Masonry is the skilled trade related to stonework, encompassing everything from creating foundations from cinderblocks to laying paths of bricks. The odds are good that you have some sort of masonry restoration or construction project on your to-do list. But for the most part, masonry repair is a job best left to the professionals. If you may be looking for a mason soon, read on for some notes on choosing the best masonry contractor.
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Many grand and historic buildings are made from brick, as it is a dependable material for most construction projects. Structures made from brick are designed to last a very long time, but they are not impervious to damage. For this reason, many brick buildings need to be reinforced. Tuckpointing is the process used to strengthen and support brick structures. Let’s go over the basics of tuckpointing.
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Exterior bricks are virtually maintenance-free and very long-lasting. However, they are not indestructible. Eventually, your exterior bricks will begin to fade and lose their luster. This is especially true in outdoor environments where the Sun, debris, and weather work against the surface of the porous bricks. Luckily, you can restore the color to old brick and keep it looking like new. Here are a few tips to restore faded exterior bricks on your building.
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Whether you have a concrete curb, driveway, or monument, you know that concrete is a material that is both versatile and durable. Although concrete is incredibly low maintenance, knowing a few simple tricks to take care of it can help it last a lifetime. Read on for a quick guide to help you take good care of your concrete.
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Your wonderful brick home may have been in the family for ages. Or on the other hand, you may have purchased a fixer-upper with brickwork that had a ton of character and potential. Either way, you might be worried the condition of your brick could prompt more significant issues later on. Luckily, normal assessments and calling an expert for refurbishing, or even repairs, is a straightforward method to deal with issues like worn, broken brick and disintegrating mortar. Here are a couple of things to assess when finding a way to save the magnificence of your home.
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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.
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Whether you are looking after your commercial masonry structures or the brick walls of your own home, having an inspection is a key step in addressing any possible issues. But what does the inspection process look like? Here are some of the things that you can expect from a professional masonry inspection.
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When it comes to masonry construction, the goal is to establish a masonry structure that will last. But there are certain conditions that can cause it to deteriorate. Here are three things that can cause masonry deterioration.
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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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After any new hardscaping project, you might notice that, in spite of cleaning the excess mortar, that there could be a chalky residue left behind. Fortunately, there is a simple remedy for this, which is an acid wash. By using an acid wash, your new masonry structure will be clean and look as fresh and new as it should. Here are some things you should know about acid washing.
Acid washing cleans up the residue from a masonry project, such as a new installation or a repair job. By using a solution of acid, such as hydrochloric acid, that is diluted in water, the loose debris and thin film of mortar gets broken down so that it can be easily washed away. The reaction is usually mild and results in some bubbling, but in most cases, an acid wash eliminates the need for heavy scrubbing, which is why it is the preferred method of cleaning masonry.
Although there are many acid wash products available at hardware stores for you to try yourself, there are a couple of reasons why it might not be a good idea to take on the project alone. First, most acid wash products require you to figure out the ratios for diluting the acid yourself. Even with instructions on the container, you might find that their recommendation is too weak or too strong for your project. Not to mention that handling acid can be very dangerous. Without the proper protective gear, you can get nasty chemical burns on your skin.
Lastly, acid washing can be a delicate process and if you leave the acid on too long or scrub it off too hard you run the risk of damaging your masonry structure. While acid washing can sometimes replace traditional cleanup or help make up for a sloppily installed masonry project, it won’t solve everything. It’s better to have an expert take care of your masonry maintenance so that you will have peace of mind that everything will turn out right.
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 Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.