The Tailgater controls the flow of concrete

The textile industry is increasingly moving towards sustainable practices, specifically closed-loop recycling processes, which are transforming textile waste into new products. This shift, driven by technological advancements and rising raw material costs, is making environmental responsibility a profitable endeavor. Companies like Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Designtex, Unifi Inc., Victor Group Inc., Martex Fiber, and Leigh Fibers Inc. are at the forefront of this movement, converting textile waste into high-quality yarns and fabrics for various applications, including upholstery and automotive interiors. John Gant of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics notes a significant change from 15 years ago when recycled fabric prototypes were largely ignored, to today, where such features are crucial, particularly in the upholstery market. Deidre Hoguet, Director of Sustainability and Material Exploration for Designtex, emphasizes that rising commodity raw material costs around 2000 pressured industries to find more sustainable and profitable solutions. Designtex, a subsidiary of Steelcase, started using yarn from its own accumulated fabric waste in 2012. This led to the collaborative Loop to Loop process in 2013 with Unifi Inc., Victor Group Inc., and Steelcase, which produced their first closed-loop product. Since then, Designtex has launched a second fabric, Hyphen, and Steelcase’s Surface Materials team introduced Redeem and Retrieve, all utilizing waste yarn from this recycling process. Four new styles in the Loop to Loop system were showcased at NeoCon in June. Unifi, known for its Repreve® Textile Takeback Yarns, is expanding its waste collection and incorporating more recycled content into its products. Jay Hertwig, VP of Global Brand Sales, Marketing and Product Development, highlights the growing consumer demand for sustainable products, which perform comparably to those made from virgin materials. To meet this demand, Unifi broke ground in July on a $10 million expansion of its Repreve Recycling Center, which is expected to more than double its size by spring 2016. Victor Group’s Martin Bourque recalls earlier efforts to close the loop on polyester manufacturing that were limited by technology and market focus on cost over green products, but now sees a renewed interest in sustainable solutions. Glen Raven’s Anderson, S.C., plant has recycled textile waste for decades, partnering with South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation to sort scraps for conversion into fiber by Leigh Fibers Inc. These fibers, once used for industrial filtration, are now processed into high-quality yarn for new fabrics. Martex Fiber has recycled over a billion pounds of textile waste in the last decade, operating a fully closed-loop process. The company collects waste globally, reprocessing it into fibers for automotive, consumer, industrial, and ecological yarn spinning. Martex Fiber's Jimtex Yarns division specializes in producing yarns from textile waste blended with acrylic or polyester for strength and aesthetics, finding a rapidly growing market in furniture upholstery. Paul Lehner, Chief Technology Officer at Leigh Fibers, emphasizes that while sustainability is a recent trend, his company has been recycling fiber for nearly a century. They have refocused efforts on end uses where recycled content is valued, noting that some market segments are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products, and corporations have mandates for purchasing such items. Leigh Fibers acquired ICE Recycling in 2014 to secure raw material, processing post-industrial waste and materials damaged by various incidents. The largest markets for their reprocessed fiber are automotive and furniture. Companies like Designtex actively seek suppliers with sustainable products and operating principles, promoting industry standards for sustainable furnishings. Susan Lyons, president of Designtex, advocates for “co-opetition” in sustainability, preferring to compete on design and aesthetics rather than environmental efforts, encouraging the entire industry to become more sustainable. Companies are forming internal sustainability teams, with leadership buy-in being crucial, and engaging in external partnerships to share expertise and achieve collective goals. Unifi’s #TurnItGreen initiative aims to raise consumer awareness about recycling and products made from recycled materials. Glen Raven’s Recycle My Sunbrella program involves customers and homeowners in the recycling process, contributing to decorative Sunbrella fabrics. Martex Fiber offers waste-management training to its clients, helping them maximize the value of their waste streams. These initiatives highlight that sustainability is an ongoing, evolving process requiring continuous innovation and collaboration across the supply chain. #TextileRecycling #ClosedLoopManufacturing #SustainableTextiles #EcoFriendlyProducts #TextileWasteManagement #UpholsteryFabrics #CircularEconomy #GreenInitiatives #CorporateSustainability

