Question of the month

Masonry Construction, Nov-Dec, 2003 by Rick Yelton

This month's question concerns a potentially important challenge to the masonry industry reported about in the July newsletter of the Southern Brick Institute (SBI). It seems that a salesperson for a nationally known fiber manufacturer has been touting his siding product as the "newest" entry into the masonry market.

The salesperson requested a special non-public meeting with the Board of Commissioners to propose the acceptance of the siding product for Phase III of a large subdivision development. In the presentation, the salesperson claimed that the siding product was masonry since it contained cement. Agreeing with the sale pitch, the Board ruled to allow the siding product as a substitute for the brick or masonry cladding required by the zoning code.

After learning of this ruling, some residents from the first two phases phoned SBI staffers for help in urging the commissioners to enforce the zoning code requiring each new home have at least three sides of brick or masonry.

After receiving an information letter from SBI on the definition of masonry, the county's building department alerted the Board of Commissioners of the potential long-term problem. Based on this advice, the Board reversed its ruling that fiber siding was masonry for all future construction.

Even so, it rewarded the siding salesperson. The Board exempted 16 houses in the new phase originally approved for the builder's development from the masonry cladding requirement.

Our question is:

Is fiber siding trying to pass itself as a masonry product in your area?

Left unchecked, this subtle selling point could quickly allow unscrupulous builders to hoodwink the homebuilder and county zoning boards into relaxing their zoning requirements.

Early respondents to this month's question will receive a free "Do It In Masonry" T-Shirt. Be sure to include your street address and phone number, along with the shirt size.

Rick Yelton

ryelton@hanley-wood.com

Fax: 630.543.3112

MASONRY CONSTRUCTION

426 S. Westgate St.

Addison, IL 60101

Even if you don't have a problem like this in your area, you can deck out your crews with the message. "Do It In Masonry" shirts can be ordered from Hanley-Wood by phoning Norma Ciaglia at 630-705-2573. Your company's name and logo can be imprinted on the back to show support for the masonry industry