When people think of concrete, they often don’t expect it to be used much in interior spaces. But concrete’s durability and style make it an ideal material. There are several reasons why concrete could be a great option for your interior floors.
Concrete is a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, and durable material and a good choice for indoor and outdoor projects. But in places like driveways, concrete can be notorious for picking up unsightly stains from oil drippings from cars. Here are some tips that will help to take the frustration out of cleaning.
Landscape curbing is a great way to give some structure to your yard and tie everything together. If you are curious about how concrete curbing can help your landscaping and hardscaping, here is what you need to know. (more…)
As concrete is often lauded for its durability and strength, some people may not realize that like wood, concrete also shrinks and expands in changing weather. This causes cracks and other defects to the concrete, and could even compromise the integrity of the structure. Concrete joints are a helpful solution as they improve the look, performance, and structure of the concrete project. Here’s the rundown of what concrete joints are and how they will help stabilize your project and create a more durable, long-lasting finished product. (more…)
The investments that you put into your home and property aren’t just about the value of your physical possessions, but also the pride and joy you feel when looking over the landscape. The concrete features of your home are a major part of what makes it unique. Maintaining the structure and look of your driveway, hardscaping, and other concrete features is essential to the safety of your family and friends, and preserving the appeal of your home or business. (more…)
The most popular countertop materials are usually granite, quartz, and laminate. Most people totally overlook concrete. However, in recent years concrete has seen a surge in popularity because of its versatility, flexibility, and natural beauty. Concrete can be designed to fit almost any design to add interest to your kitchen or bathroom through a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. (more…)
Custom masonry monuments can give your business a big boost. Why should you choose to have a custom masonry monument installed on your commercial property? Who benefits from from having these signs installed? What are some the options you can choose from when it comes to these monuments? In this blog we will explore custom masonry monuments. (more…)
Concrete joints are the pieces that help your concrete stay durable and free from cracks during its lifetime. Fresh concrete is a viscous mixture that can be poured into a variety of places and left to dry, but it will reduce in size as it sits. Without the proper structure and concrete joints in place, the concrete will be very vulnerable to cracking and premature damage. (more…)
Concrete joints are an important part of any concrete masonry project, as they help compensate when concrete expands or shrinks due to changes in temperature. Without them, cracks can form in the surface of the concrete. Concrete joints help prevent these cracks and provide a more finished concrete product. Cracks that do form will occur in specific locations that can be easily monitored for repair. (more…)
Concrete has become increasingly popular as a construction material for residential houses. In 2015, concrete houses made up of 15-20% of all new homes built. Concrete comes with a number of benefits that make it ideal to work with for housing development. Here are a few things to consider when choosing to build with concrete, and why it could be a good home addition investment.
Insulated concrete creates a barrier that reduces the amount of air entering the home from outside by about 75%. This means more even temperatures and less drafts. Concrete’s mass also helps to reduce sound penetration by up to 80% in comparison to frame houses. On average, concrete houses are ⅔ quieter than frame houses.
Unlike frame houses, concrete doesn’t provide any source of food for termites or carpenter ants. This will also prevent rodents from hiding within your walls. Furthermore, concrete is also the best material for safety against harsh weather like tornados and hurricanes. Concrete walls can withstand up to 250 miles per hours. Insurance rates are typically much lower for conrete homes as a result of their stability.
Concrete homes require significantly less energy to heat up or cool down than a frame house. Concrete walls are airtight and do an effective job at preventing air from escaping the home. Concrete homes keep things comfortable with less work from your air conditioning system.
Because concrete form walls do not contain organic material, they will not mold or mildew. Not only does that mean less maintenance, but the reduced air infiltration also helps keep allergens out. The foam used to create concrete forms is nontoxic and free of asbestos and fiberglass. Concrete houses come with many benefits. Whether you’re looking to build a house or just an extension, it’s important to consider all of your options.
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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