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This Old Castle: Masonry Matters - The Basics of Brick

Wednesday, October 2, 2024
6:00 pm7:30 pm

Old home ownership is not for the faint of heart (trust us, we know!), but we're here to help!

We've teamed up with our friends at Nebraska State Historical Society and Preserve Omaha to bring you a series designed to demystify maintaining and preserving your old home or building. Join us for This Old Castle as we learn alongside us from the best experts in town.

Join us Wednesday, October 2nd, for a lecture and discussion about all things brick! Shawn Kolterman, owner of a circa 1910 brick home and Vice President of Kehm Contractors, will cover the types of bricks, mortars and exterior wall assemblies typically found in older buildings.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

1. Describe the different types of wall assemblies typically found in older buildings and how those assemblies differ in the way they manage moisture.
2. Define the different types of brick resulting from clays, shaping and firing processes, including how these processes have evolved throughout time, and how the resulting brick is suitable for differing uses. Give examples of appropriate uses of these types.
3. Explain the different types of mortar and how to choose the correct type based on the type and function of the brick.
4. Describe typical old-building maintenance and repair issues, including repointing, and how to address them.
5. Discuss the dos and don'ts of masonry repair and maintenance.

Bring your questions for Shawn!

About Shawn Kolterman:
Shawn Kolterman grew up in Blair, NE and graduated from high school there when U2’s The Joshua Tree was atop the music charts. A few years later, he graduated from Colorado State University and spent the next twelve years or so hiking, working in the financial services industry, skiing, and cultivating his appreciation of fine tequila. Eventually, the Rocky Mountains were in the rearview mirror when he returned to Nebraska to marry the love of his life. Together, they chase around five lively daughters, run the family business, KEHM CONTRACTORS, INC: Commercial Masonry & Restoration, look after several dogs, argue about politics, labor as the current stewards of their circa-1910 brick house, and patronize some of Omaha’s fine dining establishments on date night. Check out www.foxysushi.com for their latest adventure. Shawn currently serves on the local board of the Entrepreneurs Organization and is president of the Nebraska Masonry Alliance.

Doors open at 5:30pm and the program begins at 6pm. We'll have our little bar set up if you choose to have a drink.

This installment qualifies for Nebraska Real Estate Commission Realtor CEUs and has been submitted for AIA CES credit.

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