MASONRY VENEER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES THIRD ANNUAL “MVMA DESIGN AWARDS” COMPETITION

Calling all Masons - here is your chance to shine - enter your project in this year’s competition and get the credit, notoriety and bragging rights you deserve. Instone the largest distributor of Cultured Stone Veneer in the US supports local masons and encourages their participation in this year’s competition. Good Luck to all area Masons.

Enter today!

MASONRY VENEER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES THIRD ANNUAL “MVMA DESIGN AWARDS” COMPETITION
TO SHOWCASE CREATIVE USE OF MANUFACTURED STONE

With Manufactured Stone fast becoming one of the most requested wall coverings in new construction and renovation projects, contracting and design professionals are looking for innovative ways to incorporate its rugged, authentic, elegant looks and versatility.
Today, the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association (MVMA) announced its third annual MVMA Design Awards, a program created to recognize the work of industry professionals who are setting trends by featuring manufactured stone veneer in their projects.
“Our goal is to recognize leaders in the Manufactured Stone industry by highlighting their design successes,” said Mike Fischer, MVMA general manager. “This year‟s theme of „Natural Beauty Fashioned in Stone‟ aims to showcase the beauty and authenticity of Manufactured Stone.”
MVMA Design Awards Facts
All entries will be submitted online at www.MasonryVeneerDesignAwards.com by December 31, 2011
An independent judging panel will announce winners at the MVMA Design Awards in Orlando, FL, February 2012
There is no entry fee
Submissions require high-resolution images of the completed project
More information, including rules and entry can be found at www.MasonryVeneerDesignAwards.com.

About the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association
Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association (MVMA) was organized and officially began operation in April 2006 to represent the Manufactured Stone Veneer industry‟s manufacturing companies and their suppliers. MVMA is the only incorporated trade association organized specifically for the masonry veneer products industry. The mission of the organization is to advance the growth of the manufactured masonry veneer products industry through proactive technical, advocacy and awareness efforts.

Caring for Cultured Stone - no salt please

Cultured Stone® Tips
Summary: Cultured Stone® is basically concrete mixed with aggregate and color pigments and shaped in special, detailed, molds to produce a real stone look and feel. Quality stone veneer products are, therefore, durable and made with solid color to avoid discoloration over their long service span. Maintain and clean artificial stone with common sense and these tips, and your Cultured Stone® projects will outlast you.

Making the Stone
Cultured Stone® is nothing more than concrete. But for those who have seen this product up close and actually touched it, you know that it does not look or feel like concrete.
Some manufactured stone products cannot be distinguished from the real thing. The colors and textures of these artificial stone products are basically unbelievable.
These realistic results are achieved, in most instances, by using highly detailed rubber molds and special pigments to color the concrete mix. Some manufacturers apply additional pigments directly to the rubber molds for purposes of adding tones to the surface of the finished product. These additional pigments soak into the surface of the concrete so that they can't be easily washed off by the elements.
The key to the entire process is using small, light weight aggregates in the concrete mix. This keeps the weight of the artificial stone to a minimum. It is for this reason that no foundation is required to support these materials. They simply are glued onto the side of your structure, whether it be wood frame, masonry or a steel structure.
Long term durability should not be a concern of yours. This is due to the fact that these products are manufactured under controlled conditions. This allows the concrete mix to achieve maximum strength characteristics. Because the surface of the artificial stones is so realistic, water is not easily absorbed by many of these products.
Discoloration
Some people wonder about the long term effects of weathering on these products. That is a valid concern, as this material could easily have a service life on a building between 50 and 100 years. Just about every artificial stone product has solid color attributes. This means that the concrete mix is colored from the beginning. Secondary coloration achieved by applying pigments to the rubber molds should be the only area of concern. As long as the manufacturer uses high quality, non water soluble pigments, it should never be a problem.

Most manufacturers caution against the use of deicing salts near these products.
The salts can hurt the artificial stone and cause surface disintegration.
Manufacturers also caution against the use of harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents or paint thinners. Some of these products can stain the stone products and cause discoloration.

Simply use common sense.
The artificial stone products can be cleaned if they become dirty. You simply use a mild detergent and a stiff bristle brush. Never use a wire brush, as this may harm the surface.
"Long term durability should not be a concern of yours. This is due to the fact that these products are manufactured under controlled conditions."

Click here to find an authorized mason

How to choose the right mason for your stone veneer installation.

How to choose the right mason for your stone veneer installation.

Here are a few questions to consider when choosing a mason. Make sure your mason is current with the best practices of the industries. Over the years there has been significant changes and improvement to masonry installation.
Products now exist that are designed to prevent water damage by allowing moisture to escape from behind the installed stone. Your mason should be informed and following these best practices.

