November 2009: For The Record

Words: Dan Kamys

November 2009

For The Record

JenniferGreen Getting its Due

Jennifer Morrell Editor jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com

As an editor, my personal sign that green building is here to stay is the fact that I no longer need to include quotations marks around the word green. People aren’t going to read stories about going green and think it involves a can of paint from Sherwin-Williams. Likewise, A&E folks, developers, contractors and consumers are aware of the importance of being green, not only because it’s seen as socially and professionally responsible, but also because it’s a platform to showcase an additional and important benefit of building with masonry: sustainability. As the Masonry staff heads to Phoenix this month to attend Greenbuild 2009, I reflect on the last four to five years and am amazed at how far the construction industry has come. Not only are we making the effort to understand LEED requirements and what it truly means to build green, but also we are embracing the idea that we are helping to secure a healthier environment and future for ourselves and our children – impressive. In this issue, we report on the latest efforts of the Natural Stone Council (NSC) to show how natural stone is a green material. In “Sustainability Through Natural Stone” (p.18), you’ll learn what the NSC is doing to move natural stone ahead as a sustainable material in a Q&A with John Mattke, NSC co-chair and chair of the council’s Sustainability Committee. Also included in this issue are two stories outlining the basics on levels and measuring (see “Lessons in Levels” on p. 26, and “The Lowdown on Measuring Devices” on p. 28). Another subject we examine in this issue is insulation – how it affects you as a mason contractor, and why it should be on your radar (see “The Skinny on Insulation” on p. 24). You also can read about the MCAA’s highly successful Midyear Meeting, which took place in San Diego in September (p. 14). We hope to see you at Greenbuild in Phoenix this month. But, if you are unable to attend the show, you can read coverage of it in Masonry. As an aside, I just looked up the word green at www.dictionary.com. One of the entries for the word under the “adjective” heading was “environmentally sound or beneficial.” How gratifying. Return to Table of Contents
Detailing for Durability: The 2026 Guide to High-Performance Stone Veneer Transitions
January 2026

Some of the most expensive failures involving manufactured stone veneer installations don’t come from the stone at all, but rather from the material transitions and flashing around it. Transitions are weak points in the overall cladding where water can fi

Jeff Tew
Technical Talks
Read More
How TMC Is Reaching the Next Generation of Masons
January 2026

Advocacy, outreach, and education have never been more important to the future of Texas masonry. As the state continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled trades. Industry leaders, schools, and organizations are working together to make sure the next

Ashton Fairchild
Industry News
Read More
Restoring South High School: A Beaux-Arts Icon in Youngstown
January 2026

By Eric Holm, Executive Director, Jubilee Urban Development A Testament To Time And Craftsmanship In the heart of Youngstown, Ohio, stands a structure that has witnessed more than a century of history, resilience, and craftsmanship. South High School,

Technical Talks
Read More
Risk Management Benefits of Reviewing the OSHA Top 10
January 2026

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards serve to keep employers aware of common risks that can have serious consequences. This annual list highlights the most frequently cited violations that inspe

Patrick Cunningham
MAP Partner
Read More