Rammed earth construction, an ancient technique originating independently in China and the Iberian Peninsula several thousand years ago, is gaining recognition for its numerous green building benefits. This method, utilized in structures like the Hakka Tulou in China and the Alhambra Palace in Spain, offers low embodied energy, recyclability, high thermal mass, low energy loads, and non-toxicity. Terrell Wong, principal of Stone’s Throw Design Inc. in Ontario, Canada, advocates for rammed earth, highlighting its durability and longevity, asserting that a rammed earth house can last 500 years or more without needing paint. Rammed earth walls are constructed in approximately 11.5 ft. panels with flexible joints. The material mix typically includes 20% to 30% clay, sand, and 5% to 10% cement for added strength, with silicate-based waterproofing sometimes incorporated for cold, wet climates. The process involves layering a foot of material into formwork, which is then compressed to 6 inches using a pneumatic tamper. The forms, usually made from Marine-grade plywood and 2x12 walers, are about 20 inches wide and 4 feet tall. For multi-panel walls, a recess on the first panel locks with the second. Conduits for plumbing and electrical wiring are integrated during construction, requiring precise planning as changes are impossible once the wall is set. Walls typically dry within 24 hours and possess a load-bearing capacity comparable to concrete. Despite its ancient origins and proven effectiveness, rammed earth construction remains a niche method in North America. Terrell Wong designs three to four rammed earth houses annually, noting only a handful of builders in Ontario specialize in this technique. Sylvia Cook of Aerecura Rammed Earth Builders emphasizes that the method's thermal mass benefits apply universally, delaying heat gain in hot climates and shifting heat loss in cold climates to periods when solar gain can compensate, thus maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. The limited adoption is primarily attributed to a lack of public and professional knowledge about the system’s versatility across different climates. The distinctive earthy-toned striations characteristic of rammed earth walls are achieved by adding pigment to the cement mix. The ramming process pushes the colors to the formwork edges, creating a natural gradation. Exaggerating the undulations in the formwork can enhance these visual effects. While modern rammed earth construction has advanced, North America lacks specific building codes for it, unlike Australia and New Zealand where codes are formalized, and research even suggests superior seismic resistance compared to brick or block walls. In Canada, builders obtain approval by demonstrating that rammed earth meets existing code requirements, similar to concrete. In colder regions like Ontario, fiberglass rebar is used for structural stability, and recycled polyiso insulation is often integrated into the walls to minimize thermal bridging. The cost of rammed earth projects is influenced by design complexity, with curved or angled walls being more expensive due to the labor-intensive nature of the method. However, by simplifying design and formwork, Terrell Wong successfully applied the technique to an affordable housing project meeting Passive House standards. Many rammed earth homes are hybrids, incorporating elements like stick- or timber-frame walls for interior partitions or upper floors, sometimes combined with straw-bale construction or CLT-panel roofs. The featured single-family home, situated in a rural Ontario subdivision, exemplifies the integration of rammed earth with Passive House strategies. The design maximizes thermal mass, harvests southern light, and utilizes cross breezes to enhance passive ventilation, eliminating the need for mechanical cooling. The home's heating demand is approximately 20 kWh/m2 annually. The exterior walls consist of 530 tons of thermal mass, comprising two 6-inch rammed earth wythes around 6 inches of insulation. The construction’s embodied energy is exceptionally low, as 90% of the unprocessed material was sourced from a nearby gravel pit, and salvaged wood from a local roundhouse was repurposed for the main stair. #RammedEarthConstruction #SustainableBuilding #GreenBuilding #ThermalMass #PassiveHouse #BuildingMaterials #EcoFriendlyHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #CanadianArchitecture

Protecting a driveway from environmental damage and wear is crucial for maintaining curb appeal and extending its lifespan. Driveways are susceptible to damage from freeze-thaw cycles, chemical exposure, and ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to cracks and stains. While professional installation is typically required for a new driveway, sealing an existing concrete or asphalt surface can be a manageable DIY project. The optimal driveway sealer choice depends on the specific condition of the driveway and the primary reason for sealing it. Many sealers are also compatible with other driveway surfaces, such as pavers, flagstone, and masonry. The Foundation Armor AR350 Wet Look Concrete Sealer is identified as the best overall product due to its versatile, solvent-based formula. This sealer offers a non-yellowing, self-leveling, and breathable texture, with a longevity of 3 to 10 years. It dries to the touch within seconds and fully cures in approximately 24 hours, providing a low-gloss finish suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, including garages, pool decks, basements, and walkways. Its coverage ranges from 175 to 225 square feet per gallon, depending on surface porosity. Although it requires at least two coats for a full seal, its performance in resisting staining, dulling, and peeling, as evidenced by testing, makes it a top recommendation. For those seeking a water-based option, the Foundation Armor SX5000 WB Concrete & Masonry Sealer serves as a strong runner-up. This siliconate formula provides protection against salt and moisture damage for 7 to 10 years without altering the driveway's appearance. It is effective on concrete, clay brick, slate, flagstone, masonry, and natural stone, and resists mold and mildew buildup. A 5-gallon container can treat approximately 435 square feet with two coats. This sealer maintains a clear, matte, and natural finish and does not make the surface slick. The MasonryDefender Concrete