PRESS RELEASE

12-22-2009

Middletown, CT

The Invention: ScreedJoint    

The Industry: Concrete Flatwork, Decorative Concrete Flatwork

The concrete industry finally has a low cost way to reduce pollutants, while saving contractors money at the same time!

The Problem

Creating joints in concrete flatwork reduces the chances for cracking, but it is costly and less than attractive. 

The Solution

The ScreedJoint is a rigid plastic control joint for concrete flatwork made of outdoor grade PVC. It eliminates the need for expensive post pouring techniques, and it looks great!  

Product Description

The ScreedJoint comes in a variety of colors that compliment the decorative project. It is set in place during the forming stages, and stays permanently in place during and after the concrete placement. The ScreedJoint eliminates the need for “saw cut” joints post pouring. The top of the joint is set to the finished grade, therefore screeding off the wet concrete on the joint’s surface can help create a flatter finished slab than the current methods. The exposed surface of the joint is the same width as most saw cuts- ¼”, and reduces the amount of water penetration under the slab. 

Product Background

Before the invention of the ScreedJoint, creating a saw cut joint in the hardened concrete was the only aesthetically acceptable method of jointing, for crack control in decorative concrete slabs. Unfortunately, saw cutting has some drawbacks that contractors had to endure until now. Those drawbacks include harmful pollutants such as Carbon Monoxide emissions, Silicon dust (a carcinogen) and noise pollution. Other dangers exist for the laborers using the saw and the transport and handling of flammable gasoline. Financial considerations include next day travel, employee payroll, comp and medical insurance, damage liability insurance, costs of fuel, oil, diamond blades, and machine maintenance. Osgood was hoping to design an inexpensive “Green” product that would save in three categories: environment, time, and costs.

After the prototype units were first installed in August 2009, no revisions were needed and the product was brought to market late Fall of that year. 

Product Benefits

The ScreedJoint installs quickly and easily with standard ½” rebar. The ScreedJoint is a must for any contractor who wishes to bring their flatwork business to the next level. The costs and environmental impact of saw cutting no longer makes sense, now that the age of the ScreedJoint has come about. Furthermore, architects and specifiers around the world feeling the pressure from society to improve construction methods to a “Greener Age” will be relieved that such a product is available. 

The Company Behind the Invention

Michael Osgood, owner of AMT Enterprises, LLC, a Connecticut based concrete contractor and distributor, felt the impact of having to travel back to concrete projects just to create joints in the slab. With the implementation of Osgood’s engineering education, coupled with the in-field experience of 15 years, the idea was spawned on plain white paper. AMT Enterprises, LLC plans on releasing the product through existing distribution outfits nationwide, and eventually worldwide. 

Market Penetration

The invention will be introduced at the 2010 World Of Concrete exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada February 2 – 5. The product will be displayed in the show’s New Products Showcase and is in the running for the prestigious Most Innovative Product Award (MIP).

From there, Osgood hopes to connect with architects, specifiers, engineers, distributors, and contractors specializing in concrete flatwork to expose the many benefits of the ScreedJoint. Marketing campaigns also include print media in Concrete Décor magazine and Concrete Construction and Masonry Products magazine. 

Conclusion

With the expected huge impact this product will make on the industry and the environment, the ScreedJoint should be an overnight success. Osgood claims the ScreedJoint product is “as green as it gets” for the concrete specialist, citing environmental and cost-savings benefits.

Mike Osgood is available for comment or questions any day, toll free at (800) 774-3154, or visit at www.screedjoint.com . *

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