Masonry Magazine February 2003 Page. 15
Developing a Niche in Custom Stonework
We have a crew of stonemasons who exclusively perform stonework for residential projects. The Internet is often where clients look for information on contractors who do that type of work, and we're hoping to develop that market. I'm a stonemason by trade and have hoped for many years to develop a niche in the custom stonework market.
Biggest Misconception About the Masonry Industry
Masonry: What do you feel is the biggest misconception about the masonry industry?
Borman: I've thought for some time, and my beliefs were reinforced recently with the earthquake we had in Seattle, that one of the major misconceptions - perhaps the biggest - is that masonry doesn't withstand seismic forces. That's because, if there is an earthquake or some major seismic event, the press is out in force taking pictures of bricks that are lying on the sidewalk. Most of those structures that suffer damage from earthquakes were built before the days of reinforced masonry.
I think it's important that the public be educated about the performance and abilities of reinforced masonry. The press doesn't go around taking pictures of buildings that successfully withstood those seismic forces, only the ones that are damaged. We get a bad rap as a result of that, and I would like to see that change. I think we need more information put out for the public to understand the abilities of masonry to withstand these seismic events.
Changing the Misconception
Masonry: What would you do to change that misconception?
Borman: Through promotion - promotion of our products and the performance of our systems.
Biggest Concerns in Keeping the Company Successful
Masonry: What are your two biggest concerns in keeping your company successful?
Borman: The first relates to, of course, market share. There has to be enough work to go around. The only way that we can attain that is to develop.
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The WIRE-BOND® Clip: A Steadying Influence In Seismic Zones
The WIRE-BOND® Clip is the first steel welded clip designed for adjustable veneer systems in seismic applications.
* Straight-and-cut wire fits easily into the clip providing a strong continuous system in the brick veneer.
* No welding or attachment of the clips is required. The systems are delivered with the WIRE-BOND" clips already attached.
* The clip and wire fit into a 3/8" mortar joint, and are aligned in the same level plane as the hook. This insures heavier mortar coverage and avoids using bulky clips which can create oversized joints.
* The WIRE-BOND® Clip is available on all our adjustable hook-and-eye systems, plus the RJ-711 and the HCL711, our plate-and-hook combinations, which tie masonry to steel studs.
* Conforms to ACI530 Code; seismic performance categories A-E. All WIRE-BOND® seismic products are fully tested. Call for test results.
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