Posts Tagged ‘ masonry restoration ’

The Benefits Of Using Masonry Materials For Your Next Construction Project

Friday, April 27th, 2018

If you want your building to be low-maintenance, protected from rotting, and sound proof, you should use masonry materials!

One of the most important parts of putting together any building or structure is the materials you are going to use to do so. You want your building or structure to be built nicely and last a long time, which is why you should choose masonry materials to do so. There are so many benefits to using masonry materials and while we wish we could tell you all of them, here are a few.

Sound Proof

Masonry materials block out noise way better than traditional construction materials. This means that when you are inside of a building that was made with masonry materials, you don’t have to worry about being disrupted by outside noises.

Protection From Rotting

Since there is no wood used in masonry, there is nothing that can rot over time. In addition to this, masonry materials can reduce and even eliminate the amount of fungus or mildew that builds up over time between the walls. These build-ups can lead to foundation problems as well as health problems to people who are regularly inside the building.

Low-Maintenance

When you use masonry materials in their natural form, they generally don’t require much maintenance at all. Aside from cleaning every now and again or replacing the mortar if need be, you don’t have to worry about your masonry for years to come. The natural look of masonry materials also provides a beautiful, elegant look.

Lower Utility Bills

If you choose to use concrete block as your preferred masonry material, you are helping to save money on those costly utility bills. This is because concrete block is very well insulated so it stores more energy. It keeps the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer, which means you can turn your air conditioning and heat down some. Masonry materials are natural, so they are also eco-friendly.

Contact Del Prete Masonry For Your Next Masonry 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.

Posted in Masonry Construction

Tips For Repairing Masonry Cracks

Wednesday, April 11th, 2018

Masonry cracks may seem minor at first, but they can expand and become a big, costly problem.

Even the most well-made masonry can occasionally crack, and while most of us are content to leave a few seemingly cosmetic issues, it’s important to repair any cracks as quickly as possible. Even the smallest masonry cracks can lead to serious, costly repairs down the line. Why not take a few precautions and save yourself some time and energy in the long run?

Small Wall Cracks

If you have a wall crack of less than 1/16th of an inch, your fix is fairly simple. After carefully cleaning out the crack, use a gel or cream adhesive with either butyl rubber or silicone rubber. These are sold at most hardware stores in tube format labeled as caulking compounds. Using a small brush with stiff bristles apply the caulking mixture straight from the tube, using the brush to ensure that the entire crack is filled.

Medium Wall and Driveway Cracks

When you have a larger crack or one that is frequently walked on, caulking is not the best option. Caulking in high traffic areas can result in the caulking getting disrupted, making it a less than optimal repair method. For these repairs you’ll need to pick up patching cement, which is made from a mix of cement, sand and is reinforced with vinyl. This type of cement is typically sold as a powder to be mixed with water. When applied in layers, this will perfectly patch narrow cracks.

Large Wall Cracks

In the event of a large wall crack, you may want to contact your masonry company for professional help. You will want to ensure your wall is still in serviceable condition before putting forth the effort of patching it. Large cracks can be repaired easily enough, however you’ll want to make sure it’s not indicative of a larger problem before you patch it. Once you’ve had it looked over, you can pick up some sand-patching cement to begin your repair. It’s important to note that areas patched with this method need to be over a half inch deep and of a significant size. To start, clean out the area of the crack. You’ll want to chisel out the interior, removing any crumbling areas, while making the interior wider than the opening so that the cement can get a better grip. Make sure to remove any dirt and dampen the crack before applying the cement.

Large Pavement Cracks

When it comes to large masonry cracks in driveways, steps, or pavement a mix of simple powdered concrete is all you’ll need to make the repair. Simply mix the concrete according to the directions, pour it into the cracked area and use boards or etc. to hold it in place as it hardens.

For All Your Masonry Needs Look To Del Prete Masonry

If you need help fixing cracked masonry, 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.

Posted in Masonry Restoration

Masonry Repairs For The Spring Season

Thursday, March 22nd, 2018

Since your chimney sits on the roof, it is the most susceptible to weather damage. You want to get masonry repairs done as soon you come across any damage.

Spring is finally here which means that the warm weather is on its way. It also means that it’s time to look over your masonry and see what repairs you need. Spring is the ideal time for masonry repairs because it requires a lot of time outdoors and the harsh winter weather may have taken a toll on your building or structure. Fixing these repairs in a timely manner can save you money on extensive masonry restoration that you may need if you leave it be. Here are some masonry repairs you may need this spring season.

Chimneys

Since chimneys sit on the roof of a building, it is typically the most susceptible to damage from the weather. Freezing temperatures as well as snow and ice can increase the chances of cracks and leaks in your chimney. You want to check for any cracks in the crown of the chimney or bricks that appear to be coming loose. You also want to look for a white liquid substance coming from the chimney which could indicate that it may be absorbing water. These masonry repairs can prevent more extensive structural damage and avoid potential fire hazards.

Bricks

If your building is made from bricks, you want to inspect the interior after all that snow melts away from it. Bulging bricks or mortar can indicate drainage issues. Cracks in the bricks are a sign of foundation problems which are more likely to happen in the winter due to the freeze-thaw cycle that occurs. You should invest in masonry repairs if you notice any of these problems. Proper maintenance and upkeep of your gutters and downspouts will help to avoid future damage to your brick masonry.

