The Masonry Society
TMS masonry standards
TMS standards cover masonry construction and inspection: unit and mortar type, joint tooling, reinforcement and grout placement, and the moisture details that decide whether a wall stays dry.
Adoption varies by jurisdiction — confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
What it covers
- Unit, mortar and grout types
- Reinforcement placement and grout lifts
- Joint tooling and cleanliness
- Flashing, weeps and moisture management
What the evidence looks like
- Flashing, weeps and drainage plane photographed before the next course covers them.
- Grout lifts documented per lift, not as one shot at the end.
- Reinforcement position shown in the cell before grout goes in.
Checklists that verify work against TMS masonry standards
3 free checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Masonry Rough-inMasonry rough-in inspection checklistFirst-lift walk of layout, coursing, mortar joints and reinforcement before the wall builds height9 items14 photosMasonry Pre-coverMasonry pre-cover inspection checklistThe hold-point walk before grouting and insulation seal cells, ties and weeps out of view6 items10 photosMasonry FinalMasonry final inspection checklistCompleted veneer or CMU walk checking finish, movement joints and cleaning before turnover8 items11 photos
Common questions
- What is TMS masonry standards?
- Masonry construction — units, mortar, reinforcement, grouting and flashing. It is published by the The Masonry Society. TMS standards cover masonry construction and inspection: unit and mortar type, joint tooling, reinforcement and grout placement, and the moisture details that decide whether a wall stays dry.
- What does TMS masonry standards cover?
- Unit, mortar and grout types; Reinforcement placement and grout lifts; Joint tooling and cleanliness; Flashing, weeps and moisture management.
- What does a field inspection against TMS masonry standards look at?
- Flashing, weeps and drainage plane photographed before the next course covers them. Grout lifts documented per lift, not as one shot at the end. Reinforcement position shown in the cell before grout goes in.
- Which edition of TMS masonry standards applies to my project?
- Adoption varies by jurisdiction — confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
- Which checklists verify work against TMS masonry standards?
- 3 free checklists in the RTI library reference this family — each listed on this page with the photo evidence every item needs before it can be submitted.
A standard is only met if the evidence exists
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.
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