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,... read more →
Being a mason contractor and having respect for all the effort that goes into constructing a building today, one can appreciate the history of how things were built in... read more →
The parapet is where the masonry wall transitions from being an insulated masonry wall to an uninsulated masonry wall. Additionally, the wall is subject to moisture penetration on both... read more →
While commuting home last week, I was passed by a pickup that advertised “Cement Contractor” on the side of the truck. What is a cement contractor? I think it was... read more →
The reason for re-pointing is that mortar lasts roughly between 25-50 years while brick lasts approximately 100+ years. Over a buildings life, foundations settle, caulking becomes dry and brittle,... read more →
Brick is usually selected for its’ color or finish. The color is typically throughout the clay unit. Brick is painted to usually increase light reflection and for decorative purposes.... read more →
This type of crack happens due to the lack of expansion joints in the length of the brick wall. The bricks have expanded horizontally above the head of the... read more →
When we build with brick, concrete block, stone and the many other materials that we use in masonry, we need movement joints. Materials built with cement in their composition,... read more →
I like to watch DIY home shows like This Old House and Holmes on Homes. I like Mike Holmes motto: “If you're going to do... read more →
In October of 2018, the United States Senate passed the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education and Promotion Act, providing Congressional authorization for the concrete masonry products industry to develop... read more →
Currently it is recommended to clean new masonry within 14- 28 days from installation for type N mortar and 3-7 days for type S mortar. When cleaning masonry, clean the... read more →
In the masonry world this topic comes up seasonally. There are necessary procedures needed to follow for successful installation of masonry in the cold weather. This information is helpful... read more →
The flashing details for flashing a stone veneer or stone faced masonry wall, with a face varying from the wall plane plus or minus 2” or more is not a... read more →
A popular question to the Masonry Advisory Council is “What is the fire rating of my masonry wall?” or “Where can I find the fire rating of my masonry... read more →
Last week at the Indiana mason contractor golf outing, my golf partners were telling me about the lack of qualified masons in Indiana…..as well as carpenters, electricians, plumbers... read more →
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