A time of change

Words: Karen HickeyI'm pleased to introduce myself as the new editor of Masonry magazine. This is an exciting time for me – a new beginning with a lot of changes.

The masonry industry is entirely new to me, so I have a lot to learn. I was fortunate to meet many people who work in masonry while I attended the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in February in Las Vegas. In any industry, the people are what drive progress and innovation. They are the backbone of the trade. The relationships between the people in these businesses are what really matter. My new relationships with the men and women in masonry will be something I'll work hard to build in the coming months and years.

Of course my knowledge of the terminology will also build as time passes, and I'll learn more details about the products and equipment used by masons. After all, I'm going to be learning from the experts! The March issue of Masonry covers some of the terminology and products I'm becoming familiar with: scaffolding, saws and saw blades, and also rehabs and restorations. We’re also covering the MCAA Annual Convention, which coincided with the World of Concrete exhibition.

We at Masonry magazine hope that this year has started off well for you, and that the changes in your life and business have been positive ones.

I look forward to working with and meeting many more of you!
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February 2026

A Cleveland.com “House of the Week” feature spotlights a 1932 brick home near Lake Erie with a $1.59 million asking price. For mason contractors, it is another reminder that brick exteriors can be a premium selling point, but only when the masonry is care

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Stone Cladding Panels Forecast Signals More Stone Veneer Work For US Mason Contractors
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A new IndexBox market update says demand for stone cladding panels is expected to accelerate through 2035, fueled by a broader construction upswing. For US mason contractors who install stone veneer, that points to more opportunity, but also more pressure

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New Cavity Fire Barrier Guidance Puts Masonry Wall Safety In The Spotlight
February 2026

A masonry trade group has launched a new Technical Committee and released its first guidance focused on cavity fire barriers. For mason contractors, it is a timely reminder that fire performance details in cavity wall construction deserve the same attenti

The Daily Digest
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The Practicality Behind Cavity Walls
February 2026

The construction industry tends to chase certainty. We want walls that never leak, materials that never move, and systems that behave the same in the field as they do on paper. Every generation pushes for a tighter envelope, a thinner assembly, or a smart

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