L INE - Texas Masonry Council line fall 13 web.pdf · TEXAS MASONRY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Romeo Collazo ROC Construction, Inc. 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Trey Atwood Featherlite

Fall 2013 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E T E X A S M A S O N R Y C O U N C I L Volume 17, No. 3

T H E M A S O N R Y M A G A Z I N E O F T E X A S

LINETHE

2013 Golden Trowel Awards

From K-12 to Colleges and Universities, Texas Schools Insist on Masonry

Brick Brings Advantages in Sustainable Design

Avoiding Common Renovation Mistakes

Cover Sponsored by:C.W. Oates Masonry, Inc.

TEXAS MASONRY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENTRomeo Collazo

ROC Construction, Inc.

1ST VICE PRESIDENTTrey AtwoodFeatherlite

2ND VICE PRESIDENTRob Teel

Continental Cut Stone, Inc.

SECRETARY/TREASURERPete Groetzinger

Brazos Masonry, Inc.

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTThad Cleckler

Hanson Brick & Roof Tile

BOARD MEMBERSBill Seidel, Acme Brick Company

Debbie Brady, Hanson Brick & Roof TileRusty Haile, Acme Brick Company

Stan McCarthy, Acme Brick CompanyBob Whisnant, Headwaters Construction Materials

Jim Wise, Boral Building ProductsJohn Williams, Alamo Cement

TMC STAFF

ASSOCIATION MANAGERLindsey Stringer

[email protected]

Executive Vice PresidentMPP ProgramRudy Garza

[email protected]

Community PlannerLeila Siqueiros

[email protected]

Masonry ConsultantHarry McGraw

[email protected]

PUBLISHER

Futura Publishing, LLCTom Faulkner, Managing Editor

[email protected]

Patty Huber, Advertising [email protected]

Neil Faulkner, Copy Editor

Allison Newsum, Art Director

www.texasmasonrycouncil.org �

Fall 2013 Volume 17, No. 3

A PUBLICATION OF THE ASSOCIATED MASONRY CONTRACTORS OF TEXAS

5 FROM THE COVER: Undergraduate Academic Center at Texas State University - San Marcos


�7From K-12 to Colleges and Universities, Texas Schools Insist on Masonry

�9Brick Brings Advantages in Sustainable Design

2�Avoiding Common Renovation Mistakes

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS2 On the Level

22 Construction Law: Water is A Business Issue for Texas!

23 TMC Advancing its Mission throughout Texas

24 In the News

TEXAS MASONRY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENTRomeo Collazo

ROC Construction, Inc.

1ST VICE PRESIDENTTrey AtwoodFeatherlite

2ND VICE PRESIDENTRob Teel

Continental Cut Stone, Inc.

SECRETARY/TREASURERPete Groetzinger

Brazos Masonry, Inc.

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTThad Cleckler

Hanson Brick & Roof Tile

BOARD MEMBERSBill Seidel, Acme Brick Company

Debbie Brady, Hanson Brick & Roof TileRusty Haile, Acme Brick Company

Stan McCarthy, Acme Brick CompanyBob Whisnant, Headwaters Construction Materials

Jim Wise, Boral Building ProductsJohn Williams, Alamo Cement

TMC STAFF

ASSOCIATION MANAGERLindsey Stringer

[email protected]

Executive Vice PresidentMPP ProgramRudy Garza

[email protected]

Community PlannerLeila Siqueiros

[email protected]

Masonry ConsultantHarry McGraw

[email protected]

PUBLISHER

Futura Publishing, LLCTom Faulkner, Managing Editor

[email protected]

Patty Huber, Advertising [email protected]

Neil Faulkner, Copy Editor

Allison Newsum, Art Director

2 Texas Masonry Council ✯ The Line

On the Level

ROMEO COLLAZOPresident

texas Masonry CounCil

Fall is a time of renewed energy due to the anticipation of cooler weather and the upcoming holidays. We have much to be grateful for as we have had another successful year under the past leadership of Thad Cleckler. There were many accom-plishments such as the MPP (Masonry Policy Planning) Program achievements, the Golden Trowel Awards and the well-attended State Convention in Austin. There are far too many people to acknowledge, but if you are involved and contributed we are thankful for all you do! All members need to speak proudly of our organization and continue to enlighten non-members on the positive aspects of TMC and how it can help their com-panies. This organization is an absolutely positive group that proudly promotes our daily work in the field of masonry.

Our goals this year are to eagerly continue having our asso-ciates enlighten all local entities on the advantages of writing policy programs and ordinances to include masonry that will make their respective cities stronger, more beautiful and built to last. We are anticipating positive results in many local areas, which will benefit both suppliers and the contractors. In this issue, one of the topics is masonry restoration and preservation. This is an important issue, in that many Texas cities already have areas designated as historical. The use of masonry makes the preservation and restoration a much simpler process. The Sundance downtown area of Fort Worth is currently undergoing a major project that is encompassing all of the historical brick attributes of the surrounding buildings. This project will cer-tainly show Texas people that the use of masonry is a positive selection not only for its long lasting life, but also for its ability to beautifully invigorate the historical past.

Recently in Dallas, the Texas Association of School Boards and School Administrators held their annual conference. It was a very well attended event. The TMC was present, as well as many architectural and general contractor firms. Many of the Board Members and Administrators were receptive to using masonry on future bond issues relating to construction. A few comments had to deal with cost. As has been proven over time and past weather emergencies, cost has to be looked at from many different aspects. I do not know many parents who would want their children in temporary trailers versus a solid concrete masonry wall backup with masonry veneer on the face when faced with our always changing Texas weather. Whether it is high winds or varying temperatures, masonry stands the test of time.

I thank all of the volunteers that we’ve had at these events, most notably our association manager, Lindsey Stringer. Her

never ending work ethic and positive attitude has strengthened our organization as I have seen first-hand. The TASA/TASB con-ference will be held again in Dallas next year and we look for-ward to an even better display of masonry for these important decision-makers to view. I look forward to working with both the new and past board members and making this another positive year for our TMC.

Romeo CollazoROC Construction2013/2014 TMC President

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www.texasmasonrycouncil.org 5

About the ProjectThe new Undergraduate Academic Center at Texas State University

- San Marcos was designed to meet the needs of the rapidly growing campus – with a specific focus on helping undergraduates identify a course of study that adequately aligns with their skillset. The design architect on the project was Ayers Saint Gross, the executive architect was Morris Architects and the masonry contractor was C.W. Oates Masonry, Inc.

The selected site for the new facility is a prominent location, with a design intended to fulfill the vision established by the new Campus Master Plan. One of the many prominent features of the project is the cast stone bridge and archway. This arched passage feels like the entrance to the campus and when looking back out you can see for miles down to the city of San Marcos below.

The 129,000 SF building includes the Political Science, Psychology and the Sociology departments, as well as support space, gen-eral classrooms, Student Learning Assistance spaces, an Athletic Academic Center, an Undeclared

UndergradUate academic center at texas state University

– san marcos

� Texas Masonry Council ✯ The Line

Major Advising Center and Texas Success Initiative spaces. The Undergraduate Academic Center has been designed to achieve a LEED Silver certification.

The original project scope included shell space for a chilled water plant. Site selection and integration of the chilled water plant and utility infrastructure upgrades were evaluated. The design team, with University concurrence, determined the pro-gram requirements for the UAC program and the chilled water plant could not be fulfilled on the available site. A different site was determined for the chilled water plant, and the shell space for the plant removed from the scope of the UAC project. After review of SD documents, the System recommended the A/E team develop two additional design schemes for consideration. Upon completion of the development of these additional schemes, the University selected the approach resulting in the building we have today.

The project is constructed of modular brick supplied by Acme Brick Company and Elgin Butler Brick Company. The cast stone material seen on the tower, bridge archway, planter boxes, foun-tain, and accents were supplied by Advanced Cast Stone. The lower floors of the complex are constructed of CMU supplied by Featherlite Building Products. There were several challenges with the construction of this project such as schedule, weather delays, but perhaps the most difficult to overcome was the very tight project footprint and property lines. Texas State University is built on a cluster of steep hills that make for some very uneven working surfaces. Due to the retaining walls and steep grades, often there was hardly enough space to stand scaffold. Accessing the scaffolding with a forklift became increasingly more difficult as the project progressed. Because there was so little space, it was necessary to schedule deliveries everyday so as to not over fill the project with materials and supplies.


A unique feature that C. W. Oates Masonry is particularly proud of is the covered brick archway on the north side of the building. The stairs under the covered archway drop considerably from one end of the building to the other giving the arches a very dramatic look from the top or bottom. These towering arches took a lot of time, coordination and care to construct and perfect.

About the ArchitectsThis year Morris Architects is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Established in Houston, Texas in 1938, their professional prac-tice has grown to include international projects and registra-tion throughout the U.S. and work in the Asia, Central America, Europe, Mexico, South America, the Pacific Rim and the Middle East. Their diverse body of work is a testament to the skill and creativity of our talented staff.

