The most important ingredient in a fine wine is a quality grape. The grape must be properly watered, exposed to sunlight and fertilized. The result of an insufficient grape could be a wine with an unpleasant taste. 

Now that some assert Global Warming has been regulated to Santa Claus status through “Climategate,” it will be interesting to see how the environmental movement will proceed. The discovery this past month of e-mails from scientists stating there is no credible scientific proof of climate change will further deepen the political divide on this issue.

Metal roofs are now common sights on schools, shopping plazas, churches and municipal buildings. The aesthetic value of metal roof systems is making them more appealing to the architectural community. In addition to aesthetic value, a properly applied standing seam metal roof system can provide long-term waterproofing protection. Successful metal systems require proper attachment procedures, provisions for expansion and contraction, and expedient removal of snow and ice from the roof surface.

I am not an economist, but I have been a business owner for over 20 years. This experience has led me to some insight on the economy and economic forecasts. As we all navigate through this year, the question remains: When will we see a turnaround?

Waterproofing of the under-slab can be as critical to the success of weatherproofing a building as waterproofing below-grade walls. This often-overlooked component has led to a tremendous amount of damage through moisture entry in both liquid and vapor form. Moisture enters the concrete slab at all of the usual suspected areas, such as openings, joints, penetrations and cracks that form over time.

If there is any advantage to the current economic recession it is that it gives us the time and opportunity to reinvest in ourselves. In today’s fast-paced business cycle, we often lack the sufficient time for training in new materials and methods. Now is the perfect time to devote to continuing education.

Thermoplastic olefins (TPOs) are a blend of thermoplastics and elastomers. The chemical formulation consists of a thermoplastic base - polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) - and an elastomeric base - the ethylene-propylene rubber polymer of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM).

When selecting a waterproofing material, conservatism is the watchword. Remember, you only have the opportunity to do this once. Proper research and due diligence is required to ensure that all waterproofing issues are properly addressed. Site-specific issues and building requirements also necessitate proper consideration.

Thermoplastic olefins (TPOs) are a blend of thermoplastics and elastomers. The chemical formulation consists of a thermoplastic base - polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) - and an elastomeric base - the ethylene-propylene rubber polymer of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM).

I would like to start by wishing everybody a happy and healthy holiday season. The holidays are a time to enjoy family and reflect on the past year. Hopefully, many of you will also have an opportunity to take a break prior to heading into 2009.