Roles

Operating a pump on your jobsite is a tall order, so maintaining and keeping it clean and in running order is the least you can do to protect your investment.

Masonry tool companies are offering a plethora of saws, saw blades, hammers and grinders to masons.

Brian Estill is a brick and stone mason from Louisville, Ky. Like many in the profession, Estill was laid off from his masonry company in the winter of 2008.

The 2015 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo was held Nov. 18-20 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

It’s interesting: Although most of my friends and family are well aware that I am a writer and editor — and have been since 1994 — not everyone knows exactly what I do.

Who do you consider to be your “family?” Do you have a second family that is your “masonry family,” made up of those with whom you work, day in and day out?

The CONSTRUCT show, sponsored by CSI, was held in St. Louis last month and was busy with vibrant displays of everything smart, efficient and technical.

We are smack in the middle of fall, and both Masonry and the MCAA have been productive and busy.

As we usher in fall, our first thoughts go to the staples of the season: football games; leaves turning shades of red, orange and brown; and — oh yes — winterizing your jobsite.

I recently was approached by the publisher of a new book that caught my eye. The book now is on my coffee table, gaining a lot of attention from all who pass by.

We wanted a hard-nosed look at what makes the saw industry tick, so we went to three experts to get the real scoop on what has changed — and what hasn’t.

I live in the small, North Georgia town of Cumming. With all its charm, this quaint city is exploding with growth — both residential and commercial.

Masonry spoke to a few attendees to find out exactly why they do attend the MCAA Legislative Conference.

On the cover of the July 2015 issue of Masonry, you’ll see the Mason Contractor’s Association of America’s South of 40 group in front of the U.S. Capitol building.

We are having our house painted this summer. Matching our brick and mortar with the perfect paint and trim doesn’t seem like a big deal, until I consider the possibilities.

In addition to loving my job, I appreciate and admire the people I have met through the masonry industry. Two of those people include Justin Breithaupt and Bill Dentinger.

Which mixer is right for your crew on your jobsite? Here’s a place to start.

It’s right around the corner: The MCAA Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., will happen May 12 — 14.

Pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training, so no baseball reference will be left unturned: This year’s Masonry Madness Day really knocked it out of the park.

When Big River Industries and the MCAA conducted a survey in September 2014 for mason contractors, no one really knew what their attitudes would be toward lightweight block.

Like many of our readers, the idea of masonry robotics seems almost oxymoronic in nature. How can masonry — true masonry — be anything but a hands-on, skilled human labor?

Look around any jobsite, and you’ll see a wide variety of handheld tools. A tool exists for seemingly every task imaginable.

A few years back, we began hearing talk of masonry wall systems. A system? Many components working together? It was a provocative concept, to be sure.

From warming cold feet in winter to quick methods for performing the simplest of tasks, we’ve rounded up several new products that can help increase efficiency on the jobsite.

I had the rare opportunity to tour the exterior of the U.S. Capitol building with Mary Oehrlein, Architect of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. I learned that the upkeep is ongoing.

The Masonry team just returned from a vibrant and well-attended Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, this year held in New Orleans.

Last month, the MCAA held its annual Midyear Meeting, this time in Milwaukee, Wis. — the hometown of MCAA chairman, Mark Kemp.

Manufactured stone is extremely fragile, and cleaning experts always are cautious when recommending how it be cleaned.

Remember that neighbor you had as a kid with the messy house? Our mothers would compare our messy rooms to those messy neighbors’ homes.

Masonry sampled contractorto assess their thoughts on when buying is best, and when renting fills the bill.

A new exhibit at the National Building Museum is changing the way we think about designing buildings to withstand the elements.

I have had this conversation repeatedly with mason contractors around the country. It’s a common theme: We don’t have enough skilled labor.

It’s no secret: software and technology play an important role in how mason contractors not only run their companies, but perform on the jobsite.

After nearly seven years covering the masonry industry, I fully understand that the industry can become a small world.

The MCAA held its annual South of 40 Conference and Legislative Conference in May in Washington, D.C. A healthy attendance at all events made the week a resounding success.

Sometimes, state masonry associations climb to other heights. Case and point: the North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association.

We all know that masonry, as a material, has a long, sturdy history. The aesthetic beauty is unrivaled, and green, sustainable qualities are plentiful, to boot.

Guess who: a person with ice applied to sore knees, pulled back muscles, and more than 20 miles traveled by foot in about three days.

A detailed review of many of the industry’s newest saw blades available to masons.

The MCAA, Skills USA, and many other organizations are digging in deep to assure the masonry industry will be stocked with skilled, talented mason contractors.

Following is a review of some of the latest and greatest saws and saw blades available for your masonry jobsite arsenal.

I recently returned from the World of Concrete/World of Masonry show in Las Vegas, and the word down the aisles was that business is still picking up.

Since becoming editor of Masonry in 2007, I have seen our industry’s focuses shift and change — all in the direction of growth.

I’ve been seeing them since I was a kid. On the side of the road, out in a field, and off beaten paths in the middle of the woods: the lone chimney.

“All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” Such is not the case with our vibrant Mason Contractors Association of America members.

As president of South Georgia Brick Co., my dad was passionate about masonry and all its beauty and strength. Here are few things my dad taught me.

I encourage you to extend your hand and your resources to masonry education and educators nationwide.

CINTEC America of Baltimore says its Blast Window Retention Anchor Systems provide maximum resistance to explosions.

I remember those dreary reports, week after week, of tumbling construction employment numbers. For several years, the statistics grew increasingly dismal.

No matter the task or function in question, the masonry saws industry has researched and developed the perfect saw for the job.