With 107 employees, Morris Architects provides comprehen-sive architecture and interior design services, strategic planning, programming and landscape architecture. Their portfolio includes work in civic, corporate, education, entertainment, healthcare, hospitality, performing arts and religious facilities markets.

In addition to Houston, offices are located in Orlando, Los Angeles, San Antonio and Rio de Janeiro. During the past five years, over $6 billion worth of projects have been completed worldwide.

The work is tied together not by style, but rather by a com-mitment to innovation: each client, each program, each site, each context is different, and requires a reconsidered approach, always informed by an understanding of technology, the desire to strengthen communities and a commitment to sustainability. Building on a 75-year history of landmark buildings and places, this company has assembled an award-winning portfolio of work that we term AdvanceDesign.

About the Masonry ContractorC.W. Oates Masonry, Inc. is a family owned commercial

masonry contractor in the Central Texas region. They were founded in 1956 in Odessa, Texas and established an office in Georgetown, Texas in 1982. Since moving to central Texas their primary focus of construction has been education facilities, both K-12 and higher learning facilities such as TSU-UAC. Over the years they have worked on virtually every type of construction project including retail, hospital projects, municipal buildings, and government facilities.

The company delivers a professional masonry product along with superb business relations. They bring over 50 years of expe-rience to the construction industry, are fully equipped to engage in commercial projects of any size, and employ some of the best masons Central Texas has to offer. They specialize in Brick, Block, Stone, Cast Stone, and much more.

Some of their current Texas work includes Liberty Hill High School, Liberty Hill; TAMU Central Texas – MPL, Killeen; Lago Vista High School, Lago Vista; Lake Travis Elementary #6, Spicewood; HEB Round Rock, Round Rock; Creekside Town Center, New Braunfels; Block 51 IBC Bank Tower, Austin; Barton Springs Agua Terra, Austin; Pflugerville Elementary #20, Pflugerville; COSTCO Cedar Park, Cedar Park; and Domain Office Building & Garage, Austin.

C.W. Oates Masonry’s mission is to produce a professional quality masonry product with maximum efficiency while strictly adhering to the most recent safety procedures and industry standards. They aspire to create exceptional business relation-

ships with each of their clients, to faithfully conduct business with the highest level of Integrity, Professionalism, and Respect, and promise to uphold each of these virtues without fail.

Forecasts and ChallengesBoth Morris Architects and C.W. Oates Masonry, Inc. have much

experience in the commercial construction industry. According to Morris representatives, “…driven mostly by the booming energy industry, the commercial market has come back with tremendous demand for new office space, new service and warehouse facili-ties. Many companies are moving to Texas to fill these offices – particularly the Houston area, and therefore housing markets, including inner city multifamily mixed-use facilities, are being built in significant numbers.”

“At the current pace the boom will soon begin to saturate the market and begin to slow the initiation of new projects, followed by a slowdown – the beginnings of which will likely be seen in a year or two. With the growth in Texas’s population, especially in areas of high growth, we will see necessary expansion in other markets, including retail, services and institutional including church and education.”

“Economic / business cycles are a fact of life for the design and construction industry, and they impact the growth and profitability of design and construction firms. The recent “great recession” was very detrimental to the design professions, and many of those who lost their job moved away from the industry into other avocations. Many new architectural and engineering graduates finding no opportunities in their fields went in differ-ent directions and career paths that could promise a greater rate of hire. As business has returned and thus demands for staff, a shortage of qualified candidates has become a challenge fairly quickly into the cycle. New graduates will find good employment opportunities, but an age gap established in the design services labor pool established during the recession will persist for many years. Technology is both a challenge and a source of innovation and efficiency.”

C.W. Oates Masonry, Inc. also sees Texas continuing to be a growth market, but similar to Morris Architects, quality staffing will continue to be a challenge. “The Texas construction market has certainly been busy for the past year and as of now really doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. We feel that the big-gest contributing factor to the construction growth in Texas is the booming Tech and Oil/Gas business in the state. As these indus-tries grow larger and more companies continue moving to Texas, we will continue to see a steady flow of construction projects for the next few years and hopefully longer. Another factor that seems to be helping is the growth in the residential sector.”

“While masonry is one of the oldest construction trades around and have endured many ups and downs, we think one of the biggest threats to our industry is the lack of quality skilled labor. We are constantly training individuals and constantly replacing them. It seems that with each passing year fewer and fewer people are willing to get out and do the tough work that is required of our trade. I believe we need to be more proactive as an industry trying to teach the intricacies of our trade to the younger generations and show them a path to a good paying career in the masonry field whether that is through a technical program at the high school or college level or just an industry program.”

“Another challenge facing our industry is the various techno-logical advances that are taking place. We have recently seen an increase in the amount of ICF construction and in speaking with several officials from local school districts it does not appear to


Feature

20�3 Golden Trowel AwardsFriday, August 16Hilton Austin Hotel

One of the primary highlights at each Texas Masonry Council convention is the Golden Trowel Awards (GTAs). As is the custom, this year’s GTAs recognized architects who design with masonry and the masonry contractors and suppliers who

bring those designs to reality.Each year TMC’s regional masonry chapters host a local GTA program and the winners from each of the six categories

advance to the state competition. Architects representing all entries are invited to the awards presentation where Honorable Mention and First Place Golden Trowel Awards are presented.

The Golden Trowel Awards were presented to the following architects, masonry contractors and suppliers in the following categories:

GOLDEN TROWEL AWARD

Restoration

OFFiCE REMODELMASONRy CONTRACTOR: P and S Masonry, Inc.ARCHITECT: Alexander OdomSUPPLIERS: Acme Brick Company, Hohmann & Barnard, Inc., Headwaters Construction Materials, Amerimix, Texas QuarriesREGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: Central Texas Masonry Contractors Association

In this office remodel, an existing brick home built in 1924 was turned into a work-friendly office environment. The goal of the design was to keep the traditional feel of the home on the first floor and front of the building, while giving it a modern and open-office space upstairs. The majority of the external remodel was done using a combination of 8 inch and 16 x 32 polished block, providing a sleek look to the rear of the house. The same pol-ished block was used to construct the planter that delineates the ramp, and the majority of the hardscape was constructed from shell stone, capped with brick.



Block-CMU

GOLDEN TROWEL AWARD

HONORABLE MENTiON

PARkLAND HOsPiTAL NEW CENTRAL UTiLiTy PLANTMASONRy CONTRACTOR: J&E Masonry, Inc. ARCHITECT: KAI TexasSUPPLIERS: Headwaters Constructions Materials, Hohmann & Barnard, Inc., Quikcrete REGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: United Mason Contractors Association of DFW

The Parkland Hospital New Central Utility Plant (CUP) is an 81,146 square-foot facility comprised of cooling towers, a generator building, domestic water storage tank, chillers, boilers and a heat pump chiller. A structural CMU block & concrete building containing 100,000 regular & burnished CMU block with the vast majority of the block being 12” units. Every single CMU block in the building had to be laid in a stacked bond pattern, with burnished CMU blocks laid in alternating stacked bond coursing of 4”, 6” and 8” height units. There were many structural challenges and tight quar-ters with other buildings in close proximity, heavy jobsite security, and very large mechanical pipes, cranes & equipment to work around that were not normal to most projects. The end result is a project that showcases masonry block construction not only in a structural capacity but also as an appealing architectural product.

CARNEGiE VANGUARD HiGH sCHOOLMASONRy CONTRACTOR: Camarata Masonry Systems, Ltd.ARCHITECT: RdlR ArchitectsSUPPLIERS: Upchurch KimbroughREGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: Associated Masonry Contractors of Houston

This school’s new 98,000 square-foot campus speaks to creativity and learning, from its lines and colors to its use of interactive learning spaces. The Mason supplied and installed over 6,630 4x8x16 Pumpkin Orange and 5,430 4x8x16 classic Red glazed tile. All walls were designed to be on a slight radius. This combined with the stacked bond pattern required careful technique. Soffits were prefabricated face down in Camarata Masonry’s ware-house and were brought out to the job on pallets once cured. Due to the necessity to align the soffit joints with the inside and outside walls, the joints in the prefabricated soffits were slightly splayed. The end result is a visually stunning installation that exhibits a high degree of precision.


�0 Texas Masonry Council ✯ The Line

GOLDEN TROWEL AWARD

HONORABLE MENTiON

Education K-12

NEW UNiVERsiTy HiGH sCHOOL MASONRy CONTRACTOR: Quality Brickworks, Ltd.ARCHITECT: PBK ArchitectsSUPPLIERS: Hanson Brick, Featherlite Building Products, Hohmann & Barnard, Inc., Advanced Cast StoneREGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: Central Texas Masonry Contractors Association

This project’s two-story interior and exterior masonry features 720,000 king-size brick and scores of cast stone elements, and rivals most college cam-pus buildings. The interior uses brick to achieve rich aesthetics and durable functionality at the commons areas. 340,000 CMU’s were employed to continue this low-maintenance investment for the partitions and structural elements of both the instructional and athletic areas.

