Spring 2015: Table of Contents

Words: Dan Kamys, Douglas Ogurek, Cory Sekine-pettite, Art Mintie, Henry Moss, Marc Rohde, Mike Buechel



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Spring 2015:

Table of Contents

features

Materials
Brick: An Old Way to a Better Tomorrow
Since early mankind moved out of caves and into communities, brick was a desired construction material. With readily available raw materials, a simple manufacturing process, and durable and sustainable results, brick’s continued prominence is easy to understand.
By Chris Hines

Project Spotlight
Workhorse Rally
The Village of La Grange has a long-standing tradition of preserving its past, including its beloved Stone Avenue Train Station, which recently underwent a vital restoration.
By Marc Rohde and Douglas Ogurek

Materials
Masonry Flashing
Flashings remain a critical component of any cavity wall system, diverting moisture outward as it collects in the cavity space to the exterior of the façade through the weep openings. A failure in this arrangement can ultimately lead to degradation of wall components.
By Jeremy S. Douglas CSI, CCPR

Restoration
A Timely Renaissance
For nearly a century, throngs of area residents of Waltham, Mass., made their way to work in the iconic 1854 factory of the Waltham Watch Company along the Charles River. Today, the factory is enjoying a second life, thriving once again through a mixed-use renaissance that provides innovative living and working spaces in its restored and renovated buildings.
By Henry Moss, AIA, LEED

Materials
Stone 101
What every member of a project team must know before, during, and after installation of natural stone.
By Mike Buechel

columns & departments

Letter from the Editor
Supplies

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

Westlake Royal Building Products™ Introduces New Board & Batten Profile for Royal® and Exterior Portfolio® Vinyl Siding Lines
April 2025

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE: WLK), has introduced a next-generation Board & Batten profile for its Royal® and Exterior Portfolio® vinyl siding lines. Maintaining the timeless charm of Board & Batten whil

New Mid-America® Gable Vents From Westlake Royal Building Products™ Combine Architectural Style With Easy Installation
April 2025

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is introducing four new gable vents to its Mid-America® line of exterior siding accessories. The new gable vents offer several advantages over alternative gable vents, in