EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate Program

Traditional craft skills and contemporary repair techniques are critical to the preservation of historic buildings and structures. Our in-depth Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate Program (HMPC) gives BAC craftworkers integrated knowledge of historic masonry preservation.

BENEFITS

For Building Owners and Design Professionals

  • Manage quality control on preservation projects.
  • Take advantage of the opportunity to present project-specific information to the craftworkers on your project.
  • Ensure quality craftsmanship by including HMPC as a pre-qualification in project
    specification language. See sample specification language below.


For BAC Craftworkers

  • Increase your work opportunities with a recognized credential included in project specifications.
  • Establish your expertise as a preservationist by learning traditional and contemporary techniques from renowned practitioners.

Specify HMPC for trained
restoration craftworkers

If you want to be sure the craftworkers on your project are trained under HMPC to perform sensitive restoration work, use our sample specification language.

Division 4 – Masonry Restoration

1.4 Submittals

    A. Qualifications

  1. All (or select) project team craftworkers of the Masonry Restoration Contractor assigned to this project will be required to have the International Masonry Institute – Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate or equal and to provide evidence of certificate or a letter of the firm’s commitment to enroll key project personnel in the certificate program prior to the start of the project.

CURRICULUM

HMPC is a 50-hour program covering the role of craftworkers in the overall execution of a preservation project, including the theory and history behind the preservation movement, an in-depth understanding of traditional materials/methods, and advancements in preservation technology. The learning modules actively engage masonry craftworkers – many of whom have already been involved in high-level restoration work – through lecture and hands-on training sessions lead by experienced IMI and IMTEF instructors. The course also draws heavily on assistance and participation from building owners, members of the preservation design community, and product manufacturers.

Core Modules

This module discusses the history of the preservation movement as well as current trends in the field of preservation. Participants gain an in-depth understanding on the 4 major treatment approaches: Preservation, Rehabilitation, Restoration, and Reconstruction.

This module covers the evolution of the construction process, including the timeline of building technology and its impact on the American way of building. Participants receive an overview of basic architectural vocabulary and examine the properties of building materials and the mechanism of deterioration. Other topics include diagnostic methods, including examining and evaluating historic fabric, and sustainability issues. Upon completion, participants have a better understanding of the building as a system.

This module introduces the types of research, survey, and testing that takes place before physical restoration work begins. The module follows the work of the architect, engineer, and conservator and explains the role each plays in understanding the deterioration phenomenon and selecting repair methods and materials.

This module provides an overview of both traditional repair methods and materials as well as contemporary and cutting-edge approaches. Specialized materials used in the hands-on portion of the program are also discussed.

This module covers the development and use of masonry mortars in the U.S. Participants gain an in-depth understanding of lime-based mortars, natural cements, use of pozzolans, and hydraulic-based mortars. Lectures focus on the chemistry behind mortars and their appropriateness depending on masonry types, masonry quality, and location. A hands-on portion gives participants the opportunity to prepare and install lime-based mortars and practice several mortar extraction methods.

Depending on project and team needs, HMPC also includes a number of additional modules that are available upon request. 

  • Brick Restoration
  • Terra Cotta Restoration
  • Stone Carving and Dutchman Repair
  • Concrete Repair
  • Historic Mortars: Materials, Removal, and Pointing Techniques
  • Masonry Cleaning
  • Mold Making and Casting
  • Caulking and Sealants
  • Consolidants and Coatings
  • Pinning and Grout Injection

Program Availability

HMPC is offered in the following locations:

  • The BAC/IMI John J. Flynn International Training Center outside Washington, DC
  • Regional BAC training centers
  • Job sites for site-specific training on an as-needed basis

Design professionals and project owners can contact IMI for more information about the program or to access a list of qualified contractors in your area. BAC signatory contractors can also contact IMI for additional background or to inquire about employee training. 

BAC craftworkers should contact their local training center or coordinator to inquire about program availability. BAC Local Officers and Training Coordinators can contact IMTEF to enroll members or to get additional information about program availability at the International Training Center. To find out about upcoming classes at the BAC/IMI International Training Center, see the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation’s training calendar.

LET’S BUILD RESPONSIBLY.

Work with our multi-disciplinary team to help you deliver high-performing projects.