Driveway Sealer offers excellent value, providing comprehensive protection against weather-related damage, cracking, and pitting, as well as chemical damage from de-icing salts. It requires only one coat and has a relatively quick 6-hour dry time, with a breathable formula that prevents film formation and yellowing. One gallon covers 90 to 150 square feet. Proper surface cleaning before application is essential, and the air temperature must be between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit for at least three hours post-application. Testing confirmed its effectiveness in repelling water and resisting stains. For cracked asphalt driveways, the Henry E-Z Stir Asphalt Filler & Sealer is a suitable solution. Its 4X rubberized formula enhances traction and durability while filling cracks up to ⅛-inch wide. A 5-gallon container covers 250 to 500 square feet, drying in four hours and fully curing within 48 hours to a black, smooth finish. This product is specifically for asphalt (blacktop) surfaces. For fresh concrete, Quikrete Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal helps new concrete cure properly by retaining moisture, thereby reducing the risk of cracking and flaking. It protects against grease, acids, salt, and oils, drying to a satin finish. Two coats are required, covering 200 square feet per gallon. GhostShield Siloxa-Tek 8505 Concrete & Masonry Sealer is recommended for its mold-inhibiting properties, ideal for rainy or humid climates. This eco-friendly, low-VOC sealer protects against UV rays, chlorides, salts, and freeze-thaw weathering, providing a natural finish. It can be sprayed, rolled, or brushed on, with foot and vehicle traffic permitted after 24 hours, and full protection achieved after a 14- to 28-day curing period. For a 'wet look' on stamped concrete, Quikrete Concrete & Masonry High Gloss Sealer imparts a glossy sheen while protecting against various spills and chemicals. This water-based, low-VOC sealer covers up to 400 square feet per gallon and can be used for both interior and exterior projects. Finally, the Foundation Armor SX5000 Concrete & Masonry Sealer is a robust solvent-based option for cold climates. This penetrating sealer forms a durable bond, protecting surfaces for 7 to 10 years from de-icing chemicals, salts, stains, and freeze-thaw cycles without changing the driveway's appearance. It also reduces mold, mildew, and algae growth. It covers 175 to 225 square feet per gallon and is applied in two recommended coats, preferably with a solvent-resistant HVLP pump sprayer. When choosing a driveway sealer, important considerations include the type of driveway (concrete or asphalt), the desired finish, longevity, and ease of application. Different types of sealers, such as coal tar, asphalt-based, plain surface, fill-and-seal, cure-and-seal, and penetrating sealers, offer distinct benefits. Application methods vary but generally involve sprayers, rollers, or squeegees. Proper preparation, including thorough cleaning and repairing cracks, is crucial for optimal results. Sealing a driveway every two years can prevent significant damage and extend its lifespan. #DrivewaySealer #HomeMaintenance #ConcreteCare #AsphaltMaintenance #CurbAppeal #DIYHomeImprovement #FoundationArmor #WeatherProtection #MoldInhibiting

This article showcases the range of cement and aggregate products available at Wickes, a prominent retailer of home improvement and building materials. The selection includes various types of cement, catering to different construction needs such as general purpose, rapid setting, and fire cement. Customers can filter products based on type, size, colour, brand, and package type, ensuring they find the right material for their projects. The available cement types include Cements, Fire Cements, Post Concrete, Rapid Setting Cements, and Slablayer Concrete, indicating versatility for different applications from foundational work to specialized repairs. Product sizes range from small 1kg and 2.5kg packs, suitable for minor repairs or DIY tasks, to larger 20kg and 25kg bags, ideal for more extensive building projects. The colour options primarily feature grey and light grey cements, with one cream option for specific aesthetic requirements. Brands stocked include Blue Circle, Holcim, and Wickes' own brand, offering customers a choice between established manufacturers and value options. Packaging varies, with products available in paper bags, plastic bags, and tubs, each offering different benefits in terms of storage, handling, and protection from moisture. The article highlights several popular products, such as Blue Circle Ready To Use Postcrete, Blue Circle General Purpose Cement, and Blue Circle Mastercrete Cement, along with Wickes' own Rapid Setting Ready Mixed Cement. Customer ratings and pricing information, including per kilogram costs, are provided for each product, allowing for informed purchasing decisions. Special offers, such as '30 for £210' on certain cement types, are also advertised, appealing to bulk buyers and trade professionals. Additionally, the page suggests related products like Bostik Cementone Colours for Cement, STS NoMorePly Tile Backer Floor Board, Knauf Square Edge Plasterboard, and Soudal Repair Express Cement, indicating a comprehensive range of complementary building materials. Beyond product listings, the article emphasizes Wickes' commitment to providing diverse building solutions and support. The inclusion of cement dyes, tile backer boards, plasterboard, and repair solutions illustrates the breadth of materials available for various construction and renovation tasks. The detailed product descriptions, alongside practical filters, aim to simplify the selection process for both professional builders and DIY enthusiasts. The information presented underscores the importance of choosing appropriate materials for specific applications, ensuring durability and structural integrity in construction and home improvement projects. The focus on comprehensive product details, competitive pricing, and accessibility to a wide array of related building essentials positions Wickes as a convenient source for construction materials. #Cement #Aggregates #BuildingMaterials #HomeImprovement #Construction #DIYProjects #BuildingSupplies #Wickes #RapidSettingCement

