Archive for the ‘ Masonry Construction ’ Category

3 Weather Conditions that Can Impact Masonry Construction

Friday, June 1st, 2018

Extreme weather conditions can really have an affect on the quality of masonry construction, so make sure you check the weather in advance!

Masonry construction can be a lengthy process, especially when constructing an entire building. It is important to keep the weather conditions in mind when planning a masonry construction project because the weather can affect the quality of construction. Here are three weather conditions that can impact masonry construction.

Extreme Cold

Cold weather can cause the cement hydration process to stop completely. Mortar needs a certain amount of heat for the cement to hydrate which is important because that’s what gives the mortar its strength. If any masonry materials become frozen, they have to be melted and dried before they can be used. Preheated bricks are a good way to prevent this problem from occurring if you know in advance that it’s going to be cold outside. Freezing temperatures can also reduce the strength of mortar, making it more likely to unbond or allow water into it.

Hot & Dry

The opposite of extreme cold, hot and dry weather can also negatively impact masonry construction. The issue with hot weather is that the water from the mortar may evaporate or absorb too quickly, causing it to settle too soon. This will also decrease the bond strength between each brick and make the masonry more likely to leak. Hot, dry weather can also lead to an accumulation of dry dust, which can affect machinery and the health of the construction workers.

High Winds

If it is really windy outside, masonry workers must decide if it’s safe enough to even construct that day at all. Some equipment is only designed to withstand so much wind, so it becomes dangerous to try and use it in extreme wind conditions. Winds can cause cranes to fall over or swing the material away from the crane, which could cause a crash.

Contact Del Prete Masonry 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

Posted in Masonry Construction

The Benefits Of Using Masonry Materials For Your Next Construction Project

Friday, April 27th, 2018

If you want your building to be low-maintenance, protected from rotting, and sound proof, you should use masonry materials!

One of the most important parts of putting together any building or structure is the materials you are going to use to do so. You want your building or structure to be built nicely and last a long time, which is why you should choose masonry materials to do so. There are so many benefits to using masonry materials and while we wish we could tell you all of them, here are a few.

Sound Proof

Masonry materials block out noise way better than traditional construction materials. This means that when you are inside of a building that was made with masonry materials, you don’t have to worry about being disrupted by outside noises.

Protection From Rotting

Since there is no wood used in masonry, there is nothing that can rot over time. In addition to this, masonry materials can reduce and even eliminate the amount of fungus or mildew that builds up over time between the walls. These build-ups can lead to foundation problems as well as health problems to people who are regularly inside the building.

Low-Maintenance

When you use masonry materials in their natural form, they generally don’t require much maintenance at all. Aside from cleaning every now and again or replacing the mortar if need be, you don’t have to worry about your masonry for years to come. The natural look of masonry materials also provides a beautiful, elegant look.

Lower Utility Bills

If you choose to use concrete block as your preferred masonry material, you are helping to save money on those costly utility bills. This is because concrete block is very well insulated so it stores more energy. It keeps the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer, which means you can turn your air conditioning and heat down some. Masonry materials are natural, so they are also eco-friendly.

Contact Del Prete Masonry For Your Next Masonry Project

Posted in Masonry Construction

The Cold Weather Masonry Tips That Could Help

Friday, January 12th, 2018

Masonry work is a specialized field already, and it requires incredible attention when the temperatures drop like this.

This week has brought a cold upon us for an extended period of time, and we’ve really never experienced anything like it. Meteorologists are calling it the “bomb cyclone,” which is just a cool name in itself. But what that means is that an unprecedented amount of arctic air has been pushed over the Mid-Atlantic. While temperatures won’t always consistently stay in the teens, we are officially in winter, and the air is as cold as can be. With that said, it’s important to understand how the winter weather can impact masonry. Masonry work is a specialized field already, and it requires incredible attention when the temperatures drop like this. The cold air can cause the mortar itself to expand, and that could lead to cracking. There are plenty of different techniques to follow when it comes to masonry work during this time period. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Construction, Masonry Contractor

What Is Mortar Analysis and Where Is It Used?

Friday, December 8th, 2017

Mortar analysis is used to determine what was used to create mortar at a historic or other site so that it can be recreated.

Mortar analysis is used to determine what was used to create mortar at a historic or other site so that it can be recreated. There are two main types of mortar analysis currently used to determine the components of mortar. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Construction, Masonry Restoration

How to Hire the Best Masonry Contractor

Friday, December 1st, 2017

Hiring a masonry contractor can be a stressful process if you aren’t totally sure what you’re doing.

Hiring a masonry contractor can be a stressful process if you aren’t totally sure what you’re doing. However, it’s important to take your time, since the skill of the masonry contractor you select has a direct effect on the quality of the finished product. Here are some of our best tips for hiring the best masonry contractor. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Construction, Masonry Contractor, Masonry Restoration

How Custom Masonry Monuments Improve Your Business

Friday, October 13th, 2017

The signs and other advertising techniques that you use to attract customers and clients to your business are extensions of your overall brand.

If you’ve ever been driving down the road, looking for a specific business, then you know how important visible signage was in helping you find your destination. Well, that’s why custom masonry monuments and monument signs are so important for businesses; they lead people directly to your company. If your business needs to upgrade what you already have or are looking for a way to enhance visibility, here are some ways that custom masonry monuments are worth the investment. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Construction, Masonry Contractor

The Different Types of Masonry Walls

Friday, September 29th, 2017

Masonry walls are known for providing a great deal of strength and lasting long periods of time without being compromised.

Masonry walls are typically the strongest and sturdiest part of any building. Masonry walls are known for providing a great deal of strength and lasting long periods of time without being compromised. Masonry walls also do a great job at helping to regulate the flow of your indoor temperature outside and vice versa. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Construction, Masonry Contractor

How Professional Masonry Benefits You

Friday, July 28th, 2017

Masonry can be enduring and natural and adds value to your home, making it more earth friendly.

No matter what kind of home remodel or customization you are planning, masonry work can benefit you. Building with masonry materials is a centuries old tradition represented through historical structures that are still standing. Masonry can be enduring and natural, and adds value to your home, making it more earth friendly. There are a wide variety of other benefits we are going to discuss today, let’s explore. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Construction

Custom Masonry Monuments and Monument Signs for Businesses

Thursday, June 8th, 2017

Here are some benefits to using custom masonry monuments as monument signs.

Does your business need some new custom masonry monuments? You may not know this, but monument signs for businesses can help to drive up attention and generate new customers. Constructed to be at eye-level, these monuments can be made of multiple types of materials, not just masonry. But for the sake of durability, choose masonry. Here are some benefits to using custom masonry monuments as monument signs. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Construction

Hot Weather Masonry Tips

Friday, May 19th, 2017

With these masonry tips on hand, you will be more than up to the challenge.

If you are wondering how to best care for your masonry construction as the weather warms, you have come to the right place. It is a valid concern to have, as warm weather poses unique challenges to masonry. With these masonry tips on hand, you will be more than up to the challenge. Read on to learn how to help your masonry handle the heat. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Construction