"A masonry fireplace is an important feature of a home that can significantly increase its value, by providing beautiful natural stone or brick surfaces that contrast well with the drywall, plaster, wood paneling or other, more common, indoor wall surfaces. However, same factors that give masonry its rugged, natural beauty make it difficult to change when remodeling is desired."

"The demands of the day can sometimes outweigh the best long-term strategy for taking care of a structure built with brick. Many property owners and project managers can make quick decisions that have long term, and potentially detrimental consequences when working to repair, remodel, or make an addition to an existing structure." 

"In the next 5-10 years, I would like to see brick’s market share grow while growing Masonry Cosmetics’ next generation at home. Additionally, I would like to see myself and Masonry Cosmetics still involved with the MCAA and a dozen other organizations we are a part of today."

"In February of 2020, I had the opportunity to see the Acme Brick Company’s brainchild, “Baby Clay.” Just shy of five tons, Baby Clay weighs in at a hefty 9,300 pounds."

"Here is a story about Wyatt Karaway, the son of Nathan and Casey Karaway.  Wyatt happens to be the newest Brickman in an industry where we are all Brickmen."

"Matching colors and textures is one way to make any set of structures appear to “belong together.” A house and a garage, a church and a rectory, or a set of buildings on a university campus give visual evidence of their relationship..."

"Staining is a great option that can improve customer satisfaction by resolving problems or eliminating them before they arise. It also will beautify your work by removing potential eyesores, and provide opportunities for additional revenue."

"Most people readily recognize that brick masonry does not burn. However, what they may not realize is that walls which include brick masonry veneer, and even thin brick masonry veneer, can provide enough protection for any combustible layers behind them..."

"Efflorescence is a topic we have often explored in MASONRY Magazine over the years, allowing many of us to become quite knowledgeable on the subject. Are you aware, however, that there are tests that can help pinpoint the source of efflorescence in masonry?"

"Everyone in our industry knows The Belden Brick Company. Attributes such as integrity, quality, and excellence are associated with their name. There are fascinating stories woven throughout the 137 years they have been in business."

"World-famous for its Golden Dome, the 137-year-old Administration Building at the University of Notre Dame serves as HQ for its president and provost. The 1879 building is a must-see destination and a popular place for picture taking. Its exterior brick  demonstrates the ingenuity of builders in the late 1800s. Since the clay was excavated from the two lakes on campus, the finished yellow bricks are known as “Notre Dame bricks.”

"Finding a well-matched brick for a repair, window fill-in, or addition can be challenging. Available brick colors change over time, and sometimes the brick you are searching for has been discontinued. You want a brick that, ideally, is as close to the size, texture, and color of the original brick that you can find. What do you do, however, when it is still not enough?"

"How often do you think about how strong a brick is? Better said, what is the compressive strength of a typical brick?"

"Going forward, the potential damage to brick buildings through the use of improper staining products, especially to our beautiful historic buildings, would be heartbreaking. Staining, applied correctly with the right product, can be successful and greatly rewarding to all involved."