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 →
The Illinois Structural Masonry Coalition is a combined effort sponsored by many groups that have interests in masonry. It's a FREE service available to Architects and Engineers in... read more →
This spring, Chicago has had a damp and cooler than normal period. Our office has had several calls related to moisture penetration. The cause for moisture penetrating the... read more →
We know that Active Systems, by their very nature are not fail safe. This is well-known and has been documented by NFPA and many insurance companies. Maybe developers... read more →
In stair design, there are rules to follow to build comfortable stairs. The sum of the rise and the run should total 18”. If the total of the... read more →
By Gary Porter In Chicago today many mason contractors are devoting more of their expertise in repointing (tuckpointing) existing masonry structures than constructing new masonry. A question that... read more →
As we move into February 2017 (already?) it is hard to believe that during the month of January 2017 Chicago experienced less than 1” of snow? The typical snow... read more →
By Gary Porter. Recently an architect called me for masonry advice on a flashing end dam and how effective these are. He asked "do we really need them... read more →
Brick Bonds By Gary Porter On a recent trip to downtown Chicago I was once again reminded of the many different brick bonds that were used in constructing... read more →
Masonry Magazine November 2016 Moisture Management By Steven Fechino and Gary Porter A more in-depth explanation of the types, placement, and spacing of weep holes is available in this issue... 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 →
What's Happening in Masonry In a recent trip to Chicago, I could not help but marvel at the workmanship involved in this masonry arch. There is something very special about... read more →
Control Joints and Expansion Joints in Masonry By Gary Porter. As a mason contractor, our company installed numerous control joints in buildings we constructed. On occasion, even though... read more →
Weep Holes by Gary Porter Weeps - How the water gets out. The masonry code describes water issues as “Water will penetrate the veneer and the wall system should... read more →
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