14
Jan
The Fechino Files: I Just Need To Make It To The End Of The Season
Even with this crazy year, time seems to be at a premium, and spare time is tough to find. However, it is the time of year where many of us are putting it into a higher gear, getting our projects wrapped up, and sending the billings out before the cold weather sets in. This is More Info »
1
Oct
The Fechino Files: Masonry tool modifications on a tight budget
Written by Steven Fechino When you work long enough in masonry two things are going to occur: your body is going to be less tolerant of the physical abuse that the job can produce, and your thinking about doing it smarter and more economically will begin to become a normal mindset. Years ago, we did More Info »
1
Oct
The Fechino Files: The perfect bologna sandwich
Written by Steven Fechino So, I was talking with Jerry Painter the other day, it was hot outside and I was taking a break to call Jerry to ask him a question, it seemed like the right thing to do. Our discussion, as usual, was about a masonry issue but since it was 11:50 am More Info »
30
Sep
The Fechino Files: Bricklaying with a twist
Written by Steven Fechino Brick columns are typically slow to build when each course is plumbed and leveled as you go. When you set up jack lines, it is much easier to notice when you get a bit off here and there, but you still need to plumb and level. A twisted brick column is More Info »
29
Sep
The Fechino Files: Ethanol – What is it all about?
Written by Steven Fechino Ethanol. What do you know about the chemical that has been mixed with the fuel you put into your trucks and small engines? Ethanol, in a pure form, is alcohol: an organic composition typically made from either wood mill waste or corn. Sound like moonshine? Well, it basically is. From the More Info »
18
Jun
The Fechino Files: Importance of timesheets and daily reports
Timesheets are a pain in the bottom, daily reports seem to be unnecessary, but collecting money is mandatory, and to collect what you earned, you need these two reports. It is just good business practice. So, let me rephrase my earlier comment, timesheets are great, and daily reports are even greater when it comes to More Info »
30
Apr
The Fechino Files: Mentors
by: Steven Fechino If you are in this trade, you have mentors. Mentors are the people that have taught you valuable skills that enable you to make a fantastic living in this industry. We may not all be rich, but we build, create, breathe fresh air, and play with cool tools to provide for our More Info »
6
Apr
Flashing Components
Written by Steven Fechino Flashing components are as important to the flashing system as the selection of membrane when it comes to keeping the building dry. Flashing is not something that can be installed somewhat correctly. It has to be correct. The money and time required to “re-do” flashing comes straight out of your pocket More Info »
2
Mar
The Fechino Files: Arches
Most of us know the basics about building arches, but how many of us can layout the arch, construct the template and build the arch without having a mess to clean up once it is constructed? Arches are constructed differently from a typical masonry opening. An arch distributes the load of the masonry above with More Info »
22
Apr
Part 3: Benefits of specifying complete masonry veneer wall systems
By Herbert Slone, RA, and Art Fox This is part three of a seven-part series of blog entries about the benefits of specifying and building with manufacturer-tested and warrantied wall systems compared to specifying individual components. Benefits include a much faster design and specification process, proven component compatibility, faster component installation and better performance, plus More Info »
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