--- title: Restoration Takes Communication --- [![IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png?width=174&height=34&name=IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png)](https://www.imiweb.org/) - BUILDING SOLUTIONS - SOLUTIONS - [New Construction](https://www.imiweb.org/new-construction/) - [Restoration](https://www.imiweb.org/restoration/) - NEW CONSTRUCTION ASSEMBLIES - [Brick](https://www.imiweb.org/new-brick-construction/) - [Concrete](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-construction/) - [Concrete Masonry Units](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-masonry-construction/) - [Plaster, Stucco, & EIFS](https://www.imiweb.org/new-plaster-stucco-eifs-construction/) - [Rainscreen](https://www.imiweb.org/new-rainscreen-construction/) - [Stone](https://www.imiweb.org/new-stone-construction/) - [Terrazzo](https://www.imiweb.org/new-terrazzo-construction/) - [Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/new-tile-construction/) - RESTORATION ASSEMBLIES - [Brick](https://www.imiweb.org/brick-restoration/) - [Concrete](https://www.imiweb.org/concrete-restoration/) - [Plaster](https://www.imiweb.org/plaster-restoration/) - [Stucco](https://www.imiweb.org/stucco-restoration/) - [Stone](https://www.imiweb.org/stone-restoration/) - [Terra Cotta](https://www.imiweb.org/terra-cotta-restoration/) - [Terrazzo](https://www.imiweb.org/terrazzo-restoration/) - [Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/tile-restoration/) - SEGMENTS - [Cultural and Civic](https://www.imiweb.org/cultural-civic/) - [Higher Education](https://www.imiweb.org/higher-education/) - [Multifamily Residential](https://www.imiweb.org/multifamily-residential/) - [Healthcare](https://www.imiweb.org/healthcare/) - [K-12 Education](https://www.imiweb.org/k-12-education/) - [Retail and Hospitality](https://www.imiweb.org/retail-and-hospitality/) - SERVICES & TECHNICAL RESOURCES - SERVICES - [Architect, Engineer, & Designer Services](https://www.imiweb.org/designer-services/) - [Contractor Services](https://www.imiweb.org/contractor-services/) - [Specification Services](https://www.imiweb.org/specification-language/) - RESOURCES & TOOLS - [Detailing Series](https://www.imiweb.org/detailing-series/) - [Software & Design Aids](https://www.imiweb.org/software-and-design-aids/) - EDUCATION & TRAINING - EDUCATION FOR AEC PROFESSIONALS - [A/E Webinars & Education](https://www.imiweb.org/ae-education/) - [Contractor Webinars & Education](https://www.imiweb.org/contractor-education/) - TRAINING FOR CRAFTWORKERS - [About IMTEF](https://imtef.org/) - [Become an Apprentice](https://imtef.org/careers/) - [Find a Local Training Center](https://imtef.org/imtef-training-directory/) - [Health & Safety Training](https://imtef.org/safety-health/) - [International Training Center](https://imtef.org/national-training-center/) - INSTALLER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS - [Adhered Masonry Veneer Program](https://www.imiweb.org/adhered-masonry-veneer-program/) - [Advanced Certifications in Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/advanced-certifications-in-tile/) - [Flashing Upgrade Training Program](https://www.imiweb.org/flashing-upgrade/) - [Grouting and Reinforcing Training](https://www.imiweb.org/grouting-reinforcing-training/) - [Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate Program](https://www.imiweb.org/historic-masonry-preservation-certificate/) - [Rainscreen Certificate Program](https://www.imiweb.org/rainscreen-certificate-program/) - [Supervisor Certification Program](https://www.imiweb.org/supervisor-certification-program/) - [Terra Cotta Installation and Repair Program](https://www.imiweb.org/terra_cotta_installation_and_repair_program/) - ABOUT IMI - ABOUT IMI - [About IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/about/) - [Team IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/team-imi/) - [News](https://info.imiweb.org/blog) - [Contact IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/contact/) - PROGRAMS & AWARDS - [BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest](https://imtef.org/iac/) - [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition](https://www.imiweb.org/jbcaward/) - [Masonry Camp](https://www.imiweb.org/imi-masonry-camp/) - [CONTACT](https://www.imiweb.org/imicontact/) - ![](https://imiweb.org/wp-content/uploads/icn-search-nav.png) ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News [August 26, 2009](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/restoration-takes-communication) [Leave a comment](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/restoration-takes-communication#comments-listing) [Training](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training), [Energy Efficiency](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/energy-efficiency), [Sustainable Design](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/sustainable-design) [Launching a new product? The key is installation, installation, installation](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/launching-a-new-product-the-key-is-installation-installation-installation) [A Language Barrier for Air Barriers](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/a-language-barrier-for-air-barriers) # Restoration Takes Communication \[gallery\] Restoration work has been active in the Washington DC area in recent years, particularly with the economy's chilling effect on new construction. So it's a good time to ask, how well do all of the players understand it? This week, we brought a sellout crowd of architects and engineers who specialize in restoration to The Flynn Center to cover some key concerns. One big issue in restoration is moisture penetration. Because flashing knowledge comes from extensive project experience, it's often done wrong, resulting in millions of dollars of repair costs to owners annually. To avoid flashing pitfalls, the design team should understand how the components within a masonry wall serve to protect a building against moisture migration. Design details that incorporate this understanding need to be well communicated to everyone involved. Communication is particularly critical, since restoration calls for a wide range of expertise. "Construction isn't always the fall guy," says forensic architect Robert W. Davidson, AIA, who thinks that designers need to do a better job of conveying their design solution to contractors. IMI spends a lot of effort helping contractors and craftworkers understand their role in the process, through training