What you should ask:
Do you follow the Manufacture Veneer Masonry Association recommended installation guidelines?
These guidelines are only recommendations created by a coalition of stone veneer manufactures. Masons are not required to use them. These guidelines have been revised due to the need to allow proper moisture drainage which over time can cause damage. Make sure your mason is following these guidelines for the prevention of water damage.

Are you a Certified Cultured Stone Installer?
A Cultured Stone Certified Installer has been trained,
has had: their quality of work checked, background checked, are licensed and properly insured.

Are you current with the manufactures best practices?
Manufactures and Dealers offer training on new products and best practice yearly. A good mason will be informed and following these best practices.

What brand products do you install?
Warranty, stone thickness and depth of color is very important as not all stone veneers are created equal. Know what is going under the stone. This is important to protect your home from damage. Here is a list of recommended products:
• Cultured Stone • ProStone•
Semco Natural Stone Veneer• Keene Rain Screen Drainage Systems
• Keene Weep Screed• AMICO EZ Bead, Window/Door Drip Edge
• Self Furring Lath: AMICO Metal self furring lath & Spider Lath self furring fiberglass lathFor a list of Select Installers and Dealers please contact Instone today 888-467-8250 http://www.instoneco.com/

Thin Veneer Stone Installation - Run to Grade

Natural Stone Veneer - timeless beauty

Whether you’re a homeowner, designer, or architect there’s no matching the pride you’ll feel when you see the breathtaking allure of natural stone adds to your project. Natural stone helps communicate your vision, from sophisticated elegance to bold ruggedness.

Few building materials possess the durability and versatility of natural stone. From traditional installations to contemporary designs, from intimate buildings to towering structures.

Stone colors and textures vary from region - Quarries in the northeast tend to be of grays and blues, while stones from the Midwest regions have rust & browns, while out west it in the light range with tans, light browns and reds.

There is no replacing natural stone although there are many manufactured stone that could fool an expert mason. Natural stone has life long durability and is timeless.

Natural Stone is recommended when installing a wood burning fireplace, as the smoke and suet can damaged manufactured stone. Natural Stone can be scrubbed clean with out worry of damage.

There are numerous stone quarries, natural stone producers but few have the appeal and reputation as Buechel Natural Stone Veneer.

Buechel Stone has a vast selection of natural stone types and textures to add visual distinction to your project. No other building material offers the unique textures, natural colors, and exceptional visual appeal found in natural stone. When it comes to beauty, strength, and longevity, Buechel natural stone is in a class of its own.
To learn more about natural stone veneer and Buechel please contact instone or visit our website http://www.instoneco.com/ or visit http://www.buechelstone.com/index.php


http://youtu.be/JxozzUl3pmA

Masons, maybe it’s time to consider a new method for fireplace construction.

Masons, maybe it’s time to consider a new method for fireplace construction.
If you’re not already installing fireplaces with a pre-engineered fireplace unit/system, you may want to consider them now, here is why:

With the focus being money and saving on energy cost a masonry modular fireplace unit helps you overcome these hurtles to win more jobs. Experts compare traditional fireplace installation to masonry modular fireplace units.

• It takes masons two or more weeks to build a fireplace using the old fashioned construction method. Alternatively, a masonry modular fireplace unit can be installed in one or two days. The components in a masonry modular fireplace unit are large and fit together easily, so construction is quick and hassle-free. Installation is as simple as stacking the components, mortaring them together, adding firebrick, and finishing the outside with the veneer or mantle of your choice.

• Labor and materials average around $8,000 to $15,000 for a site-built masonry fireplace. Because a modular fireplace unit install in a matter of days, labor savings can be significant, typically cutting overall costs by at least 50% compared to a site-built masonry fireplace.

• Brick absorbs heat. That is why a brick fireplace takes time to heat up and doesn't send adequate heat into a room. Modular fireplace unit masonry materials are engineered to reflect heat so that your fire will heat up quickly and burn more efficiently. That means more heat output while using less wood, gas, or other fuel.

• With a modular fireplace unit, you get peace of mind knowing that they have passed rigorous testing procedures to comply with applicable Underwriters Laboratories standards, and each fireplace is backed with a manufactured warranty.

For more information on a masonry modular fireplace unit please visit http://www.instoneco.com/
Or call 888-467-8250 info@instoneco.com
Isokern FireRock

Masonry Industry and Building Inspectors need to get on the same page

Use this To prevent this

I've had conversations with building inspectors who have told me they advise home owners to stay away form masonry applications, stucco and stone veneer to be specific.
Why? Because they have seen too many faulty installations that created mold, stone falling off houses and water damage.

