School for Advanced Segmental Paving

June 2006

In this letter I would like to keep you informed of the latest updates to the School for Advanced Segmental Paving (SASP). Also in this edition, I will be starting a section known as “Tips and Techniques” which will explain a tidbit of information and accompanying photo which may simplify an aspect of paver installation. (If any of the founders or steering committee members have any suggestions for future articles, please forward them to me.)

With the summer full of contractors busy installing various hardscapes, the SASP has wrapped up our first season of classes. Our last class of the season was the debut of another course known as Hardscape Chemical Certification, (HCC) a two day course held on the 13th and 14th of June, which offered a hands-on approach to the proper cleaning, sealing and joint sand stabilization of pavers for Hardscape professionals. The class went better than expected. Input from staff and suggestions from students will help refine the curriculum and procedures for the next class which is scheduled for third week of August, 2006.

This photo is of Randy from Paver Block Sealing, LLC of Hobe
Sound, FL pressure washing after removing efflorescence.
Weverton, from Liberty Pavers of Elizabeth, NJ is holding the hose.

Initial coat of a spray application of an acrylic based coating sealer.

I would like to include the following link which takes you to the calendar page. You will notice the second school season has classes starting the second week of August. Then in September, the SASP gets busy with classes most weeks with the exception of Holiday weeks, throughout the end of the year. The calendar is set up months in advance so that everyone can help get the information out to their clients and plan their training advancements.

16th Annual Construction Academy Masonry Education Program

Last week I was invited to the University of Wisconsin Stout campus where I was one of several guest vocational instructors who taught a portion of the Masonry Construction Academy. The 18 high school teachers who were there for the 3 day theory and hands-on seminar were introduced to paver installation, with the forethought of bringing masonry skills back to their respective high schools. Judging by their interest, questions and attention, during a hands-on installation of pavers, all went very well. They were also introduced to standard brick and block manufacturing process, with opportunity to lay mortar to the line for both brick and block installation.

TIPS & TECHNIQUES

The following simple time saving tip was demonstrated by Jose Gutierrez from Meadowwood Inc, in Plymouth, MN. A student in the March Team Teaching for Foremen class. He would gently scribe a line in the sand 8” from the edging which was a quick reference so he knew how far to lay his field pavers (just over the line) before marking and cutting for the soldier course.

The SASP has recently added onto the outdoor working area just North of the arena, by extending the concrete barrier wall sixty feet to the North, removing the existing soil, and replacing it with a workable base material. This latest addendum creates 2,400 square feet of outdoor training area with better access which can be used to conduct various types of training during the non-winter months.

If you have any questions or feedback in relation to the school,
or its courses, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Until next time,

Mark Skiba

Back to Founders Update Page

PAGE LAST UPDATED: Thursday, June 19, 2008 9:31 AM