Archive for the ‘ Blog ’ Category

Watch Out for These Signs of Poor Masonry Work

Friday, July 17th, 2015

Take a look at the brick buildings and structures on your property. How do they look? Unfortunately, although brick is a great, sturdy material to build with, unsafe practices can make it hazardous. If your brickwork was done by a sketchy masonry company or built very many years ago, you’re going to need to watch out for signs that it may be falling apart or in need of repair. Find out how to identify if you’ve been the victim of poor masonry work by reading the following tips:

Find out how to identify if you’ve been the victim of poor masonry work by reading the following tips.

Poor Masonry Work Signs

Cracks

Cracks indicate weakness in the structure and are never a good sign, whether they’re horizontal or vertical. If you see heavy vertical cracking, however, it could mean that the foundation has settled.

Faulty alignment

Sometimes, the mortar can react to water and expand, which will in turn push the bricks out of alignment. If your structure is fairly old, this can be a common problem.

Parging

A shoddy construction company will sometimes cover bricks that are structurally unsound with a layer of this material. It resembles a smooth stucco, but its purpose is really just to hide defects within poor masonry work.

Wooden beams and lintels

If you’re the owner of an older building, you may have noticed that your building is supported with wooden frames. However, recently we’ve discovered that these wooden frames can’t always fully support the weight of bricks. In the event of a fire, they’re also more likely to burn and potentially collapse your building.

Sand lime mortar

Although this type of mortar was commonly used during the 20^th century, it does have a fairly high risk of failure. It can be rinsed away when exposed to enough water due to it being water-soluble.

If you’re looking for a professional masonry construction company that won’t cut corners, look no further. Get in touch with DelPrete Masonry today!

At DelPrete Masonry, we offer professional masonry restoration for your building or structure. DelPrete Masonry is a commercial masonry construction and restoration company that services Baltimore and the surrounding area. For more than 25 years, we’ve been performing quality masonry work for a wide variety of clients with different masonry needs. We’ve built a solid reputation for ourselves in the Baltimore area as a leading commercial masonry service. For more information, 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, Brick

When is it Time for Masonry Restoration?

Wednesday, July 8th, 2015

Masonry is one of the oldest professions out there, dating back to well over 5,000 years ago. Even though centuries have been spent now to try and perfect the art, unfortunately, brick and stone work does deteriorate over a period of time. When that happens, you may be tempted to demolish it. Maybe you would even just leave it be and hope it doesn’t get any worse. But in fact, oftentimes, the best course of action is to hire an experienced and detail-oriented company to professionally restore your masonry. At DelPrete Masonry, our craftsmen are able to utilize brick, stone, and other materials to restore new life into your older building without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal.

At DelPrete Masonry, our craftsmen are able to utilize brick, stone, and other materials to restore new life into your older building without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal.

Reasons for Masonry Restoration

1. It’s lacking in the aesthetics department.

Crumbling, faded masonry just isn’t pretty to look at. If your building’s structure is still completely functional, just could use a face lift, masonry restoration is a great option to preserve the original building and avoid the costs of demolition.

2. It’s unstable.

Although stone and brick masonry stands up well to the elements, if it was constructed poorly or is just very old, it may start to crack and crumble. DelPrete Masonry will be able to take a look and tell if masonry restoration can help to bring stability back to your structure.

3. It’s historic.

Many brick and stone structures and buildings contain rich history. By neglecting to maintain them properly, you could be neglecting a piece of history.

Many times, masonry restoration is the best option if you think your masonry could use a little love. Avoid costly and time-consuming demolition and save history through the simple process of restoration with DelPrete Masonry.

Posted in Blog, Masonry Restoration

Safety Rules to Follow When Beginning a Demolition Project

Wednesday, July 1st, 2015

Demolition projects may seem mostly straightforward, but in reality, there is a lot that can go wrong. When you’re dealing with the destruction of large buildings, there is always the chance of someone getting hurt. However, you can minimize that risk by implementing some basic safety rules. If you follow these rules and play it safe, you can complete your demolition project quickly and with no trouble at all.

When you’re dealing with the destruction of large buildings, there is always the chance of someone getting hurt. However, you can minimize that risk by implementing some basic safety rules.

Be Prepared

The first step before making a demolition is to conduct a thorough survey of the building. Make sure to note the condition of the walls, floors, and framing to prevent the possibility that part of the structure may make an unplanned collapse during the process. You also need to find out if any hazardous materials such as chemicals, gases, or explosives were used with any equipment in the structure. These materials can cause big safety hazards during a demolition if not taken into account and removed.

Check it Twice!

Take care to remove any glass ahead of time that may shatter during demolition. If the structure of the building has been damaged, you will need to brace the walls so that your employees are not put in danger when they must work inside the building. Perhaps most importantly, ensure that all utility and service lines have been shut off before you begin any work. Finally, always go from top to bottom in any demolition project. Each story of the building needs to be demolished and removed prior to beginning demolition on the next story. Warning and safety signs are also always a great idea to install around the area to make sure everyone involved remains aware.

Demolition doesn’t have to be a chore! If you call DelPrete Masonry, we promise to take every precaution necessary to ensure that every aspect of the structure and the surrounding property are prepared for a safe demolition. We perform a thorough cleanup of the area and leave it ready for you to begin your next phase.

