Donald E. McCauley, Jr. Do you ever get so caught up with life that you feel like you just ended up where you are without realizing what you did to get there? One of the biggest things I have learned is not to be afraid to take a chance or to cut against the grain […]
Chimney bricks experience the wrath of all seasons, so replacing spalled bricks on a chimney is a worthy skill to have. By Brian Estill Bricks are like sponges. We all know that. So why do we think it’s not important to waterproof bricks with a sealant? Equally troublesome is the belief that masonry is maintenance […]
Most masons will likely need to figure real costs for work to be done. Here’s how to determine a unit price for masonry. By Steven Fechino Being a mason contractor requires many skills. You have to estimate projects, maintain equipment, provide material and labor, and collect your money. Estimating, for some masons, has become easy. […]
Consider the requirements associated with continuous rigid insulation, extruded wire lath and the scratch and top coat options for the materials and installation methods available for the construction of your wall. By Steven Fechino During the last few months, we have looked the design of an adhered masonry veneer wall that could be found in […]
Hank Johnson HJ’s Stone Artistry Restorations When cleaning masonry, how much water is too much water? That’s the question many masons find themselves asking when cleaning masonry platforms. The dicey part is that water, and how you use it, can have a huge effect on the outcome. If your platform is not sealed tightly or […]
Lightweight block was the material of choice to rebuild the historic Fulton State Hospital. By Anderson Williams Designers of the new Fulton State Hospital in Fulton, Mo., faced a critical deadline. The oldest psychiatric care facility in the state was woefully out of date and urgently needed replacement. For a time, it appeared the new […]
As a mason, knowing when to fully invest or to rent can save you money now and in the long run. By Maureen Upchurch As a mason, the decision between renting versus buying masonry equipment has a direct impact on your bottom line, which is greatly impacted by purchasing equipment. When equipment needs arise, you […]
A look at weather resistant barriers Last month we covered several of the components of the structural substrate. Focusing on a stud wall construction, Oriented Strand Board (OSB), plywood, gypsum and bituminous sheathing, we discussed the performance of each product and how it is related to the wall. In part two of this series on […]
