When it comes to most buildings and structures, water damage can be a huge problem. And this even includes masonry structures. Here are some of the negative effects of moisture in your masonry structures.
(more…)Posts Tagged ‘ masonry materials ’
The Dangers of Moisture to Your Masonry
Monday, April 13th, 2020Care Guide for Your Brand New Masonry Structure
Monday, March 9th, 2020
It is an exciting time when you invest in having a new masonry structure built for your home or business. Once everything is said and done, and the installation is completed successfully, you can sit back and enjoy your beautiful new piece. Right? Well, there are some things that you should consider to make sure that your new masonry structure stays in good shape, as well as things you should avoid to keep from accidentally ruining it. Here is a short guide to help you get started on enjoying your new masonry structure for a lifetime.
(more…)3 Types of Masonry Materials
Monday, March 2nd, 2020
If you have decided to use masonry materials for your upcoming construction project, then you have made a great choice. The next question is about choosing which specific materials you would be interested in using. Here are three of the most common masonry materials that you have to choose from.
(more…)Choosing Masonry Materials for Your Fireplace
Monday, December 30th, 2019
If you have been longing for a nice feature to bring warmth and style to your home, or you are looking to update your existing fireplace, you will need masonry materials for the job. Having a functioning and beautiful fireplace is a must for the winter, and you have several options for the types of materials you want to make it happen. Here are some of the choices you have for masonry materials for your fireplace.
(more…)Reasons to Choose Brick
Monday, December 23rd, 2019
When it comes to remodeling your business or home, there are many materials that are available for you to choose from. For both indoor and outdoor structures, brick is one of the best options. Whether you have a building, pavement, hardscaping, or other projects, you can’t go wrong with brick. Here are some of the reasons why brick could be the best choice for your construction project.
(more…)3 Reasons to Choose Masonry Materials for Your Next Construction Project
Monday, December 9th, 2019
Whether you are looking for an addition to your home or are a business owner designing a new outdoor feature, you may or may not have considered masonry. There are many benefits to using masonry materials to build a new structure. Here are three reasons to base your construction project on masonry materials.
(more…)3 Reasons to Use Limestone
Monday, September 30th, 2019
The Process of Replacing Brick Joints
Monday, August 5th, 2019
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.
(more…)Reasons Consider Masonry Materials
Monday, July 8th, 2019
Here are some reasons why you should choose masonry materials for your construction project.
There are many building materials to choose from, and if you’re reading this then you could be considering going with masonry for your next construction project. There are a few pros and cons to any type of material, and if the expense and labor-intensive involvement of masonry materials is a turn off, then keep in mind that there are several benefits that make it worth it in the long run. Here are some reasons why you should choose masonry materials for your construction project.
The Four Types of Mortar
Friday, December 7th, 2018
Mortar is a very important material in masonry construction because it’s what holds everything together!
When it comes to masonry, mortar may be the most essential part of the construction. Mortar is what is used to bond the materials of your masonry together, providing the structural integrity of the project. Depending on the type of project you are working on, different types of mortar can be used. Each class is best matched with a different kind of construction due to the differences in performance. Depending on your application you may want to use one over another, which is why knowing the differences is so important. There are four primary mortar types M, O, N, and S; today we’ll take you through what each is and where it is best used.
M
With the highest starting psi, type M mortar also uses the largest levels of Portland cement. Type M is most often used for driveways, foundations, retaining walls, and natural stone. Despite its extreme strength, it has poor sealing and adhesion properties which make it ill-suited for most applications where it would be exposed.
O
With only around 350 psi, type O mortar has the lowest compression strength of modern mortar, but it still is incredibly useful. Its primary function is for use in above-grade, non-load-bearing walls, and interiors. It’s particularly valuable for repair and repointing work on other structures thanks to its easy application and consistency.
N
If you’re working on above-grade walls and exteriors that will be exposed to high temperatures and severe weather, this type of mortar is highly recommended. It is considered to be an all-purpose mix that offers medium compression strength and great general application. It is regarded as the most commonly used mortar for home-owners and has a 750 pound per square-inch strength after 28 days. Type N is made from a mix of lime, Portland cement, and sand. It’s the preferred type for soft stone masonry and is useful for interior load bearing, exterior, and above grade installations.
S
With a high strength level, weighing in at 1,800 psi and a high-tensile bond, S mortar is a perfect fit for a variety of projects including those at or below grade. It is often used for retaining walls, sewers, manholes, and masonry foundations in below grade projects. It is also an excellent choice for masonry structures like walkways and brick patios. Although it already is able to withstand seismic loads, wind and soil pressure, it can be mixed to achieve an even higher psi level.
Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Next Construction Project!
If you are ready to upgrade your home or commercial building with professional masonry installation or replacement, Del Prete Masonry has the experience and expertise to get the job done right for the right price. To explore our residential and commercial services and set up a consultation, please give us a call at 410-683-0650 or contact us online. We currently serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and get more updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.