Masonry inspection guide helps ensure code compliance, building safety

Inspecting masonry is an important part of ensuring the safety and performance of new buildings. Now checking the compliance of masonry installations just got easier. A new reference guide, the CodeMaster-Special Inspection for Masonry, provides inspectors with a step-by-step process to ensure masonry meets the requirements of the 2003 International Building Code.

Developed by the Masonry Institute of America (MIA) in cooperation with the International Code Council and S.K. Ghosh Associates, Inc., the new CodeMaster-Special Inspection for Masonry is a four-page, laminated guide easily transportable for reference in the field.

"This easy-to-carry guide will sharpen the skills of the average code inspector, who may not inspect masonry every day," said International Code Council Foundation President Paul E. Myers, who, with the help of MIA, is distributing the guide free to International Code Council governmental members. "For the veteran masonry inspector questioning a specific point, it serves as a quick refresher."

John Chrysler, P.E., Executive Director of MIA, and James Feagin, Special Inspector for the City of Los Angeles, contributed extensively to the masonry guide.

"Our goal for developing the guide is to ensure masonry is constructed properly and installed safely," said Chrysler. "Jim and I wanted to share our combined 50 years of experience with others. By putting the information in a format that is easy to use, we hope people will gain from our knowledge."

The guide identifies six steps involved in masonry inspections. It provides photos of materials, construction drawings and reference charts in one convenient, easy-to-read format. Separate sections address materials compliance, construction conditions, reinforcement placement and grout inspection, as well as quality assurance and correcting deficiencies.

To purchase a copy of the CodeMaster-Special Inspection for Masonry, click here, or call 1 (800) 786-4452. Price: $7 (ICC members), $9 (nonmembers).

The Masonry Institute of America is a promotion, technical and research organization established to improve and extend the use of masonry.

The International Code Council Foundation is dedicated to changing the devastating effects of natural disasters and other building tragedies by promoting ideas, methods and technologies that encourage the construction of durable, sustainable buildings and homes.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.

EDITORS' NOTE: Photos of the new CodeMaster-Special Inspection for Masonry are available here.