Posts Tagged ‘ masonry ’

How to Properly Salt Your Steps and Sidewalks This Winter

Monday, November 16th, 2015

The right kind of salt goes a long way in preserving your masonry.

Sometimes a shovel does the trick to remove snow from your steps and sidewalks without damaging your masonry. But if this winter is going to be anything like last year’s, then you will probably need to use salt. De-icing products offer welcome assistance in the task of removing thick sheets of ice from walking surfaces. But these helpful de-icing products come with a catch: if you use too much of it, you risk damaging your masonry. If you repeatedly use heavy amounts of sidewalk salt, you risk the scaling and flaking of your masonry surfaces, a process which is called “salt fretting”. Salt fretting usually occurs at the base of buildings, where the building meets the sidewalks. It causes your buildings to look old and unappealing, damaging your property value. To avoid salt fretting, make sure to follow these rules.

If your concrete sidewalks or steps are less than 6 months old, do not use de-icing products! At this stage, the concrete is extra sensitive and prone to damage.
Check the ingredients list. If your de-icing product has ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate, don’t use it! These chemicals are extra damaging to masonry.
Mix your salt with sand to provide better traction for pedestrians.
In the spring, wash any area that had salt to get rid of the residue.
There are four types of deicing salts: Sodium Chloride (rock salt), Calcium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, and Magnesium Chloride. Sodium Chloride and Calcium Chloride should be avoided, because they contain chemicals that are harmful to masonry, surrounding vegetation, and human skin. Potassium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride are great choices for deicing salts, because they contain drastically fewer harmful chemicals, so they are good for your masonry, the environment, and you. With the right types of deicing salts, you’ll keep your concrete masonry looking like new!

Keep Your Masonry Looking Good with Del Prete Masonry!

While there are many other materials that we use at Del Prete Masonry, we’re not about to abandon concrete anytime soon. It has proven its worth many times over and we know that we can bring you a solid masonry structure with it. To find out more about your masonry options including concrete masonry, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. Keep up with our blog for masonry related information, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Posted in Blog, Concrete

Tips for Cold Weather Masonry

Monday, November 2nd, 2015

There are certain precautions a contractor makes when working in the winter.

As cold weather approaches, it becomes more and more difficult to work with masonry. Working on masonry projects during the winter is still possible, but there are more considerations to keep in mind. When the weather dips below 40 degrees, the hydration in the mortar will expand and crack. The mortar can be rewetted before this happens, but if it is wetted too much, the mortar won’t stick to the unit. This is why it is better to hire an experienced, dependable contractor during the winter. An experienced contractor will know precisely how much to wet the mortar and what surface needs to be wetted. If you are looking to try your hand at a personal masonry project, waiting for warmer weather is the wisest choice. Masonry contractors, however, work year round. Here are some of the things that they look out for during the winter.

Speed Hydration. Many masons use speed hydration by using high-early cement or by adding an accelerator to the mortar. However, these methods do have the potential to change the color of the mortar.
Keep Units Dry and Warm. The best way to prevent masonry mistakes during the winter is to cover units with a tarp to protect them from rain and snow until they are ready to be used. A mason can also heat up some materials to ensure that the mortar is properly hydrated and binds correctly.
Know Your Products. Many commercially available admixtures that are marketed as “antifreeze” admixtures are actually just accelerators, rather than freezing point depressants. A contractor with experience knows how to tell the difference.
Keep Warm. It’s important to keep the masonry units and mortar warm, but it’s even more important to keep the masons doing the work warm as well! If working in high winds, it’s advised to set up a tarp as a windbreaker. If the temperature drops to below 20 degrees, it’s advisable to set up a heater or get to a warm, indoor space.

Build Your Next Concrete Masonry Project with Del Prete Masonry!

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore, Masonry Contractor

What should I know about Tuckpointing?

Friday, October 23rd, 2015

Do your mortar joints and brick masonry walls seem rundown? It might be time to do some home repairs, including tuckpointing. What is tuckpointing? It is the process of mortar joints repair of stone and brick masonry walls. In the tuckpointing process, grinding and raking of the mortar happens and then the filling of new mortar is done. This is no easy job and you should hire a reputable masonry contractor to do the labor-intensive job. You will know you are due for tuckpointing if your mortar joints have powdered material coming from it by a scratching the surface. If you cannot tell, a masonry contractor can assess the condition of your mortar joints.

It is important to hire a masonry contractor to do your tuckpointing because weakened mortar has the tendency to break down stone and brick masonry walls and result in moisture problems within your walls. The tuckpointing will help waterproof your mortar joints while extending the life of your walls. You will want to have tuckpointing done as soon as you notice a problem because it will save you a great deal of money in the long-run by preventing your masonry wall from deteriorating to the point you only have the option to tear it down and build a new wall. That’s expensive and you want to spot tuckpointing when you notice any loose masonry units such as brick and stone. When a budding has a new tuckpointed wall, you can expect the good condition to last for 25 years or more, depending on the quality of work from the masonry contractor. If you live in a high precipitation or high humidity area, you will want to check your brick and mortar often. For the best results, have your masonry work performed by a very professional and reputable contractor. This is the best way to guarantee you will have long lasting mortar joints that look good.

