Archive for the ‘ Brick ’ Category

Surface Treatments for Aging Bricks

Friday, June 30th, 2017

When it comes to cleaning your aging bricks there are a lot of different surface treatments you can choose. A surface treatment is a process applied to the surface of a material to make it stronger and better. This can be purely aesthetic or make it resistant to corrosion and water. Here are some different methods for treating your aging bricks. Which one should you choose? (more…)

Posted in Brick

Dealing with Brick Efflorescence

Tuesday, December 6th, 2016

Newly constructed brick masonry may have brick efflorescence occur.

Have you ever seen brickwork with powdery scum on it that’s white, brown, green or yellow? That’s what masons call efflorescence. Efflorescence has been a masonry problem for thousands of years, and occurs when deposits of water-soluble salts are left on the surface of the bricks as water evaporates. This usually happens about a month after a building is constructed, but sometimes as long as a year after completion. (more…)

Posted in Brick

5 Reasons to Choose Brick

Friday, November 11th, 2016

Choose brick because it’s timeless.

1. Genuine clay brick is a durable, natural material.

Brick is made from clay and shale, two of the most abundant, natural materials on earth. These materials are fired through a kiln at up to 2000 degrees, fusing together into the durable material we call brick. Clay brick is actually much stronger than concrete brick, and boasts thousands of color and shade options that will not fade.

2. Brick has been in use for centuries.

Brick started as a building essential in the Near East and India over 5,000 years ago. It has since been used by the ancient Egyptians, the Indus Valley civilization and the Romans. Today, it remains a popular all-American building product that is a staple for our infrastructure. Still, bricks are also subject to much more stringent manufacturing processes. That means it performs better and more consistently than ever before.

3. Provides Superior Protection

Brick is a non-combustible material, meaning it is an excellent choice for cladding and resisting/confining fires. Structures built from brick also offer dramatically more protection from wind-blown debris, and provide superior moisture control than other materials.

4. Brick Looks Better and Requires Less Maintenance

Brick is timeless. It won’t rot, dent, or need to be painted, and it cannot be torn up or eaten by termites. Brick features modular units and shapes that can fit with just about any architectural style, whether it’s colonial, Victorian, or post-modernist. It also tends to look better with age. Plus, brick absorbs noise, making it acoustically advantageous.

5. Brick is Sustainable and Energy-Efficient

Brick has exceptional “thermal mass” properties, meaning it has the ability to store heat and then slowly release. This helps brick structures stay cool during the hot summer months and warm during the winter. Brick also produces minimal waste, is incredibly recyclable, and otherwise incredibly environmentally friendly.

Masonry Repair and Restoration from Del Prete Masonry

For all of your questions regarding masonry repair and restoration, feel free to contact Del Prete Masonry. Our masonry restoration professionals have the experience and history of satisfied clients to prove that we’ll get the job done right, and cost-effectively. To get started with your masonry restoration project, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County.

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Posted in Brick

Selecting the Right Type of Masonry Mortar Cement

Wednesday, September 14th, 2016

Every masonry project is going to call for a different type of mortar cement.

Choosing the right products is an essential part of any masonry project, and mortar cement is no exception. Mortar cement is what acts as the bonding agent for bricks and other building materials. It’s essentially what’s holding your project together, so you’ll want to choose mortar that will stand the test of time. Here are a few types of mortar cements you’ll want to consider. (more…)

Posted in Brick

Periodic Inspection and Maintenance for Brick Masonry Walls

Friday, September 9th, 2016

Brick masonry walls are durable, but still need inspection.

While brick masonry walls are long lasting and durable, it is still important not to overlook their regular inspection and occasional maintenance, if it is required. Regular inspection will help you identify problems, and especially get a handle on small problems before they develop into large expensive ones. With regular inspection you avoid unpleasant surprises. (more…)

Posted in Brick

What’s Involved in the Brick Repointing Process

Thursday, August 25th, 2016

Smoothing the mortar is the most delicate part of the brick repointing process.

When mortar deteriorates it needs to be removed from the joints of a brick wall and replaced with new mortar. This process is called brick repointing. Brick repointing jobs involve four major steps: preparing the joint, mixing the mortar, filling the join with mortar, and finishing the joint. (more…)

Posted in Brick

How to Tell If Your Foundation Needs Repair

Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

Uneven mortar could be a sign that your foundation is settling.

The foundation of a building is crucial to its structural integrity, so it’s imperative that you put in the time to maintain it. A number of issues can arise with foundations, ranging from water seeping through cracks to crumbling walls. Damaged foundations can cause settlement, in which a building sinks into the ground over the course of years. Here’s a few things you should watch out for. (more…)

Posted in Brick

The Advantages of Commercial Brick Repointing

Friday, April 22nd, 2016

Commercial brick repointing adds value and longevity to your structures.

There are a large number of reasons why building owners seek the restoration of the external fabric of buildings, such as brick repointing. Brick repointing aids in conservation, property value, image, resale, and helps to combat the inevitable obsolescence of the materials used in older buildings. In much of the western world the main construction materials used in a number of buildings have been brick, stone and flint. While together these things have great longevity, they do not last forever, and these components age at different rates, often leading them to need repair at different times. Periodic brickwork replacement and brick repointing, especially stopping mortar failure, is key. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick

Modern Surface Treatments for Bricks

Friday, April 15th, 2016

Treating brick surfaces is a great way to get a unique and modern look.

Looking for a way to make your lobby or office look modern and chic? There are many different types of surface treatments that can take exposed brick to a new level of trendiness. One of the more popular ways of treating indoor brickwork is to coat the surface in mortar or plaster. The result is a white wall where the bricks can be seen underneath the treatment. Levels or mortar or plaster and the texture of the finish can vary depending on which style you choose. Here are a few of the more popular trends. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick

Masonry Repair for Chimneys

Friday, April 8th, 2016

Masonry repair can restore an old and decrepit chimney.

Chimneys are known for durability, but that durability can lend homeowners to ignore masonry repair needs. Chimneys perform several important functions, and one that is deteriorating can be a safety hazard. As long as you keep up with maintenance and masonry repairs, however, you can extend the lifespan of your chimney and ensure it works properly. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick, Masonry Restoration