Trisco Walls & Ceilings Contractor of the Year

​​​​Trisco Systems Inc. Secures Walls & Ceilings Contractor of the Year 2023: A Triumph of Excellence and Legacy in Construction

Posted February 22, 2024 by & filed under Company News.

We are overjoyed to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our sister company, Trisco Systems Inc., for earning the esteemed title of Walls & Ceilings Contractor of the Year 2023!

This prestigious award is a resounding testament to Trisco Systems’ unwavering dedication to industry best practices, exceptional working conditions, and the delivery of unparalleled quality workmanship and customer service.

Trisco Systems, headquartered in Lima, Ohio, is a beacon of expertise in exterior building restoration and façade rejuvenation. As their sister company, we assist with Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) in many projects.

Under the leadership of Steven and Brian Walter, the third generation at the helm, the company’s journey began 87 years ago. Their hands-on experience, starting from the warehouse and crews, reflects a profound understanding of the industry.

The specialized training received by Trisco Systems’ field technicians in water infiltration techniques underscores the company’s commitment to proper flashing systems, moisture control, and evacuation for building envelope success.

Beyond EIFS, Trisco’s restoration expertise spans masonry, concrete, terra cotta, and other components. As members of industry associations like the Sealant and Waterproofing Institute, the International Concrete Repair Institute, and EIMA, Trisco Systems is recognized for its unwavering commitment to industry standards.

The company’s versatility shines through in its ability to handle diverse projects, from stadiums and parking garages to water treatment plants. Maintaining quality control and efficiency, Trisco Systems’ employees travel with the company, ensuring excellence throughout the Midwest and beyond.

In the face of industry challenges, including labor and material issues, Trisco Systems has achieved controlled growth, proactively securing top talent and employing strategic purchasing to navigate successfully.

Safety is paramount at Trisco Systems, evidenced by its multiple local and national safety awards and impeccable safety record. These highlight the company’s commitment to its employees’ well-being.

As third-generation owners, Steven and Brian Walter embody dedication to preserving the company’s spirit and vision while positioning it for an even brighter future. With over 87 years of successful history, numerous customer compliments, and a commitment to financial soundness, Trisco Systems claims its place in the top tier of national contractors.

We invite you to read the full article on the Trisco Systems website for more details. Click HERE to read the full article.

Everybody Thinks They’re An Expert – Remembering the Days Before Google

Everybody Thinks They’re An Expert – Remembering the Days Before Google

Posted April 25, 2022 by & filed under Tips & How-to.

There was a time when contractors and consultants, especially in our field, considered their experience and knowledge to be a competitive advantage. If you had a question, we had the answer. That’s why you called us. But the days of the “old wise owl” are coming to an end. With search engines at our fingertips almost 24/7, we can instantly look up the answer to any question that comes to mind. Nowadays, everybody thinks they’re an expert.

In the old days, a customer could ask several contractors for their opinions and trust the most intelligent and logical response. Now, they often only trust an independent third-party such as an architect, engineer, or consultant. But what happens when that third party is simply an “internet expert?” Means they read a bunch of stuff online, formed an opinion, and disagree with the expert contractor.

In the world of construction, the answers are rarely – if ever – black and white. Yes, it helps to have an education and background knowledge of what’s going on. But the same solution does not apply to every situation. You can put the same exact building on opposite sides of the street and have an entirely different set of issues. Every project is different, whether you’re building a brand new building or fixing issues on an existing one.

So sure, you might be able to find an answer to your problem online. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only answer – and it certainly doesn’t mean it’s the right answer. When you’re faced with questions about your building, make sure that your partner is a proven expert in the field. If you would like to understand more about how to determine whether or not you are in good hands, please contact Trisco Construction Services at 419-339-9912. We would be happy to share some information about how to qualify your candidates.

Spring Safety Tips for the Jobsite

3 Spring Safety Tips for the Jobsite

Posted March 25, 2022 by & filed under Safety.

Along with warmer weather, the spring season brings rainfall and the possibility of severe weather. These spring weather conditions can lead to dangerous safety concerns for your crew on busy job sites. From an increased chance of slips and falls to the risks of bad weather, here are 3 Spring Safety Tips for the Jobsite. 

Keep An Eye On The Sky

Spring weather can be unpredictable, and severe weather can pop up quickly. Make sure your crew is aware of the forecast and knows what to do if severe weather strikes.  

