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CERACLAD around Tacoma, WA - Site Visit Report
Tacoma Area Construction Sites
By Yusuke, Shoko & Nami from KMEW Japan
We visited six construction sites and conducted interviews with site supervisors and workers at two active sites. By speaking directly with professionals on-site, we gathered candid feedback and insights on CERACLAD products. This valuable opportunity will contribute to the development of future products and improvements in installation techniques.
Interviews with Site Supervisors and Workers
Balancing Construction Efficiency and Aesthetic Quality
On construction sites, efficient workflow and maintaining aesthetics are key priorities. Site supervisors provided valuable insights, particularly on the following points:
Feedback from Site Supervisors:
- Strong interest in the self-cleaning function and expectations for improved maintenance performance.
- Chipping on panel edges during cutting is a concern, but using the CERACLAD blade (Saw Blade) can mitigate this issue.
- Additional efforts are needed to ensure workers remove dust and fingerprints cleanly during cutting.
- Expanding the fastening area of T-joiners could enhance the finish of panel edges.
- Aligning the pitch of window frames and columns can help reduce material waste and improve efficiency.
Feedback from Installers:
- Precise cutting is easier to achieve when using a CERACLAD blade.
- A vacuum system is required to control the dust generated during cutting.
- Ensuring that walls are level during installation is crucial.
- Handle carefully to avoid scratching the surface.
- New texture patterns do not affect installation, as all panels are cut with the back side facing up
Nocturn Apartments
Color Trends Observed in Construction Projects
Recent Color Trends
The following color trends were observed at the construction sites:
- Earthy and bright colors such as pearl white, charcoal, silver gray, honey, and beige remain popular.
- Schools and hospitals sometimes use vivid colors like red and orange.
- Blue and green continue to be favored, particularly darker shades, which are often used as accent colors when paired with bright base colors.
- Colors that complement garden-style designs may gain attention as a future trend.
Advantages of Using T-Joints Based on Construction Examples
- Projects using T-joints generally have a better appearance compared to those relying on caulking.
- Caulking is sourced locally, making it difficult to match the color perfectly with the siding. When an exact match is unavailable, colors like black or beige are often used as substitutes.
- The quality of caulking applications varies depending on the worker, making it difficult to achieve a consistent finish.
- Using T-joints can reduce long-term maintenance costs.
- Caulking tends to become visibly dirty within about five years.
- Exposure to UV rays can cause cracks, necessitating regular maintenance.
- Sometimes, chipping can be noticeable when using T-joints, so it's recommended to use a CERACLAD blade to reduce this issue.
Summary and Future Prospects
During this site visit, we received valuable feedback from site supervisors and workers, clarifying key challenges related to installation, aesthetics, and lead times. The following improvements could enhance future product development and construction methods:
- Using CERACLAD Blades to prevent edge chipping.
- Implementing a vacuum system to control dust during cutting.
- Improving T-joint fastening designs to enhance aesthetics.
- Enhancing repair tools to improve both finishing quality and efficiency.
Our team had the opportunity to speak with Mr. John Wolters from WC Studio Architects and Mr. Robert Han and Mr. Richard Mullally from Contemporary Exteriors about construction and installation.
Mr. John Wolters provided valuable insights into the details and considerations of installing T-joints on-site. In addition to managing construction projects, he is involved in all aspects of building design and architecture. He carefully aligns window frames and columns to minimize material waste and takes a sustainable approach by reducing the use of caulking whenever possible to facilitate future maintenance. We greatly appreciate his advice on achieving a beautiful exterior finish.
From Contemporary Exteriors, Mr. Robert Han and Mr. Richard Mullally shared their expertise in managing the installation of CERACLAD products. With extensive knowledge and experience in a variety of exterior materials beyond CERACLAD, they provided valuable perspectives on the installation process.
Moving forward, we plan to strengthen support for contractors by expanding local inventory and establishing a production facility in North America. Additionally, we had the opportunity to discuss recent color trends in construction. We sincerely appreciate the wealth of insights they shared, including considerations for materials used on-site.
With these improvements, we strive to take CERACLAD to the next level. CERACLAD products reach their full potential only when properly installed on-site. We deeply appreciate the dedication and support of all the contractors involved in the construction process.
Photo taken with Contemporary Exteriors Managers Brad & Bobby