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Indiana Limestone Issues and Answers webinar

Words: Mason ContractorsThe Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) will present Indiana Limestone Issues and Answers on Monday, April 6, 2015, at 10:00 AM CDT.

Indiana Limestone (and stone in general) is a natural material that has been used successfully in many types of buildings for over 175 years. But like all products, it can be misused if proper attention isn't paid during design and construction.

The first section of this course will take a look at quarry and mill practices, including the latest equipment and how it has changed the way we do business. This section is important, because it shows how the stone is quarried and fabricated and stresses the need for attention in the design phase on, in particular, piece sizes for efficient fabrication and handling.

The course will continue with a look at the recommended relationship between thickness and panel face size, along with illustrations of anchors and supports and a recommended anchor pattern. Attendees will also be shown a mock-up wall and taught when one of these might be advisable.

The next section will cover various failures - from the use of expanding grouts in anchor slots to joint sealants that bleed into the joint surfaces to water problems, salt problems, design problems that led to failures, contractor goofs, etc. Examples are utilized to show where dampproofing is needed, need for (and more often lack of same) sealers on the face of the stone and problems they can cause, poor storage practices, use of pry bars on stone and what can happen, as well as good and bad patches. Common stains that occur, their causes and give tips on how to prevent them will also be covered - exception is quarry sap which can't be prevented in all cases but illustrations will be shown how, if that occurs, it will go away on its own.

The course will wrap up with a look at durability and various projects dating from the 1800's to present day. Examples will be used to emphasize that natural stone in general, and Indiana Limestone in particular, lasts forever if it is taken care of.

Learning Objectives:
  • Gain a better understanding of the process of getting natural stone from the quarry to the project.
  • See examples of problems on jobs caused by poor specifications, detailing and construction practices and learn how to avoid these and other mistakes in their projects.
  • Learn points of reference and how they can be helpful in all phases of their projects no matter what the specified product.
This webinar is free to all attendees. Register for Indiana Limestone Issues and Answers at www.masoncontractors.org/live.

Visit www.masoncontractors.org/live for more information and to view a full schedule of MCAA’s Live Webinar Series.
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