I recently subscribed to Hanley Woods “Professional Deck Builders”, a magazine geared more towards the cosntruction of wood and synthetic decks.

The November 2007 issue, has an excellent article that applies to all contracting trades, including the waterproof deck coating trade that I have to recommend as required reading for those contractors looking to improve your bottom line.

The article, “Are You a Tradesperson or a Businessperson?” by Anne W West, describes common mistakes contractors make as buisnessmen.

Understanding the true cost of labor, job costing, estimating tips and a discussion on understanding gross margin and net profit and projecting cash flow are discussed and sound advice dispensed.

Subscribe to Professional Deck Builder 888-269-8410 or email to prodeck@omeda.com.
Get an individual copy of Novembers issue for $8.00, not a bad investment for this article!

“548.8-07: Specification for Type EM (Epoxy Multi-Layer) Polymer Overlay for Bridge and Parking Garage Decks This Specification covers epoxy multi-layer (EM) polymer overlays for bridge and parking garage decks. Type EM polymer overlays incorporate a low-modulus epoxy binder and selected aggregate to produce a flexible, skid-resistant, and waterproof overlay. The overlay may be used for both new construction and rehabilitation. The overlay is placed by applying the neat epoxy binder to the surface and broadcasting aggregate. This Specification includes requirements for chemical components, aggregates, storage and handling, surface preparation, surface profile, mixing, placement, and finishing. Available in hard copy or PDF format. To learn more or to order this document, go to 548.8-07: Specification for Type EM (Epoxy Multi-Layer) Polymer Overlay for Bridge and Parking Garage Decks. $27.50 (ACI members $17.00); Order Code 548807.EM. How to order: Phone: 248-848-3800, and mention order code 548807.EM Click: 548.8-07: Specification for Type EM (Epoxy Multi-Layer) Polymer Overlay for Bridge and Parking Garage Decks More from ACI on Polymer Concrete ACI has additional polym”

ArchitectureWeek – Building – SoCal Concrete – 2007.0516: “SoCal Concrete by Michael Chusid The Rice Residence, on a hillside above Los Angeles, expresses an idyllic Southern California lifestyle with daylight saturating every room, a floor plan that encourages casual indoor-outdoor living, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean in the distance. While some buildings demand to be the center of attention, this structure defers to the natural beauty of the landscape and the activities of its occupants. It’s not until the ebullient homeowner, Ed Rice, says, ‘Come on, I want you to see the roof!’ that a visitor realizes the structure of the building is as exciting as its architecture. There is no doubt about it — Edward K. Rice, FACI, is a concrete man. Not only has he been granted 19 patents in concrete and construction technology, but he also co-founded and served as president of T.Y. Lin & Associates — an engineering firm known for concrete innovation. Rice has also owned a concrete construction company and taught engineering and material science at the University of California, Los Angeles. He even has a fully equipped concrete laboratory in his basement, where he continues his quest for improved concrete. So in 1963, when it came time to build a home for his growing family, it was only natural for Rice to apply all-concrete construction “

Residential Contractor Magazine: “Waterproof Decks Waterproof decks and coatings demand careful selection by builders who want to avoid litigation.”