June 2015: From The Editor

Words: Dan Kamys

Brick Matching

Jennifer Morrell Editor jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com

Jennifer MorrellWe are having our house painted this summer, so I’ll spend the next few weeks surrounded by color books and paint samples. I’m finding the entire process to be rather stressful. Matching our brick and mortar with the perfect paint and trim doesn’t seem like a big deal, until I consider the possibilities – both good and bad. It actually is a fairly important and permanent decision. In this issue, we cover another type of brick matching – the really important type. Replacing bricks or matching existing bricks is a tricky task, to say the least. You can learn more about the science of brick matching. Once you have the brick and mortar in place and looking great, you’ll want to clean it and keep it clean. We address choosing the correct pressure washer for the job as well as whether to clean the masonry yourself or hire it out. Finally, we are providing to you an update on the “roadmap” for the Building Information Modeling for Masonry (BIM-M) initiative that the MCAA and several other organizations are focusing on and supporting. We hope your summer has kicked off and promises blue skies and lots of masonry work – and skilled labor to help you get it done.
Making Old Brickwork Look New Again
September 2026

Brickwork is built to last, but mortar isn’t. Over time, exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and everyday wear causes joints to crack, crumble, and even recede. What starts as a cosmetic issue can quickly turn into a structural concern if left unadd

Mackenzie Claassen
MAP Partner
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
Designed for the Way Contractors Work Today
September 2026

Every piece of equipment tells a story about the challenges contractors face. For more than 30 years, the EZG Manufacturing team has listened to those stories—through customer relationships, job site visits, dealer feedback, a

Abigail Spung
Manufacturing Efficiency
Read More
Chemicals In Masonry
September 2026

Mason contractors must deal with chemicals on the job site. One of the main ones comes in the form of dust. Another is acid. From high-rise commercial structures to residential facades, masonry work involves handling raw materials that require careful man

Zach Everett
Safety Library
Safety
Read More