One good way to prepare for the care and maintenance of your own masonry structures is to familiarize yourself with the tools and materials that are commonly used for masonry repairs.
One of the things that makes masonry so special is the simplicity of the materials used to make strong and beautiful structures. Masonry represents the background of many construction projects, so the stone and construction methods need to ensure a strong, durable structure for years to come. One good way to prepare for the care and maintenance of your own masonry structures is to familiarize yourself with the tools and materials that are commonly used for masonry repairs. Read on for our useful guide to masonry repair materials and tools.
Materials
Mortar: Mortar is the material that you use to stick masonry units together during construction. There are several types of mortar, and this essential masonry material can be used for repair as well. Its strength makes it important for repairing and repointing many types of masonry structures. Some mortars should be used for driveway or paving projects, while others are good for stone and brick structures or walls. A masonry professional will have several options to choose from for masonry repair at different price points.
Grout: Grout is used to fill seams in masonry structures. This can need repair over time through standard weathering or frequent thawing and freezing. A masonry professional would use a mix of cement and sand to create grout for your structure’s seams.
Cement: Cement is one of the most common materials in masonry construction. It is available in its dry form, composed of lime, silica, aluminum, iron, and gypsum. When mixed and poured, cement becomes hard and makes a great material for floors and pavement in many masonry structures. When mixed with sand and gravel, cement is used as concrete in construction.
Rebar: Rebar is important for strengthening masonry materials. These steel bars are added within and throughout your masonry in order to reinforce the structure. This is especially important for large, tall structures that need to remain steady and strong.
Tools
Trowels: There are many types of trowels that a masonry professional may use. These include margin trowels, which are long and thin for applying mortar, and square-notch trowels, which have two straight sides and a notch, making them perfect for spreading the right amount of mortar evenly across the surface.
Chisels: A cold chisel is used to slice bricks and stone. They have a flat head which allows them to break masonry materials using the blows of a hammer. Chisels are great for chipping away excess or removing bricks.
Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Next Construction Project!
If you are ready to upgrade your home or commercial building with professional masonry installation or replacement, Del Prete Masonry has the experience and expertise to get the job done right for the right price. To explore our residential and commercial services and set up a consultation, please give us a call at 410-683-0650 or contact us online. We currently serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and get more updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.
Tags: masonry contractor, repairs, tools