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Reports from the Field Con't
 Paul
Mackie
Western Field Report - December 2002
FIELD SERVICES
One inspection was conducted during December. The complaint involved
raised or slash grain on pre-primed 'Aye & Better", smooth
face bevel siding. The material was found to be heavy to flat grain
but met requirements for the grade ordered. Attempted to assist
a Puget Sound import
company interested in having "Russian Cedar" manufactured
into products that would compete with Western Red Cedar. It was
suggested that they have the wood specie evaluated to see if it
would perform comparably to WRC. It was learned that 'Russian Cedar'
is a pine specie whose botanical name is Pinus Siberius. An architect
with a project on the Oregon coast inquired about the availability
of a clear stain that would last longer than 1-2 years. The realities
of the performance of clear stains that coating companies are allowed
to manufacture today were explained. During this consultation it
was learned that an appropriate nailing surface had not been specified
for this vertical siding application. Remedies to this error were
suggested. A Washington based siding contractor inquired about the
advisability of using a tongue and groove pattern to replace failed
EIFS cladding. An Oregon homeowner had similar questions regarding
the use of this pattern on new construction. In both cases, information
on proper coating and installation methods were provided. A contractor
requested information on recommended installation of cedar siding
over foam and steel stud panel system. Furring strip and nailing
suggestions were provided. A Certified Cedar Distributor inquired
about the possibility of conducting certification training in Alaska.
Training is now scheduled for late February at five different locations.
A representative of the California city with the water tank restoration
project previously mentioned was assisted with technical information.
A California architect inquired about proper installation methods
for fence posts.
EXHIBITIONS AND MEETINGS
A meeting with the siding committee representing a 72-unit condominium
association was attended. Their 30-year-old project is in need of
some restorative work. The original material appeared to be a low
grade of rough-face, knotty, flush-joint T&G. It had been poorly
installed with much of the material in direct ground contact. In
these areas, decay is a problem. Additionally, knots have fallen
out and some of the original material is cupping. The replacement
work conducted recently with on-grade, dry and pre-coated material
appears to be performing well. Continuing with this program was
encouraged. An educational seminar covering siding installation
and deck construction was attended. The event was sponsored by a
retail building materials association and representatives from fifteen
lumberyards attended. A trade show was part of the event and WRCLA
specification literature was distributed. Our tabletop display space
was provided at no charge. Exhibited at the JLC Live (Journal of
Light Construction) trade show in Portland Oregon early in the month.
Approximately 4,000 contractors attended the show from Portland
and nearby areas. Over 1,000 pieces of WRCLA literature were distributed.
OPPORTUNITIES/COMPETITION/CEDAR TRENDS
A Deck Clinic was conducted during the JLC Live Show in Portland.
There were eight separate demonstration areas in which a variety
of deck materials were being installed. Real wood was shown on only
one of those areas. The others featured seven different plastic
deck products. Participation in the clinic requires a significant
financial sponsorship fee.
If would like additional details, please let me know.
Regards,
Paul Mackie
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