Masonry has profiled eight software advancements and new products we think you’ll find useful. More and more, it’s a tech-lover’s world.

It’s July already? How can that be? Summer is the perfect time for many things: beach trips, afternoons spent poolside, and — oh yeah — projects around the house.

In order to be heard and make a difference, we, as MCAA members, must get in front of Members of Congress. It’s true.

Saw blade technology continues to provide end-users with the utmost in cost-effective use, efficiency and a long life of the blade.

While visiting San Francisco last fall, I had the privilege of touring Alcatraz Island. Walking through the depressed cell blocks changed what I thought I knew.

Almost six years ago, when I first entered the world of masonry, I was highly impressed with the different types of software available to contractors.

A joint effort between the MCAA and the NCMA will result in more research, increased education and much-needed promotion.

Covering a trade show is a lot of work. Thank goodness, trade shows do have some incredibly redeeming qualities.

How’s this for good news: In 2013, economists are forecasting growth throughout the residential construction industry — all 50 states.

An initial industry fundraising effort for building information modeling will take place to raise dollars in development of the initial software.

Building information modeling, or BIM, has been in the construction industry’s vernacular for several years. It’s time for the masonry industry to hop aboard.

The year 2012 is ending, and we have a new opportunity before us: to make 2013 better.

Perhaps one of the most opulent examples of a mason’s talents can be showcased in the work of a fireplace, chimney or masonry heater.

The Bilco Company has released its 2012 Architectural Products Catalog, detailing the company’s line of fire vents and safety products.

The South Atlantic Region (SAR) Design Awards were announced at the Woodruff Arts Center recently in Atlanta.

As 2012 leaves the building, here’s what I know: We have an industry full of people just as strong as masonry itself.

With so many players in our industry, each with a personal mission, an overall theme rings true: We need to promote our industry better.

Three mason contractors get real about keeping their businesses thriving and surviving. This is what they had to say.

In September, I was able to immerse myself among the best and brightest in the masonry industry, when I embarked on a two-legged trip.

I have been able to experience firsthand networking among mason contractors – connections that make MCAA membership so incredibly valuable.

Recently, the IPAF accident database reported 17 fatal accidents involving aerial work platforms, worldwide, during only the first half of 2012.

For a construction business to beat the odds and survive, the owner needs to know how to price jobs, write contracts, manage crews and collect on their work.

“Freedom isn’t free.” I believe this saying. I have the freedom to make a living at journalism, and have done so for the last 20 or so years.

Following is a roundup of a few the masterful saws and saw accessories available to help you get your job done as efficiently, effectively and safely as possible.

They say some cities have a heartbeat. I believe Washington, D.C., is one of those cities. When I visit D.C., I feel as if I am visiting an old friend.

Of the many services provided to mason contractors by the MCAA, our annual Legislative Conference may be one of the most important.

Masonry has sampled the software and construction product industries to bring you just a few of the new offerings designed to make your life a little easier.

One of my favorite shows these days is “Undercover Boss,” which centers on the CEO of a company disguised as a candidate for a position within the company.

I have journeyed through some difficult times in life. Some of those difficulties were the results of my own doing - foolish decisions or poor choices.

Long life, durability and a reasonable price — these are what you need in a masonry saw blade, and manufacturers are answering the call.

Thank you, Mr. Sipe. Thank you, Mr. Brown. Thank you, Mr. Felice. And thank you, Mr. Painter. Thank you for all you've done for this noble profession.

The needs of a bricklayer vary greatly on the job. Luckily, manufacturers are inventing and improving upon a host of fantastic products that can help bricklayers.

Pick up the real estate section of any newspaper and the descriptions of the homes will be the same if bricks are used. Bricks are a bragging right, and the more, the better.

To get a snapshot of how current economic times are affecting the scaffolding industry, we consulted two of the top leaders in that arena.

Yesterday, I bought a red helium balloon. When I got home, I ceremoniously released the balloon into the sky, accompanied by a prayer.

To do hardscaping right, you’ll need the most helpful, efficient and effective hardscaping tools and equipment out there.

As I was growing up, my grandparents had an oversized masonry fireplace. It was constructed from traditional red bricks with white mortar.

Thousands of architects, specifiers, engineers, contractors and manufacturers converged in Chicago for CONSTRUCT2011 and The CSI Annual Convention.

This fall, I thrust myself back into the world of youth athletics, when I decided to coach cheerleading again after many years.

Today’s power tools make it possible for you to harness all the power you need to get the job done, and then some.

Like any industry, the anchors, connectors and fasteners industries have faced trying, if not impossible, economic times during the last three years.

When the Georgia Theatre in downtown Athens, Ga., suffered a massive fire, hundreds of thousands of hearts were broken, mine included.

I think we all can safely say that the way we do our jobs is different today from the way we did them 10 years ago.

I have seen a lot in the architecture and construction arenas. You might think I’d be impossible to overwhelm, and even more difficult to impress. But you’d be wrong.

It sounds like a no-brainer, but staying cool and hydrated isn’t only a way to be more comfortable; it’s a way to stay alive.

The argument for the safety benefits of building with masonry was one of the points of this afternoon’s All Things Considered on NRP, hosted by Robert Siegel.

Recently, I toured Lafarge’s Cumming, Ga., 500-acre rock quarry and Aggregate Lab, which has been in operation since the 1970s.

Think about the positive relationships in your life, and you probably will agree that a strong relationship can be quite powerful.

How and why calcium carbonate, deposited over millions of years as marine fossils decomposed at the bottom of the sea, play a role in American architecture.

As is true with any profession, important lessons can come from others’ experiences, whether those experiences were successful or not.