CSI Division

Division 04: Masonry submittal deviations

What changes between a Division 04 Masonry spec section and the sub's submittal, why it matters, and how each deviation is graded.

Short answer

Division 04 Masonry submittals deviate most often on product substitutions, performance ratings, and missing certifications. Deviation Check flags every difference from the spec and grades it a Blocker, Fix and Resubmit, or Note.

Division 04 covers masonry construction in commercial buildings: concrete masonry units (CMU), brick, stone, mortar, grout, reinforcing, and related accessories. Common CSI sections submitted for review:

Common Division 04 CSI sections

Division 04 Masonry spec sections frequently submitted for review:

Representative Division 04 CSI MasterFormat sections
SectionTitle
04 05 00Common Work Results for Masonry
04 05 13Masonry Mortaring
04 05 16Masonry Grouting
04 05 19Masonry Anchorage and Reinforcing
04 05 23Masonry Accessories (ties, anchors, flashing, weeps, control joints)
04 20 00Unit Masonry
04 21 13Brick Masonry
04 22 00Concrete Unit Masonry (CMU)
04 22 23Reinforced Unit Masonry
04 23 00Glass Unit Masonry
04 27 00Multiple-Wythe Unit Masonry
04 40 00Stone Assemblies
04 42 00Exterior Stone Cladding
04 43 00Stone Masonry
04 72 00Cast Stone Masonry

The six deviation categories in Division 04 Masonry

Every issue Deviation Check flags maps to one of six categories. Here is how each appears in Division 04 Masonry submittals, with the full guide one click away.

Manufacturer or Product Substitution

Blocker The submittal proposes a different manufacturer or product than the spec names, without an approved or-equal or substitution request.

Masonry specs name specific unit manufacturers, mortar producers, and accessory suppliers. Look for:

Manufacturer or Product Substitution in Division 04 Masonry submittals →

Performance Specification Gap

Blocker A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires.

Key performance parameters in masonry submittals:

Performance Specification Gap in Division 04 Masonry submittals →

Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation

Fix and Resubmit A required listing, test report, certification, or compliance document is absent from the submittal package.

Required certifications in masonry submittals:

Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation in Division 04 Masonry submittals →

Aesthetic Deviation

Fix and Resubmit A visible attribute (color, finish, texture, profile) differs from the spec or the architect-approved sample.

Aesthetic Deviation in Division 04 Masonry submittals →

Detail or Installation Mismatch

Fix and Resubmit The submitted detail, dimension, anchorage, or installation method differs from what the spec or drawings require.

Detail or Installation Mismatch in Division 04 Masonry submittals →

Submittal Package Incompleteness

Fix and Resubmit A required submittal element (cut sheet, schedule, calculation, sample) is missing, leaving the package unreviewable as submitted.

Commonly required items in Div 04 specs:

Submittal Package Incompleteness in Division 04 Masonry submittals →

How Division 04 deviations are graded

Each finding is graded Blocker, Fix and Resubmit, or Note. Division 04 escalation rules:

  • CMU compressive strength below spec f'm: BLOCKER (structural capacity per TMS 402)
  • Brick grade below weathering requirement (MW where SW specified): BLOCKER (freeze-thaw durability)
  • Mortar type below spec (Type N where Type S specified): BLOCKER (structural capacity and weather resistance)
  • Grout strength below spec: BLOCKER (structural capacity for reinforced masonry)
  • Reinforcing grade below spec: BLOCKER (structural per TMS 402)
  • Missing fire rating documentation for rated assembly: BLOCKER (life-safety)
  • Missing seismic compliance for reinforced masonry: BLOCKER (IBC)
  • Wall tie type or spacing non-compliant with TMS 402: BLOCKER (structural connection of wythes)
  • Through-wall flashing omitted where spec requires: BLOCKER (water infiltration, structural damage)
  • CMU weight class mismatch (lightweight where normal weight specified for structural): BLOCKER if structural, FIX_AND_RESUBMIT if non-structural
  • Brick color or texture mismatch: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (aesthetic)
  • Mortar joint profile mismatch: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (aesthetic)
  • Missing efflorescence test results: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (quality assurance)

Run a Division 04 submittal review

Upload a Division 04 spec section and the sub's submittal package, and get a one-page deviation report in under five minutes. See pricing and start a review.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common deviations in Division 04 Masonry submittals?

The most common are product or manufacturer substitutions, performance specification gaps, and missing certification or compliance documentation. Deviation Check sorts every finding into one of six categories.

How are Division 04 deviations graded?

Each finding is graded Blocker (resolve before approval), Fix and Resubmit (correct and re-send before fabrication or install), or Note (acceptable with a comment).

View this page as Markdown for LLMs and note-taking.