MEMORiAL ELEMENTARy sCHOOL MASONRy CONTRACTOR: Skinner Masonry, LLPARCHITECT: PBKSUPPLIERS: Hohmann & Barnard, Inc., Advanced Cast Stone, Air-Tite Foam Insulation, LLC., Acme Brick Company, Headwaters Construction Materials, Blackson BrickREGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: United Masonry Contractors Association of DFW

Three colors of brick veneer patterns, arriscraft column bases and caps, cast stone columns, arches, keys, and soffits. Radius masonry work is found through main entry colonade canopies, arriscraft panels are at the main entry canopy and full height panels are inside main canopy. Cast stone arches have hanging soffits.

�0 Golden Trowel Awards

www.texasmasonrycouncil.org ��

Education – College/University

GOLDEN TROWEL AWARD

HONORABLE MENTiON

TExAs sTATE UNiVERsiTy UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMiC CENTER MASONRy CONTRACTOR: C.W. Oates Masonry, Inc.ARCHITECT: Morris ArchitectsSUPPLIERS: Acme Brick Company, Elgin Butler Company, Advanced Cast Stone, Featherlite Building Products, Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.REGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: Central Texas Masonry Contractors Association

Set high on the hill above San Marcos, the new Undergraduate Academic Center at Texas State University creates a strong new public image for the University. Its Spanish colonial style brick, stone accented façade, red tile roofs and a large stone clad portal act as a new gateway to the campus. This highly visible site is an instant campus signature, and the goal of LEED Silver Certification will further enhance the building’s importance and recognition. The design includes a 100% brick and cast stone exterior, lending an Old World aesthetic, shored up by masterful masonry craftsmanship and detailed brickwork on its iconic arches.

COLLiN COUNTy COMMUNiTy COLLEGE sPRiNG CREEk LiBRARyMASONRy CONTRACTOR: Artisan Masonry, Inc.ARCHITECT: PBKSUPPLIERS: Advanced Cast Stone, Blackson Brick, AmerimixREGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: United Masonry Contractors Association of DFW

This project had Arriscraft around base, brick veneer with multiple cast stone columns at the entry, around rotunda and at roof area. Getting material to rotunda was challenging because there was limited access. Most walls were laid on a radius with brick Arriscraft and cast stone all mingled together, and many of the cast stone soffit pieces were over a thousand pounds apiece.

www.texasmasonrycouncil.org ��


GOLDEN TROWEL AWARD

HONORABLE MENTiON

Government/Institutional

FiRsT BAPTisT CHURCH - PAsADENAMASONRy CONTRACTOR: D&H Masonry, Inc. ARCHITECT: Ziegler Cooper ArchitectsSUPPLIERS: Headwaters Construction Materials, Upchurch Kimbrough, Acme Brick Company, Siteworks, Inc., AHI Supply, Mustang Metal & SupplyREGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: Associated Masonry Contractors of Houston

A bold architectural design utilizing multiple types of masonry, this 130,000 square foot addition features featuring smooth and textured Cast Stone/Arriscraft as anchoring architectural elements. Two expansive court entries between the existing building and the new construction create a distinctive corner facade that engages the busy intersection it faces. The Chapel uses brick accents that are similar in pattern and texture to the existing build-ings.

NEW UNiTED sTATEs COURTHOUsEMASONRy CONTRACTOR: Rudd and Adams Masonry, Inc.ARCHITECT: Mack Scogin Merrill Elam ArchitectsSUPPLIERS: I-10 Stone Source, Featherlite Building Products, Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.REGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: Central Texas Masonry Contractors Association

On the site of the infamous, never-completed and ultimately-imploded INTEL building in Austin, the new U.S. Courthouse site flows together with neighboring Republic Square Park, and includes an outdoor space for the public to enjoy and gather. The building was designed to resist blasts, and includes substrate sheathing of corrugated steel anchored within the ribs of the sheathing. Featuring sawn lueders limestone cut in four different course heights, the face profile of the stones were fabricated with 4 pitches, 0, 3, 6 and 9 degrees.

�2 Golden Trowel Awards

GOLDEN TROWEL AWARD

HONORABLE MENTiON

COOPER CENTENNiAL FOUNTAiN AND THE R. GERALD TURNER CENTENNiAL PAViLiONMASONRy CONTRACTOR: TST Construction Services, LLCARCHITECT: Kevin Sloan StudioSUPPLIERS: Mustang Metal SupplyREGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: United Masonry Contractors Association of DFW

This project began as a granite and cast stone fountain located on the SMU Campus. Three differing granites were utilized with multiple surfaces, and white Cast Stone was used at the fountain caps, dry area walls and pavilion. Approximately 8 weeks before the end of the project, the contract scope was expanded to include a highly decorated octagonal shaped pavilion, fully clad (inside and out) in cast stone. The installation of the heavy elements of the interior cornices in a very confined space required innovative thinking to allow for the hoisting and attachment of those pieces.

TALLOWOOD BAPTisT CHURCH FOUNTAiNMASONRy CONTRACTOR: W.W. Bartlett, Inc.ARCHITECT: The Office of James BurnettSUPPLIERS: Mustang Metal SupplyREGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: Associated Masonry Contractors of Houston

Nestled inside a limestone scripture wall the Tallowood Baptist Church’s fountain garden provides a peaceful, meditative space adjacent to the children’s playground and entry to the West Tower Education Building. The six foot tall limestone masonry wall engraved with scripture encircles the garden space, screening both the interior garden and an adjacent children’s play area from a surface parking lot beyond. Inside the wall a black granite water wall serves as both a visual and audible anchor for the space. A specimen live oak tree shades a limestone masonry bench that continues along the curve of the space’s circular layout, and evergreen and blooming plants create visual interest year-round.

Hardscape/Landscape

www.texasmasonrycouncil.org �3

�� Texas Masonry Council ✯ The Line

GOLDEN TROWEL AWARD

Residential Multi-Family

FiORi AT ViTRUViAN PARkMASONRy CONTRACTOR: Metro Masonry Construction, Inc. ARCHITECT: Good Fulton & Farrell SUPPLIERS: Texas Building Products, Blackson Brick, TNT EquipmentREGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: United Masonry Contractors Association of DFW

The Fiori is the third phase of new construction in Vitruvian Park, an ambitious redevelopment of more than 100 acres of 1970’s and 1980’s-vintage apartment land in Addison. With views overlooking a signature park surrounding a spring-fed creek with a civic amphitheater, 391 units are arrayed in a 10-story tower and mid-rise apartment wings topping a two-story parking podium for 600 cars. The Fiori is a decidedly modern composition with Black Diamond smooth modular brick veneer.

THE WHiTLEy APARTMENTs BUiLDiNGCONTRACTOR: Brazos Masonry, Inc. ARCHITECT: Gromotzky Dupree & Associates SUPPLIERS: Featherlite Building Products, Acme Brick Company, Continental Quarries, Inc., AmerimixREGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: Central Texas Masonry Contractors Association

Rising 17 floors above downtown Austin, The Whitley Apartments Building is a fine example of how masonry can beautify a city. Five floors of parking garage and pool deck had 58,000 lightweight CMU. The architect used this product for structure and safety within the garage. With 3,600 square feet of Burnish CMU, 225 pieces of cast stone and 406,000 king-size brick, the architect did a magnificent job combining different components of masonry together to change the skyline of Austin. Brazos Masonry’s craftsmen met the challenge of a very tight site and completed the job safely, with quality and on time.

HONORABLE MENTiON

�� Golden Trowel Awards


Industrial/Commercial

GOLDEN TROWEL AWARD

HONORABLE MENTiON

iNDEPENDENT BANkMASONRy CONTRACTOR: Looking Good Masonry, Inc.ARCHITECT: Jim Wilson ArchitectsSUPPLIERS: Featherlite Building Products, Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.REGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: Central Texas Masonry Contractors Association

A silver LEED candidate, this 15,500 square-foot office/bank building features a cost-effective four course chopped “Cream” limestone and a 1” machine smooth “Cream” veneer. Many obstacles and design elements had to be addressed. On the main North Elevation of the building, the architect wanted horizontal coursing of the stopped between each vertical control joint, with each area within these limits “standing alone,” horizontally non-associative with the adjacent chopped stone fields. This unconventional use of a very conventional Central Texas limestone lends a unique modern rectilinear element to the building.

