Learn how winter weather may impact masonry and what to do about it.
Winter weather can cause damage to a number of everyday items and objects. The frigid temperatures and moisture present in the ice and snow that can fall during winter can also impact your masonry building. Masonry chimneys are often most vulnerable to water damage. While your masonry structures are designed to last many years, the harsh winter weather can be unforgiving. If you don’t inspect your masonry for problems like cracking and leaning, you may miss problems that become much larger once spring arrives. If you notice any of the following problems, contact the masonry professionals at DelPrete Masonry for attentive inspections and repairs. (more…)
Commercial masonry buildings look better and last longer than other buildings because of their materials.
If you are ready to build a new commercial building for your company or ready to update an existing location, you have to consider what type of material to use. Factors like cost, longevity, and aesthetics are important to consider, which is why masonry is an excellent choice for your commercial building projects. Commercial masonry buildings look better than the competition and last much longer. If you want an impressive style that lasts, call DelPrete Masonry today to design your building with the following advantages. (more…)
You may be thinking about adding a brick driveway to your property. This is likely because the timeless look will complement so many different architectural styles, building materials, and design decisions out there.
You may be thinking about adding a brick driveway to your property. This is likely because the timeless look will complement so many different architectural styles, building materials, and design decisions out there. Considering brick pavers but aren’t sure where to start? As often as we may see brick driveways, we may not know much about them at all. We’re here with the answers so you can decide whether a brick driveway is right for you and go into the process knowing much more than you did before.
Consider the benefits of a professional masonry restoration.
Historic masonry restoration involves preserving the integrity and character of older buildings and structures. Landmark buildings are necessary to keep around because people have a connection to the past and bear witness to a particular town’s aesthetic and cultural values. It’s a rewarding process but comes with many challenges when you don’t hire a professional. Fortunately, DelPrete Masonry’s skilled artisans have the expertise, resources, and tools to execute historic masonry restoration masterfully. Here is a further look at the importance of hiring professionals and the overall benefits of historic preservation (more…)
Whether you are moving into a new home or opening a new business, masonry construction can be an attractive addition to any property.
Whether you are moving into a new home or opening a new business, masonry construction can be an attractive addition to any property. Stone masonry is an ancient construction technique that is still very popular today. Masonry is an affordable solution that allows you to acquire a kind of construction material that can guarantee your property will last for a long time. Here are a few reasons why you should consider masonry for your property.
There are many factors that can damage a masonry structure and cause it to lose its luster.
Masonry structures have been popular in residential and commercial construction for many years. Masonry adds style and sophistication to the exterior or interior of any building. The materials and techniques used in masonry add to the strength, durability, energy efficiency, and fire resistance of a building. Despite all these advantages, masonry is not indestructible. There are many factors that can damage a masonry structure and cause it to lose its luster. Here are some of the most common causes of masonry damage.
There are some key signs to watch out for that indicate a deteriorating chimney
Chimneys are a great addition to any building, and they help regulate heat and airflow inside. Your chimney can most likely last for years. However, there are some key signs to watch out for that indicate a deteriorating chimney. Chimneys are often positioned in exposed areas of the roof, and crumbling can occur due to weathering even if other masonry work around your home is in good condition. In most cases, a crumbling chimney indicates that the mortar between the bricks has degraded, cracked, or both. Here is everything you need to know about repairing a crumbling chimney.
Over the years, your brick and mortar structure will begin to show signs of deterioration.
Stone masonry is a great building material that is incredibly durable and long lasting. However, over the years, your brick and mortar structure will begin to show signs of deterioration. You should have your masonry inspected once a year, or possibly more often if you notice your increased signs of wear and tear. By putting in some extra effort to assess your building’s masonry construction, you can identify potential issues that could turn into significant problems if left alone. Here are some signs to look out for that could indicate deteriorating masonry.
Demolition is a precise science, and depending on the location and type of building, there are several methods of demolition.
Building demolition is not a simple as smashing the supports until the entire structure falls down. Demolition is a precise science, and depending on the location and type of building, there are several methods of demolition. Factors like the primary building materials, the purpose of the demolition, and how to dispose of the debris are considered by demolition experts before choosing to tear down a building. Here is a quick overview of the different methods of building demolition.
As you settle into the work of finding a great masonry contractor for your home improvement project, remember to ask each of them about these three things.
When you own a home, there are some tasks that you know you can easily DIY, while there are others that you never should try on your own. Electrical work is a pretty obvious example of something that requires a professional, but if you’re looking to have masonry repair work done on your property, you should find a specialist to complete these jobs as well. As you settle into the work of finding a great masonry contractor for your home improvement project, remember to ask each of them about these three things.
Are You Licensed, Certified, Insured, and Experienced?
Masons are required to hold a general contractor’s license and certifications from the MCAA. Ask your potential contractors to provide you with details about their licenses and certifications. Even with these, not all masons are created equal. When you ask about their certifications, also ask about their experience with your specific type of project or material, especially when it is something other than the standards, like brick. If they don’t have any, or their experience is very limited, you may be better off with a different mason. Finally, ask to see proof of insurance so you know that any mistakes or accidents will not fall on your homeowner’s insurance.
What Is The Project Timeline?
When you ask about the project timeline, they should be able to give you details on how they expect the whole thing to go. This includes not only how long they expect it to take, but what the payment schedule will be like, who will secure the building materials, and what clean-up will happen afterward. You should also ask what, if anything, they need you to do to prepare for the work, so you have a reasonable expectation of your responsibilities. Don’t settle for just an estimate of weeks till completion, push for details.
Can You Provide References?
Asking for references is a must when you’re deciding on any contractor, but those references are only worthwhile if you follow up and actually talk to them. Call the names that your potential contractor supplies and ask about their satisfaction with the project. You should also ask about how the contractor adhered to the intended timeline and any issues that came up. In addition to references, you could also ask the contractors for the addresses of any current masonry projects that you could visit so that you can see the work that they do, in-progress.
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 latest exciting projects, be sure to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