The article details an immersive experience undertaken by Brandon Noel, editor of Asphalt Contractor magazine, who ventured into the concrete construction industry to understand its operations firsthand. This segment, part of the 'No Edge Lines' series, documents his day with Ace Avant, a concrete contracting company located in Archdale, North Carolina. The primary objective was to provide insights into the daily realities and challenges faced by concrete professionals, particularly from the perspective of a novice laborer. Initially, the plans for the day were disrupted by a significant rainstorm, which is a common and often challenging variable in construction. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the crew at Ace Avant adapted, ensuring that Noel still gained practical experience. His time on the jobsite involved participating in various tasks as a rookie laborer, which allowed him to observe and engage with the fundamental aspects of concrete work. This practical exposure aimed to bridge the knowledge gap between asphalt and concrete construction, offering a unique comparative viewpoint. Beyond basic labor, Noel also received introductory training on operating specialized equipment used in concrete finishing. He was shown how to use a 3D laser screed, a piece of technology critical for achieving precise and level concrete surfaces, and a ride-on asphalt finisher. These machines are essential for large-scale concrete pours and achieving high-quality finishes. The article emphasizes Noel's initial unfamiliarity with these tools, highlighting the steep learning curve and the technical expertise required in the concrete industry. The narrative conveys the complexities and the hands-on nature of concrete construction, distinguishing it from asphalt work. It illustrates that even experienced professionals from related fields, like asphalt, can find new challenges and learning opportunities in concrete operations. The article suggests that this episode of 'No Edge Lines' offers valuable content for anyone interested in understanding the practicalities of concrete construction, especially those new to the field or from a different construction background. The collaboration with Ace Avant provided an authentic and educational experience, showcasing the dedication and skill of the concrete construction workforce. #ConcreteConstruction #ConstructionEquipment #BeginnerGuide #LaserScreed #AsphaltFinisher #ConstructionIndustry #AceAvant #NoEdgeLines

This article presents an alternative method for mixing small batches of concrete, diverging from the traditional use of a wheelbarrow, shovel, and mixing hoe. The technique, shared by Mike Banke, involves using a 5-gallon bucket, a 1/2-inch drill, and a paddle mixer. The process begins with pouring clean water into the bucket, followed by adding a 60-lb. bag of concrete, and then mixing with the drill, starting slowly and gradually increasing speed. This method is suggested as a potentially faster and more efficient approach for small-scale concrete mixing tasks. The article also provides links to related resources for concrete mixing, including methods for using a plastic sheet for small batches where a ready-mix truck cannot reach, essential considerations for hand-mixing concrete such as water amount and thoroughness, and a back-friendly approach for mixing concrete by the bag. The comments section offers diverse perspectives and practical advice from readers who have attempted or are familiar with this method. Several commenters highlight potential challenges, such as the risk of burning out drill motors if not used correctly. Suggestions for mitigating this risk include adding concrete in parts, using a drill with a low-range setting and high torque, and ensuring the drill is air-cooled to prevent overheating. The importance of adding water first to facilitate easier mixing and reduce stress on the drill is also emphasized. Some users recommend specific types of paddle mixers or drills designed for heavy-duty mixing, such as a Milwaukee HoleHawg drill motor or specialized mud-monster mixers. Practical tips shared by commenters include wearing rain pants and boots to prevent splashes, keeping a bucket of water nearby for cleaning the paddle mixer, and the technique of placing one's foot on the rim of the bucket to prevent it from spinning during mixing. One experienced user, Mike Banke, elaborates on his successful application of the technique, detailing his use of a Milwaukee HoleHawg on a low-range setting, specific water-to-concrete ratios, and his ability to mix 20 bags in an hour. Other users note that while this method may be suitable for mortar, plaster, or stucco, the weight and desired dryness of concrete can make it a tougher proposition for drill/paddle mixing, sometimes requiring more water than recommended on the bag to allow the drill to move the mix. The discussion collectively provides a comprehensive overview of the bucket-mixed concrete method, including its advantages, potential drawbacks, and practical tips for successful implementation. #ConcreteMixing #DIYConcrete #HomeImprovement #MasonryWork #BuildingFoundations #PowerTools #ConstructionTips #SmallBatchConcrete #DrillMixer