COVER STORY:
Installation system from Custom Building Products helps bring “Old Glory” to life at new Harley-Davidson dealership

Harley-Davidson is a true American icon, stirring passion in its enthusiasts and conjuring up images of power, speed and the open road. So when business partners Steve Scalia and Ryan Kelley were awarded a new dealership location for the legendary motorcycle brand, it made perfect sense to them to design their new store with a patriotic theme. Read More

Grout: best friend or worst nightmare?
Presentation, planning and keeping water to a minimum maximize results
by Dave Gobis, technical director,
Ceramic Tile Education Foundation

...the focus is on grout. Next to the issue of inherent shade variation in ceramic tile, consumer complaints about grout shading run a neck and neck race. Is it inherent also? To a degree, yes – but the blame affixed is out of proportion to the complaints received. Read More

4th Annual TileLetter Awards
Grand Prize winners

The Fourth Annual TileLetter Awards program – in celebration of NTCA’s 60th anniversary – was held on April 19 during Coverings 2007 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill.

Our generous sponsors – including the first-ever contractor sponsor, Marino Tile and Marble from Colorado Springs, Colo. – made it possible for winners to receive not only an elegant trophy but also a cash prize. Read More

Proper-disposal of on-site waste waters
current MSDS saves the day
by Jim Harrington, Professional Consultant International

Intent: to bring to the forefront the proper – and industry accepted – methods for disposal of saw, thin-set and grouting wastewaters.

The day started out so simple. Spring was in the air, the sun was shining; birds were singing, blah blah, blah... Read More

Katrina recovery
A tale of two cities
by Bart Bettiga

I am sitting in a restaurant called Mittendorf’s, about 50 miles north of New Orleans, enjoying a steaming bowl of their famous gumbo and some fried catfish. I am about to enter the Big Easy for the first time since Hurricane Katrina wreaked its devastation upon this quaint and beautiful city. I have made several trips to the Mississippi coast, so I know what to expect. At least I think I do. Read More

Liability insurance for contractors:
All insurance policies are NOT alike
by Rick Resnick, senior account executive Schechner Lifson Corporation

Unlike the construction industry where bids are solicited on the basis of job specifications, the insurance industry may (or may not) have a specific policy packaging all the insurance you require. Typically, you’ll find different policies at different prices – often with very different insurance coverages. That’s why it’s essential to know where your exposures to loss and your liabilities lie. Read More