The MCAA is forging the future of masonry

Words: Donald McCauleyThe MCAA is forging the future of masonry. One of the goals of the MCAA is to validate the architects, owners, federal, state, local governments and general contractors that thru certification our mason contractors are “qualified”, “well trained”, “well educated” and can professionally handle the challenges that building projects in the 21st century can bring.

While there are great masonry contractors and some great regional masonry associations in all areas of the country, we as an industry have not been able to join together as a whole. This has allowed other trades, other industries to steal “market share” from masonry. This is happening not because masonry contractors don't know what they are doing but because of perception and a few “bad apples”.

By perception I mean that there have been numerous occasions that a general contractor or owner have given jobs to an unqualified mason contractors for a “ridiculously” low and “unqualified” bid and those unqualified masonry contractors have laid waste and pillage to a jobsite, through poor workmanship, sub quality materials, poor coordination, delaying the project through lack of manpower, not supplying the correct equipment and simply cutting corners trying to save money.

Everyone reading this article knows of occurrences where this has happened and felt the implications. One of the first things mason contractors hear when they get to a new projects is that masonry in the past has left a “bad taste” in their mouth. When you dig deeper and start peeling back the layers of the onion, you find out that this stigma is usually from one or two encounters with an unqualified masonry contractor, not the industry as a whole.

I have been in the masonry industry for my whole life and I hear all the time from other masonry contractors that they are, “sick and tired of losing jobs to a masonry contractor that is unqualified to do the project or is not totally above board in their business practices,” but that is the end of it; no more is said or done.

Well here is our opportunity to do something and let your voice be heard. Masonry contractors can take steps toward insuring the other masonry contractors they are competing with are qualified and operate with ethical business practices through joining the MCAA and becoming a Certified Mason Contractor.

The MCAA can then promote to architects, owners, federal, state, local governments and general contractors a well-organized national organization of masonry contractors and suppliers that are well trained, well educated and qualified to meet the challenges and desired outcome of each and every project.
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More
Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior

Linda Potter
MAP Partner
Read More