As for tuck pointing affordability, go for a quality and a good cost by comparing quotes and getting references. You want a masonry contractor with extensive experience to do your tuckpointing. This is not a job for amateurs because all tuckpointing projects are unique, whether on a flat ground surface or high-rise building, a masonry contractor needs to know what she or he is doing. Here at Prete Masonry we are here to do your tuck pointing right.

Del Prete Masonry

For any questions regarding new masonry construction, feel free to contact Del Prete Masonry. Our masonry restoration professionals have the experience and history of satisfied clients to prove that we’ll get the job done right, and cost-effectively. To get started with your masonry restoration project, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. Keep up with our blog for masonry related information, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore

5 Things You Never Knew about Granite!

Tuesday, September 8th, 2015

We know that granite has a rich history, but generally, we don’t know much else.

You aren’t going to get quizzed on any of this if you’re using granite in a masonry project, but it’s fun just to learn and appreciate the history of this natural stone. We narrowed down five interesting facts for all of you granite enthusiasts.

You aren’t going to get quizzed on any of this if you’re using granite in a masonry project, but it’s fun just to learn and appreciate the history of this natural stone.

1. Granite’s Long History

Since granite is a natural stone, and it has been used as a building material for several centuries. Most people don’t realize that granite is an igneous rock, which means it was formed by volcanic activity. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Granite

4 Benefits of Constructing with Marble

Tuesday, September 1st, 2015

Using marble in a construction project can stretch a few budgets, but the benefits outweigh the initial price tag and provide a solid return on your investment.

If you’re about to embark on a new construction project, let’s take a look at the many benefits of using marble as your main resource.

If you’re about to embark on a new construction project, let’s take a look at the many benefits of using marble as your main resource.

Heat Resistance

Some construction materials have a hard time dealing with the heat. The sun’s rays can actually start to wear down certain materials, and you also may have to deal with the material being hot to the touch on especially blistering days. When marble is used in a project, however, it’s beneficial because it offers uniformity in the temperature levels throughout a home, building or other structure. In the summer, marble allows for a naturally cooler temperature than structures not made from marble. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Marble

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Bricks!

Friday, July 31st, 2015

Bricks are one of the most common materials used in masonry projects for many reasons. They are reliable, durable, and beautiful, and can be used in a variety of different projects. But how much do you really know about them? How are bricks made? What is their history? Why should you choose bricks over granite, marble, or concrete? In this week’s blog, you’ll find out everything you ever wanted to know about bricks (and possibly more).

In this week’s blog, you’ll find out everything you ever wanted to know about bricks (and possibly more).

The History of Bricks

The oldest bricks ever discovered were made from shaped mud. They were found in Syria and are estimated to have been constructed in around 7500 BC. That’s about 9,500 years ago! Early civilizations in China and Europe have also been documented as using bricks for construction projects. The Ancient Greeks and Romans were some of the first to begin using fired bricks, which we still use today. They built large brick buildings and stamped them with the seal of the legion.

How Bricks are Made

There are three main types of brick: un-fired, fired, and chemically set. Each type of brick is manufactured in a different way. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Brick

Choosing the Right Masonry Contractor

Thursday, July 23rd, 2015

When remodeling or constructing a new building, quality stonework can add a unique, ageless aesthetic. Regardless of whether you know exactly what you want and how you want it or if you only have the vaguest idea, picking the right masonry contractor is the biggest factor in your satisfaction with the result. There are several strategies that you can employ to make sure you find the right masonry contractor for your work at the best price.

Make sure that you can find qualiy masonry at a good price.

(more…)

Posted in Blog, Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore, Granite, Masonry Contractor, Stone Masonry

Why does your Business need Professional Masonry?

Monday, June 29th, 2015

Professional masonry can change your business.

When it comes to sending a powerful message, or showing the world that you mean business, you’re going to need a little help. That’s where professional masonry structures come in. A new monument or sign made out of professional masonry materials can really add the punch that your business could benefit from. Would you like to learn more about using professional masonry for your business? Let’s do it! (more…)

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore, Masonry Contractor

How to Find the Best Masonry Contractor

Monday, June 15th, 2015

Looking for a good masonry contractor, but not sure where to start?

Finding the right contractor for your next masonry project can be a bit of a hassle. Where can you begin? A lot of contractors are going to tell you just how perfect they are for the job, but how can you verify that for yourself. That’s what we’re going to talk about today. So, are you ready to find out how you can find the best masonry contractor? Let’s do this! (more…)

Posted in Masonry Contractor

The Rundown on Bricks

Sunday, May 3rd, 2015

Bricks are pretty awesome.

Using bricks for outdoor projects is exceptionally popular. Bricks are sturdy, lovely, and remain one of the best ways to construct a wide variety of structures. So, as you think about your next masonry project, you may want to consider incorporating bricks into your design. Let’s check out some reasons why bricks are awesome. (more…)

Posted in Brick