Acceptable Masonry Tolerances & Workmanship

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 12-1 p.m. Eastern Time
1 lu/hsw

Masonry structures provide durability, fire resistance, and resiliency along with beautiful aesthetics. Join us to learn how to effectively communicate with building owners to ensure a structure that aligns with their expectations while meeting tolerance requirements. We’ll discuss acceptable masonry tolerances found in codes and standards and how to properly apply them to building construction. We’ll also cover the impacts of tolerances of supporting structures, since they’re often less stringent than masonry. Finally, learn lessons from the field that highlight the importance of good workmanship and trained craftworkers.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explore masonry construction tolerances requirements found in codes and standards.
  • Learn the correct way to apply the tolerances to masonry walls.
  • Develop skills to communicate effectively with the owner to ensure a secure, durable, and visually appealing structure that aligns with their expectations.
  • Explain how to effectively observe and assess masonry construction in the field, ensuring it adheres to industry standards.

About the Speaker

Joe Alberts
Director of Industry Development and Technical Services, IMI

Joe Alberts-1Joseph is a graduate of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky Apprenticeship program and holds an associate degree from Ivy Tech Community College. He has been a guest lecturer at the University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, Ball State University, and Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.

Previously, Joseph held the position of Masonry Superintendent for over a decade, where he managed and constructed countless masonry projects in the state of Indiana. He was also a State Instructor for the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky Apprenticeship Program, where he trained hundreds of craftworkers in masonry basics, blueprint reading, arches, serpentine wall construction, grout and reinforcement, flashing best practices, and much more.

Joseph is a member of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). He is also the director of the Indiana/Kentucky Structural Masonry Coalition.  

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