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 →
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... read more →
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... read more →
When designing concrete masonry walls, one aspect that needs to be considered is the location of control joints. Control joints are continuous vertical mortar joints where a bond... read more →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 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 well-documented subject.... read more →
Gary Porter further discusses masonry arches and provides more technical information on arch terminology. When discussing masonry arches you'll need to identify the pieces in the arch. Learn what... 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 →
A labor shortage of qualified masons was a big discussion topic last year at World of Concrete/World of Masonry. Many parts of the country are struggling with the... read more →