Masonry Magazine July 2009 Page. 41
The Web site offers contractors a comprehensive means to teach potential customers about all the benefits of choosing masonry construction," says Wolter. "They can learn why masonry structures outlast and outperform all other building systems. They'll figure out which masonry wall system is right for their next building and what it will cost. They can access data pertaining to every aspect of masonry design and construction, from fire ratings and moisture control, to cost cutting strategies and cleaning practices."
The site consists of three major sections: Inspiration, Information and Interaction. The Inspiration section features photos of completed projects that can be sorted according to each user's preferences: building type (such as museums, schools or libraries), exterior material (brick, block, stone), or regionally such as city, state or municipality. The completed projects gallery is more than just pictures of nice work, however; each picture is a link to technical information on the project, including details and main drawings.
The Information section focuses on technical information on various wall systems, including the benefits and challenges associated with a specific system, regional variations, and even LEED ratings. Users can also find articles, presentations and videos pertaining to particular wall systems.
The features of the Interaction section include forums on design, structural issues, construction and materials, as well as a Masonry Resource Directory to help visitors find a contractor or supplier near them. There is also an Industry Events Calendar, which lists upcoming meetings of interests and educational opportunities.
"MasonrySystems.org is designed to be a portal to all the best masonry information that's available on the internet," says Wolter. "We were never trying to replace all the fine industry Web sites that are already available on the internet. Instead, we've organized all the available information in the most user-friendly form, allowing people to arrive at the most appropriate Web site without having to go through a time consuming internet search process."
"It truly is a new tool that contractors and designers can utilize," says Daniel. "We can show examples of options and real world applications to designers and customers and, more importantly, it's going to help us all be on the same page as an industry."
Check it out
Of course, the best way to learn about www.MasonrySystems.org is to log on and surf a bit. Take a look at the Masonry Gallery of projects from around the country or review the different wall system profiles that are featured. Study the section titled "Masonry Basics," which contains primers on 25 different components of masonry walls, or search for architectural details, presentations, publications or technical standards in the Knowledge Base. Visit the online cost calendar or the bulletin board.
"And... feel free to leave a comment. We check them regularly and we take them to heart," says Wolter. "Listening to input is one of the ways we continue to improve the site. If we've done our job right, we've taken some of the mystery out of designing with masonry, and we've provided contractors and designers with the ammunition to convince clients that masonry is a fantastic choice for virtually any type of building."
Chris Mayo is a freelance writer based in Albuquerque, N.M.
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READER SERVICE #183
July 2009
MASONRY 39