Now being in the masonry industry I found this very alarming, as my job is to inform our customers, contractors and home owners of the measurements to take now to have a healthy wall system. Stone veneer is here to stay, its beautiful, versatile and wanted by homeowners and designers. With proper installation a stone veneer application can last a lifetime.

Currently there is no building code in NJ or NY that enforce the use of a drainage system when installing stone veneer or stucco. Very few consumers are aware of the proper way to install and because these measurements add to the cost of installation, contractors will not recommend the extra expense in fear of losing the bid to a competitor.

Homeowners, you must demand your contractor follow the Masonry Veneer Manufactures Association (MVMA) guidelines. Its well worth the additional cost to protect your investment. Only use a contractor that has been trained and is current with the best practices of the industry.

Masons, help save your industry. Attend installation training on the MVMA guidelines, ask your dealer or distributor about drainage products. Educate your customers on healthy wall systems.

Please use me/InStone as a resource healthy wall systems, the MVMA guide, where to find a trained mason, product information and where to find these products.

contact me via info@instoneco.com or visit www.instoneco.com

(you can visit http://www.masonryvenner.org/ to down load the guide.) (Please know these guidelines are for stone veneer that is installed on the out side of homes/buildings. )

Lath Integrity Program

***PRESS RELEASE***
Birmingham, AL - June 7, 2011
Alabama Metal Industries, Inc. (AMICO), a Gibraltar Industries Company, has announced a new listing on ICC-ESR website for its re-engineered metal laths.
ICC-ESR #2247: http://www.icc-es.org/reports/index.cfm
With this new listing, AMICO has launched a "Lath Integrity Program" that will include color-coded bundle bands identifying the weight of the lath, the ASTM C-847 & ICC-ESR #2247. Chris Little, Group Product Manager for AMICO states the "Lath Integrity Program will demonstrate to the marketplace our commitment to produce galvanized metal laths meeting ASTM Standards for physical properties including dimension, weight & thickness. This identification band assures the installer & inspector of lath that meets code."
This Includes the new 97-inch MINIMUM length requirement in ASTM C 847-10
Bundle bands with identifying color will be on bundle straps at both the East & West Coast manufacturing facilities. For more information, contact AMICO at 800-366-2642, or sales@amico-online.com

Chris Little, CSI, CDT
LEED-Green Associate
AMICO- Building Products Manager
404-643-1944

For information on metal lath please contact Instone www.instoneco.com info@instoneco.com

Moisture Management - do it right now or pay later

Moisture Management
The new BUZZ term in the Masonry World
If you haven't heard the term Moisture Management being used in association with the installation of masonry then you might have been living under a stone !
Over the last 3 years the masonry industry in the United States began to get on board with the concept of moisture management. Due to the rise of failed installations and the hundreds of contractors being sued has sent up enough signals for the industry to start policing themselves. As a result new guideline to improve the failure rate and stop faulty installations has been written and is being recommended by the Masonry Veneer Manufactures Association.
The MVMA has collected data and performed studies that caused the implementation for the changes to the installation guideline.

Changes to the installation instructions required for installing Manufactured Stone Veneer changes include:

Double layer of Weather Resistant Barrier
Incorporation of Foundation Weep Screed
Self Furring Lath – fully embedded in scratch coat of mortar
(¼” behind and ¼” in front)

MVMA also talks about the option of using a Rainscreen product that will create a capillary break / air space between the cladding and the primary water resistive barrier. These products are used to improve the escape of incidental water and decrease drying time.

to get the full guideline please visit www.masonryveneer.org

More information :
Exterior Covering IRC 2006/2009 R703.1 General. Exterior walls shall provide the building with a weather resistant exterior wall envelope. The exterior wall envelope shall include flashings as described in section R703.8. The exterior wall envelope shall be designed and constructed in a manner that prevents accumulation of water within the wall assembly by providing a water resistant barrier behind the exterior veneer or required by section R703.2 and a means of draining water that enters the assembly to the exterior. Protection against condensation in the exterior wall assembly shall be provided in accordance with chapter 11 of this code.