and programs like [Sustainable Masonry Certification](http://www.imiweb.org/multimedia_gallery/press_room/press_releases/20090701_sustainable.php). That makes sense, says Davidson. > “You teach them how to do it and why. We need to do the same with architects.” It's also critical for all the players to really understand the building envelope, which entails understanding how individual components work together to create a wall or floor system, and realizing that any change to a component affects how the system itself performs. Particularly for restoration, performance is just as important as aesthetics. One of the best ways to learn how to solve problems is hands-on experience. Attendees got to explore two common problem areas - caulking and repointing - that way. The experience, they told us, will help them communicate better in the field. [Training](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training), [Energy Efficiency](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/energy-efficiency), [Sustainable Design](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/sustainable-design) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Frestoration-takes-communication%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Frestoration-takes-communication%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Frestoration-takes-communication%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Frestoration-takes-communication%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Restoration%20Takes%20Communication) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Frestoration-takes-communication%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Frestoration-takes-communication%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Related posts [![IMI’s Emerging Contractor Program Builds Estimating and Project Management Skills for Union Masonry Contractors](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/Emerging%20Contractor%202026.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/imis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors) ##### [IMI’s Emerging Contractor Program Builds Estimating and Project Management Skills for Union Masonry Contractors](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/imis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors) Vanessa Ball, a member of BAC’s Mountain West ADC, has been working in pointing-cleaning-caulking since 1993. Over the years,... By [Allison Sauntry](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/imis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors/author/allison-sauntry) - May 19, 2026 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/imis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors) [![New Class of Certified Instructors Equipped to Teach the Trowel Trades Nationwide](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/IMIBricklayersUnionGraduation-10.28.2021-420.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide) ##### [New Class of Certified Instructors Equipped to Teach the Trowel Trades Nationwide](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide) The International Masonry Institute (IMI) and International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF) have a lot to... By [Henrieta Muradzikwa](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide/author/henrieta-muradzikwa) - October 29, 2021 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide) [![3 Black Training Leaders Discuss How to Support People of Color in Your Union](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/how-to-support-poc-in-your-union-featured-image.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union) ##### [3 Black Training Leaders Discuss How to Support People of Color in Your Union](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union) ***A version of this article originally appeared in BAC Journal, Issue 2 2020, and is reprinted here with permission in honor of...*** By [Elizabeth Kekeris](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union/author/elizabeth-kekeris) - February 23, 2021 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union) Search ### Categories - [Training (27)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training) - [Sustainable Design (23)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/sustainable-design) - [Energy Efficiency (21)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/energy-efficiency) - [Conferences and Events (16)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/conferences-and-events) - [Tile (15)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/tile) - [Apprenticeship (10)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprenticeship) - [Structural Masonry (10)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/structural-masonry) - [Historic Masonry Restoration (8)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/historic-masonry-restoration) - [Instructor Certification Program (ICP) (8)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/instructor-certification-program-icp) - [Masonry Camp (7)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/masonry-camp) - [masonry (7)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/masonry) - [Member Spotlight (6)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/member-spotlight) - [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition (5)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/jbc-masonry-innovation-competition) - [Stone (5)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/stone) - [Apprentice Contest (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprentice-contest) - [Building Code (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/building-code) - [Project Feature (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/project-feature) #### ![logo-ftr-1](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-ftr-1.png?width=200&height=41&name=logo-ftr-1.png) BAC/IMI International Training Center 17101 Science Drive Bowie, MD 20715 [Privacy Policy​](https://imiweb.org/imi-privacy-policy/) | [Contact Us​](https://imiweb.org/contact-imi/) **Related Organizations** [International Masonry Training and Education Foundation](https://imtef.org/) [International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://bacweb.org/) [International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://www.icebac.org/) [Tile Contractors’ Association of America](https://www.tcaainc.org/) ### Sign up for updates from IMI © International Masonry Institute. All Rights Reserved.