Stoldt specialty masonry

05/27/2026

Why did you become a mason… or a tradesman?

Was it the craftsmanship?
The freedom?
The family trade?
The pride of building something that outlives you?
Or was it simply because hard work was all you knew?

For me, masonry was never just a job. It was legacy. It was learning that every structure tells a story — and every brick, stone, and block laid correctly becomes part of something bigger than yourself.

Long after we are gone, the work remains.

That’s the difference between building for money… and building for meaning.

In today’s world, too many people chase shortcuts. The trades taught me patience, discipline, structure, sacrifice, accountability, and pride in workmanship. They taught me that real craftsmanship cannot be rushed.

So I’ll ask all the masons, tradesmen, builders, operators, carpenters, laborers, ironworkers, concrete finishers, electricians, plumbers, roofers, and contractors out there:

Why did YOU get into the trades?
And what do you want your legacy to be?

Drop your story below. Let’s hear it.

05/21/2026

Most people see mortar as “just mortar.”

In reality, different mortar types were engineered for different buildings, different eras, different compression strengths, and different moisture conditions. Using the wrong one can slowly destroy an entire structure.

Here’s a basic breakdown of common mortar types used in masonry work:

TYPE M MORTAR
• Highest compressive strength
• Used primarily below grade, foundations, retaining walls, and heavy load-bearing applications
• Very hard mortar with low flexibility
• Not recommended for historic soft brick structures

TYPE S MORTAR
• High strength with good bonding capabilities
• Commonly used for structural walls, retaining walls, foundations, and exterior masonry exposed to weather
• Excellent for modern brick, block, and stone construction
• Too hard for many historic masonry applications

TYPE N MORTAR
• Medium-strength mortar
• Most commonly used in residential above-grade masonry work
• Good balance of strength and flexibility
• Used for brick veneer, chimneys, and general exterior walls

TYPE O MORTAR
• Lower compressive strength and softer composition
• Often used in historic restoration and interior non-load-bearing walls
• Better flexibility and v***r permeability for older masonry systems

TYPE K MORTAR
• Very low strength and extremely breathable
• Primarily used in historic preservation and restoration of antique brick and stone buildings
• Designed to protect older masonry by allowing movement and moisture release

LIME MORTAR / NHL (Natural Hydraulic Lime)
• Traditional mortar used in many historic structures before modern Portland cement
• Flexible, breathable, and designed to move with historic masonry
• Allows moisture to escape naturally through the joints instead of damaging brick or stone

What happens when the wrong mortar is used?

When hard modern mortar is forced into older soft brick:
• Brick begins to spall and break apart
• Moisture gets trapped in walls
• Freeze/thaw cycles accelerate deterioration
• Structural cracking develops
• Historic masonry loses its ability to breathe

In masonry, the mortar is often supposed to fail BEFORE the brick.

This is why true restoration work requires knowledge of:
• Compression strengths
• V***r permeability
• Expansion and contraction
• Historic material compatibility
• Water migration and freeze/thaw science

Most failures are not intentional.
They come from contractors simply never being taught masonry science correctly.

At Curatola Masonry, we study the building first — then engineer the repair around the structure, not just the appearance.

Because done incorrectly, a repair can destroy a building over time.

📞 614-313-6642
🌐 CuratolaMasonry.com

05/21/2026

🎉 GIVEAWAY TIME! 🎉

Jones Land Services has officially been operating for 6 years and we're celebrating 1.5 years of doing this full time! We couldn't keep this business running and supporting our family without the support of all of our customers!

We’re excited to give away a backpack cooler packed with some awesome goodies — including shirts, koozies, and more featuring our business logo! 😎

Want a chance to win? Here’s how to enter:

✅ Like this post
✅ Share this post
✅ Make sure you’re following our page
✅ Tag 3 friends in the comments

That’s it — you’re entered! 🙌

📅 Winner will be announced on May 20, so don’t wait!

Good luck to everyone, and thank you for supporting our business! 💙

05/20/2026

200 brick a day

04/21/2026

ISO a couple of people for a short term job in Frontenac pay depends on experience.must have some knowledge of how to read a tape measure,a level ,and a ⏰ .drivers liscence is a plus.👍🏾pls call or text 620two38-9663 leave a message thanks

04/17/2026