Cold Weather Masonry
As we move into February (already?) it is hard to believe that so far this winter Chicago has experienced just a few inches of snow. With artic cold temperatures and blistering winds that we randomly experience, Architects and Mason Contractors still need to follow the mandatory cold weather construction practices required by the International Building […]
Efflorescence in Masonry – Why is my building all white?
Efflorescence in Masonry, or Why is my building all white? Many buildings at some point in their history exhibit some form of efflorescence. What is efflorescence? Efflorescence is a white chalky substance that often occurs on the surface of a masonry wall and it is comprised of water-soluble salts. When soluble salts are dissolved in […]
Crinkle Crankle Walls
What is a crinkle crankle wall? This is the term for a brick serpentine garden wall also called a ribbon wall, wavy wall, radius wall, or a crinkum crankum wall. There are not a lot of examples of these walls today, but most of them exist in England. Read more >
Masonry Doesn’t Burn
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] Masonry Doesn’t Burn For years folks have been saying that MASONRY DOES NOT BURN! I am here to tell you it is true! Masonry products like brick, concrete block or stone are all made and mined from non-combustible materials. Read more > Watch our Video: Masonry Doesn’t Burn >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Facing Brick – Specifications
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] Facing Brick A Specification for Facing Brick Over many years the masonry industry with the collaboration of the American Society of Testing and Materials, (ASTM), an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, has developed a standard called ASTM C216, Standard Specification for […]
The Mule
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]The Masonry Advisory Council is known for promoting the use of masonry. Here is an example of some new technology that is promoting the use of masonry and more. Read more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Concrete Masonry Units
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]We sometimes forget about the flexibility of concrete masonry is and how efficient it is for construction. In many cases concrete masonry units are the back-up or the support system for a structure and they are unseen, hidden from view. Read more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Spray Cork anyone?
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Protect Masonry Walls. In my masonry career, I had not heard of spray cork. I know that cork as a material is green, it is renewable, it does not grow mold, it is a good insulator, has a positive aesthetic feel, sustainable. On my favorite DIY show, Holmes & Homes mixes the cork with […]
Winter Construction Costs
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Winter construction costs should take into account many items that contribute to installing masonry below the 40 degree temperature guideline. In cold weather at 40 degrees, the hydration of cement begins to slow down and there is a concern of how good the bond is being made between the masonry unit and the mortar. […]
Fire Resistance of Masonry Units
In todays’ buildings there are many items that are highly combustible, so having a little or a lot of masonry creates safety within a structure especially in a stairwell, elevator, corridor or other walls designated for separation. These locations are the primary means of exiting a building in a fire. These areas need to provide […]