When working at heights, ensure all employees are equipped with fall protection PPE. All workers should be trained on how the body harness should fit, acknowledge safe anchor points for the fall system, and have a safety partner check the harness. It’s also vital that your team is prepared when unexpected thunderstorms and showers pop up. If your crew is working outside on or near scaffolding, structures, and equipment, this can lead to unnecessary injuries if they are not prepared. 

Review all severe weather protocols, including lighting procedures, with your crews to guarantee all team members’ safety. Per OSHA requirements, your team should immediately move to a safe place if they hear thunder, even if the thunder is distant.

Wear The Right Gear 

Spring rain showers lead to an increase in morning fog, leading to decreased visibility. Ensure your team is wearing the proper PPE for the job, including high-visibility gear, especially during low-visibility situations. Wet and icy conditions are also more common in the spring, so make sure slip-resistant footwear is a part of your team’s PPE. 

When your crew is working near or on any roadway or traffic areas, always make sure they wear high-visibility gear. This guarantees all workers to be identified by drivers driving through a construction zone during rainy or foggy conditions. Waterproof gear and protective coats and hoods can help your crew work through pop-up showers.

Seeing Clearly

Goggles or eye shields are essential for keeping your crew safe on the job site. But, due to the rain or excess moisture, the protective eyewear can result in a severe accident. Keep clean, dry cloths on the job site for workers to wipe off the safety goggles and anti-fogging sprays before work begins. 

Spring brings several weather conditions that can increase the risks on the job site. By being aware of the dangers and implementing safety measures, you can help avoid any accidents this season. 

EIFS Systems installed by Trisco

What are EIFS Facades?

Posted February 25, 2022 by & filed under EIFS.

Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) facades are an exterior wall cladding system that provides exterior walls with an insulated finished surface and waterproofing in an integrated composite material system. EIFS facades can be attached to the substrate adhesively, mechanically, or both, depending on the specific EIFS system being used. EIFS systems are popular with buildings looking to combine continuous insulation (ci) and design-flexible aesthetics into a single exterior wall system.

EIFS facades can also provide excellent energy efficiency and thermal performance due to the continuous insulation nature of EIFS systems. Although often called “synthetic stucco,” EIFS is not stucco. Unlike traditional stucco, which consists of lime, sand, Portland cement, or other binders, EIFS comprises several layers of materials. These layers form a continuous insulation system with a hard and durable finish surface when combined. There are also specialty stuccos that use synthetic materials but no insulation, and these are also not EIFS. A typical example is a one-coat stucco, a thick, synthetic stucco applied in a single layer (as opposed to traditional stucco which is typically applied in 3 layers).

In the past, many architects and installers viewed EIFS as a barrier system, meaning they were not designed to allow water to enter. This led to failure in many systems. Today, the industry acknowledges that moisture will inevitably enter an EIFS wall, and most manufacturers have installation details that allow the evacuation of water from behind the system.
If you have a structure clad with EIFS and want to understand it better, please contact Trisco. A simple walk around the building together would allow us to identify weaknesses and items for you to monitor to keep the system performing as it should.

Concrete Core Testing - Trisco Construction Services - Building Facade

Concrete Core Testing

Posted December 2, 2021 by & filed under Tips & How-to.

When evaluating distressed concrete on aging structures, one helpful resource is testing the concrete itself. Often this includes core sampling performed by the contractor in conjunction with an analysis that a certified laboratory performs. Several tests can be performed, but an essential series of testing can identify red flags which can indicate the causes of premature concrete failure.

Useful Tests

  • Carbonation levels and pH levels in the concrete.
  • Depth of carbonation advancement (if present).
  • Micro-fractures and paste/aggregate bond.
  • Coarse-aggregate bond strength
  • Chloride-ion content analysis
  • Estimated water-cement ratio at construction
  • Air-entrainment content
  • Compressive strength and concrete density
  • Previous coatings that may have been applied or that are present
  • Chemical attack on the concrete and depth of advancement  (if any industrial or atmospheric gases are present)

Core Extraction

Each core should be compared relative to one another, and the results should be evaluated based upon their location in the structure and the type of structure. Careful attention should be given to choosing the locations for extracting cores to take a proper sample. This should include consideration about areas of distress, elevation, height, previous coatings, and exposure to environmental elements or industrial contaminants. If possible, a stable control variable should be gathered as well. With any test, it is imperative to keep a detailed record of the locations of each core so that the results can be correlated to back the structure.

