Fernando Sesma

Jan 27, 2025 | wconline.com | Mark Fowler |John Wyatt |Fernando Sesma

What or who is a blue-collar worker? I am sure many tradesmen have been at a function and someone says they know a particular craft or trade. They feel they know the trade,even if they once did a remodel on their home years ago. I once sat at a conference and the speaker claimed to be from the field. I assume this was to provide some form of blue-collar cred, as the audience was comprised of construction workers.

Jan 27, 2025 | wconline.com | Mark Fowler |John Wyatt |Fernando Sesma

Why is the ASTM standard for lath and plaster in conflict with the reality of stucco installations found in the world? And yes, I said the world—not just the United States. The answer may lie in the history of how ASTM became the national standard, the regional practices of the craft and some hidden agendas. ASTM is the standard referenced in the International Building codes for lathing and plastering, giving it immense power. However, it was not always that way.