December 2013 Table of Contents

Words: Dan KamysTable of Contents

December 2013 Volume 52, Number 12

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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Managing the Mysterious Job Site Slowdown
August 2026

Every contractor knows the feeling. A job looks good on paper. The schedule makes sense. The crews are lined up. The material is supposed to be there. Then, for no obvious reason, the whole job starts crawling. That is what makes it so frustrating. Nobod

Damian Lang
Contractor Tip of the Month
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Sainte-Cécile Cathedral
August 2026

Imagine being handed a set of plans calling for the largest brick cathedral in the world. Now imagine building it without modern cranes, engineered scaffolding, forklifts, power tools, or structural analysis software. That was the challenge facing medie

Cass Stern
Marvelous Masonry
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Why SkillsUSA is the Keystone to MCAA’s Outreach
August 2026

When I stepped into the role of the MCAA’s first Director of Youth Outreach and Education, I knew we had a massive job ahead of us. I am a fourth-generation brick mason, and I have spent over two decades teaching the trade, from working with apprentices a

Robert Melgaard
Outreach Outlook
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The First Paycheck
August 2026

Several years ago, Huntley Brothers hired a young apprentice. It was his first real job, and he had never had a paycheck before. Friday rolled around, and he got paid just like everyone else. Later that day, one of the guys told me something I have never

Kent Huntley
Chairman’s Message
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