Insights

The test results can give us insight into repair recommendations if the results are kept in context with the type of structure being examined. For example, suppose it is a concrete silo that was constructed utilizing a slip-form method. In that case, the paste/aggregate bond may have micro-fractures because the forms are often moved before the concrete is fully cured. To expedite the curing so that they can move the forms, accelerators are often added into the concrete mix resulting in higher chloride-ion content. The elevated chloride content suggests that introducing moisture will cause corrosion, which may explain why shallow placed reinforcing steel is corroding at an advanced rate. In this example, we have evidence that a protective coating would be beneficial.

Concrete Core Testing - Trisco Construction Services - Building Facade

In another example, if the tests indicate that carbonation is present at a certain depth, then we can measure the rate of advancement of the carbonation based upon the age of the structure. If the depth of the reinforcing steel is verified or known, then we can predict how long it will take the carbonation to reach the reinforcing steel. In this example, a protective coating can help stop the carbonation from advancing toward the reinforcing steel if it is caught in time.

If you are concerned with the integrity of your concrete structure, please contact us for more information. Our team can assist with evaluating your structure and preparing recommendations.

Safe Jobsite - Caught In Or In-Between Hazards

Focus Four Safety Series: “Caught In Or In-Between”

Posted November 25, 2021 by & filed under Safety, Tips & How-to.

Construction sites are a big emphasis for the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). According to their website, construction is among the most dangerous industries in the country, and construction inspections comprise 60% of OSHA’s total inspections.

The four leading causes of construction industry fatalities are called the OSHA Focus Four. This includes the following hazards:

This final installment in our blog series will help identify “Caught in or in-between” hazards and how to keep your crew safe and free from injury on the Jobsite.

Caught in or in-between hazards can cause injury or death in a variety of ways, including cave-ins, being pulled into an unguarded piece of machinery, or being compressed between moving objects or a moving and stationary object.

Excavations/Trenching Cave-ins

These particular types of hazards are common on most construction sites. These workers are more than twice as likely to be killed as workers in any other type of construction. Cave-ins happen when the soil walls are unstable. Vibration from heavy, moving machinery or traffic could potentially cause a cave-in. Too much weight next to the sides of your excavation, using water, or changes in weather could also affect the stability of your project. Cave-ins are particularly dangerous in nature because the weight of the soil could crush or suffocate your employee.

What can you do to protect your employees from a cave-in? Sloping or benching your excavation walls for trenches deeper than 5 feet, but less than 20 will help stabilize the soil walls. Trench boxes may not prevent a cave-in, but they can protect the worker should a cave-in occur. Shoring could also help keep the earth in place as support. Ladders, stairways, or ramps are required in any trench four feet or deeper.

Unguarded Machinery

Workers can easily get a limb caught in a piece of machinery. Loose clothing can easily get pulled into an unguarded piece. Make sure machines are ALWAYS properly guarded. Also, employees should follow a lock-out process while equipment is being serviced or repaired to prevent any injury. Training your team to properly identify areas of concern or hazards and how to avoid unsafe conditions will help keep your employees safe from getting caught in machinery or equipment.

Between Objects

Injuries and fatalities can occur when getting caught in between a vehicle such as a trailer or heavy equipment and a stationary object just as a loading dock. Barricades should be used to keep employees out of the swing radius of a piece of equipment, also making sure all members of your crew are alert when working on-site with moving equipment – not only the drivers. Make sure when working on different pieces of equipment each piece is safely locked; lower or block blades of bulldozers or scrapers when making repairs will help keep your employees safe from being crushed should something slip or fall.

Aerial Lifts

In some instances, fatalities have occurred when workers are in the basket of an aerial lift and get crushed against objects. Imagine if working near roof joists, rafters, steel structures, or against a wall and the equipment suddenly lunges. Even more dangerous is a case where a basket lunges and the worker becomes pinned against the control center of the lift basket. This prevents spotters on the ground from manually lowering the basket. To stay safe in aerial lifts, constantly review conditions surrounding yourself such as wind, grade, and obstructions. A spotter is also very helpful in preventing these types of accidents. Lastly, when the basket is stationary during a work operation, the piece of equipment should be turned off. Many times, the engine is left running as workers often need to move it to reach their work. However, this increases the exposure to accidents and wastes fuel.

