Masonry Magazine April 2007 Page. 37
MASONRY COMPUTER ESTIMATING
Masonry Computer Estimating
That Does It All... in 3D!
by Tradesmen's Software
Uses for Reusable Masonry Materials
SALVAGED MATERIALS have also found a home in residential applications. Mahler used 5,000 recycled bricks, which came from a wall of the same house being remodeled, along with another 3,000 new bricks on the home's exterior. If the project sounds familiar, it's because it appeared on the popular television show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."
The program showcased the renovation of a house for Geno and Melinda Noyola and their six children. After purchasing their home, the Noyolas discovered major problems and couldn't move in, so "Extreme Makeover" and contractors stepped up to remodel the home. The project had to follow some green building rules, but the trickier part was meeting an extraordinarily tight building schedule.
"They don't give you much time," Mahler said of the seven days afforded to complete the entire job-Mahler Construction Co. had just three days and nights for the masonry work. "It was a very tense time, but during the process, you felt so good about being involved. It was a good feeling."
Prior to installing the recycled bricks on the project, Mahler's crews had to make sure they were sound. "You have to be careful. Some of the bricks are very soft," he said. "You can tell if a brick is sound or not sound by feeling it and looking at it."
While many masonry materials can be reused in the applications for which they were originally intended, they also can be recycled for other applications as well. Vintage Brick Salvage LLC in Rockford, Ill., which specializes in reclaimed Chicago brick, buys salvaged materials from building demolition contractors throughout Northern Illinois and puts them to an unusual use. The company slices the bricks into half-inch-thick tiles.
"You can install them on wallboard or put them on the floor," said Tom Svoboda, president of the company. "A lot of the tile is used in businesses, like restaurants, for fireplace surrounds and brick floors."
Incorporating recycled materials into the building design can also be good for business, since a growing number of clients now desire green buildings. "It's becoming a coveted thing to have [green buildings] in your portfolio," Needle said. "There's a perceived value for clients. It's really aligned with how they want their buildings designed"
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CIRCLE 163 ON READER SERVICE CARD
April 2007
Masonry 35