Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 4/1/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Bruce, I'm a supplier in corner beads,groove joints and other plastering aids in the Philippines,and am currently doing a cost analysis for the contractors here in order to convince them to use these products.(The corner bead is not commonly used here compared to the U.S).Would like to seek your expert views on these items and if you can give me a rough idea on the savings in terms of time spent to finish plastering 1 straight corner with and without corner beads.Thank you in advance for taking time to answer this question.

ANSWER: Hi Shawn, I have done corners with tape and with bead.  I find the bead more durable when bumped during furniture moving etc.  The bead also gives you a more uniform and straighter corner.  Time wise I'm not sure if it is faster to use bead but the end product is much more durable and esthetically superior.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com





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QUESTION: Hi again Bruce,Thank you for your answer,it definately helps as it gives me affirmation on what this product main selling point was,for reinforcement and fine finishes,even from a contractor's point of view.As this is a cost analysis,I was wondering if I could get the time spent (in minutes) plastering just the corner using beads.Just a rough guage will do as it usually differs from mason to mason due to experience,conditions,etc. Hope to hear from you.Thank you

Answer
Hi shawn, I'm sorry, my last letter addressed interior drywall and corner bead.  I guess I was in a hurry and didn't read your email completely.  Plaster/ stucco  bead is a whole different story.  I can tell you lots of reasons for stucco bead work.  First of all Stucco bead gives you a more uniform thickness in the work and provides breaks in the stucco to minimize cracking.  If the specification for the work is 5/8" then your bead work will help make sure the stucco contractor keeps that thickness uniform.  I admit that stucco bead work is not cheap but if the masonry work is not perfect the bead work can make a half-assed masonry job look like a million dollars.  The corner bead can be stringlined and plumbed to cover a multitude of sins. The prep work (installing the bead) may take longer but this is made up for in the stucco process as it gives a working screed for the plasterers to work from.  A good beading crew of two men, using compressed gas nail guns can generally do a large commercial building in a week if the scaffoding is in place.  A typical corner on a ten foot wall may take ten minutes to a half hour depending on the crew and their equipment and of course how bad the masonry is. I have been fortunate over the years to have had worked with some of the best bead men in the business and believe me it has been worth every penny.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com