Brick has been used for thousands of years by masonry experts.
It is one of the most eco-friendly materials available for construction. Most bricks are made from clay that has been heated to a thousand degrees centigrade. This timeless construction material remains an essential component of the masonry process. Here are a few fun and interesting facts about brick and brickwork: (more…)
Brick is a special material. After all, it can stand up to even the fiercest huffing and puffing!
A brickwork contractor is a mason that specializes in using brick to build structures. Brickwork contractors are highly skilled trades people that can create some of the most beautiful buildings you’ll lay eyes on. Brick is a timeless material, and the quality of brickwork is reflected in historic structures that have lasted over fifteen hundred years. Whether you’re making an addition to an existing structure or building something new entirely, employing a skilled brickwork contractor is a sound investment. Here’s what you need to know about brick and how they’re used to build things. (more…)
Keep your bricks looking beautiful for years to come with the proper commercial brick repair.
Whether you just purchased a historic building, found a fixer-upper, or have been in an aging property for a long time, you may not realize that seemingly small issues with your brick masonry may indicate huge problems for you now or in the future. By getting commercial brick repair done today, you can insure your beautiful brick will both embellish and support your building for years to come.
If your brick masonry has lines distributed through it that look like the side view of a flight of stairs, it’s time to repair the cracking before it becomes a bigger problem. Cracking along mortar joints can indicate foundation problems that may require major repairs. Cracking can also suggest more minor issues like an initial design flaw, deterioration, or settlement.
Even businesses and homes that do not have all-over brick masonry may have brick chimneys. While chimneys are self-supporting structures, if they are not properly cared for they can lose their ability to support the building and potentially damage the surrounding structure. It can be easy to put off chimney repairs since they seem costly and unnecessary, but getting a brick repair specialist to examine the structure is your best bet to prevent problems down the road.
This symptom indicates a major structural issue. If any part of the building or home appears to be leaning forward or to the side, it is vital to address the issue immediately. The section of wall or chimney that looks unstable today can turn in to an entire building that is unstable and legally uninhabitable tomorrow.
Unsecured walls are another urgent problem for your business property. You may need this type of commercial brick repair if corners were cut before or after you acquired the property. Many times historical properties undergoing renovation or restoration need walls reconnected to make the building safe again. Before you worry about cosmetic concerns, make sure you tackle structural issues!
You may not notice a leak until after a particularly bad thunderstorm or flash flood, but once it’s there it should be addressed as quickly as possible to prevent more harm to your business. A leak in the wall will eventually lead to building-wide deterioration and can be quickly resolved with our expertise (and prevented in the future with waterproofing services).
Stains are expected as your masonry ages and a great and cost-effective way to spruce up your building’s appearance is by getting your bricks restored or repointed. Brick is a beautiful and historic building material and by properly caring for your brick, your business can shine from the foundation to the façade.
If you are worried about leaning or just want to get your brick looking brand new, Del Prete Masonry has the experience and expertise to get the job done right for the right price. To explore our commercial brick repair 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.
Commercial brick repointing adds value and longevity to your structures.
There are a large number of reasons why building owners seek the restoration of the external fabric of buildings, such as brick repointing. Brick repointing aids in conservation, property value, image, resale, and helps to combat the inevitable obsolescence of the materials used in older buildings. In much of the western world the main construction materials used in a number of buildings have been brick, stone and flint. While together these things have great longevity, they do not last forever, and these components age at different rates, often leading them to need repair at different times. Periodic brickwork replacement and brick repointing, especially stopping mortar failure, is key. (more…)
Treating brick surfaces is a great way to get a unique and modern look.
Looking for a way to make your lobby or office look modern and chic? There are many different types of surface treatments that can take exposed brick to a new level of trendiness. One of the more popular ways of treating indoor brickwork is to coat the surface in mortar or plaster. The result is a white wall where the bricks can be seen underneath the treatment. Levels or mortar or plaster and the texture of the finish can vary depending on which style you choose. Here are a few of the more popular trends. (more…)
Masonry repair can restore an old and decrepit chimney.
Chimneys are known for durability, but that durability can lend homeowners to ignore masonry repair needs. Chimneys perform several important functions, and one that is deteriorating can be a safety hazard. As long as you keep up with maintenance and masonry repairs, however, you can extend the lifespan of your chimney and ensure it works properly. (more…)
If you have bricks in an area where they may often get wet, you may want to consider waterproofing them.
Unsealed brick absorbs water, which can significantly threaten the integrity of porous brick masonry and mortar over time. Sealing and waterproofing the brick exterior of a home is a must, as it improves the home’s value by extending the life of its masonry in mortar. Especially in wetter climates, this is a must. If you live in a humid climate, be sure that the sealer you choose provides moisture protection. Follow these steps to waterproof bricks and ensure their longevity. (more…)
Remove unsightly paint streaks carefully.
If the beautiful brick facade of your home is plagued by untidy-looking paint streaks, there is a definite solution. Follow these steps to keep your brickwork beautiful. Many consider options like sandblasting or acid treatment, and wonder if this is the sort of home repair they should even attempt without professional help. Take these tips and guidelines in mind when it comes time to remove pesky paint streaks and keep your brick beautiful. (more…)
Stucco was one of may popular surface treatments for antique brickwork.
If you have antique brickwork, you may have noticed one of many different types of surface treatments that were popular at the time the brickwork was constructed. The surface of brickwork was often treated to lend uniqueness to the facade, update the brickwork, or fix a poor tuckpointing job. Here are three types of surface treatments for bricks that you may have noticed on your antique brickwork. (more…)
This antique brickwork is in need of some tuckpointing.
Tuckpointing is a way to remove old mortar between bricks and replace it with fresh new mortar. This is necessary if your brickwork is old and the mortar is crumbling. Adding new mortar can improve the structural integrity of old or antique brickwork. If you are considering tuckpointing some old brickwork, here are a few tips to consider. (more…)