MiA’s TABLEMASONRy CONTRACTOR: W.W. Bartlett, Inc.ARCHITECT: Eubanks Group Architects SUPPLIERS: Mustang Metal & Supply, Headwaters Construction MaterialsREGIONAL MASONRy CHAPTER: Associated Masonry Contractors of Houston

Mia’s Table is sited on a corner that is part of a master-planned “campus,” including a multi-level parking garage, three restaurants, and corporate offices. This casual dining facility has an “old country store” feel using Texas limestone. Exterior features include a stone room with cupola on the corner of Argonne and Branard using Texas limestone and featuring a stone fireplace and chimney. The “smokehouse” room encompasses brick walls. The combination of indoor/outdoor space with brick and stone create a style and feel of early German immigrant structures in central Texas.


�� Texas Masonry Council ✯ The Line

TMC would like to thank our sponsors, exhibitorsand advertisers for their support of the

2013 TMC Convention

Convention SponsorsAcme Brick CompanyAmerimix (Bonsal American)Artisan Masonry, Inc.Blackson Brick Co.Brazos Masonry, Inc.Camarata Masonry Systems, Ltd.Continental Cut Stone(CTMCA) Central Texas Masonry Contractors AssociationCustom Building ProductsEquipment DepotHanson Brick and Roof TileHohmann & Barnard, Inc.Holcim (US) Inc.Looking Good MasonryQuality Brick Works, Ltd.The Quikrete Companies/Spec Mix, Inc.(SAMCA) San Antonio Masonry Contractors AssociationSkinner Masonry, LLPTradesmen’s Software, Inc.Trinity Expanded Shale & ClayTST Construction Services, LLC(UMCA) United Masonry Contractors AssociationW.W. Bartlett, Inc.

ExhibitorsAcme Brick CompanyAdvanced Building ProductsAHI Supply, LPDurable StructuresEquipment Depot Headwaters Construction MaterialsHohmann & Barnard, Inc.Masonry & Glass Systems, Inc.NawkawOldcastle/Jewell Concrete Products, Inc.Spec MixTexas Building ProductsTexas Masonry CouncilTNT Equipment Co., Inc.Trinity Expanded Shale & Clay

Convention Program AdvertisingAcme Brick CompanyAdvanced Cast StoneAHI Supply, LPCamarata Masonry Systems, Ltd.Continental Cut StoneDMG Masonry, Inc.Equipment DepotHeadwaters Construction MaterialsTexas Lehigh CementTNT Equipment Co., Inc.

Live Auction Donation CompaniesAcme Brick CompanyAdvanced Cast StoneAmerimix (Bonsal American)Blackson Brick Co.Continental Cut StoneHanson Brick and Roof TileHeadwaters Construction MaterialsHolcim (US) Inc. Lehigh White Cement CompanyLhoist North AmericaMustang Metal & SupplyThe Quikrete Companies/Spec MixRevels Block & Brick Co. Inc.Swingin’ B RanchTexas Building ProductsTexaStone QuarriesPROSOCO

Silent Auction SponsorsAcme Brick CompanyAdvanced Cast StoneAHI Supply, LPAlamo Golf ClubBlackson Brick Co.Brazos Masonry, Inc.Carved StoneContinental Cut StoneD&H MasonryEquipment DepotHeadwaters Construction MaterialsHeart O’ Texas Fair & RodeoHilton AustinHolcim (US) Inc.Kennison Forest ProductsLehigh White Cement CompanyLeigh K. Hajovsky

Lowery MasonryMasonry & Glass SystemsMetro MasonryP&S MasonryRevels Block & Brick Co. Inc.Texas Lehigh Cement CompanyWhole Wheat Creative

Golf Hole and Prize SponsorsAAA Stone SupplyAcme Brick Company - San AntonioAHI Supply, LPAlamo Cement CompanyAmerimix (Bonsal American)Brazos Masonry, Inc.C & S ContractorsC. W. Oates Masonry, Inc.Camarata Masonry Systems, Ltd.City MasonryContinental Cut Stone, Inc. (CTMCA) Central Texas Masonry Contractors AssociationCustom Building ProductsDeane Masonry ProductsDJM MasonryGrace Construction ProductsHeadwaters Construction MaterialsI-10 Building Materials/Stone SourceL & T MasonryLehigh White Cement CompanyLhoist North AmericaLooking Good MasonryLundberg Masonry, Inc.Mustang Metal & SupplyOldcastle/Jewell Concrete Products, Inc.PROSOCO Quality Brickworks, LTDRevels Block & Brick Co. Inc.ROC Construction, Inc.San Antonio Masonry & Tool SupplyShadrock & Williams MasonrySkinner Masonry, LLPTexas Building ProductsTexas Lehigh Cement CompanyTexas QuarriesTradesmen’s SoftwareTrenwyth IndustriesUpchurch KimbroughVernon MasonryW.W. Bartlett, Inc.

TEXAS MASONRY COUNCILP.O. Box 4278Waco, TX 76708Phone: (254) 300-4544 www.texasmasonrycouncil.org


The educational market is one that continues to show remarkable room for growth for the masonry industry. Aged

schools in established neighborhoods are due for updating, addi-tions or replacing. New and growing Texas communities need more and larger schools. Masonry has traditionally been a mate-rial of choice for schools for its aesthetics, durability and longev-ity, fire protection ratings, resistance to graffiti, low maintenance, initial cost effectiveness and, particularly, life-cycle costing. It remains so today for those same reasons. One look at our Golden Trowel and Honorable Mention winners in the 2013 Golden Trowel Awards article in this issue demonstrates that masonry continues to be the primary material of choice.

Educational buildings have to be built to last for generations, and there is almost always a finite amount of time and money available for construction. With this type of construction, life-cycle efficiency and low maintenance are of the utmost impor-tance. Of equal importance is the schedule – and adhering to it; when school starts, the building has to be complete. Once school is in session, the building has to easily withstand the rigors of the student body.

structural Masonry Trims schedule, CostFrom Dallas/Fort Worth to the Valley and Houston to West

Texas, nearly all new school construction in Texas is mostly masonry. Texas has experienced a population burst over the past

few years, and that translates to leading the nation in new school construction. Much of this new construction is loadbearing masonry. Since CMU is readily available, construction can begin immediately. Masonry is quick to erect, so schools can open on schedule — there is no waiting for steel fabrication and shop drawings.

No MoldUsing masonry is simply the best choice from cost, durability

and environmental standpoints.Environmentally, masonry helps us keep schools clean. Some

school districts have had problems in the past with air quality in the schools. CMU is inorganic and does not feed mold. Therefore, there is no risk of mold developing in a masonry building. No need to have any major concerns that result with drywall – mold and mildew festering. When school districts research alternatives to drywall and metal stud interior walls, the initial cost differen-tial of using all CMU walls is slight.

When considered as part of a life-cycle cost – the benefits of minimal maintenance, masonry’s imperviousness to both equip-ment and student abuse and the thermal mass benefits of greatly reduced heating and air conditioning costs for decades over the school’s lifetime – the cost differential is even more dramatic. With drywall, the kids tend to pick away the walls. Masonry com-pletely eliminates that problem. you don’t have the problems inherent in other materials. There are no issues with mold, it’s very easy to clean off graffiti, and masonry takes years of abuse without as much as a scratch.

School districts all across Texas are insisting on masonry because of its durability. They know what they want and what works better. In some schools, the entire building is masonry,

From K-12 to colleges and Universities, texas schools insist on masonry

FEATURE


even the closets. This is especially critical in areas prone to tor-nadoes and hurricanes.

Masonry’s Myriad AttributesSchools are meant to be 100-year buildings, and it’s the

masonry schools that stand the test of time. There are more than 8,300 public K-12 schools in Texas and more coming online each year. Because of masonry’s attributes – aesthetics, durability and longevity, fire protection ratings, resistance to graffiti, low maintenance, initial cost effectiveness and, particularly, life-cycle costing – it is no wonder that Texas school districts are favoring the use of masonry.

schedule Dictates Masonry BearingIn some cases, loadbearing masonry is the only means by

which a new school project can be completed on time and on budget. After analyzing cost and schedule of both precast and loadbearing, most schools go with loadbearing in order to open by the new school year.

Of course, cost is the other component ranking loadbearing masonry above the precast system. The precast skin cost roughly the same as loadbearing masonry. However, in many instances, you hang the precast off of a steel frame. The cost of the steel frame needs to be included as part of the comparison between the two. Once you add that, the precast becomes more expensive. So, with longer lead times and more cost, the solution is to go with loadbearing masonry. Using loadbearing block masonry, the day after the foundations are poured, masonry crews can begin building the structure.

Sometimes it might be a bit more expensive in terms of the up-front cost, but when considered on a life-cycle cost basis, loadbearing masonry is definitely the better choice. Schools need to last 60, 70, 80 or 100 years. For long term durability and ease of maintenance, there’s just no question. you could forever be painting and patching drywall. It’s also important to consider acoustics in the classroom.

