Why Masonry?

The most spectacular and long-lasting structures known to mankind – the Pyramids of Egypt, the Roman Coliseum and even the Great Wall of China – were all created with masonry. Their continued majesty stands as a testament to the constructive power of the trade, which combines strength with versatility to form beautiful, timeless structures.

Masonry is the ideal long-lasting building material. It is durable, strong, earth-friendly and capable of withstanding the test of time. It is impressively resistant to mold and natural forces such as hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and heavy snows that would typically damage or destroy other common building materials.

Masonry is very flexible in design and aesthetically pleasing, making it the perfect choice for all types of projects; hospitals, schools, government, institutional, office, retail and apartment buildings. The design possibilities are endless as masonry products are available in a variety of colors, textures, styles, finishes and shapes to match an architect’s imagination.

Today, masonry experts utilize both modern technology and traditional artistry to create the beautiful, safe and sustainable buildings you see every day.

Having proved itself dependable over thousands of years, masonry continues to be the go-to material.

Union masonry contractors have a proven track record of successfully delivering quality construction projects on time, on budget and with consistent results from one project to the next regardless of project type, complexity and size.

Union masonry contractors and craftworkers have advantages that non-union masonry contractors do not- The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers ADC of New Jersey (BAC ADC of NJ), the International Masonry Institute (IMI) and the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF). These industry partners do the drug testing, interviewing and aptitude testing for all applicants for their Registered Apprentice Programs and provide training. The specialized and standardized training is held in state-of-the-art training centers that mock real-world work environments. This training includes skills craft training, new product training, proper installation techniques, safety, blueprint reading, other classroom training and more. The structured training program also provides upgrade training throughout a craftworker’s career.

Additionally, the IMI offers professional, technical assistance, design review and a host of accredited educational programs to union contractors and designers to ensure that masonry is properly detailed, specified and installed.

The Union has a stable and productive workforce with an unlimited pool of experienced, highly skilled and safety conscious workers. The benefit of hiring well trained and skilled workers on an as needed basis to handle larger projects, work overload, or to cover for employees out due to illness, vacation or family matters is an advantage to the entire project team.

Masonry Contractors of New Jersey’s members are qualified and responsible union masonry contractors that have a reputation for commitment to fairness, health and safety, quality and professionalism. They provide personal service and build relationships as they carefully plan and successfully execute all phases of their projects.

Looking for a Union Masonry Contractor?
Contact the Association Office (609) 324-1140

Construction ranks as one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. By analyzing OSHA violations in the industry, evidence from OSHA inspections has found that the unionized construction industry has significantly fewer health and safety violations and occupational fatalities than non-union. By ensuring safer worksites, the union construction industry improves productivity, reduces burdens on state workers compensation systems, and promotes healthier, safer workers and communities.

The unionized construction industry attracts, develops, and retains skilled workers through a rigorous system of registered apprenticeship training, sustaining wages and benefits and high levels of standards for craftsmanship and safety. “The Impact of Unions on Construction Worksite Health and Safety” research, published on November 30, 2021 by the ILEPI (Illinois Economic Policy Institute), reports findings as listed below and more:

• The Impact of Unions on Worker Wages and Benefits
• The Impact of Unions on Apprenticeship Training in Construction
• The Impact of Unions on Workplace Safety
• OSHA Inspections and Violations by Union Status, Sector. and Region
• OSHA Inspections by Union Status and Type of Inspection

• The Great Pyramid of Giza is over 5,000 years old and uses 2,300,000 blocks of stone.
• It has been estimated that about 3,873,000,000 individual bricks were used to build the Great Wall of China.
• Architects and builders choose masonry for its beauty, versatility, and durability.
• Sun-baked clay bricks were used in buildings over 6,000 years ago.
• Cavity walls were developed to reduce water penetration problems.
• When exposed to fire, masonry does not burn, melt, twist or warp.
• Masonry buildings are more resistant to projectiles and show little distress from impact of flying debris during tornados and huricanes.
• Masonry materials come in hundreds of colors and decorative finishes.
• Over 70% of the buildings in the world are built with masonry.
• Masonry structures have lower insurance costs than non-masonry structures.
• Masonry does not support mold growth.
• Masonry is a skilled trade that takes much time, effort and talent to learn.
• Every brick and block must be laid by hand, and requires the skill of a craftsman.
• Masonry is a non-combustible product.
• Masonry Exterior Walls will hold up to heavy storms, U.V. degradation, blistering heat, and sub-zero temperatures.
• Masonry, combined with ‘thermal mass’ insulation systems, stores more energy, it stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing electric consumption.
• Masonry is an Environmentally-Friendly “Green” Product.
• Many brick buildings older than a century are still in use today.
• Brick is one of the few materials that are allowed to be reused in a building.