Rural Builder Magazine

Home
United States
Iola, WI
Rural Builder Magazine

Serving the construction trade since 1967! The longest-running publication on low-rise, rural construction. 50+ years

08/15/2025

The pre-fabricated components manufacturing industry, which began in the 1950s, offers significant benefits to builders. While some builders initially hesitated to adopt these new methods, current components are now code compliant and reliable.

Though builders may consider the pre-fab components manufacturing industry to be a fairly new, untried development in construction, it actually started back in the 1950s with pre-fabricated trusses. According to Sean Shields, Director of Communications of the Structural Building Components Associati...

08/14/2025

Snow guards are important for managing snow on roofs, but they come with challenges. One common issue is that snow guards sometimes slide off the roof along with the snow, which may happen due to improper adhesive use, especially with non-stick systems like Kynar paint. Sunlight can break down the adhesive, and in climates with freeze/thaw cycles, this can further weaken it.

Snow guards are literally lifesavers and preservers of foundations, but they are not without their challenges. Some of those challenges are addressed by the snow guard pros. The Snow Guards Slide Off The Roof Along with the snow One of the most-heard challenges is that snow guards do not always st...

08/13/2025

The current business climate for construction is challenging, with declines in home starts, rising energy and transportation costs, and decreased consumer confidence. Companies must focus on survival and preparing for future opportunities.

The evidence is difficult to dispute at this point. Whether you choose to call it recession, “stagflation”, or the end of the world, the business climate is slowing in general and for many segments of the construction market. Home starts are down. Supply chains are questionable. Energy and trans...

08/12/2025

EPS insulation is a rigid material made from expanded silica sand, similar to styrofoam, and has a high R-value of about 4-5 per inch. It is effective in maintaining temperatures within a building longer than other insulators. EPS does not off-gas, ensuring it retains its efficiency over time, except when crushed.

There are many kinds of insulation available for builders to use; why, where and how would you make use of EPS? Benefits of EPS To begin with, EPS is a small piece of silica sand, puffed up to a small ball, then steamed to meld the pieces together, like styrofoam. This is one form of […]

08/11/2025

Two students from a small town received the mikeroweWORKS Foundation scholarship in one year. Victoria Knight, one of the winners, studied Green Technology at Southwest Michigan College and enjoyed hands-on eco-friendly practices. She created a video for her application about remodeling her Great Grandma’s house. Knight admires Mike Rowe for his humble nature, connecting him to her father’s hardworking background.

How did two applicants from a town with a population of about 12,000 people come to receive the mikeroweWORKS Foundation scholarship in one year? Victoria Knight was one of those scholarship winners. She went through the Southwest Michigan College program on Green Technology because she liked workin...

08/08/2025

Success comes from learning, solving problems, and adapting to business changes. The Garage, Shed, and Carport Builder Show was on January 18-19 2023 in Greenville, South Carolina, offers education to empower attendees in their businesses. It's a valuable opportunity.

By Marcus Josiger The secret to success is learning. Not only is it solving problems, but it is also adjusting to the current business climate. Research, analyzing market trends, and continuing education can all result in continuous improvement. We offer all attendees a chance to get an education ...

08/07/2025

The document discusses various topics related to building and construction, highlighting trends, awards, and projects. Key points include the announcement of award winners, details on building materials, and specific projects like an equestrian barn by Kentuckiana Building & Development, It also mentions opportunities for publicity and resources for builders.

by Kentuckiana Building & Development, LLC. This handsome barn is a Wick pre-fabricated building. The client requested that living quarters be incorporated into the barn. The structure is 42’ x 100’ x 12’ and features customized stalls. Classic touches include exterior stone accents, Dutch sli...

08/06/2025

A milking center is part of dairy facility expansion, often marking a dairyman's first milking parlor. Many dairymen have limited experience and knowledge in this area. Farm builders can help design and construct an effective milking center. Various notes on milking center development can improve efficiency and effectiveness.

A milking center is often included as part of a dairy facility’s expansion. For many dairymen, this includes their first milking parlor. Their experience with milking parlors and knowledge of what to look for in design, layout and construction are often limited. Farm builders who become involved w...

08/05/2025

Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) provides safety tips for using generators, which are crucial for construction companies needing reliable power. Generators support various tasks, from powering equipment to providing lighting.

OPEI has Valuable Tips for safe generator use: Construction companies rely on generators to provide the power they need on-site and in case of a power outage or emergency. Generators power housing for workers, equipment, lighting, staff offices, and more. “Construction companies need reliable powe...

08/04/2025

The third annual Construction Rollforming Show took place on October 26-27 2022 in New Orleans, attracting attendees from various states and Canada. Participants met suppliers for various construction materials and equipment. For the first time, all access admissions included classes, which attendees enjoyed along with complimentary breakfasts each day.

The third annual Construction Rollforming Show was held October 26-27 in New Orleans. The new location enticed attendees from surrounding states to come check out the only trade show dedicated to the construction roll forming industry. Tradesmen made the trip from Mexico, Montana, Texas, Missouri,...

08/01/2025

Polycarbonate panels are excellent for skylights and daylighting due to their strength, energy efficiency, and lightweight nature. They provide natural light, reducing electricity costs. Their prices rose during COVID but are now stabilizing. Polycarbonate panels are tough, up to 200 times stronger than glass, and provide significant energy savings, along with UV protection.
Onduline Group Direct Metals, Inc MWI Components AmeriLux International

Skylights are great; they let in natural light, which is healthy for people and animals alike. They can cut down on your electric bill as well. Strong, energy efficient, and lightweight, polycarbonate panels make great skylighting and daylighting choices. Traditionally polycarbonates have been r...

07/31/2025

Resolving construction disputes can take a lot of time and money, hurting a company's profits and potentially harming its future. To avoid this, it’s vital to use tools that prevent misunderstandings.

Resolving disputes is a time-consuming, costly process that can significantly affect the profitability of a job or, in extreme cases, even put a construction company out of business. It’s important to invest in tools that help prevent disputes and reduce miscommunication. Digital construction mana...

Address

P. O. Box 255
Iola, WI
54945

Website

https://ruralbuildermagazine.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Rural Builder Magazine posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company in Iola?