October 2015: From The Editor

Words: Dan KamysOctober 2015

Happy Fall, Y’all

Jennifer MorrellJennifer Morrell Editor jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com

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. Winterizing your jobsite and equipment is no joke. Faulty, frozen equipment can be dangerous, and you don’t want to risk having your jobsite tools and equipment ruined by the elements. Masonry Magazine offers the following advice for keeping your work area and equipment operational and safe in winter. You can read the entire article at https://www.masonrymagazine.com/1-03/winter.html. One piece of equipment you will be using in cold weather is the mortar mixer. Follow normal maintenance procedures throughout the year, and keep your mixer clean and properly maintained. Consider spraying your mixer prior to every use with concrete form oil or any type of environmentally safe oil, to help prevent mortar buildup and to allow accumulated ice to dislodge easier. During freezing or near-freezing temperatures, change engine oil for a lower viscosity or a lower multiple viscosity, such as 5W-20. Store equipment inside a warm building when not in use. Under extreme conditions, start the engine and allow it to idle, while the equipment is being transported to the jobsite. Warm up all hydraulic equipment before use to prevent damage to the controls and lines, as cold hydro oil is thick and will resist a system. Frozen precipitation brings its own brand of safety considerations for drivers. First and foremost, watch your traction. When driving the forklift on an ice-covered hill or road, assure appropriate traction exists for steering and stopping. And, remember the “three-point” rule: One foot and both hands must always be on the grips and steps. As the temperatures drop, the need for safety heightens. Bear this in mind in all that you do on the jobsite. We wish you a happy and safe fall.
Lasers in Layout
September 2026

Lasers have become an essential tool in modern construction. There was a time when rotary lasers were so expensive that only one person on the crew was trusted to set them up and operate them. As technology improved and prices became more affordable, rota

Elsa Bueno Jeff Becker
Technical Talks
Levels Tool Accessories
Read More
Hines Market Square
September 2026

Hines Market Square, now known as Aris Market Square, is a mixed-use, multifamily development located in downtown Houston. The architect on this project, Ziegler Cooper, is known for reshaping the urban landscape. In keeping with their vision, the buildin

Dawn Kornegay
Case Study
Brick Clay Brick Residential
Read More
Understanding Met-Guard Protection in Work Boots
September 2026

Masonry work demands precision and strength, but it also comes with unavoidable risks. From handling heavy materials like brick and block to operating cutting equipment and working in tight, active environments, tradesmen and tradeswomen regularly expose

Andrew Moffatt
MAP Partner
Safety - Footwear Sponsored
Read More
Why Joint Profiles Matter In Masonry Restoration
September 2026

For generations, masonry structures have been defined not only by the brick, block, or stone used in construction, but also by the mortar joints that tie everything together. Whether restoring a historic brick facade, repairing natural stone veneer, or re

Paul Bender
Technical Talks
Joint Reinforcement Jointers Restoration
Read More