In This Issue
March 2026 | Volume 89 | Issue 3
March 2026
Volume 89 | Issue 3
Features
Building a Legacy in Plaster and Stucco
Third-generation CEO Mike Taylor has helped guide Liddle Brothers Contractors Inc. into a new era of growth by blending family legacy, niche craftsmanship, and relationship-driven leadership in one of the South’s strongest construction markets.
Why the Explosion in the Growth of Data Centers in the U.S. is a Boon for Steel Framing Manufacturers in 2026
Despite a sluggish construction market, the rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers is creating major opportunities for steel framing manufacturers because of steel’s safety, strength, and sustainability advantages.
Acoustic Equity: Why Quiet Must Be a Fundamental Right in High-Density Housing
As housing density increases, the construction industry must recognize acoustic comfort not as a luxury upgrade but as a basic public-health and equity requirement for all residents.
EIFS in 2026: How Specialty Finishes Are Redefining Exterior Wall Systems
As building codes, owner expectations, and design demands evolve, EIFS with specialty finishes has become the standard exterior wall system in 2026—delivering performance, aesthetics, and total system integration without compromise.
Rethinking Magnesium Oxide (MgO): A Fresh Look at a Proven Building Material
Once known primarily for fire resistance and durability, modern magnesium oxide sheathing is now emerging as a reliable, system-level solution that improves thermal performance, reduces thermal bridging and supports today’s high-performance wall designs.
Fiberglass Insulation: Clearing the Air
For decades, fiberglass insulation has evolved quietly, and today’s products are cleaner, safer, and more versatile than many professionals still believe. By Mickey Chastain
Modern Steel Framing
Ten applications show how cold-formed steel helps contractors deliver better performance, speed and resilience across today’s most demanding projects.
Women Who Build: Empowering Women in Wall and Ceiling Construction
This feature spotlights remarkable women who are reshaping the wall and ceiling industry through leadership, technological adoption, workforce development, and advocacy for greater gender inclusion and professional standards.
Convention Companion 2026
W&C’s annual list of the next 12 months of shows.
About The Cover
Liddle Brothers Contractors was founded in 1939 as a specialty contracting firm that has grown steadily through wars, recessions, and booms, evolving alongside the construction industry while staying rooted in craftsmanship and relationships.
Departments
Trade News
The latest news from manufacturers, dealers, contractors and more.
Product Focus
Product Focus on Insulation
Influencers
This issue's authors
If Walls Could Talk
Video/Podcasts Round Up
Industry Blue Book Index
Premium Sponsorships
Contact Us
Staff Contact Information
Columns
Publisher's Post
Own Your 2026: The Ultimate Trade Show Playbook | Jill Bloom
Up Front
Gypsum Sheathing Explained | Mark Fowler
Stucco Stop
Why Water and Wall Assembly Simplicity Still Rules Modern Construction | Albert Carrillo
Industry Voices
The Blueprint for Innovation Begins with a Universal Language for Building Materials | Dave Lamont
Advertiser Index
This index is provided as a reader service.
The publisher assumes no liability for errors or omissions.
This Month Online
Online Exclusives
“Green” on Paper, Underperforming in Reality: Why Buildings Still Miss Sustainability Targets
Stalled demand, unclear returns, and weak measurement keep buildings off track, yet experts argue AI-driven optimization can close all three gaps at once.
JLG Invests in the Future of Skilled Trades
Building talent, growing communities and upskilling craft professionals: JLG is rebuilding the trades from the ground up.
SFIA Announces its 2025 Excellence Awards
The association's Don Allen announced the winners in a live broadcast this November.
Cost-Conscious Design, Uncompromised Aesthetics: Mimicking Precast with EIFS
A case study in how EIFS can empower architects to meet aesthetic goals, budget constraints, and sustainability targets without compromise.
A Legacy of Partnership: FL Crane & Sons and GMS Build the Future Together
In the world of construction, success often depends on more than tools and blueprints — it’s built on trust. Few partnerships embody that principle better than the long-standing relationship between FL Crane & Sons and GMS. Together, these two companies have shaped skylines, strengthened communities, and set a standard for collaboration that runs deeper than business.
Designing a Dream: How One Building Science Expert Built a Climate-Resilient Home in the Arizona Desert
When Steve Easley, an internationally recognized building science consultant, set out to renovate his personal residence in Scottsdale, Ariz., it put his decades-long career spent both in the field and as an educator championing high-quality, efficient, sustainable building practices to the test. Easley and his wife, Susan Raterman, an indoor air quality expert, envisioned a home that could thrive in the Southwest’s unforgiving climate while setting a new standard for design.
Videos