Division 04 Masonry
Manufacturer or Product Substitution in Division 04 Masonry submittals
Short answer
The submittal proposes a different manufacturer or product than the spec names, without an approved or-equal or substitution request. Default grade in Division 04 Masonry: Blocker.
The submittal proposes a different manufacturer or product than the spec names, without an approved or-equal or substitution request. This guide covers how it shows up specifically in Division 04 Masonry submittals.
What to look for in Division 04 Masonry
Masonry specs name specific unit manufacturers, mortar producers, and accessory suppliers. Look for:
- CMU manufacturer substitutions (Oldcastle/CRH, Basalite, Angelus Block, Trenwyth, QUIKRETE)
- Brick manufacturer substitutions (Boral, General Shale, Acme Brick, Glen-Gery, Endicott)
- Natural stone supplier changes (quarry source matters for color and physical properties)
- Cast stone manufacturer substitutions (Arriscraft, Indiana Limestone, US Precast)
- Mortar manufacturer substitutions (Spec Mix, Quikrete, Lehigh Hanson, US Mix)
- Masonry accessory substitutions for ties, anchors, flashing (Hohmann & Barnard, Wire-Bond, Blok-Lok, Heckmann)
- Through-wall flashing manufacturer changes (Sandell, Mortar Net, Hohmann & Barnard)
- Masonry sealer/repellent manufacturer changes (Prosoco, Sikagard, Sto)
How severe is it?
Default grade: Blocker. Drops to a Note if the submittal attaches an or-equal approval letter from the architect of record.
Deviation Check assigns a default per category and escalates or de-escalates based on the spec, always showing its reasoning. See the Division 04 severity rules.
What the PM should do
Treat this as a hold. Do not approve the submittal until the sub resolves it, either by providing the specified product and documentation or by routing an approved substitution or or-equal request. Return the relevant spec passage to the sub as a redline.
Other deviation categories in Division 04
Frequently asked questions
What CMU and brick manufacturer substitutions should a project manager flag in Division 04 Masonry submittals?
Flag any CMU manufacturer that is not the specified supplier - common names to watch for include Oldcastle/CRH, Basalite, Angelus Block, Trenwyth, and QUIKRETE. For brick, substitutions away from Boral, General Shale, Acme Brick, Glen-Gery, or Endicott all require an or-equal approval letter from the architect of record before the submittal can move forward.
How does a masonry subcontractor clear a manufacturer substitution in Division 04 Masonry without a full rejection?
Attach an or-equal approval letter signed by the architect of record. Without that letter the deviation is a Blocker. This applies equally to accessory substitutions - ties, anchors, and through-wall flashing from Hohmann and Barnard, Wire-Bond, Blok-Lok, Sandell, or Mortar Net all need the same written approval before the package is approvable.
View this page as Markdown for LLMs and note-taking.