The key to keeping your work crews safe regardless of the situation is education. Again, making sure your team is properly trained to identify possible hazards and to have the know-how to remove or remedy the issue, will keep your team safe.

To learn more about Trisco Services call – or email – General@TriscoServices.com

Source | OSHA Training Institute “Construction Focus Four: Struck-By Hazards Instructors Guide”

Hazard Logo - Electrocution

Focus Four Safety Series: “Electrocution”

Posted October 23, 2021 by & filed under Safety, Tips & How-to.

Construction sites are a big emphasis for the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). According to their website, construction is among the most dangerous industries in the country, and construction inspections comprise 60% of OSHA’s total inspections.

The four leading causes of construction industry fatalities are called the “OSHA Focus Four”. This includes the following hazards:

This is the third installment in our blog series addressing each of these. We will offer tips to help reduce unsafe conditions and increase education to promote employees’ recognition of those hazards.

Electrocution

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrocution was the fourth leading cause of death in construction in 2005. Contact with overhead power lines energized sources and improper use of cords are identified as major electrical hazards.

OSHA identifies electrical hazards with the acronym: B.E. S.A.F.E.

B – Burns: electrical burns can come from heat generated through the flow of an electrical current through the body. Arc and thermal burns are also possible when dealing with electrical components.

E – Electrocution: OSHA defines electrocution as when a person is exposed to a lethal amount of electric energy.

S – Shock: shock is a result of when part of your body comes into contact with an electrical circuit – with current entering and leaving the body.

A – Arc Flash/Arc Blast: An arc flash is the sudden release of electrical energy through the air when a high-voltage gap exists and there is a breakdown between conductors. Giving off extremely high temperatures and thermal radiation, high-voltage arcs can also produce pressure waves by heating the air and creating a blast.

F – Fire: most electrical fires are a result of poor wiring or faulty electrical outlets, plugs, receptacles, or switches.

E – Explosions: an explosion can happen when electricity ignites an explosive material in the air.

Make sure you are protecting yourself and your work crews from electrical hazards. Maintain a safe distance from overhead power, use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCi’s), inspect portable tools and cords, use power tools and equipment appropriately and follow safety procedures outlined during training sessions.

Ensuring your employees and work crews are keeping safety top-of-mind and have the proper education on identifying and eliminating hazards will keep themselves and co-workers safe on the job site.

Source | OSHA Training Institute “Construction Focus Four: Struck-By Hazards Instructors Guide”

Construction Worker After Fall

Focus Four Safety Series: “Falls”

Posted September 25, 2021 by & filed under Safety, Tips & How-to.

Construction sites are a big emphasis for the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). According to their website, construction is among the most dangerous industries in the country, and construction inspections comprise 60% of OSHA’s total inspections.

The four leading causes of construction industry fatalities are called the “OSHA Focus Four.” This includes the following hazards:

  • Struck By
  • Falls
  • Electrocution
  • Caught-in-Between

This is the second installment in our blog series addressing each of these. We will offer tips to help reduce unsafe conditions and increase education to promote employee’s recognition of those hazards.

Falls:

Fall hazards are on every worksite and pose a threat to your work crews’ safety. Fall hazards come in many different forms, from materials and debris in a walkway or a member of your team tethered to the side of a 6 story building. Each poses a risk and both are scenarios in which your team members can avoid injury.

According to OSHA, falls from heights are the leading cause of fatalities in construction, while slips and trips are one of the leading causes of injuries. Here are a few tips and reminders for keeping your work crews safe on the job site.

Recognizing Hazards:

Unprotected roof or floor edges
Poorly constructed scaffolding
Unsafe ladders

When using scaffolding or ladders make sure you aren’t cutting corners and are using the right tools for the right job. Improper construction of scaffolding, not having guardrails in place, or climbing the cross-bracing is certainly asking for trouble. It is all too easy for your team members to misstep or slip from unsteady equipment.

Keep Your Work Areas Clear:

Making sure your walkways and high traffic areas are free from building materials, debris or tools will keep your employees from slipping or tripping. Make sure your team is recognizing issues and are making an effort to keep areas clean and not cluttered. A culture of safety starts with your employees knowing, recognizing, and removing hazards before accidents happen.

Ensure your team is thoroughly trained on using different types of equipment, on corporate policies on safety, and is working to maintain your safety culture. Paying attention to fall protection and prevention will keep your employees and co-workers injury-free.

