When it comes to masonry construction, mortar is much more than “glue” that holds everything together — it’s a critical component of wall performance, longevity, and aesthetics. It can “make it or break it”. Whether you’re laying a foundation CMU wall or

Let's talk about something we all care deeply about: the longevity of our work. You and I both know the feeling of pride when we step back and look at a finished project. We're in the business of creating structures that not only look good but also stand

Neuschwanstein Castle, with its fairy-tale silhouette and dramatic perch atop the Bavarian Alps, stands as one of the most iconic structures in the world. Built in the late 19th century under the vision of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this architectural mas

When a masonry jobsite is running smoothly, it’s a beautiful and inspiring demonstration of efficiency. Work flows without interruption, confusion, or hint of a delay. Each mason gets into a groove with zero waste of energy or muscle movement. Mortar i

I hope you are getting through the cold of the winter without issue, maybe even enjoy throwing a snowball (not an ice ball) at a coworker that deserves it. This month I thought I would do a quick primer on basic flashing installation. As many will have ne

As a design architect for four decades, I've long recognized masonry (clay brick, concrete masonry units, stone, and manufactured stone) as a superior, durable building material. Stone, clay bricks, and CMUs are renowned for their toughness, effectively r

I have been at this for a long time, and a generation or two have come and gone since I started. I have worked with grandfathers, fathers, and now sons from the same family. I have seen similarities and differences. In one case, I saw a grandson believe h

One of the biggest technical challenges for architecture students is understanding how to draw proper wall sections, especially with rainscreen technology. After more than 15 years of teaching, I have found that when students build full scale, with real m

Spherical Block, LLC and Geopolymer International are working together to develop new concrete technologies and products for the construction industry. These two firms have been approached over the past few years by companies, individuals and investors fr

Masonry mortar is an ancient building material, yet it remains central to the modern construction industry. Its combination of resilience and forgiveness has enabled the creation of ancient architectural masterpieces through contemporary skyscrapers. Alon

2024 was a year of innovation and advancement in the masonry industry. From tools, to materials, to technology, companies all across the trade are putting their foot forward to change masonry for the future. This year, we reached out to our MAP partners

With masonry being a piece count trade, the more units that are laid in the field that surpass the quantity figured in the estimate, the more profit that is made. Masonry crews in the field need a good foreman that is capable of organizing the crew, posit

Welcome to the second installment of our “Vibing Masonry” series on the benefits and functionality of masonry in modern construction, with a focus on its environmental and sustainability advantages. The Environmental Case for Masonry Masonry is a sustain

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce that SPEC MIX will renew its Cornerstone membership in the 2025 Masonry Alliance Program.

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce that Amerimix will renew its Cornerstone membership in the 2025 Masonry Alliance Program.