The Problems with steelIn today’s commodities market, you just never know about the

price and availability of steel. Difficulties with steel production can sometimes come into

play. For instance, while a majority of a school may be designed as loadbearing masonry, one section, say the cafeteria, may not be. Most school projects have very demanding schedules. Due to

delays in the steel arriving, part of the school may not open on schedule inconveniencing students, their families and the school faculty and administrators. And this delay could be up to half of the school year.

Cavity Wall Thermal PerformanceMore than just being built to last, schools need to be built to

be incredibly energy efficient. A school with cavity-wall construction, i.e., 8" CMU, 2" insula-

tion, 2" airspace and 4" brick is super-insulated, meaning there is more and better insulation than is typical. Cavity wall construc-tion, along with super-insulation, helped drive the size of the HVAC system way down.

Masonry ProductivityMany of today’s Texas schools are quite large – some designed

to have a student capacity greater than 2,500. That scope can require a huge amount of material – ground-face block, sound block and various colors of brick on the exterior. Because of the size of these jobs, the magnitude of the equipment and supplies used – scaffolding and other equipment needed to do the job – is massive. Even with today’s equipment and technology greatly increasing a mason’s productivity, it still requires the skilled bricklayer craftsman working in concert with a large team of pro-fessionals to bring the job in on time and within budget.

sustainable ValueRegardless of the size of the school project, at the end of the

day it’s all about cost and the overall aesthetic. you can leave CMU exposed with a ground-face masonry finish or paint it. CMU can have a way of looking like stone. The value you get for your money, versus other materials, is just amazing. By using masonry everywhere on the inside of the schools, from corridor walls in the classroom wings to the cafeterias, auditoriums and libraries, today’s Texas schools can be designed for a minimum of 60 years of continual use. That’s a lot of return on your investment. With that in mind, it makes you wonder why all schools aren’t built with total masonry construction.

Because of its unmatched aesthetics, durability and longevity, fire protection ratings, resistance to graffiti, low maintenance, initial cost-effectiveness and, particularly, life-cycle costing, masonry continues to be the primary building material for Texas schools.


As a way of introduction, imagine arches and the famous quote from architect Louis Kahn, “you ask brick, What do

you want, brick? Brick say to you, I like an arch.” These state-ments describe the most basic sustainability principle. That is, use a material to its fullest potential. Brick masonry used for its intrinsic structural, aesthetic, durable, fire resistant, acoustic and thermal properties on a project is the definition of sustainabil-ity…doing more with less.

Sustainable manufacturing issues related to sustainabil-ity include mining, reclamation, forming, air quality, embodied energy and innovation in processing. Today, each of these issues is being addressed to minimize impact on the earth and on future generations. Mines are in close proximity to the plant site, often less than a mile. Mines are often utilized for long periods of time, typically over 50 years or more. When depleted, reclama-tion enhances the land to green spaces or other usable acreage. Reclamation restores the land to the same or better condition than it was in before mining.

In the forming processes, very little waste is generated; typically, less than four percent. One pound of clay becomes one pound of brick. Clay tailings from forming and broken brick are re-introduced into the forming process. This efficiently utilizes raw materials and reduces waste generation.

Air quality of the environment is an important aspect of manufacturing. Improvements in firing processes minimize efflu-ent waste from kiln stacks. Many manufacturers, depending on plant size, utilize scrubbers in their stacks to further improve air quality.

Embodied energy is a measure of energy expended on devel-opment, manufacture and delivery of the product to the construc-tion site. Location of mines close to a plant minimizes the energy required for transport of raw materials. Additional energy-saving measures used in the manufacturing process include capturing waste heat from the kiln and its re-use in the drying process of newly formed brick. No additional energy is required for this step in manufacturing.

Manufacturers are developing various innovations to conserve energy. Alternative fuel sources, recyclable materials, unit con-figurations, larger size units, to name a few, are being researched and implemented as ways to improve manufacturing.

sustainable Building Design With the sustainable processes utilized in manufacture, the

end-use of brick building structures is where designers can see the true advantage of brick masonry. Several design standards and codes exist today for a project to consider sustainable design strategies. Of these, USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is most often used, due to its timely introduction to the design community and adoption by various state and federal agencies.

Six categories exist in LEED for New Construction, where sus-tainable strategies can be considered in design and operation. Of these, use of brick may fit into five categories, depending on the scope and conditions of the project. These include: Sustainable Sites, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Innovation & Design Process, and the newest LEED category, Regional Priority. It must be remembered that LEED is project driven, not mate-rial driven, so a system of materials, such as brick, is a part of the overall strategies used to increase the sustainability of the project.

LEED for New Construction (NC) Design Guide, awards points for various sustainable strategies adopted in design. Points accrue as more strategies are adopted and higher levels of sustainability are achieved. Total points are calculated and LEED certification is determined. Several levels of certification exist in LEED depending on the total number of points awarded. Designers are encouraged to adopt as many strategies as pos-sible to attain a higher level certification. Many municipal, state and federal agencies have set required LEED certification levels for their public buildings. Most are LEED Silver, requiring a proj-ect total of 50 points.

sustainable sites In the Sustainable Sites category, brick can contribute points

in several credit strategies. Five of the most common include: SSc2 Development Density & Community Conductivity, SSc4.2 Alternate Transportation, SSc6.1 and 6.2 Storm Water Design Quantity and Quality and SSc7.1 Non-Roof Heat Island Effect.

Again, this is project specific, but many times, new construc-tion is performed in urban downtown areas where existing

BricK Brings advantages in sUstainaBle design By Jim Tann

FEATURE


masonry buildings surround the project site. Brick fit in well, matching existing surrounds. Use of brick masonry’s fire resistant properties can allow for closer lot lines between the new project and existing buildings. Also, a properly developed exterior pav-ing plan can help in these credits as brick pavers in a permeable pavement design can allow for management of storm water from the site. Collection, treatment and reuse of the collected storm water can also be a functional part of the building’s operations. Use of brick as curbing to the parking areas can incorporate a masonry bike rack that will serve as a permanent and secure area for building occupants to utilize alternative transportation to and from the building. Color of the exterior brick pavers can also have an impact on heat island effects on the building. Many colors and blends are achievable in brick to attain an average Solar Reflective Index (SRI) of the required 29 or better.

Energy & Atmosphere In the Energy & Atmosphere category, points are awarded

for energy conservation levels above that identified in ASHRAE Standard 90.1. Brick masonry exterior and interior can be a part of achieving these levels identified in EAc1 Optimize Energy Performance. Brick is a high mass material having a high spe-cific heat property. This is addressed in ASHRAE by requiring lower insulation levels in high mass walls, for a given locality. Additionally, super insulated brick (and CMU) masonry (cavity) wall systems can be designed to further conserve energy usage for the life of the building. Passive solar design strategies, such as direct and indirect gain system using brick thermal storage walls and interior brick paving in sunlit rooms will also allow the building to perform at levels above the minimum requirements of ASHRAE.

Materials & Resources In the Materials & Resources category is where materials have

direct impact on LEED point accrual. Brick can be a successful strategy in this category as well. Brick can impact several credits here including: MRc1 Building Reuse, MRc 2 Construction Waste Management, MRc3 Materials Reuse, MRc4 Recycled Content and MRc5 Regional Materials.

Projects involving retrofitting of existing or historic buildings are often based on maintaining the traditional look of the struc-ture. Brick is typically the existing exterior material. Additions and/or replacement of portions of the brick can be performed with the use of new brick to match or complement the existing.

Use of brick, especially brick of larger geometry than custom-ary, can be an effective way to minimize and manage construction waste. In the industry, brick typically have an allowable waste factor of five percent on the number of units shipped. Using a brick of larger face size will reduce the number of brick shipped and therefore the number of brick considered as waste. Larger brick face sizes also reduce the amount of mortar required and its associated waste.

Manufacturers are utilizing some percentage of recycled con-tent (pre- and post-consumer) in production. This number is on the rise, particularly for pre-consumer, as manufacturers are researching the addition of recyclable content from other indus-tries into their clay brick products. This percentage, combined with percentages of other project materials add up to the LEED

levels of 10% or 20% of the total monetary value of building mate-rials required to earn a point for MRc4.1 and 4.2, respectively.

Brick manufacturing is of a regional scale. In the US, more than 70 percent of cities have at least one brick plant within 200 miles. Brick can easily be a regionally available material. Local manu-facturing and local extraction of the raw material both assist the designer when selecting brick for sustainable projects.

innovation & Design Process Innovation & Design credits account for strategies that may

not be addressed in the prime LEED categories. This series of credits must be approved to the governing agency in order for credit points to be awarded. Scenarios with brick that may gain consideration for innovation credits include greatly exceeding percentages required by specific credits or use of brick’s fire resistance and acoustic properties. Using the material as interior walls can assist the project in attaining occupant comfort levels (which may also contribute to Indoor Environmental Quality credit 7.1 Thermal Comfort, Design) while also being a functional part of the structural and thermal systems. Again, doing more with less is the approach. Brick provide a single building material that performs multiple tasks in the stability and operation of the building.