Source | osha.gov/dte/outreach/construction/focus_four/falls/falls_ig.pdf

Steve and Brian Walter owners of Trisco Construction

Trisco Construction Services Named One of Top 50 Contractors in the US

Posted August 26, 2021 by & filed under Company News.

Trisco Construction Services of Lima is proud to be awarded for the seventh time as one of Walls & Ceilings Magazine’s Top 50 Contractors in the United States. All awarded companies have a unique story and a variety of skill-sets and talents that have brought them to the forefront of their industry. 

Walls & Ceilings recognizes these companies for their unwavering efforts to stay relevant and progressive, but “All in all, their talents have sustained their business model and made them industry leaders,” says Walls & Ceilings.

Trisco Construction Services of Lima, a sister company of Trisco Systems Inc., takes pride in providing top-notch workmanship and excellent customer service. With over 80 years of restoration experience, Trisco specializes in the restoration, renovation, and rejuvenation of Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFs) throughout the eastern United States. 

Trisco is honored to receive this award for the 5th time. They’re forever grateful for their dedicated employees, expert craftsmen, and valued partners who have made this achievement possible. 

Focus Four Safety Series: “Struck-by”

Focus Four Safety Series: “Struck-by”

Posted August 25, 2021 by & filed under Safety.

Construction sites are a big emphasis for the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). According to their website, construction is among the most dangerous industries in the country, and construction inspections comprise 60% of OSHA’s total inspections.

The four leading causes of construction industry fatalities are called the “OSHA Focus Four.” This includes the following hazards:
>> Struck By
>> Electrocution
>> Caught-in-Between
>> Fall

This is the first installment in our blog series addressing each of these. We will offer tips to help reduce unsafe conditions and increase education to promote employee’s recognition of those hazards.

Struck By

There are many opportunities for injuries caused by being struck by things such as a piece of material, equipment, or machinery. The first defense is being visible and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). When working on a job site, ALL of our employees MUST have in place: high visibility clothing, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and if on an elevated surface – safety harnesses. Here are some additional tips outside of wearing PPE:

  • Flying/Falling Objects can Literally Come from Anywhere. Be Aware of:

    • Debris Falling From An Elevated Height
    • Compression Blast
    • Swinging Objects
    • Unsecured Walls Collapsing

  • Keep work areas clean – especially elevated areas. Having crews working above others posing a risk for falling debris, materials, or tools.

    • Tether Tools Or Equipment To Keep From Falling
    • Ensure Employees Working On The Ground Are Aware Of Those Above Them And Stay Out From Under Lifts, Scaffolds, Or Other Elevated Work Areas
    • Make Sure Canopies Are In Place Under The Scaffold
    • Stack And Secure Any Materials To Prevent Sliding Or Falling
    • Secure Walls Or Materials From Wind Gusts

  • Utilizing Heavy Equipment:

    • If Operating Heavy Equipment, Use A Helper Or Spotter Who Can Act As Your Eyes Along with The Blind Spots Of Your Vehicle.
    • Ensure You Have Enough Room To Maneuver Your Equipment. Use Your Horn Or Alert Those Around You, You Are About To Move And Allow Others Time To Move Out Of Your Path.
    • Calculate Your Swing Radius – I.E.: If You Are Driving A Forklift, They Traditionally Need More Room Behind Them When Making A Turn
    • Never Leave The Machine Unattended When The Keys Are In The Ignition And Never Let An Untrained/Unauthorized Employee To Operate The Machine.
    • Stay Clear Of Any Lifted Or Suspended Loads And Be Aware Of Unbalanced Loads
    • Lower Blocks, Blades, Or Buckets When Not In Use

  • Talk! And Be Heard:

    • When Working Onsite, Never Play Music Or Listen To Headphones
    • Don’t Be Afraid To Yell Before Moving Heavy Equipment
    • Use Horns, Beepers, And Sirens When Moving Equipment Or Lifting Material
    • When Employees Around You Are Wearing Hearing Protection Or Are Using Loud Machines, Make Sure They Give You A Signal Before You Move Machinery, Materials, Or Equipment Near Them
    • Don’t Assume They See You – Make Sure Others See You

Keeping safety top-of-mind with your team will help keep safety hazards and unsafe conditions from your worksites. Keep your employees educated on hazards and encourage them to maintain their worksites to keep themselves and their co-workers from injury.

Source: OSHA Training Institute “Construction Focus Four: Struck-By Hazards Instructors Guide”