Readers' forum

Masonry Construction, March, 2004

In the November/December issue, we posed the question "Is fiber siding trying to pass itself off as a masonry product in your area," We received the following two replies to this question.

I have not seen any problems whatsoever along this line on any of the many buildings and houses I have worked on in northwest Ohio.

--Jarod Greene

Findley, Ohio

The industry in northeast Georgia is still going strong, and masonry is the only material that lasts and is maintenance-free. Cement siding is being used on some types of homes, but I have not heard of any attempts in this area to pass the material off as masonry.

--Jess Billingsley

Dillard, Ga.

In the September issue, we asked several questions relating to the needs for a training program in the masonry industry that qualifies employees as field inspectors. We received the following reply.

Yes, I think this program would be very beneficial. Certifications of this type are commonplace in many other fields and they tend to instill confidence in consumers because they know that a well-trained individual is working for them. However, I don't think a program of this nature would have any affect on insurance rates.

I certainly am willing to enroll my employees in a 1-3 day seminar in this area.

--Morgan Patterson

Top Notch Masonry

Noblesville, Ind.