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.
The Mason’s Mark: Defining the Craft Through the Trowel
May 2026

Walk onto any job site, from a custom residential chimney to a sprawling commercial block wall, and you will hear it before you see it: the distinctive ring of high-carbon steel striking masonry. The trowel is more than just a mortar scoop; it is the cond

Registration Now Open for the 2026 MCAA Midyear Meeting in San Antonio, Texas
May 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the highly anticipated 2026 MCAA Midyear Meeting, set to take place in San Antonio, Texas. This exciting event is scheduled from September 13th-1

Case Study: The Revere Condominiums at River Oaks
May 2026

The Revere is a boutique condominium located in the River Oaks area of Houston. The nine-story development offers 33 residences with refined amenities for those looking for luxury living near the downtown area.

URGENT: Only One Cornerstone Spot Remains in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program
May 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce that the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program (MAP) has reached a critical stage of exclusivity.