SPONSORED: Innovative solution is the only complete flashing system specifically for 6-inch, single-wythe CMU walls.

Words: Dan Kamys Mortar Net Solutions introduced a new 6-inch size of its BlockFlash™ flashing solution for single-wythe exterior concrete masonry unit walls. BlockFlash is a complete, embeddable flashing solution for managing moisture in CMU walls. It uses patented flashing pans to collect moisture in the wall and channel it to the exterior through integrated weep spouts. The spouts are gray in color to blend in with standard mortar, and factory-installed insect guards prevent insects from entering the block cells through the spouts. Drainage mesh placed in every block cell in the course immediately above the pans provides hundreds of clear pathways for water to flow around mortar droppings inside the cells, where it is collected by the pans. Mortar Net’s BlockFlash cuts installation time associated with using membrane flashing by approximately 50 percent and eliminates the need for multiple architectural CMU sizes that are typical with through-wall flashing. BlockFlash for 6-inch CMU works the same as the 8-, 10- and 12-inch versions, and was designed to meet the growing popularity of utilizing 6-inch CMUs in building construction to help meet building energy codes and for its space-saving benefits in larger buildings. For more information, please click here to visit Mortar Net Solutions.
Australian Bricks vs American Bricks: What 24 Hours of Travel Teaches You About the Trade
June 2026

Bricklaying might not change simply because you cross a state line. It does change when you travel 24 hours to the other side of the world and lay bricks under lights, cameras, and a stopwatch. The fundamentals of the trade are universal. Brick, mortar,

2026 Masonry Foundation Grants Now Open
June 2026

The Masonry Foundation is dedicated to advancing the masonry industry and is accepting grant applications for 2026. Proposals should have national reach and aim to generate substantial progress within the masonry industry. To explore examples of past gra

The “Small Job” Safety Trap: Why Safety Sometimes Fades When the Spotlight Disappears
June 2026

Before I was fortunate enough to lead Malta Dynamics, I spent a couple of years as a traveling salesman for the company. My territory covered the entire country (and some beyond), and in a typical year, I visited more than 100 jobsites across nearly every

Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
June 2026

As a business owner and leader, taking the mental health of your employees seriously and understanding how it can impact their work is essential. In fact, one in five adults experiences a mental health condition annually. Addressing mental health is more