Course Description

This presentation provides a practical overview of masonry wall performance, focusing on three critical areas: crack control, water penetration resistance, and energy efficiency. Participants will learn how masonry walls respond to movement, moisture, and thermal conditions, and how proper design, detailing, material selection, and construction practices can improve durability, reduce maintenance issues, and support high-performing wall assemblies.

Learning Objectives

• Identify common causes of cracking in masonry walls and explain how shrinkage, thermal movement, restraint, differential movement, and structural loading influence crack development.
• Apply basic crack-control strategies including proper joint placement, reinforcement, movement accommodation, detailing, and construction sequencing to improve masonry wall performance.
• Explain how masonry wall assemblies resist water penetration through the use of drainage cavities, flashing, weeps, air barriers, sealants, material selection, and proper interface detailing.
• Evaluate energy-performance considerations for masonry walls including insulation placement, thermal bridging, air leakage, thermal mass, and assembly selection for code compliance and occupant comfort.

Learning Units: 1 HSW 
Presented by: Adam Hutchinson, P.E., Northwest Masonry Institute

Event Sponsor

Event registration closes the day before the event.

Please contact Aubrey Cotton with any questions you have: [email protected] | 402-434-1830