Kevin Kalman
Kalman Construction, Charleston, S.C. Framing arches with lumber on the jobsite is time-consuming, costly, and frequently yields inconsistent results. Because he builds houses that sometimes boast up to six different ceiling treatments each, Kevin Kalman of Kalman Construction relies on prefabricated arch forms that allow him to quickly but consistently frame all types of arches, barrel vaults, groined ceilings, domes, and curved walls.
Kalman has been using Fast Arch of America’s pre-fabbed forms for less than a year, but he’s already hooked. His firm is now using the forms in every house they build. Not only are Fast Arch forms uniform and consistent from order to order, Kalman says, but they are also extremely cost effective. “I would say they’re in the magnitude of three or four times less expensive than framing an arch in wood. The more complicated the arch, the more the cost savings,” he says. Plus, there’s no waste produced from installing a Fast Arch.
Courtesy Fast Arch of America Fast Arch forms fasten directly to lumber or steel framing with screws or nails, and drywall attaches directly to the form. Kalman’s drywall subs like the product because of its consistency, as well. Each form is custom manufactured to the client’s specific measurements and application description. Fast Arches are available in several styles, including flat niche, elliptical niche, radius stud track, cathedral arch, and the site-adjustable Zip Arch. Fast Arch can also manufacture a form to accommodate nearly any curved application. Fast Arch of America. 623.935.5531. www.fastarchofamerica.com
George Shaffer
Frey & Son Homes, Bonita Springs, Fla. For the past two years, Frey & Son Homes has been using a special waterproofing, uncoupling, and vapor pressure equalization membrane beneath its tiled balconies and second-story deck areas. Schluter Systems provides a multi-component method for waterproofing such raised, exterior tiled areas that do not have enclosed living space below.
Using the Schluter-DITRA polyethylene membrane along with several balcony assembly accessories neutralizes the stresses that frequently occur on balconies between the substrate and the tile covering. “It has proven far superior to roofing products and other waterproofing membranes,” says Frey & Son’s George Shaffer. “This is a vast improvement as to appearance and preventing efflorescence from the tile grout staining the balcony face.”
Courtesy Schluter Systems The accessories give a clean, finished look to balcony edges, as well. Several balcony edging profiles with various types of drip lips are available, as well as a gutter system. “We love the finished edge detail we get,” Shaffer says. ??Schluter Systems. 800.472.4588. www.schluter.com
