Learn more about the brick restoration treatments we offer.
Brick buildings are known for their durability and timeless beauty, but even the strongest masonry structures can experience wear and tear over time. Brick restoration treatments help maintain the structural integrity and appearance of a building, ensuring it lasts for years to come. Here’s how masonry experts at DelPrete Masonry revitalize brick structures through specialized restoration techniques. (more…)
Learn more about the different types of mortar and which is best for your needs.
Mortar is the binding material that holds masonry structures together, and its type can significantly impact the durability and strength of a project. With various types of mortar available, each designed for specific applications, understanding their differences is essential for ensuring a successful masonry project. DelPrete Masonry can help you understand the common mortar types—N, O, S, M, and K—and their unique characteristics. (more…)
Enhance the appearance of your building’s masonry with creative brick and stone designs.
The masonry on your commercial building plays a significant role in defining its appearance and curb appeal. Over time, even the most well-built structures can show signs of wear, but there are several ways to restore and enhance the look of your building’s masonry. Whether you’re looking to refresh its appearance or give it a unique, eye-catching design, these tips from DelPrete Masonry can help you maintain and elevate the aesthetic value of your property. (more…)
The following components should be included in your new masonry construction project.
When constructing a new building, you cannot ignore the timeless allure and enduring strength of masonry. Whether you want to create the rustic charm of brick or the elegant sophistication of natural stone, new masonry construction will stand as a testament to craftsmanship and durability. But what are the essential ingredients for a successful masonry project? At DelPrete Masonry, we have led countless masonry construction projects over the years and know what it takes to produce successful results. Let’s explore the critical components that make new masonry construction stand the test of time. (more…)
Learn how to take care of commercial masonry problems such as surface growths.
Masonry is one of the most sturdy building styles you can find. There is nothing like a well-built brick wall or stone fireplace to capture the strength and beauty of traditional buildings. However, masonry does have to be maintained to continue withstanding the ravages of time and weather, and failing to do this important work often leads to some significant issues. Read on for five of the most common commercial masonry problems you might encounter and some tips on correcting them. (more…)
Now and then, even though you deal with the brick around your home or business, fixes should be made. One of the most well-known fixes is repointing brick joints where mortar breaks down or around free or split bricks. Releasing harmed or dissolved mortar unrepaired can cause an entire host of issues, generally from water damage. Repointing your bricks can extend the life of your home siding, yard, steps, and more. Here is how the process works.
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Perhaps the most important ingredient in masonry is mortar. It is a perfect mix of water, minerals, rock, clay, and other ingredients that can hold together anything from brick to natural stone for years. But in order to understand mortar, you should know what makes up a quality mix. Here are the three key components for making the perfect batch of mortar.
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Proper mixing is one of the fundamental steps that, if not done carefully, can waste you a lot of time and money.
If you are preparing for any do-it-yourself masonry project, such as small brick repairs, then you already know the importance of quality mortar. But proper mixing is one of the fundamental steps that, if not done carefully, can waste you a lot of time and money.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The mortar joints are what hold brick masonry together, so you want to fix them if you come across any damage!
Do you have old masonry walls or chimneys in need of repair? The crumbling mortar joints of an otherwise beautiful brick wall can make it a real eyesore. But with the right tools and a heaping serving of patience, anyone can learn tuckpointing (or pointing or repointing). If your walls are beyond simple repair and need restoration, follow this guide, and breathe new life into your old masonry.
Before you dive into this project, make sure you have everything that you’ll need to do it right. You’re going to need the mortar mix to replace the old crumbling mortar (be sure to get the right type), and a whisk broom, wall trowel, tuckpointing trowel, and mortar finishing tool. You’ll also need an angle grinder, flat chisel, and hammer for digging out the old stuff. Finally, make sure you have safety equipment: a dust mask, rubber gloves, and safety glasses.
The mortar joints are the most flexible (and weakest) parts of brick work, so they are the most prone to deterioration. Any water and ice that seeps into them and the temperature expansion they experience over the years eventually causes the mortar joints to break down. The first step in repairing the joints is to chip out old mortar with a chisel and hammer, or for really hard spots, the angle grinder (be careful, this heavy duty tool can easily chip the brick). Remove 3/4 to 1 inch of old mortar or enough to get a solid brick base to bond the new mortar.
Next, clean out the new cavities with the whisk broom (compressed air would also work), then mist them with water. Mix your mortar carefully according to the instructions; it should have a stiff but not crumbly consistency. Fill the horizontal joints first and the vertical joints last. Load the prepared mortar onto the brick trowel and push it into the joint cavity ¼ inch thick slivers at a time using the tuckpointing trowel. The work is slow, so mix small batches of mortar so it doesn’t dry out. Finish the joint with the appropriate tool that matches the current joint profile. Finally, clean the bricks with a soft bristle brush to remove any mortar chunks on the brick face.
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, Google+, and Pinterest.