Windows

The cold weather can have an impact on the seals of your windows. If your room feels colder or more drafty than usual, that could be a sign that the caulking needs to be redone or that the seal is starting to come loose. Any leaks or holes in the seals can cause more hot or cold air than you would like to come into your building, which can increase your energy bills. If you notice any of these problems, it might be a good idea to hire someone to reseal your windows or in an extreme case, you may need completely new ones.

Your Preferred Masonry Contractor Is Del Prete Masonry

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Why Brick is Such a Great Material for Your Project

Friday, March 16th, 2018

Brick is a durable material that gives any building a classic look!

If you’re wavering between building materials for your next project, consider choosing brick! Brick is not just an aesthetically pleasing option for your building, patio, retaining wall, walkway, etc. It’s incredibly strong and has proven to stand the test of time for centuries. Whether you want a timeless, nostalgic look or need a durable design, brick is a great option. (more…)

Posted in Brick

Signs That Your Masonry Needs Reparation

Friday, February 16th, 2018

Make sure you know when it is time for masonry reparation!

Your masonry might need reparation if there is seepage or structural damage present. However, how can you identify whether one of those two conditions are occurring? There are many signs, some subtle and some obvious, that your masonry is in need of repair. Here is what you need to know about the signs you might need masonry reparation!

Seepage Problems

Every foundation can slowly seep water into the home through tiny cracks in the basement floor as a result of increased hydrostatic pressure. This can also occur over the foundation wall whenever there are yard drainage problems, grading issues, or poorly sloped exterior hardscaping additions (like sidewalks, patios, and decks). Anything that forces water to flow towards your home instead of away from it can lead to seepage problems on the inside of the home.

Porous Masonry

What is the masonry in your home made from? If the stone used to make your foundation was porous, like unglazed telephone tile or terra cotta, it could cause seepage and foundation problems. Historic district brick foundations are also sometimes made from old clay bricks that can absorb excess water and start to deteriorate. The biggest problem-type of foundation is made from CMU, which is also known as concrete block. This mixture can be very porous if it is not properly made.

Mortar Joints

Mortar joints are also a prime spot for problems with seepage in foundations and masonry, since mortar is simply a mixture of cement and sand. If the masonry has not been repointed in a while, the mortar might be deteriorated to the extent that it cannot keep moisture out from the surface of the bricks adequately. Mortar joints are a very common weak spot in masonry walls, so if you are experiencing seepage and not sure where it’s coming from, there’s a good chance that it’s from them!

Structural Issues

Structural problems can also require a masonry reparation to fix. Lateral pressure as a result of very damp soil can put a great deal of pressure on masonry and lead to structural problems. Whenever expanded soil presses firmly against a masonry wall, there is a potential for pushing the wall in a certain direction and creating a need for masonry reparation.

Your Preferred Masonry Professional Is Del Prete Masonry

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.

Posted in Masonry Restoration

Understanding Masonry Restoration

Friday, January 19th, 2018

Masonry Restoration is a true necessity in some cases.

Masonry restoration is an important process that keeps historic buildings and new buildings in great condition. While many people assume that repointing a brick wall is the same as restoration, that’s simplifying the process a little bit too much! Here is what you should know to fully understand masonry restoration. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Contractor, Masonry Restoration, Stone Masonry

What Exactly Is Masonry Restoration?

Friday, September 1st, 2017

Masonry restoration is a broad term used to refer to any work on masonry on a home or commercial property that is already standing.

Masonry restoration is a broad term used to refer to any work on masonry on a home or commercial property that is already standing. It can refer to minor repairs in the brick outside or major restoration work on a historical building. Repointing is one of the most essential parts of masonry restoration, but it isn’t the only thing that occurs. Today we’re talking about masonry restoration, and what it is and is not. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Restoration

How to Choose the Right Masonry Contractor

Friday, August 18th, 2017

Whether you are working with a historical building or starting from scratch, choosing the right masonry contractor is a critical part of the building process.

Whether you are working with a historical building or starting from scratch, choosing the right masonry contractor is a critical part of the building process. The right masonry contractor will have the expertise, equipment, and experience to get the job done right the first time. Here are some of our tips for finding the perfect masonry contractor for your job. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Contractor

The Difference Between Limestone and Marble

Thursday, October 13th, 2016

Marble is a metamorphic rock, the result of a transformation of pre-existing rock.

For centuries, limestone and marble have been used to create man-made monuments and structures. The Great Pyramid of Giza was one of the first architectural marvels crafted with limestone. So what exactly is the difference between limestone and marble? Here’s a look into what makes these stones so unique. (more…)

Posted in Marble

Maintaining and Restoring Historic Marble and Limestone Structures

Wednesday, July 13th, 2016

Marble and limestone are the stones of history, and we must do our part to preserve them.

Stone is one of the most enduring construction materials, and has throughout history been a lasting testament to architecture. Marble and limestone, valued for their versatility and beauty, are two of the most common materials used in historic structures. But despite their tenacity, even marble and limestone will suffer from wear over time. Pollution and urbanization are contributing to stone deterioration faster than ever before.
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Posted in Marble