Posts Tagged ‘ masonry ’

3 Types of Brick Walls Available for Your Commercial Property

Monday, March 12th, 2018

There are a variety of different types of brick that you can use for your commercial building.

If you’re thinking of installing a brick wall on your commercial property, you probably have a particular purpose in mind. There are different types, or categories, of brick walls you can build, all with their own strengths. As with all projects, maintaining and repairing your wall and paying attention to cracks, loose bricks, or other types of brick deterioration is critical to the longevity of your project. However, ensuring that you have the correct type of wall for your needs will lessen the amount of work to maintain. Consider these three categories of brick walls you can build on your property: (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick Patterns

What Types Of Demolition Are There?

Thursday, March 1st, 2018

The ball and crane method is one of the oldest and most used types of demolition.

A lot of times, we are so focused on what goes into building something up that we don’t think about what goes into tearing it down. It seems like it would be a simple, one step solution to demolishing a building. However, there are quite a few different options when it comes to demolition and it is important that you choose the best one for your building when it’s time to take it down. Here are a few types of demolition so that you are aware of your options.

Implosion

The implosion demolition method is pretty similar to what is sounds like, which is an explosion, but inward instead of outward. It is very important that the building is assessed carefully to determine what type of explosives to use and where to place them. They must be timed correctly as well to ensure that everything goes smoothly. They use enough explosives to get rid of the vertical structural supports, hence forcing the res of the building to collapse.

High Reach Arm

This demolition method is done using a machine and is considered high reach when it reaches over 20 meters. The machine can be equipped with different tools depending the characteristics of the building. The first way of setting up this machine Is to use a base that is typically something like an excavator or a tank and attaching it to a demolition arm. The second way is to attach a tool such as shears, or crushers to the base machine. This method is most commonly used for masonry and steel.

Crane And Ball

One of the oldest and mostly used demolition methods, the crane and ball is probably what you have seen portrayed in a lot of movies. This method uses a wrecking ball that could be an upwards of 13,500 pounds to get rid of masonry and concrete structures. They will either drop the ball onto the building or swing it into the building. This method comes with a lot of dust and noise. For concrete structures, there are extra steps that need to be taken to finish out the demolition process. Only highly skilled crane operators should carry out this task because if the target is missed, it can cause the entire crane to tip over or could potentially hit the wrong thing.

Call Del Prete Masonry Today

Whether you want to demolish a building or construct an entirely new one with professional masonry installation, 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 Demolition

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

Brick, Block, And Stone, Oh My!

Monday, February 12th, 2018

Stone is a durable material that gives your building or structure a timeless look.

There is a lot of thought that goes into constructing a new building. Whether it be a brand new commercial building or restoration to make your business pop, you have a lot of decisions to make. The first starts with what material you are going to use for your next masonry project. The three most common ones are brick, concrete block, and stone. Here is some information on the three that will help make your masonry decisions easier.

Brick

Brick is an eco-friendly material since it is made from some of the Earth’s most available materials, shale and clay. It is both long lasting and durable, so you do not have to worry about your building or structure being easily damaged. They require very little maintenance as the color of bricks doesn’t really fade. They are weather resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the wind knocking them out of place. The downside to brick is that it is held together by mortar, which Is not as durable. The mortar needs to be tended to every so often because otherwise it could cause damage to your bricks. There also isn’t much design variation for your masonry project with this option, as most bricks have a standard color and shape.

Block

Concrete block has an interesting advantage over the rest in that it repels insects. Buildings made with these blocks tend to have fewer insect infestations. While brick is pretty weather resistant, block is known to resist huge natural disasters. They can withstand hurricane winds, tornadoes, and most earthquakes. It is also fire resistant so if your building does happen to catch fire, there is a lower chance it will collapse and sustain extensive damage. There are a variety of different finishes you can use with blocks, so you have more versatility in its design than with bricks. On the flip side, water can seep through block more so than other materials. With this material, you might have to do some waterproofing and assure that your building has proper drainage.

Stone

Stone is also a very durable material like the other two. It gives a building a very luxurious look and works well combined with other construction materials. It is a material that will never go out of style, giving your building or structure a timeless look. Stone is ideal for warm climates because it is a naturally cool material, so it will keep the interior of a building cooler. You can use local stone for your masonry project to save money and give it a unique element that another structure may not have. The disadvantage of stone is that the installation requires a lot more time and effort. This makes it more expensive since more work goes into it. Since it is naturally cool, that’s a disadvantage for when the cold weather rolls around because your building will likely be colder as well.

Your Preferred Masonry Professional Is Del Prete Masonry

Posted in Stone Masonry

How We Cut and Replace Brick Joints

Friday, January 26th, 2018

Masonry specialists can cut and replace brick joints professionally.

Sometimes, even though you take care of the brick around your home or business, repairs need to be done. In fact, one of the most common repairs is repointing brick joints where mortar disintegrates or around loose or cracked bricks. Letting damaged or eroded mortar go unrepaired can cause a whole host of problems, mostly from water damage that can impact your interior wall if your home’s exterior is brick. Repointing your bricks can extend the life of your home siding, patio, stairs, or walls and here is how the job gets done right: (more…)

Posted in Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore, 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

The Cold Weather Masonry Tips That Could Help

Friday, January 12th, 2018

Masonry work is a specialized field already, and it requires incredible attention when the temperatures drop like this.

This week has brought a cold upon us for an extended period of time, and we’ve really never experienced anything like it. Meteorologists are calling it the “bomb cyclone,” which is just a cool name in itself. But what that means is that an unprecedented amount of arctic air has been pushed over the Mid-Atlantic. While temperatures won’t always consistently stay in the teens, we are officially in winter, and the air is as cold as can be. With that said, it’s important to understand how the winter weather can impact masonry. Masonry work is a specialized field already, and it requires incredible attention when the temperatures drop like this. The cold air can cause the mortar itself to expand, and that could lead to cracking. There are plenty of different techniques to follow when it comes to masonry work during this time period. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Construction, Masonry Contractor

Finding The Best Brick Pattern For Your Project

Friday, January 5th, 2018

The pattern of brick you choose can really shape the outcome of your project.

If you’re thinking of laying brick for your next outdoor project, you already know how versatile, classic-looking, and durable it can be for your walkways, driveways, or patios. However, choosing the right pattern can be a daunting task, as you’ll have it as a permanent installation in your decor. Before you commit to a pattern, check out these 5 brick patterns and see what could do best for your project. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick Patterns

Why You Need Limestone in Your Design

Friday, December 15th, 2017

Of all the types of stone available for your monument or commercial sign, consider adding limestone to your design.

Of all the types of stone available for your monument or commercial sign, consider adding limestone to your design. It’s made from pressurized sediment found under the sea and is a great natural material. You’ll find it to be incredibly durable and available in many different colors. As a very versatile material, adding it to your design will create impact that will turn heads. (more…)

Posted in Limestone

How to Hire the Best Masonry Contractor

Friday, December 1st, 2017

Hiring a masonry contractor can be a stressful process if you aren’t totally sure what you’re doing.

Hiring a masonry contractor can be a stressful process if you aren’t totally sure what you’re doing. However, it’s important to take your time, since the skill of the masonry contractor you select has a direct effect on the quality of the finished product. Here are some of our best tips for hiring the best masonry contractor. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Construction, Masonry Contractor, Masonry Restoration