If you like the look of brick, you're in good company indeed. It's believed people have been using brick in construction since at least 7,000 B.C. Although the properties of brick may change, it's typically made of clay, shale, slate, calcium silicate, concrete, or quarried stone that has been formed and fired at a high temperature.
Cement is a common building material made from rock. Today, cement is used in constructing most buildings mainly because it is long lasting. Natural fibers and wood have soluble and dangerous organic compounds.
Universal H marine piles are low displacement piles that are often used for penetrating dense stratums and hard rock. They are generally recommended for use in buried structures where the pile shaft is fully supported to prevent buckling failure about the weak axis of the profile.
SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) compounds can be found in or applied to a wide range of construction materials. They’re used in or with non-woven polyesters, random fiberglass, diverse composites, and varied combinations of both polyester and fiberglass.
When the US entered World War II in 1940, it faced many herculean tasks. Among the unsung stories of the war were the massive construction projects launched in 1940 to build the dry docks needed to expand the fleet and replace ships lost at Pearl Harbor.
There are several benefits to using a non-re-emulsifiable PVA. It forms a film that offers good water resistance, ultraviolet stability, and excellent aging characteristics. In addition, it is extremely compatible with cement.
Looking at going green? Aluminum is actually a very green building material because the metal is 100% recyclable without any loss of its qualities. This is called secondary aluminum, and is often used to make aluminum parts, including 80% of aluminum alloy injections.
If you are concerned about alkali silica reaction (ASR), then a lithium silicate densifier is going to be your best bet. These are less susceptible to ASR because the lithium stabilizes the silicate more effectively, resulting in lower pH levels and improved performance.
Did you know that a marine borer is any mollusk or crustacean that lives in the ocean and destroys wood by boring into and eating it? These are not what you want anywhere near your new deck or seawall, which is why you need treated lumber or PVC decking.
Don’t waste your time and money trying to find the right construction chemicals at your standard home improvement or hardware store. Construction chemical specialists carry the best treatments that make it easy to get the results you need for your project.
Technically, crown molding is any molding used to top a surface, be it a shelf, wall, fireplace, etc. A cornice is something that transitions the ceiling to the wall, which can also be referred to as crown molding.
As aluminum became more widely available in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was used in more and more applications. The Wright brothers relied on aluminum in the engine of their first biplane, built in 1903.
Did you know that cultured stone has been used as a building material since 1962? Brothers Garret and Floyd Brown created it because they saw the need for a new type of building material that was lighter than traditional stone.
Stone dust, also known as stone screening, was originally just a by-product from the process of crushing stone. However, over time it was found to have many uses, including fertilization. Mostly it's used as a paver base for smaller or lighter duty applications.
If you need more space but do not have the budget for a structural addition, a sunroom or solarium can deliver the same effect for a fraction of the cost. In addition to lower construction costs, such a room does not require the same levels of electrical wiring or insulation.
Photocatalytic coatings are transforming building construction and maintenance. The compounds form a protective layer that allows architects to use more varied facing materials and preserves the integrity of the materials over time.
Contractors and builders are turning to steel beams and panels as an alternate construction material in areas subject to high winds or earthquakes. Plus, steel is a “green” material: An average 2000-square-foot house is roughly equivalent to six recycled cars.
Not all soil types are the same, which means that the kind of fertilizer needed for lawns or landscaping will vary from place to place. Fortunately, you can count on landscaping supply experts to stock a variety of fertilizers that will work in your area.
We realize that gutter contractors can be difficult to schedule time with during their peak seasons. Remember, working with an aluminum contractor can give you the quality gutters you need without being subject to the peak availability issues.
Essentially, liquid hardeners and chemical densifiers change the molecular structure of the surface of concrete, making it both denser and stronger. The three types of hardeners/densifiers are silicates, silicinates, and silicas.
Did you know that concrete masonry units produce no Volatile Organic Compounds into the air? Whether you choose split-face, colored, or glazed units- they are water repellant as well as safe for the environment.
When it comes to paver sealants, joint stabilizing sealers serve two different functions. Not only do they penetrate into the pores of the pavers and seal the surface, but they work to stabilize the joint sand so it doesn’t wash out.
Penetrating concrete sealers essentially work to penetrate and chemically react within the capillaries of the concrete. This protects the surface against moisture penetration and damage caused by deicing chemicals.
The creation of high-rise buildings, tunnels and bridges, roadways, highways, and railways all require the use of construction materials, which includes construction chemicals, to improve durability, longevity, and aesthetics. Construction chemicals also speed processing times, which can minimize our carbon footprint.