC 10

Advertiser Index

industry newsFlesh-detecting Table Saw Protects Worker SafetyJobsite safety is number one for any professional, and in an effort to help protect your crew, Bosch introduces the new GTS1041A REAXX Portable Jobsite Table Saw. Leveraging the company's heritage of innovative table saw design, Bosch engineered REAXX as the first saw with its proprietary flesh-detecting Active Response Technology, which rapidly detects human flesh that comes in contact with the blade and drops the saw blade below the tabletop, reducing the potential of serious user injury without damaging the blade. In addition, REAXX also boasts a number of key features to increase productivity, such as:

• Fast reset - after activation, the system can be reset in less than 60 seconds

• Enhanced motor electronics - reduces the intensity of torque buildup and maintains cutting speed under load

• Optimized maximum horsepower and excellent cutting speed - makes cutting various materials an easy task

• Smartphone app - Users can send and receive information from the saw's on-board control system via their phone

For more information about REAXX, visit https://youtu.be/nbDf2dpQVIY for the product video. ■

• Prices for plumbing fixtures fell 0.1 percent in February but are up 3 percent on a year-over-year basis.

• Fabricated structural metal product prices remained flat for the month and have expanded one percent on a year-over-year basis.

• Prices for prepared asphalt, tar roofing, and siding fell 1.4 percent for the month but are up 1.7 percent on a year-ago basis.

• Iron and steel prices fell 5.4 percent in February and are down 10.6 percent from the same time last year.

• Steel mill products prices fell 1.8 percent for the month and are 3.6 percent lower than one year ago.

• Softwood lumber prices fell 3.7 percent in February and are 4.4 percent lower than one year ago.

• Natural gas prices fell 11.2 percent in February and are down 51.8 percent from one year ago.

To view the previous PPI report, please visit www.abc.org. ■

When moving boxes or other heavy objects, do you know how much you can lift safely? Oregon OSHA’s new Safe Lifting Calculator app gives the maximum safe weight for various lifting scenarios, using a simplified version of the NIOSH lifting equation.

The app lets you calculate a safe lifting weight in three steps:

1. Indicate where your lift begins.

2. Estimate the number of lifts per minute and the hours of lifting per day.

3. Select the maximum safe lifting weight for your task based on whether there is twisting or no twisting.

The app is available for Apple and Android devices, and it can be used online. Visit http://www.orosha.org/apps/liftcalc/lifting-calc-options.html for details. ■

COMING NEXT ISSUE:

• Project of the Year Awards• Restoration / Renovation• Interior Finishing

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32 » The Trowel

the trowel april / may 2015

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