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

Mastering The Art Of Masonry Repair: The Dos and Don’ts
April 2026

Whether we specialize in repairs and restoration work or new construction, repairs are something that we all must do, at least from time to time. With ever-increasing competition from faster and cheaper building systems, the onus is on us as masonry profe

The Evolution of Brick Staining: From Color Complaints to Industry Essential
April 2026

Over thirty years ago, much of the conversation around brick staining centered on color complaints. In the early days, nearly all of our work stemmed from those situations, projects where something had gone wrong, and staining was brought in as a correcti

Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic