December 2014: From the Editor

Words: Dan KamysDecember 2014 From the Editor

I’m a Believer

Jennifer Morrell

A few years back, we began hearing talk of masonry wall systems. A system? Many components working together? It was a provocative concept, to be sure. I have walked many trade show floors and viewed many models and demonstrations of masonry wall systems. It seems a viable product that our industry should embrace.

Flash forward to today, when most of the major players are either producing a masonry cavity wall system or partnering with other companies to create a complete offering. And, the idea is going over well with mason contractors.

“I am in favor of a mandatory complete cavity wall system to be implemented by the design population,” says Gary Joyner, president of North Carolina-based Joyner Masonry Works Inc. “In other words, spec it.”

Green Build 2014

Joyner says he feels a wall system will be helpful toward long-term moisture management. He also finds it more convenient to have all of the components of the masonry wall offered by one company: “Then, you don’t have to be concerned with compatible materials,” he says.

One such cavity wall system is discussed in “The Building Envelope: Buzzword or Trend?” of this issue. Enjoy the read on what’s becoming an industry standard.

A happy and healthy holiday season to all of your from the Masonry team.

Return to Table of Contents

Color Trends Shaping Today’s Masonry Projects
July 2026

Homeowners today are coming into projects with a lot more opinions than they used to have. Between social media, home shows and contractor sites, most customers already have a look in mind before you even quote the job. For masonry contractors, having a

The New Equation for Masonry Profit: Predictable Hardware and Proven Data
July 2026

The masonry industry is built on tradition, but modern growth requires a shift from guesswork to absolute certainty. When we talk about the philosophy that you cannot improve what you do not measure, we are looking at the literal minutes and manpower lost

Owen Heimbach
July 2026

This month, the MCAA had the pleasure of speaking with SkillsUSA First Place Winner Owen Heimbach, a young mason just starting out whose enthusiasm for bricklaying is truly contagious. His passion for the craft was evident throughout our interview.

Backfill Your Foundation
July 2026

I’ve been noticing an uptick in a very specific kind of application lately, and once you see the pattern, you can’t unsee it. The résumé usually reads like a family photo album. “Started helping my dad when I was 15.” “Worked summers, then full time.” “R