Summary:

Astm 926 & 1063
2 Layers Grade D Paper 1 layer 60 minute grade D with rainscreen seperating
Weep Screed
Furred Lathe over sheathing
Flashing – Windows, Doors, Sill Pan, Kick Outs,
3 coat over wood based sheathing 3/8”, 3/8” and 1/8”
Expansion break at windows doors fascia and caulked
Rainscreen- Enhances drainage plane

Stick on stone – Plaster section of code
Paper – ESR Reports

“It’s not going to be a matter of choice any longer. It’s going to be demanded by the Architects, Home Owners, and by Building Inspectors. “ said Kevin Grotke General Sales Manager of Instone, a masonry wholesale distributor. Instone is assisting the industry by making available the moisture management products that are in compliancy with the new guidelines and local building codes” States Grotke. For more information please visit http://www.instoneco.com/

To learn more about the this top please contact instone info@instoneco.com

Masonry Veneer Installation Training June 2nd Chicago

Training on the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association Guidelines for
Adhered Concrete
Masonry Veneer Installation

Installation Training Thursday June 2nd 10 am to 3 pm
at the Instone Midwest Distribution Center
5141 W. 122nd Street, Alsip IL 60803

Learn how the MVMA installation guidelines will affect the masonry industry moving forward. Please take advantage of this free training for you, your staff and your masons.
Sign up today and get informed!
The following topics will be covered:
Hands-on Installation demonstration & training
Make more money selling and installing Isokern Fireplaces
New Innovative products designed to save money & time

• Guest Speaker from Keene Building Supply: Drainage & Moisture Control System
• Guest Speaker Bill Foster from Spider Lath: Benefits of using a Mortar Sprayer Application with Spider Lath
• Learn how to reduce the time for the installation of lath & application of the mortar scratch coat by 75%)
Food & Beverages will be served. Attendees will receive participation materials.


Prior registration is required to attend this free training. Sign up as many as you'd like by filling out the attached form no later than June 1st 2011. Return it to info@instoneco.com or fax it to 708-371-0686 For more information please call 888-467-8250
Don't miss out! Sign up today for this very valuable training.







Fax to 708-371-0686 or email to info@instoneco.com for assistance call 888-467-8250

Masonry Veneer Installation Guidelines Training - Free sign up today

Learn how the MVMA installation guidelines will affect the masonry industry moving forward. Please take advantage of this free training for you, your staff and your masons. Sign up today and get informed!

Installation Training Day

Wednesday May 25th 4 pm- 7 pm

Instone New Jersey Distribution Center

1 Red Valley Rd Millstone Township, NJ


The following topics will be covered.



·Hands-on Installation demonstration & training



·MVMA Installation Training Certification with NJ/PA Building Codes reviewed



•Guest Speaker from Keene Building Supply: Drainage & Moisture Control System
•Guest Speaker Bill Foster from Spider Lath:Benefits of using a Mortar Sprayer Application with Spider Lath
•Learn how to reduce the time for the installation of lath & application of the mortar scratch coat by 75%)
Food & Beverages will be served. Attendees will receive participation materials and a certificate of participation.





Prior registration is required to receive the certificate and to attend this free training. Sign up as many as you'd like by filling out the attached form no later than May 23 2011. Return it to info@instoneco.com or fax it to 609-208-2551 For more information please call 888-467-8250

Don't miss out! Sign up today for this very valuable training.

http://www.instoneco.com/

Wednesday May 25th 4 pm- 7 pm

Instone New Jersey Distribution Center

1 Red Valley Rd Millstone Township, NJ

609-208-0085

Don't miss out - sign up today

GreenGuard Webinar on moisture management

Sign up today: click below
Webinar: Moisture Management

Friday May 13 8 am to 9am central time

Come join Greenguard and Instone to learn more about Moisture Management and a new product that Instone is excited to bring to you.
learn about:
• Building Science Principles of Wall Structure Performance (Air, Moisture and Energy transfer)
• New Product we are introducing to help improve wall performance
• 2009 Energy Codes and how that may impact the installation of Stone Veneer over XPS Exterior Insulation Board

Sincerely,

Kevin Grotke
Instone
k.grotke@instoneco.com
708-371-0660

Register Now!




This webinar will be held on Friday, May 13 8:00 - 9:00 Central. You should plan on clicking on the Attendee URL link below 15 minutes prior to the call as you may need to load Microsoft Live Meeting to your computer. Also note the toll free dial in number for the audio portion of this call.


