Trust your commercial masonry contractor with crucial repairs and maintenance.
Masonry has demonstrated over and over again how it can stand the test of time. Brick and stone buildings can last for hundreds of years after their construction! However, even the most competently built commercial masonry will need to occasionally be touched up or repaired. If you want to maintain the integrity and durability of your building, it is always best to trust your commercial masonry contractor at DelPrete Masonry with those repairs.
Why You Should Avoid DIY Repairs
When attempting DIY construction, people can end up hurting themselves with the weight of materials and even damage the materials. A sturdy building requires the installation of all bricks or stones to be in the right place and aligned evenly to balance the distribution of weight properly.
If you attempt DIY repairs, you can remove critical supports that worsen your problem or cause collapses. This is why it’s best to call your commercial masonry contractor to provide the expert care your building needs efficiently and safely. If you notice the following problems, contact your contractor today.
Cracks in Brick and Stone
Patching cracks in stonework involves more than injecting some concrete or covering the area. Bricks may need to be replaced, requiring careful installation of mortar and flashings.
Repointing is a common way to fix cracks because it helps the building not to bear down so heavily on that area. However, cracks are often caused by water damage or foundation issues, so it is essential to have an expert evaluate the root cause, or the cracks will keep reappearing.
Stone Lippage
Lippage refers to when masonry, such as tiling or stone, is uneven. You may notice that a few areas poke out or stand up further than others. It can be possible to grind down these areas, but replacement may be required if the problem is more significant.
Signs of Water Damage
One of the largest threats to masonry is water damage. As water infiltrates the intermediary materials (mortar and grout) that hold the structure together, it loosens their grip. Over time, bricks may fall out, slip, or lose their symmetry. Problems like this must be fixed as soon as possible because mortar supports the structure. Without it, the building can become unsteady, and sections can tilt or crumble.
Spalling
Spalling refers to when bricks sag or start to bulge and crumble. This is often seen in buildings where temperatures fluctuate between hot and freezing seasons. As the water within the wall’s texture expands in the heat and freezes in the cold, it causes the materials to break. Knowing how to fix these patchwork sections requires the professional knowledge of a commercial masonry contractor.
Discoloration, Mold, and Other Visual Problems
You might think that simple discoloration and dirt are easy problems to tackle on your own. However, power or pressure washing your exterior should be left to the pros. The high-powered jet of water can damage your masonry if you don’t know how to use the machine and can result in more expensive repairs in the future.
A professional will also be able to identify the best detergent to use to fight mold, algae, or pests present whether hot or cold water is best. If you spot any of these signs, invest in high-quality work from your commercial masonry contractor at DelPrete Masonry to ensure the continued strength of your building.
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: masonry contractor, masonry maintenance, Masonry repair