Masonry Magazine February 2012 Page. 8

Words: Justin Whitman
Masonry Magazine February 2012 Page. 8

Masonry Magazine February 2012 Page. 8
FOR THE RECORD
Jennifer Morrell
Editor
jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com

Behold the Brick
Pick up the real estate section of any newspaper, open any real estate directory in any city, or visit any realty website, and the descriptions of the homes - anywhere in the country-will be the same, if bricks are used. You see, bricks always are mentioned front and center. "All-brick home..." or "Two-story home with three sides brick..." After all, three sides clad in brick are better than two, which are better than one. Bricks are a bragging right, and the more, the better.

Even condominium descriptions will tout the use or inclusion of bricks when possible: "Spacious great room with exposed brick walls..."

Make no mistake: Bricks are a selling feature on any home or building. On the exterior, you know you're getting a sustainable, durable product that creates a long life for the structure. On the interior, bricks present an ambiance of warmth, and add charm and character.

With such a variance in sizes and colors, bricks allow for endless looks and patterns. These looks and patterns can be varied further by merely changing up the mortar colors. What's the best thing about building with bricks? Turns out, everything. In this issue, the Brick Industry Association outlines the many environmental attributes of the almighty brick in an article addressing sustainability on p. 24.

Not to take away from masonry's other magnificent materials (blocks, stone, marble and more)... We just want to celebrate the brick and all it has to offer. So, thank you, brick manufacturers, thank you, brick distributors, and thank you, brick masons all over the world. You make our industry proud! IMAS
Jemifth A. morell

MASONRY
The Voice of the Masonry Industry

MASONRY Magazine
Official Publication of the
Mason Contractors Association of America and the
Canadian Masonry Contractors Association
The Mason Contractors Association of America is committed to preserving and promoting the massery industry by providing continuing education, advocating far codes and standards, fostering a sale work environment recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials.ion of America is committed to preserving and promoting the masonry industry by providing continuing education, advocating fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment, recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials

MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
President Mackie Bounds
Vice President John Smith, Jr.
Secretary Mark Kemp
Tasarer Mike Sutter

Regional Vice Presidents
Robert K. Barnes, Jr.
Roe Bennett
Steve Borman
Edwin Davenport
David Hill
Glenn Rotan
Douglas Nichols
Richard Porter

Executive Director Jeff Buczkiewicz

EXECUTIVE STAFY
Government Affairs Representatives The Keelen Group
Director of Members Bob Birdbell
Director of Marketing Education, and Timothy W. O'Toole
Information Technology
Administrative Assistant Are Trowell
Consultant Rashod Johson

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
David Jollay (Jollay Masonry Contractors), John Chrysler (MJA), John Melander (PCA), David Hill (Pettit Construction Co.), John J. Smith (John J. Smith Masonry Co.), Brian Grant (Grant/Jack's Masonry), Jerry Painter (Painter Masonry, Inc.), Doug Nichols (Doug Nichols Enterprises), G. Alan Griffin (Griffin Contracting, Inc.), Tom Daniel (GBC Concrete and Masonry Construction, Inc.)

Executive Office
1481 Merchant Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 224.678.9709 or 800.536.2225
Fax: 224.678.9714

Elfreth's Alley in Philadelphia is known as the oldest residential street in America, and it is a national historic landmark. The homes are charming, expensive and still standing today, because they were constructed with bricks. Masonry at its finest!

6 MASONRY February 2012 www.masoncontractors.org
MASONRY is the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and the Canadian Masonry Contractors Association (CMCA). The magazine acts as a sounding board without approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data, claim or opinion appearing under a byline or obtained or quoted from an acknowledged source. Opinions expressed by officers do not necessarily reflect the official views of MCAA or CMCA. The appearance of advertising or new product information doesn't constitute an endorsement by MCAA or CMCA of product featured.

MASONRY ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL OFFICE
Send all advertising and editorial submissions for Masonry to:
Lionheart Publishing, Inc.
506 Roswell Street, Suite 220, Marietta, GA 30060 USA
Tel: 770.431.0867 Fax: 770.432.6969 E-mail: jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com
www.masonrymagazine.com

Publisher John Llewellyn jllewellyn@lionhrtpub.com
Editor Jennifer Morrell jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com
Art Director Alan Brubaker albrubaker@lionhrtpub.com
Assistant Art Director Lindsay Sport lindsays@lionhrtpub.com
Online Projects Manager Patton McGinley pattonm@lionhrtpub.com
Advertising Sales Marvin Diamond marvind@lionhrtpub.com
Art Shaeffer art@lionhrtpub.com

Marketing Director and
Audience Development Maria Bennett mariab@lionhrtpub.com
Reprints Kelly Milwood kelly@lionhrtpub.com

The Voice of the Masonry Industry


The Cornerstone of Success: Safety and Documentation in Masonry
April 2025

The masonry industry plays a vital role in constructing our homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Yet, beneath the enduring beauty of brick and stone lies a complex and often hazardous work environment. Ensuring the safety of workers and maintaining docu

How It's Made: Natural Stone Veneer
April 2025

Natural stone veneer is a durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing building material that has been used for centuries. It adds timeless beauty to masonry projects while offering structural integrity and resilience. But how does natural stone veneer

Vibing Masonry #5 - The Evolution of Concrete Masonry Units: From Ancient Foundations to Modern Innovations
April 2025

Early Development: The Genesis of Concrete Blocks (early Rome to 1900s) The history of concrete masonry units (CMUs) or concrete blocks begins with humanity’s earliest binding materials, notably the Romans’ remarkable concrete. Around AD 125, structures l

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 18 Recap: Jeff Tew, Westlake Royal Stone Solutions
April 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Jeff Tew joins the show, along with MCAA President Jeff Buczkiewicz, to talk about where his passion for this industry started and what it's been like working on the Supplier side of the industry. An Excitin