Attendee URL: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/Pactiv/join?id=6JD98M&role=attend&pw=MT%40%29*%284pR


Meeting ID: 6JD98M



Attendee Entry Code: MT@)*(4pR



Audio:

Telephone conferencing: On
Audio conferencing provider: InterCall
Toll free: +1 (866) 594-0415

Participant code: 678-589-7333


When:
Friday May 13, 2011 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM CDT
Add to my calendar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Todd Costello
212.297.2109
tcostello@kellencompany.com
MASONRY VENEER MANUFACTURES ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES SECOND ANNUAL “MVMA DESIGN AWARDS” COMPETITION

TO SHOWCASE CREATIVE USE OF MANUFACTURED STONE
NEW YORK, NY (February 23, 2011) — With Manufactured Stone fast becoming one of the most requested wall coverings in new construction and renovation projects, contracting and design professionals are looking for innovative ways to incorporate its rugged, authentic, elegant looks and versatility.
Today, the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association (MVMA) announced its second annual MVMA Design Awards, a program created to recognize the work of industry professionals who are setting trends by featuring Manufactured Stone Veneer in their projects.
“Our goal is to recognize leaders in the Manufactured Stone industry by highlighting their design successes,” said Mike Fischer, MVMA general manager. “This year‟s theme of „Natural Beauty Fashioned in Stone‟ aims to showcase the beauty and authenticity of Manufactured Stone.”
MVMA Design Awards Facts All entries will be submitted online at www.MasonryVeneerDesignAwards.com by May 13, 2011 An independent judging panel will announce winners at the MVMA Annual Meeting in Anaheim, CA Eligible projects were completed between May 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011 There is no entry fee Submissions require high-resolution images of the completed project More information, including rules and entry can be found at www.MasonryVeneerDesignAwards.com.
About the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association
Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association (MVMA) was organized and officially began operation in April 2006 to represent the Manufactured Stone Veneer industry‟s manufacturing companies and their suppliers. MVMA is the only incorporated trade association organized specifically for the masonry veneer products industry. The mission of the organization is to advance the growth of the manufactured masonry veneer products industry through proactive technical, advocacy and awareness efforts.

Owens Corning Reaches Definitive Agreement to Sell
Masonry Products Business for a Minimum of $90 Million
TOLEDO, Ohio, Dec. 15, 2010 – Owens Corning (NYSE: OC), a world leader in building materials and glass fiber reinforcements, announced today that it has reached a definitive agreement with Boral Industries Ltd. to sell its Masonry Products business.
The divestiture will be in two stages. Owens Corning will sell a 50 percent stake in its Masonry Products business to Boral Industries Ltd. for $45 million at closing. The Masonry Products business will then be operated jointly until early 2014. At that time, Owens Corning will sell its remaining 50 percent stake for $45 million and may receive additional proceeds depending on 2013 financial performance. Owens Corning will record an impairment charge estimated to be $115 million, which is primarily related to goodwill and other intangible assets assigned to the business as part of fresh start accounting.

Boral will assume operational control of the business at closing. During the period of joint ownership, Owens Corning and Boral will work together to ensure maximum performance.

The transaction is expected to close by year-end and is subject to regulatory approval.

About Owens Corning
Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) is a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass-fiber reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems. A Fortune 500 Company for 56 consecutive years, Owens Corning is committed to driving sustainability by delivering solutions, transforming markets and enhancing lives. Founded in 1938, Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass-fiber technology with sales of $4.8 billion in 2009 and about 16,000 employees in 28 countries on five continents. Additional information is available at www.owenscorning.com.
# # #

a day of discussions including issues currently surrounding the masonry industry

Press Release
150 members of the masonry & building industry gathered to discuss improving the quality of installation of masonry products and building a healthier wall, during the Instone Training & Vendor

Tuesday February 1, 2011 in Hamilton, NJ, Instone, a New Jersey based company who is the largest wholesale distributor of Cultured Stone® in the United States, distributing masonry products from Maine to Virginia, and the Midwest.
Instone brought together members of the building industry for a day of discussions including issues currently surrounding the masonry industry , a total, on-the-wall installation solution, and immediate measures to protect the industry from the negative impact of faulty installations.
Guest speaker Chris Hines of the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association* delivered the MVMA recommendations for proper installation of masonry veneer products and recommendations for building a healthy wall.
(*The MVMA organization provides up-to-date guidelines of the generally accepted masonry veneer installation methods and details in order to discourage faulty installations.)
Also presenting during the Instone Training & Vendor Day were representatives from masonry products manufacturers such as Cultured Stone®, FireRock, Stone Transitions™, Spider Lath, Keene™ Building Supplies, Semco Natural ThinCut Stone, and AMICO building products, all of which support and follow the MVMA guidelines for installation and healthy wall systems.
Members of the building industry gained valuable information that will improve the quality of installation and gained the knowledge of how to product against unhealthy wall conditions that occur as a result of mold and corrosion.
For more information about Instone or the MVMA please contact
us 888-467-8250 www.instoneco.com www.masonryveneer.com

Veneer Stone Installation - Built by Code