Masonry Magazine June 1985 Page. 35
Brick is more durable than other residential building materials. It is also fireproof, thus saving on insurance costs. Brick conserves energy, which reduces fuel consumption and lowers bills. And brick, unlike other materials, looks increasingly better with age.
Cost comparisons made by BIA-9 indicate that although initially more expensive, siding a house with brick is less costly in the long run, by as much as $20,000 on an average home of 2,100 square feet.
Net monthly savings of using brick compared to cedar siding, for example, total $56.15. This equals $673.80 per year and $20,214 over a 30-year period. The difference accumulated through insurance savings of $56 per year, paint savings of $1,000 every four years and fuel savings of approximately $60 per year.
John Grogan of the Brick Institute states, "Using a future 6% inflation rate, these savings amount to significant proportions for a home owner. Brick is the best buy in the residential builder market today."
Publications Catalog
on Concrete Technology
"Access to the World's Most Complete Concrete Technical Library" is the title of the 1985 American Concrete Institute Publications Catalog that is available free on request.
The reference lists more than 200 publications on concrete technology, structural design and concrete construction. Also described are design handbooks, monographs, symposia, bibliographies and special publications.
Contact ACI, P.O. Box 19150, Detroit, MI 48219.
New Report Explains
1984 Tax Act Changes
A recently completed report released by the Independent Business Institute, Your Business and the 1984 Tax Act, provides a concise, business-language description of all changes in business taxation in the complicated new tax law. Among the sweeping changes:
* All new investment credit and depreciation on medium-sized and larger cars.
* Sharp personal tax implication on all company cars.
* Business/investment real estate depreciation is now 18 years.
* No deduction for accrued interest.
* Travel and entertainment records tightened.
* Changes in stock-purchase acquisition treated as asset purchase.
* Major changes in minimum interest rates.
* Capital gains now a six-month holding period.
* Tax returns now virtually public.
* Tax problems from over/under valuations.
The report is available to business owners, managers and their heirs for $1.00 to cover postage and handling. Send to: Independent Business Institute, P.O. Box 159, Akron, OH 44309.
Concrete Practice Manual
The American Concrete Institute has issued the 1985 edition of its five-part reference set, Manual of Concrete Practice.
The set is composed of 118 separate reports, including those concerning masonry, precast concrete and special processes.
The manual is available for $225 per copy ($150 to ACI members). To order, write: Publications Dept., American Concrete Institute, P.O. Box 19150, Detroit, MI 48219.
QUALITY MORTAR
AT LOWER COST
Easy-Spred, the mortar plasticizer that replaces lime.
Easy-Spred is a mortar plasticizer that performs better and costs less to use than lime. One 7 lb. bag of Easy-Spred replaces a 50 lb. bag of lime. Its water retention capability promotes better curing, less shrinkage, and the contractor doesn't have to retemper as often to maintain plasticity. Board life is increased as much as two times compared to a Portland/lime mix.
Easy-Spred is made from a formulation of minerals naturally compatible with basic ingredients in mortar, and is effective for use with brick, block or stucco. It accepts color pigments without bleaching, as lime often does, to make a brick color match easier.
BOCA, ICBO and Southern Building Code Conference listed.
AMERICAN COLLOID COMPANY
Contractor Products Division
5100 Suffield Court Skokie, IL, 60077
(312) 966-5720 TWX 910-233-0738