For many buildings and masonry structures, both old and new, masonry restoration is a key process that helps them stay in good condition. But the process might sound complicated to the average person. Here are the basics of what happens in masonry restoration.
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A fireplace can be a beautiful centerpiece of a room, and of your home. But sometimes brick fireplaces, in particular, can be tricky to maintain. Time and wear can start to cause problems, but if you don’t know what to look for, then it can be easy to miss signs of problems. Here’s how to spot where your brick fireplace might need repairs.
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Masonry structures are durable and meant to last for years, but that doesn’t mean that you might not run into the occasional weak spot in the mortar. Not to worry, it is very common to repair masonry structures by repointing these weak spots in the brick joints. If you have been wondering about what happens in this process, here is a brief overview of what it takes to repair brick joints.
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If you have been thinking of installing a masonry structure, then you may have already thought over the materials. And while concrete, limestone, and natural stone all have their benefits, have you considered brick? There are several reasons why brick might be the ideal choice for your masonry project.
Many people like the aesthetic of painted brick for the exterior structures. Painting your brick gives it an even texture and color. Also, painted brick gives it a protective coating against the elements and erosion. But if you have decided that you want to paint your brick then here are a few steps to take to make sure that it is done successfully.
Before you start your next masonry project you have to stop and consider, are you using the right type of brick? While all bricks are made using a similar process; a mixture is placed into a mold, and then kiln fired, the differences can be quite dynamic. Most bricks are made from clay, but some are made from a mix of concrete and calcium silicate. There are five main types of bricks which are useful for different situations, today we’ll walk you through these.
This is an example of the Flemish Bond pattern.
When it comes to exterior decorating, you can’t beat the classic beauty and durability of brick for your patio or walkway. But, depending on which look you’re going for, it can be hard to decide which brick pattern will look the best. Once it’s down, there’s no changing your mind. But there’s no need to stress. Even with so many patterns to choose from, this simple breakdown will help you get an idea of what will work best for your project.
After any wet-set hardscaping installation, you need to give your project an acid wash remove any leftover residue and bring the stone to life.
You’ve completed your new hardscaping project and cleaned up most of the extra mortar, but there’s still a chalky residue keeping your new installation from looking the way you expected. It’s time for an acid wash to finish up your new feature. After any wet-set hardscape installation, you need to give your project a final clean to help remove any leftover residue and bring the stone to life.
Concerned about the signs of wear and tear in your brick masonry? Here are a few things to inspect when taking these steps to preserve the beauty of your home.
Your beautiful brick home may have been in the family for generations. Or you may have bought a fixer-upper with masonry that had a lot of character and potential. However you came to own your home, you may be concerned about the signs of wear and tear in your brick masonry could lead to larger issues in the future. Fortunately, regular inspections and calling a professional for restoration, or even repairs, is a simple way to handle issues like worn, cracked brick and crumbling mortar. Here are a few things to inspect when taking these steps to preserve the beauty of your home.
Choosing to undergo the project yourself, without the advice or work of a professional bricklayer, can wind up being a costly mistake that sacrifices structural integrity and requires serious fixes.
Whether you’re building or renovating your house, or building an outdoor structure such as a patio, it’s important to consider the benefits of hiring a masonry professional. Choosing to undergo the project yourself, without the advice or work of a professional bricklayer, can wind up being a costly mistake that sacrifices structural integrity and requires serious fixes. A bricklayer, who will have all the necessary experiences and qualifications to help you construct your project to meet your needs, can also help you save on costs and give you valuable knowledge about maintenance which will benefit you in the long term as a homeowner. Here are a few of the benefits of hiring a professional bricklayer. (more…)