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Why Belden Brick Has Lasted 140 Years
August 2025

‘Why We’ve Lasted 140 Years’ How The Belden Brick Company’s approach to manufacturing excellence continues to solve modern brick masonry challenges Ask masonry contractor Jason Hauer what separates good brick from great brick, and he’ll tell you about h

Achieving Consistent Mortar Mixes: Key to Successful Masonry Projects
August 2025

Consistency is the cornerstone of quality masonry. A uniform mortar mix is critical for the structural integrity and durability of any project, from a simple brick wall to an intricate stone design. When mortar lacks consistency, it can lead to weak joint

What’s In Your Data Backup Strategy?
August 2025

Your business handles plenty of critical data, and losing it could result in operational downtime, financial losses, and a damaged reputation. For businesses owners, a robust data backup strategy can help you stay resilient and competitive in the fuel mar

Facial Recognition for Masonry Companies
August 2025

Masonry companies face a unique set of challenges. Managing a mobile workforce across multiple job sites requires precision and accountability. CrewTracks recognizes this need and has introduced an innovative facial recognition feature designed to streaml

2025 SkillsUSA National Competition Recap
August 2025

The 2025 SkillsUSA National Competition served as a critical platform for evaluating the future of the masonry industry. The event provided a clear look at the talent pipeline, industry-wide collaboration, and technological advancements poised to shape th

Empower Your Team to Help Prevent Cyberattacks
August 2025

Human error contributes to 82% of data breaches, making your employees a crucial line of defense against cyber threats.1 A single mistake could expose your business to a data breach. This could lead to data loss, downtime, and a negative impact on your bo

The True Costs of Traditional Wood Bucks: Beyond the Lumber Bill
August 2025

Wood bucks have been holding up CMU block on masonry jobs for decades now, albeit precariously. This infamous lumber has been sawed, screwed, braced, and cursed more often than anyone would want to count. For something meant to be temporary, they have cle

Remembering Kevin O'Shea
August 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kevin O'Shea, a treasured figure in the industry, who passed on August 13th, at the age of 64. Kevin was not only the Safety Director at Hydro Mobile but also the Chair of the Safety Committee fo

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 27 Recap: Chris Bettinger, Oldcastle Coastal
August 2025

Chris Bettinger's journey into masonry wasn't a deliberate choice but rather a confluence of unexpected life events and career shifts. With an architecture degree from the University of Michigan, Chris began his career in residential design. However, the

Masonry Veneers: Designing for Flexibility, Versatility and Structural Integrity
August 2025

Masonry veneers have become a popular choice among residential and commercial builders alike. These versatile materials offer the authentic look and feel of quarried stone while delivering enhanced durability. By minimizing the risk of cracking and reduci

Advancing Skill-Based Assessment in Masonry Education with 3D Wall Scanning
August 2025

Over the past year, we’ve had the opportunity to demonstrate a cutting-edge 3D wall scanner at a variety of masonry competitions and career exploration events across the region, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Students, instructors, and

How It’s Made: Clay Brick
August 2025

Going back to around 7000 B.C., when the first bricks were made from a combination of mud and straw (highlighted because mud and straw are not part of the defined parameters of masonry) and then dried in the desert sun, the general process of how brick is

The Evolution of Women in Masonry
August 2025

The masonry industry was created by gathering common materials and utilizing these materials with convention. Historically, men have been at the forefront of this ancient craft, finding ways to create structures with stone, brick, and concrete units. The

Achieving Realistic Looks with Manufactured Materials: Elevating Aesthetics in Modern Masonry Projects
August 2025

In the evolving landscape of masonry design and construction, contractors are increasingly called upon to marry tradition with innovation. Homeowners, architects, and developers demand materials that not only perform well but also look indistinguishably a

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 26 Recap: Damian Lang, CEO of Watertown Enterprises
August 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Damian Lang sits down to go through his journey in this industry, the ups and downs, and gives advice to those starting out. Organized and Motivated Damian credits his success to having good people. He empha

Westlake Royal Building Products™ Introduces Haint Blue Color for Royal® Reversible Beadboard/V-Groove Profile
August 2025

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE: WLK), announced today the launch of Haint Blue, a new color for its 6” Reversible Beadboard/V-Groove Profile, part of the Royal® Trim & Mouldings line. Inspired by the century