Investing in smart, context-sensitive overcladdings—as well as upgrading older masonry buildings with new, energy-wise envelope improvements—can contribute to not just better buildings but also improved neighbourhoods.


Thermal bridges occur all over a building in transitions, terminations, and penetrations. Foundation to wall transitions, balcony projections, window and door openings, and roof parapets can all serve as thermal bridges. However, while identifying...

A look into the design of three types of masonry cavity walls: simple cavity drainage walls, air-vented cavity drainage walls, and rainscreen pressure-equalized cavity walls.

One of the most reliable ways of keeping exterior walls dry or allowing them to dry out when they do get wet is to construct an assembly with an outer protective shell, also known...

Jack arches are a structural element in masonry construction that have been used in the built environment for centuries. Jack arches, also known as flat or straight arches, are structural elements that provide support...



According to the Brick Industry Association (BIA), clay brick can be used by project teams to meet the Materials and Resources requirements of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) v4.0 and v4.1...

Flashing takes discipline, as the most anyone will see is the bent edge of a drip edge or a weep vent, but doing it correctly usually determines whether or not the job is profitable...