December 2013 Table of Contents

Words: Dan KamysTable of Contents

FEATURES

Fireplaces & Chimneys Remodeling an indoor fireplace without replacing masonry really can be done, and the result can be natural, complex and permanent.

Building Envelopes & Wraps Knowing the Unknown: John H. Koester offers insights on the ‘Ostrich Syndrome.’ Scaffolding Scaffolding industry veteran Justin Breithaupt discusses the project “tough spot” of the elevator shaft.
masonry and construction information

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS From The Editor Chairman’s Message Government Affairs New Products Federal Construction Full Contact PM News


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Beyond the Block: Aesthetic Innovations in CMU Construction
August 2026

Concrete masonry units (CMUs) have long been a mainstay of construction. They are well known as a “tried and true” material with a long history of high-strength structural performance, affordability, ease of assembly, and a long lifecycle. CMU constructio

The Most Overlooked Profit Center on Your Job Site
August 2026

The real cost of equipment ownership isn't what you pay on day one. It's what happens over the years that follow. The purchase price of a new mortar mixer, grout pump, material handling system, or masonry saw is only part of the investment. What happens

Installation Starts Before the First Course
August 2026

Some of the most expensive masonry installation problems begin long before crews arrive onsite. By the time a project reaches the field, many coordination decisions have already been made. Dimensional conflicts, congested reinforcement, specialty materia

Designing for Performance: Key Considerations for Efficient, Durable Masonry Projects
August 2026

A successful masonry project starts well before the first stone is set. The craftsmanship on site matters, of course, but many of the decisions that shape the final result are made much earlier—during design, detailing, and material selection. Those choic