Regional Priority The newest category in LEED, Regional Priority, is in place to

award further credit to projects that specifically address existing LEED category credits and are deemed particularly important to the specific locality. The determination of the importance is set by local green building councils with input from municipalities and other governing agencies and may include credits such as MRc2: Construction Waste Management or SSc6: Stormwater Design, to which masonry may contribute, depending on materials used.

The sustainable Choice Brick offers the opportunity to add greatly to sustainability

strategies on new construction projects. Depending on the proj-ect’s scope and conditions, brick can fit into the design and can assist in acquiring a significant amount of points in the LEED cer-tification program. Brick is one building material that will multi-task in a project’s performance. It acts as structure, enclosure, aesthetics, acoustic insulation, thermal mass, fire barrier, paving and flooring. When designed utilizing its properties to their full-est, it is the sustainable choice.

Source: Masonry Edge, Vol. 7, No.2

www.texasmasonrycouncil.org 2�

While correcting mistakes others make in restoring old masonry structures could become a lucrative side business,

it is obviously in the best interest of both the building and its owner to get it right the first time. Here are some avoidable mis-takes people make when repairing or, worse, “improving” historic masonry buildings.

Mixing New with OldWe’ve all seen buildings with sections of old bricks that have

been replaced with new ones. The contrast often is painfully obvi-ous. But the problem is deeper than just the appearance. Modern manufactured bricks may have different rates of thermal expan-sion and contraction, different moisture vapor transmission, even different compressive strength and weight bearing capabilities. Mixing bricks can hasten deterioration and open leak paths. If enough original bricks are not available, segregate new bricks from old in separate parts of the building.

In addition, modern mortars and joint sealing compounds are stronger and stiffer than historic mortars, so when a wall moves the bricks are more likely than the mortar to crack. Whatever the mortar used, it must be softer than the masonry.

Testing the existing building to determine material proper-ties and finding compatible replacements can take longer, but is worth the effort as it will avoid problems and callbacks.

Moisture ControlMasonry materials breathe, allowing moisture vapor to escape.

Sometimes, contractors apply a waterproof coating over old bricks, thinking they are protecting them from moisture damage. In fact, they are trapping moisture inside. Masonry should be left uncoated, if possible. If moisture protection is required, consider a penetrating breathable sealer, and be sure to conduct vapor transmission and compatibility testing.

Super-insulating an old masonry building also can cause moisture damage. Insulation keeps the outside of the wall colder, so moisture condenses and increases the risk of freeze-thaw dam-age. If insulation is added, it should have a value no higher than R-10 and should not incorporate a moisture barrier.

Most moisture damage to old buildings comes from poor drainage, so inspecting and repairing (or adding) downspouts and flashings to keep water off the wall are effective repairs.

Doing Too MuchOver-zealous cleaning is a major cause of damage to historic

masonry. The gentlest possible water or chemical cleaning meth-

od should be used, and should be tested on a hidden part of the building, first. Abrasive cleaning methods such as sandblasting should not be used.

Some building owners literally want to raise the roof to increase space without altering the façade of a historic building. To do this successfully, the contractor must evaluate the structure to assure it can support the additional weight of a new level. He must also study how the roof ties into the walls and take appro-priate measures to assure they can remain standing while the roof is off.

Another common mistake is to replace original windows on the assumption modern windows are more energy efficient. In fact, the biggest energy loss from windows is caused by poorly operating moving parts or by gaps between the window frame and the surrounding stone. If existing windows can be made to operate correctly and fit properly, they should be restored, just like the rest of the building.

Not Doing EnoughJust “fixing” visible problems without understanding the

underlying cause does nothing to prolong the life of a masonry building. For example, stair-step cracks along a mortar joint can indicate uneven foundation settling. Repointing the mortar may improve the appearance, but it won’t save the building. If the foundation is not stabilized, the whole building eventually could be damaged beyond repair.

Repairing water damage without resolving the root cause is another example of not doing enough. Contractors need to evalu-ate the rain gutters, downspouts and window flashings to assure they are directing water away from the masonry.

When repairing or maintaining historic structures, it is criti-cal to take the extra steps required to get it right the first time. The National Park Service publishes a series of bulletins on correct methods for caring for historic masonry buildings at www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs.htm. In addition, work-ing with architects, preservationists and contractors experienced in masonry restoration can help you avoid costly mistakes and irreparable damage to your building.

Rhonda Maas is the co-founder and president of Building Restoration

Specialties Inc. (BRS), which specializes in masonry restoration, preservation and conservation of historic buildings. Founded in 1986, BRS has a bonding capacity of about $7 million, and is positioned to handle projects ranging from $2,000 to more than $2 million. Learn more at www.brsrestores.com.

avoiding common renovation mistaKesBy Rhonda Maas

FEATURE


SpikE CutLER

As trade contractors, you might not think that the issue of water is a big problem for you; you might be wrong!

Texas has suffered through periodic droughts throughout its history, with severe effects for individuals and for businesses. In 2011, Texas suffered through its worst single year drought in his-tory, and as this is written, the drought has not yet abated, and many reservoirs are at crisis levels. The persistent shortage of reliable supplies of water is an issue for Texas which simply will not go away without aggressive action.

While nobody who can think wants too much government, ignoring the issue serves no good purpose either. Continued economic growth and job creation in the state requires a ready, reliable supply of water, for industry and for living. After years of talking about it, the 2013 Texas legislative session was the oppor-tunity for Texas lawmakers to do something about it, and to their, credit they have.

The 83rd Texas Legislature passed a package of water legisla-tion, including House Bill 4 by Rep. Alan Ritter and Sen. Troy Fraser; Senate Joint Resolution 1 (also known as Proposition 6) by Sen. Tommy Williams and Rep. Jim Pitts; and House Bill 1025, also by Sen. Williams and Rep. Pitts. This legislative package will establish a revolving loan program which will be available to local governmental entities sponsoring local water projects. The legislation also provides for a one-time investment of $2 billion to help capitalize the program – if voters approve Proposition 6, which will appear on ballots November 5, 2013.

The funds for this initial capital investment are available in what the state calls its “Rainy Day Fund,” and there can be few better uses for the Rainy Day Fund than providing for the extend-ed absence of rain.

The unprecedented growth in population and businesses being experienced by Texas in recent years could come to a grinding halt if reliable supplies of clean water are not assured, and the passage of Proposition 6 is critical to that goal. Because there is a healthy skepticism of constitutional amendments, vot-ers often default to voting against them; as business owners, it is

important that you let your voting employees know how impor-tant Proposition 6 is to the economic future of Texas, and that of each Texan.

More information is available at: www.H2O4TX.ORG

PAyMENT APPLiCATiON PROCEssiNG sERViCEs - WATCH OUT!

The trend of cost shifting from the general contractor to the subcontractor is obvious in the recent increase in use of payment application processing services. The use of the services, man-dated by general contractors, means that subcontractors have two logins to a website, agree to terms of service, and frequently pay the processing service for the privilege of asking for money, to be paid, for work that the subcontractor has performed. Such a deal!

Subcontractors need to be cautious about just “clicking through” to agree to terms; some processing services include pro-visions such as subcontractors indemnifying the service against all claims, waving and releasing claims against the processing service, and agreement that all disputes arising out of use of the service will be resolved in some distant jurisdiction.

Another element, often overlooked, is that data processing services like these are taxable transactions under the Texas Tax Code. Most subcontractors have sales tax permits, and Texas law provides that, if the merchant (or service, in this case) does not collect sales tax on a taxable transaction, the purchaser can still be liable for remitting the tax due. Just because the servers are out of state does not mean the transactions are not taxable! This could work out to be a real “gotcha” for contractors.

Lastly, be wary of services which claim that they will not release your lien waivers until you’ve been paid; if you read the fine print, they actually promise that they will not release your lien waiver until “payment instructions” have been issued, but (of course), “payment instructions” can be issued without actual payment being received. So, make sure you are not agreeing to unreasonable terms, with the click of a mouse.

Attorney Spike Cutler, and the firm of Cutler-Smith, P.C., are staunch advocates for the rights and interests

of construction trade contractors. Cutler provides legal counsel to a number of trade organizations, including

the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) of Texas, IEC- Dallas, IEC – Fort Worth, the Subcontractors

Association of the Metroplex ("SAM"), the Texas Masonry Council, the United Masonry Contractors

Association of DFW, and the North Texas Stone Fabricators Association. He is also a member of the Attorneys

Council of the National Subcontractors Alliance.

WATER IS A BUSINESS ISSUE FOR TEXAS!

CONSTRUCTION LAW


2013 TAsA/TAsB CONFERENCEThe TMC participated in the 2013 TASA/TASB (Texas Association

of School Administrators (TASA) and the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) conference September 26-28. As an exhibi-tor, TMC staff and volunteers connected with hundreds of public school officials promoting total masonry construction in schools. Lindsey Stringer, TMC association manager, is seen here at the TMC booth.

With more than 6,000 attendees, the TASA/TASB Convention draws the major players from three-quarters of the state's 1,034 school districts. The TMC understands the commitment to pro-vide the best for kids and the school districts, not only for today but for decades.

Thank you to our volunteers who helped us advance our mis-sion: Romeo Collazo (ROC Construction), Jason Hamilton (Acme Brick), Robert Housewright (Hohmann & Barnard), Jeremy Peek (Skinner Masonry), Kimble Reynolds (Skinner Masonry), Celi Sims (Acme Brick) and Bill Stovall (Skinner Masonry).

PROMOTiNG THE ENERGy BENEFiTs OF MAsONRy

On September 27, TMC volunteer, John Swink, promoted the energy benefits of masonry at the 2013 Building Communities Conference/LRGVAIA (Lower Rio Grande Valley AIA). The Building Communities Conference and Expo attracts architects, contrac-tors, engineers, interior designers, planners, and landscape architects from throughout the state of Texas and beyond. John’s presentation gave a clearer understanding of the thermal perfor-mance of masonry wall systems.

TMC ATTENDs TExAs MUNiCiPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE

The TMC attended the TML (Texas Municipal League) Conference October 8-11, 2013. The TML Annual Conference and Exhibition is the signature event of the Texas Municipal League and one of the nation’s largest gatherings of local government leaders. The conference attracts an average of over 3,000 del-egates from 300 cities. The attendees – mayors, councilmem-bers, city secretaries, and city department executives – are the decision makers for their cities. Not only was the TMC able to connect with hundreds of city officials, but Rudy Garza, execu-

tive vice president of TMC, gave a well-attended presentation on the topic of enhancing your community by developing stronger regulations: Stronger Development Regulations: Enhancing your Community’s Sustainability, Beauty, and Safety: Learn how to overcome the political hurdles of developing stronger building standards and learn about the many benefits of masonry stan-dards from people who have been there and done that.

TMC 2013-2014 CALENDAROctober 2013 17 – TMC Board Meeting, Waco 17-20 SAMCA Four wheeling Trip 23 – SAMCA moonlight golf tournament 30 – SAMCA General Meeting – noon

November 2013 6 – TCA (Texas Construction Association) Board Meeting 7-9 – TSA (Texas Society of Architects) Design Conference in

Ft. Worth 11 – Veterans Day (TMC Office Closed) 20 – SAMCA General Meeting - noon 28 – Thanksgiving (TMC Office Closed) 29 – Day after Thanksgiving (TMC Office Closed)

December 2013 4 – TMC Board Meeting – Houston 5 – SAMCA Christmas Party 7 – UMCA Christmas Party 13 – AMCH Christmas Party 25 – Christmas (TMC Office Closed)

January 2014 1 – New year’s Day (TMC Office Closed) 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (TMC Office Closed) 20-24 – World of Masonry/World of Concrete (MCAA

Convention) Las Vegas

February 2014 6-10 – NCMA ICON X-Change Expo, Palm Springs, California 17 – President’s Day (TMC Office Closed)

TMC Mission

TMC ADVANCING ITS MISSION THROUGHOUT TEXAS

2� Texas Masonry Council ✯ The Line

Acme Brick Company Earns Coveted 2013 “Partners of Choice Award” from David Weekley Homes for second Consecutive year.

Acme Brick Company is one of only 24 companies nationwide that have received David Weekley Homes’ 2013 nationally acclaimed “Partners of Choice Award” with an “A” ranking. Acme achieved the “A” rating for Quality. This is the second consecutive year that Acme has been chosen a “Partner of Choice.”

David Weekley Homes, the largest, privately-held home builder in America, implemented its comprehensive supplier evaluation system and its measurement for world-class excellence, the “Partners of Choice Award” in 2004. The unique evaluation platform allows David Weekley Homes to analyze supplier performance in diverse industries, provide feedback, and recognize those truly outstanding achievers. Under this process Team Members are initally asked to rate each supplier’s performance on Quality and Service. Then through a series of discussions, meetings, and coaching calls, David Weekley Homes and its suppliers search for the best way to achieve excellence together. Through this process, David Weekley Homes takes “partnering with its suppliers” to a world-class level.

Bill Justus, vice president of Supply Chain Services for David Weekley Homes, implemented the industry-leading evaluation method in order to reduce channel costs, improve service, and provide the highest degree of homeowner satisfaction.

“David Weekley Homes’ A-Quality rating is an important benchmark to us as we strive for continued improvement and recognizes the dedication of all the people who have made Acme Brick an enduring standard for the brick industry for 122 years.” said Bill

Lemond, Senior Vice President of Sales for Acme Brick Company.

“Receiving the “Partners of Choice Award” is the highest compliment we can pay our providers,” Justus said. “To attain this award means that over 600 Team Members from every level of our company believe the provider is best in class in delivering its products to us in a timely, efficient, and cost effective manner. you cannot talk your way to a good score. The length and breadth of the program allows only those who are willing to invest in the process to achieve excellence. It is extremely difficult for a company to repeat with this honor and speaks to Acme’s commitment to excellence.”

Commenting on the award, Acme President and CEO, Dennis Knautz said, “We are pleased, not only to be a “Partners of Choice” award winner for 2013, but also for being an award winner for the second year in a row. As I have told our associates for a long time, our job is to provide quality products and outstanding customer service so that industry-leading homebuilders such as David Weekley Homes can deliver outstanding homes to families everywhere. The supplier evaluation system that David Weekley Homes uses has become part of our standard performance review system. One unique aspect of the system is that it provides clear and specific feedback, thereby closing the communication loop that is so often missing in other forms of evaluation. While the process is surely time-consuming for Weekley, the value that it produces in creating a true team environment with their suppliers is evident in the quality of homes that they provide to the homebuyer.”

Acme Brick Company, the largest U.S. brick company, is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies headed by famed investor Warren Buffett. The company celebrated its 122nd birthday on April 17, 2013. For more information reach Acme Brick at www.brick.com.

David Weekley Homes, founded in 1976, is headquartered in Houston and operates in 17 cities across the United States. David Weekley Homes was the first builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes “America’s Best Builder,” “Builder of the year,” and the “National Housing Quality Award.” Weekley has also appeared seven times on FORTUNE® magazine’s coveted “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. Since inception, David Weekley Homes has closed more than 70,000 homes. For more information about David Weekley Homes, visit the company’s web site at www.davidweekleyhomes.com.

For more PRESS information contact: Ron Taylor/Ashley & Taylor Public Relations (8l7) 377-l042, cell (817) 874-8206 or [email protected].

First “Masonry studio” class at UWM

More than 100 architectural students from the University of Wisconsin — Milwaukee's School of Architecture and Urban Planning are attending the inaugural "Masonry Studio" class. This new course introduces masonry design and construction to students. The Wisconsin Masonry Industry Partners, the NCMA Foundation and craft workers, mason contractors and manufacturers that make brick, concrete block, stone, tile, and a variety of other structural and architectural systems collaborated to fund this course. These groups will also assist in funding special lectures, construction of masonry mock-ups, expert critics and advisors in the studios, support for students to attend a masonry camp, publication of studio results in a national journal, and a range of other events and activities. The intent is for this program to be utilized in other universities across the nation.

IN THE NEWS


AGC Worker shortage survey Analysis

summary As the construction industry finally

begins to recover from a years-long downturn, many firms have begun adding to their “professional”* and craft workforce. As they expand, many firms are already having a hard time filling positions and fear the situation will only get worse. In particular, firms are worried about the poor quality and quantity of high school-level skills training programs. The vast majority of firms believe there are not enough skilled craft workers or construction professionals available to handle the increase in construction activity expected during the coming year. Already, competition for skilled labor is tight, with many employees leaving firms for other jobs even as most firms have already improved pay and benefits.

Many firms are taking steps, including supporting local training programs, mentoring and offering internships, to address worker shortages. But the industry alone cannot rebuild the former vocational school programs that once served as a nationwide skills-based training program. In the short term, public officials need to rethink arbitrary caps on the number of construction workers included in immigration reform proposals. Public officials also need to expand the quality and quantity of skills-based training programs, especially at the high school level.

*For the purpose of this survey, “professional staff” refers to all types of employees other than craft workers. This includes executives, managers, office and field supervisors. Craft workers include masons carpenters, equipment operators, plumbers, laborers, etc.

survey Analysis After a years-long downturn, many

firms have begun hiring again. A majority (55 percent) of firms have expanded the size of their craft-worker workforce while 46 percent have expanded the size of their professional workforce during the past 12 months.

As those firms expand, they are already having a hard time filling available positions. Eighty-one percent of firms report having a hard time filling positions of one kind or another. Among all firms, nearly three quarters (74 percent) report challenges filling craft worker positions, while 53 percent are having a hard time filling at least some professional positions.

