Hot Weather Masonry
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 supposed to say concrete contractor as cement is just one of the components of concrete. Read more >
Re-Pointing Masonry
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]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, mortar joints crack or deteriorate and water finds it’s way into the masonry and beyond. Read more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Movement Joints in Masonry
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]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, such as concrete block or cast stone have the property of shrinking over time, so we call these control joints as they control the shrinkage. […]
Masonry Flashing … Do it Right the First Time
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] Read more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]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 something, do it right the first time”. I like this thought and it is so true when looking at masonry flashing and how it is […]
Concrete Masonry Check Off Program
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]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 its own commodity checkoff program. Read more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Cold Weather Masonry
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]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 for mason contractors, general contractors, building inspectors and owners, who need to be conscious of the weather. Read more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Cap Flashing for a Stone Veneer Wall
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. There is a lack of good flashing details depicting base, sill, head, or wall cap details for this type of wall. We know that moisture […]
Masonry Arch Terminology
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]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 these are> [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Fire Rating for Masonry Walls
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]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 wall?” The local building codes dictate the fire rating, which is the time that the elements, components or assembly of the wall hold up to maintain […]
Labor shortages create new challenges
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] 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 shortage of qualified masons, as well as carpenters, electricians, plumbers and laborers. Read more >[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
