Welcome to the course! In this opening section, you’ll get a clear idea of what to expect and how the training is structured. You’ll also be introduced to the National Masonry Academy — who we are, why we exist, and how our work supports safer, higher-quality masonry across the industry. This is your starting point before diving into the practical lessons ahead.

This opening section sets the stage for the course and explains why cold weather working is such a critical issue in masonry. You’ll explore the risks of poor adhesion, structural weaknesses, and the freeze–thaw cycle, along with hidden impacts such as reduced thermal and acoustic performance. Through real-world examples, you’ll see how ignoring these challenges can affect safety, quality, and long-term durability. This section also introduces the National Masonry Academy and provides a downloadable overview PDF for future reference, along with a short knowledge check to reinforce key points.

This section explores the wide range of risks that bricklayers and contractors face when working in cold conditions. You’ll look at both personal hazards — such as slips, trips, falls, and hypothermia — and material hazards, including what happens when bricks and mortar freeze. Practical lessons guide you through safe storage, handling, and protection techniques, alongside the 3°C rule for knowing when to stop or continue work. You’ll also consider the added dangers of wind and site equipment during winter. A downloadable hazard checklist and an interactive hazard spotting scenario help you put this knowledge into practice.

Cold weather is one of the biggest threats to mortar strength and long-term performance. In this section, you’ll discover exactly how low temperatures and the freeze–thaw cycle affect fresh mortar and finished brickwork. You’ll then learn practical methods for protecting mortar — from correct storage and on-site coverings to curing times and the safe use of additives. A quick-reference diagram and interactive quiz will help you spot the warning signs and test your knowledge of frost risks.

• Video 1: What Are Admixtures? Types & Uses • Video 2: Air Entrainment, Retarders, and Accelerators • Video 3: What Not to Use: Myths & Unsafe Additives • Video 4: Site Application – Dosage, Timing, and Best Practice • Download: Admixture cheat sheet (PDF) • Quiz: Match the admixture to the function

This final section brings together everything you’ve learned throughout the course. You’ll start with a recap to review the key points on cold weather masonry, followed by a final assessment designed to test your understanding across all topics. To successfully complete the course, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher on the final exam. Once passed, you’ll be able to download your completion confirmation and next steps handout, giving you a record of achievement and a practical reference for future work.