Learn what you can do to prevent masonry moisture damage.
Masonry can last for decades if properly cared for, but one of the biggest obstacles to properly maintaining your masonry is moisture. Moisture is one of the enemies of stone and brick, and improper moisture management can lead to permanent damage that requires expensive repairs. What are some of the best ways to prevent masonry moisture damage at your property?
Plan Ahead
Just like any construction project, you should start with careful planning. What type of elements is your finished masonry project going to include? How can you integrate waterproofing to prevent masonry moisture damage throughout the installation phases of the project? Incorporating moisture-resistant materials, like air retarders and water vapor retarders, is one way to decrease the likelihood of moisture damage.
Think About Drainage
Proper drainage is essential to avoid masonry moisture damage. If you do not have a plan for how water will drain and move away from your structure, you can end up with serious problems relatively early in the structure’s life. Make sure that you have plenty of permeable surfaces around the property during and after construction.
Lay the Right Foundation
When building anything, you want to think about the foundation’s strength. That is because a poor foundation will lead to an inferior finished product. The same thing should be considered when making any masonry structure. To avoid masonry moisture damage, you must build the proper foundation to limit potential damage from nature. The foundation should be free of vulnerable joints, weak points, or cracks.
Consider Wall Structure
Finally, you should also construct every wall in the structure with masonry moisture damage in mind. Flashing is one way to add greater security, but air gaps and rain screens are also good tools for proper ventilation and moisture mitigation.
CONTACT DEL PRETE MASONRY TODAY!
Whether you are ready to start your next masonry project or are still hesitant and have questions, Del Prete Masonry is here to help. We have the experience and expertise to get it right the first time. Questions? Want to visit some of our residential or commercial projects? Ready to set up a consultation? Feel free to give us a call at 410-683-0650 or visit us online. We are happy to serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and to keep up with our new and exciting projects, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: flashing, masonry construction, masonry moisture damage, moisture damage, prevent damage