For the Love of Masonry

Sweeps Take the Heat: MHA Conference Offers Masonry Expertise and Networking

By Tim Smith, Owner, Certified Chimney Care

The annual Masonry Heater Association (MHA) conference took place April 8-12 at Wild Acres in Little Switzerland, North Carolina. Over 50 masons from across the country and around the world gathered for this event.

The week kicked off with board meetings on Tuesday. Materials were delivered, project areas were marked, and a flurry of preparation ensured everything was ready for the “real meat and potatoes” of the conference starting Wednesday.

Mornings began with classes on SketchUp, a CAD program used for designing everything from houses to, in this case, masonry heaters and ovens. Tuesday offered a wider variety of sessions. Attendees learned about new Tulukivi products, participated in brainstorming meetings, explored sales and promotion strategies, and learned about the integration of masonry heaters into home design with architects.

On Wednesday, project construction began. A mason from Estonia even came specifically to build a heater. Everyone else jumped in to help. The projects were diverse, including ovens, masonry heaters with heated benches, Tulukivi heaters, and a heater/smoker/ soapstone cooktop combo. There was even a class on soapstone carving. The knowledge and artistry within this group of masons is phenomenal. Everyone was eager to share information, from how masonry heaters and ovens work to the intricacies of a reverse squirrel tail vent.

Thursday night brought a lively auction with laughter, camraderie, and a chance to bid on cool items.

When projects were completed, fires were lit to begin the drying process, marking the official start of the party. It was clear that the driving force behind all this hard work was not just a love of masonry, heaters, and ovens, but also a love of food and friendship. Pizzas emerged from the ovens, smoked meats filled the air, homemade tortillas sizzled on a wood-fired flat top, and fresh seafood and meats danced in flames on the soapstone cooktop. Another oven roasted coffee beans, while smoked cheese and chocolate treats awaited for dessert. It was a true festival of food and fellowship!

This incredible event took place on a stunning mountaintop near Asheville, North Carolina with picturesque panoramic views. Lodging and meals are included with your registration.

This is definitely something that every sweep should attend. Whether you want to learn more about masonry heaters and ovens, fine-tune your masonry skills, or just enjoy hanging out with people who have the same interests as you, this event has something for everyone.

Interestingly, many attendees (like myself!) have never built a masonry heater.

Mark your calendar for next April – you won’t regret it.

The MHA offers a program specifically designed for sweeps. Contact Chris Prior or Dave Zellweger for more information about this program.