Concrete masonry units offer a surprising amount of design flexibility, sustainability benefits and performance characteristics. Join us for a look at some of the lesser known innovations happening in the world of architectural block.

A rainscreen cladding is one of the most efficient systems for construction envelope purposes in today’s commercial building environment. This presentation will discuss how rainscreen cladding provides a building solution that aligns with current sustainable architecture trends and is surprisingly easy to install.

Pre-blended mortar eliminates many of the variables and uncertainties of site-mixed mortar, thus reducing the potential for problems and liability with the finished masonry construction. In this course, we will look at the types of mortar available, the process and pitfalls of field mixing versus pre-blended mortar, and the significance of mortar in masonry assemblies.

Cohesive and resilient designs are hard to achieve. This course offers a basic review of thin veneer applications, aesthetic opportunities and specifications for vertical surfaces.

The choice of concrete masonry in a building’s envelope provides a durable and permanent material that will last the life of the building. This program will discuss new masonry and stone products in the market, including large veneer and design options to meet today’s trending aesthetic demands.

Sustainable design and green building are ever-evolving, with the latest version, LEED v4.1 introduced in 2019.

Manufactured stone veneers have come a long way since their introduction, with modern versions delivering the high performance and timeless aesthetics of natural stone at a fraction of the cost.

This presentation reviews the rising trend and use of manufactured stone veneers (MSV) and advancements in the manufacturing process which make new veneers more durable, easier to install and more aesthetically pleasing and delivers the natural aesthetic of real stone.