Masonry Magazine January 2003 Page. 22
Letters to the Editor
Dear Mr. Inglesby:
Regarding the article "Foamed-in-Place Insulation: Growing In Popularity" (November 2002), the paragraph under the heading "Emissions" should be revised. The second sentence refers to the approximate amount of formaldehyde in the cured product as 0.03 to 0.05 percent. A more precise figure, based on recently conducted laboratory testing, is 0.09 percent. I regret that the approximation was on the low side, but I feel your readers will appreciate the more accurate information.
Sincerely,
Norman Royce
FOM Company
Hi Tom,
Would your readers be interested in a brick/block laying method that produces a quality of craftsmanship never before experienced in the history of masonry? To wet your appetite, I will give you the highlights that are of most concern to architects and masonry contractors.
Using a type FBS or FBX brick, any mason can immediately begin to lay a perfectly plumb bond on any pattern of masonry. Once laid (brick or block), there is never a need to disturb the mortar joints. There is a 20 percent increase in production so the method doesn't cost more to use. I can assure the mason contractor that using this new method will not cost but will, in fact, make the company money.
I don't know how it is in other parts of the U.S., but here in South Carolina the attitude toward real craftsmanship is at an all-time low. The attitude is, "Who cares?" I am totally amazed that nobody in the masonry industry date has picked up on the amazing improvement I've made in brick and block laying.
The mason contractor will be the hardest to convince that this method works. Their mindset is, "There cannot possibly be anything new in masonry." To meet their objections, I will make this offer: I will give them $100,000 if their best mason can outlay me in a contest where quality and production are judged. They use the "conventional method, and I will use mine. Of course, if they lose, they pay me the $100,000.
I really don't expect any takers. My reason for proposing the contest is to show you how set in their ways mason contractors are. As long as they are making money, they are not interested in being disturbed or challenged. But, the sad part of this picture is that architects look to these people for all the answers to masonry.
I have a "first place" trophy in my office that I won in such a contest in South Carolina in 1992, using this new method. Even though I won first place, hands down, there was no interest generated on the part of mason contractors to adopt my method.
Please be assured that this letter is no joke. If the industry really cares about improving the quality of masonry, it can be done. And it can be done overnight. Trust me.
Kirk Patterson
Columbia, S.C.
STEPSTONE, INC.
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SANTA MONICA
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