Among firms that are having a hard time filling professional positions, almost half (49 percent) report challenges filling project manager/supervisor spots while 35 percent

report having a hard time filling estimator positions. Meanwhile, construction firms are having the hardest time finding the following types of craft workers: laborers (35 percent), carpenters (34 percent) and equipment operators (31 percent).

The challenges firms are facing finding craft workers and professional staff are expected to get worse. Twenty-nine percent of survey respondents say they expect it will continue to be hard to find qualified professionals while another 43 percent report they expect it will become even harder to fill those positions over the coming 12 months. Meanwhile, 38 percent of firms say they expect it will continue to be hard to find skilled craft workers over the coming year. Another 48 percent of firms report they expect it will become harder to find craft workers.

Their concerns are based on a relatively low opinion of the quality and quantity of local construction training programs and pool of available workers. Sixty-five percent of firms report that the local pipeline for preparing new construction craft workers is below average or worse. Sixty-four percent say there are too few local high school skills and technical-based training programs.

Contractors appear less worried about the quality of the pipeline for new construction professionals. Seventy percent of responding firms say their local pipeline for preparing construction professionals is average or better. And 55 percent rate the quality and quantity of local college, trade school and apprenticeship programs as average or better.

Contractors are worried that the pool of available workers will not be sufficient when demand for construction increases. Nearly three quarters (74 percent) of contractors are concerned there will not be enough skilled construction workers in their area in the next 12 months. And 49 percent of contractors worry there will not be enough qualified construction professionals available in their area.

Competition for craft workers is heating up as firms report losing employees to other firms and other industries. Forty-nine percent of respondents report they are losing construction craft workers to other, higher paying jobs at other construction firms or in other industries. Meanwhile, 36 percent of respondents report they are losing construction professionals to other higher paying jobs with other construction firms or to other industries.

Worker shortages are already having an impact on pay and compensation in the construction industry. Fifty-six percent of responding firms report they have already

had to increase wages and/or benefits to retain construction craft workers. And 49 percent of firms have already had to increase wages and/or benefits to retain construction professionals.

Many firms have been taking steps to improve the availability of skilled construction workers and qualified construction professionals. Forty-eight percent of firms report mentoring future craft workers, while 38 percent of firms participate in career fairs and 33 percent support local skills-based education programs designed to prepare future craft workers. Forty-nine percent of firms also report mentoring future construction professionals while 47 percent of responding firms provide co-ops and internships for future construction professionals.

Conclusions Based on the responses to this survey, it

is clear that many firms expect the challenge of finding skilled construction workers will only get worse. And while many construction contractors are taking steps to help prepare new workers, their efforts alone will not be sufficient to address the labor shortages so many in the industry anticipate. If elected officials are committed to avoiding costly delays in many construction projects due to labor shortages, they need to be prepared to take both short and long-term steps to ensure there are enough workers to meet future demand.

In the short term, Congress needs to rethink the arbitrary caps on construction workers that were included in immigration reform legislation the Senate passed earlier this year. Lifting these restrictions will go a long way to ensuring that construction jobs left vacant by the lack of sufficient domestic skilled workers do not go to undocumented workers, but instead to legal, tax-paying workers.

More important, elected and appointed officials at all levels of government must do more to ensure that public school students have an opportunity to participate in skills-based educational programs. These programs offer students – even those who may never work in construction – a more hands-on approach to learning vital 21st century skills such as math and science. They have been proven to reduce high school dropout rates and they will give significantly more students an opportunity to earn the higher pay and benefits that come with construction jobs as compared to average compensation and benefits for all other non-farm jobs.

Background The Associated General Contractors

of America conducted the survey of its

2� Texas Masonry Council ✯ The Line

members starting July 15 through August 19, 2013. Six-hundred-eighty-six firms, representing a broad range of firm types and sizes, completed the survey. Among responding firms, 46 percent were general contractors while 23 percent were either subcontractors or suppliers. As with the industry itself, the majority of responding firms are involved in building construction, followed by heavy/industrial construction, highway construction or municipal or utility construction. Seventy-one percent of responding firms employ 250 or fewer workers while only 10 percent employ 1,000 or more workers. While two respondents were randomly selected to win Amazon gift certificates, respondents were not paid or otherwise compensated for their responses.

Construction Employment increased in 26 states between July and August as sector Added Jobs in 35 states for the year, but industry Remains Vulnerable

Wyoming and California Lead Annual Job Growth, Indiana Experiences Largest yearly Decline, while South Dakota and California Lead Sector Growth for the Month, Oklahoma and Texas Lost Most Jobs in August

Construction employment increased in 26 between July and August and in 35 states for the year, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials cautioned, however, that construction employment remains below peak levels in most states and warned of the potential impact of a halt in federal construction investments.

“While we would all like to see even more robust growth, it is encouraging that most states have a larger construction workforce today than they did a year ago,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “It will take a lot more growth, however, before construction employment levels return to their pre-recession levels in most places.”

South Dakota had the largest one-month percentage gain (6.7 percent, 1,300 jobs), followed by Vermont (3.7 percent, 500 jobs), Wisconsin (3.6 percent, 3,300 jobs) and Connecticut (3.0 percent, 1,600 jobs). California (7,700 jobs, 1.3 percent) added the largest number of jobs for the month, followed by New york (4,900 jobs, 1.6 percent), Florida (4,700, 1.3 percent) and Wisconsin. Employment was stable in Alabama and Maine

Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia lost construction jobs between July and August. Oklahoma had the steepest

percentage drop in construction employment for the month (-4.2 percent, -3,000 jobs), followed by Hawaii (-3.6 percent, -1,200 jobs), Nebraska (-2.7 percent, -1,200 jobs) and Utah (-2.6 percent, -1,900 jobs). Texas lost the largest number of jobs between July and August (-4,900 jobs, -0.8 percent), followed by Illinois (-4,100 jobs, -2.2 percent), Arizona (-3,100 jobs, -2.5 percent) and Oklahoma.

California added the most construction jobs for the year (29,100 jobs, 5.0 percent),

followed by Texas (24,200 jobs, 4.1 percent), Florida (19,500 jobs, 5.7 percent) and Louisiana (10,600 jobs, 8.4 percent). Wyoming had the steepest percentage increase (12.8 percent, 2,700 jobs), followed by Mississippi (12.0 percent, 5,700 jobs), Colorado (8.8 percent, 10,100 jobs) and Hawaii (8.8 percent, 2,600 jobs).

Fourteen states and the District of Columbia lost construction jobs between August 2012 and August 2013, while


construction employment levels remained unchanged for the year in Vermont. Indiana lost the most jobs over the past year and experienced the steepest rate of decline (-10,100 jobs, -8.1 percent). Other states experiencing large job losses for the year include Ohio (-6,100 jobs, -3.4 percent), North Carolina (-3,500 jobs, -2.1 percent) and Alabama (-2,000 jobs, -2.5 percent). Rhode Island (-4.4 percent, -700 jobs), Montana (-4.4 percent, -1,000 jobs) and the District of Columbia (-3.7 percent, -500 jobs) also experienced steep percentage declines.

Association officials said that much of the industry’s recent growth was coming from a few private sector areas, particularly demand for new housing and energy facilities. Those gains have been strong enough to offset declining public sector investments and weak private sector demand in areas like retail construction. As a result, many construction employers would be particularly hard hit by a sudden halt in federal construction activity.

“The impacts of a sudden halt in discretionary federal construction investments could be quite severe, especially on employment levels in states with a number of federal construction projects underway” Sandherr added.

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Contractor’s CornerIf you would like to see your business card listed in this section, seen by 10,000 readers, contact Pat Huber at (512) 310-9795."

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For a complimentary sample box, please contact [email protected]

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Winds from Hurricane Ike punished Galveston, and water swamped the first floor of historic buildings. Yet masonry structures of the treasured Strand Historic District survived, just as they did during the Great Storm of 1900.

Wise early city leaders chose brick and created a legacy that enlivens Galveston. What legacy will you leave with the building and development regulations you pass today?

Masonry construction guidelines for residential, multi-family and commercial structures built today add safety, beauty, and durability for years to come. Masonry increases property values for long-term tax base stability.

Galveston is one of more than 175 Texas cities enriched by meaningful masonry guidelines issued by decision makers just like you. To learn more about municipal standards and view an interactive map of masonry policies across Texas, please visit MasonryOrdinance.com or call (254) 300-4544.

Trueheart–Adriance BuildingGalveston, built 1882architect Nicholas J. Clayton

You’re Building a Legacy.

Proud supporter of TMC to increase masonry use and quality across Texas

acme 1309.1 line tmc legacy galveston ad.indd 1 10/18/13 11:15 AM

Documents

L INE - Texas Masonry Council line fall 13 web.pdf · TEXAS MASONRY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Romeo Collazo ROC Construction, Inc. 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Trey Atwood Featherlite