Masonry Magazine August 2009 Page. 12
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Tom Daniel
President
Mason Contractors Association of America
MCAA
New Member
The Mason Contractors Association of America is proud to welcome the following new members to the Association. MCAA would like to take this opportunity to thank them for joining their fellow mason contractors nationwide in helping to build a stronger masonry industry. MCAA's members look forward to a long association with their firms.
Brick Voids
There has been much talk as of late regarding the potential change of what has traditionally been known as a C-216 standard brick. Currently, there is a proposal to change the standard void size of the standard brick. The new void size could be up to 30 percent, versus 25 percent. This is a 5 percent increase in void size. Ironically, there is already an ASTM standard that covers a 30 percent void size: ASTM C-652. While this issue may seem like a relatively minor one, contractors need to be very concerned about this issue and aware of how it may impact them.
A 5 percent increase in void size has seen some projects realize a substantial increase in mortar costs. These costs are either absorbed by the contractor or passed on to the end-user. Either way, it adds cost to the project, which makes masonry less competitive. Given the fact that there is no decrease in face shell, there are concerns of increased cracks, chips and broken bricks. There also are serious concerns about an increase in water penetration. In freeze-thaw areas of the country, long-term performance of brick can be impacted due to the change. There are also concerns about code compliance and industry confusion over such a change.
Gatorback, LLC
20676 Jutland Place
Lakeville, MN 55044
National Supplier
If your company is interested in becoming a member Mason Contractors Association of America as a contractor, supplier or instructor, please contact MCAA at (800) 536-3606 or complete an application at www.masoncontractors.org
What can be done to help prevent this from happening? Contact the MCAA today, and become a member of ASTM, so your company has a vote on the issue. The fee for ASTM is only $75, and you'll receive a free set of standards. Most important, you will have a vote on this as well as other issues. You need to make sure you become a member of the appropriate committees in order to vote, so please contact the MCAA today for more information. It would probably help, as well, if you asked your brick supplier where they stand on the issue. You are the customer, and you need to share your thoughts and concerns about this issue with them. IMAS
COMING IN SEPTEMBER 2009
Be sure to catch the September 2009 issue of Masonry, which will feature articles covering current trends and examining industry issues, including:
ADJUSTABLE SCAFFOLDING
We'll look at anything and everything new in the world of adjustable scaffolding, as well as any improvements and enhancements made to existing products, methods and safety standards.
MANUFACTURED STONE
The Cast Stone Institute will provide readers with an overview of the benefits of cast stone, recent growth of the products (and in what regions), and what is new in this area.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
Certifications, education, classes and credits. Masonry will deliver an update from the MCAA on current educational opportunities available to mason contractors and their crews.
For advertising information, contact
Marvin Diamond
770.431.0867, ext. 208
Toll-free: 888.303.5639
E-mail: marvin@lionhrtpub.com
10 MASONRY August 2009 www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry