activities · 6
what they do
direct service · 2
- Hosting annual conferences and meetings Construction Trade Association ServicesHolds an annual conference and general meeting that provides educational opportunities for professional and non-professional masons and homeowners, including seminars, workshops, demonstrations, and wood-fired cooking experiences.
- Maintaining a directory and gallery of certified masons and their work Trade Certification & Standards DevelopmentMaintains a directory of Certified Heater Masons and a gallery showcasing masonry heaters built by its members.
advocacy · 1
- Advocating for masonry heaters Conservation Advocacy & Land ProtectionSuccessfully advocated against banning masonry heaters in Colorado, Washington, and Canada.
research · 1
- Conducting and sponsoring research on masonry heating technology Trade Certification & Standards DevelopmentSponsors laboratory research into masonry heating technology, developed the ASTM Standard Guide for the Construction of Solid Fuel Masonry Heaters (ASTM E1602), obtained funding for and initiated EPA-accredited lab testing, and established a private affiliated test lab to create North America's largest database of masonry heater performance tests.
capacity building · 2
- Certifying masonry heater builders Trade Certification & Standards DevelopmentCertifies heater masons who complete 40 hours of supervised work, pass hands-on tests and an exam, and build at least three masonry heaters, offering a professional training and certification program for designing and building masonry heaters and wood-fired ovens.
- Providing educational resources and advice Trade Certification & Standards DevelopmentPublishes information relevant to practitioners in masonry heating and offers workshops, training, and advice for amateurs and hobbyists on wood-fired projects.
strategies · 4
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Advancement and professionalization of masonry heating technology professional development and technology advancementThe organization advances masonry heating technology by enhancing the knowledge and skills of professional masons, supporting research and development, and influencing industry standards and regulations to improve technical practice and adoption.
- Industry and community network building industry promotion and professional developmentThe organization strengthens the masonry heater ecosystem by connecting builders, designers, manufacturers, and homeowners around shared values of craftsmanship, sustainability, and efficiency to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Promotion of masonry heaters as efficient, sustainable heating solutions promotion_of_efficient_heatingBy emphasizing the efficiency, sustainability, and craftsmanship of masonry heaters, the organization promotes their adoption among homeowners, builders, and officials as a superior wood-fired heating alternative.
- Provision of technical guidance and planning resources guidance_and_best_practicesThe organization supports successful masonry heater integration in buildings by providing technical information, planning guides, and best practices—especially emphasizing early coordination due to their structural and design implications.
named programs · 3
what they call their work
ASTM Standard Guide for the Construction of Solid Fuel Masonry Heaters (ASTM E1602)
Development of a standard guide used by code officials, architects, and other parties to evaluate the design and construction of masonry heaters.
Annual General Meeting at Wildacres Retreat Center
An annual meeting that includes workshops on masonry heater and wood-fired oven construction, held in Little Switzerland, NC.
Certified Heater Mason Program
A professional training and certification program for masonry heater builders, requiring an application, professional credentials, field experience, and an examination.
relationships · 10
who they work with
- ASTM Partner — Site-built masonry heaters in the United States are required to conform to ASTM E1602.
- ASTM International Partner — References and provides access to ASTM E1602 – 03(2010) e1 Standard Guide for Construction of Solid Fuel Burning Masonry Heaters.
- Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) Partner — Accepts certification issued by CSIA as proof of professional credentials for MHA certification.
- EPA Government — References EPA policy stating that masonry heaters do not require EPA certification.
- Home, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) Partner — Works closely with to coordinate efforts related to emissions regulations at international, national, and local levels.
- International Code Council (ICC) Government — References the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) regarding masonry heater installation and clearances.
- NFPA Partner — References NFPA 211 Section 8-7 for clearances to combustibles for solid-fuel-burning appliances.
- OMNI-Test Labs Partner — Most masonry heater kits were tested by OMNI-Test Labs in 1991.
- Wildacres Retreat center Partner — Hosts the MHA Annual General Meeting where wood-fired oven projects and learning opportunities are provided.
- Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. Partner — Accepts certification issued by Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. as proof of professional credentials for MHA certification.