Need Demolition Services?

Contact DelPrete 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 professional 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 Blog, Demolition

Foundation Trouble is no Joke

Friday, May 15th, 2015

Are you worried about your foundation?

Having trouble with a building’s foundation can lead to big problems if you don’t work to fix it quickly. The worst case scenario is, of course, the collapse of your bulding or structure. This can be exceptionally dangerous to the people in the building as well as the people around the building. So, if you think that your building or masonry structure is having foundation issues, please seek help immediately. We’ve got some signs and symptoms you need to look for to make sure your building is safe. Ready? Let’s do it!

Cracks and Crumbles

They says that even one brick out of place can lead to problems down the line, so it’s essential that you keep an eye on the bricks that make up your foundation. You will probably see little cracks here and there, but those are normal. What you’re looking for is a crack that appears in a diagonal pattern. You should also keep an eye out for the ceilings that are beginning to separate from their rightful place. Having trouble with floors that slope? This could also be an issue.

Don’t Panic.

Not every little crack or crease necessarily means that your building or home is going to come crumbling down. You simply need to keep an eye on the foundation so that you can get it repaired in a timely fashion before you have any real cause for concern.

Worried about your foundation?

Call Delprete Masonry. As Maryland’s foremost experts on masonry repair, construction, and demolition, our skilled teams have what it takes to quickly and accurately assess your masonry foundation for any problems or structural weaknesses and can offer fast and affordable repairs. Your house is your most prized possession and a masonry foundation is one it’s most important systems, so why not take good care of it?

To find out more about your masonry repair options, 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

How to Prepare for New Masonry Construction

Sunday, April 5th, 2015

There are plenty of reasons why you may be seeking to hire us to build you a brand new structure. You might need some flatwork done, a monument built, walls put in, or a structure you’ve been dreaming of for a long time. There are things you need to think through before you make the call so that we can ensure that you will have the smoothest process from idea to finished structure. We are more than happy to answer your technical questions along the way, but here are some things you might want to consider on your own. (more…)

Posted in Blog, Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Building Better with Brick

Monday, February 2nd, 2015

Spring is coming, your tax returns are around the corner, and you’re planning a new home improvement project. Del Prete Masonry is here to help, and to lead off we’ll explain why brick is the best material for your new home improvement project.

Strong and Safe

Fired brick, or ceramic brick, has been in use for thousands of years as a strong, long lasting material, durable to the elements. The component elements of brick can be altered to change its attributes, for example, brick can be made lighter, or stronger depending on the mixture. The raw materials and temperature that bricks are fired at can also be used to change the temperature of the bricks. Brick does not warp, rot, or erode as other construction materials might. It is also fireproof, and brick masonry has been shown to reduce the chances of a home being destroyed by a fire.

Low Maintenance and Energy Efficient

Brick is requires little maintenance, and has a high thermal mass, both aspects which make it an energy efficient building material.

Brick masonry construction does not need to be repainted, sanded, or refinished, like painted wood or plaster, and it does not fade and need to be replaced like vinyl siding does. All the maintenance brick needs is an occasional cleaning. This saves you time, energy, and money.

Brick’s thermal mass also makes it energy efficient. The thermal mass of a material measures how a material absorbs and releases heat. Another way to put it would be as a measurement of the thermal “inertia” of a material. Materials like iron are good thermal conductors and have a low thermal mass, it absorbs and releases heat quickly. Brick acts as a material with a high thermal mass, and has a high thermal inertia. Brick keeps the house cool during the day, slowly absorbing and storing heat from the surrounding air and sun. When night comes time and the outside temperature starts to cool, the brick releases the heat it has absorbed into the home, and then starts the process all over again with dawn. Materials with a high thermal mass, like brick, are best in temperate climates like where we are.

Aesthetically Flexible

As a design material, fired brick is one of the most flexible materials around. Brick come in many colors, from whites and yellows, to the more common pinks, reds, and browns. Brick may even be purple or black. Bricks can be made to all be the same color, or you can alternate colors, and construction patterns to make designs in whatever you’re constructing. It can be used in classical as well as contemporary design. And brick can be used well with other materials as a complementary or contrasting feature.

Want your next Home Improvement project done with Brick?

Call Del Prete Masonry. As Maryland’s foremost experts on masonry repair, construction, and demolition, our skilled teams have what it takes to provide you with the very best in masonry contracting. At Del Prete Masonry, we’ve got the answers you’re looking for.

Posted in Blog, Brick, Brick

How to Know If Your Masonry Needs Re-Pointing

Monday, February 2nd, 2015

Mortar restoration, also known as re-pointing, is a method used by masons to keep a brick building holding together physically and aesthetically the way it was intended. Brick and mortar is a solid method of building structures and a very common method used by masons all around. In fact, brick and mortar, also known as masonry, can last a long while before maintenance is needed. The average time masonry can safely go without repairs (barring any sort of natural disasters) is 50-100 years. However, once that time has been reached, it is suggested that the home/business owner consider masonry restoration.

What are the signs?

A range of 50-100 years is a long margin of time before needing restoration; such a great margin makes it hard to determine when re-pointing should be done. If your house was built in 1950 should you have re-pointed your masonry in the year 2000, or should you wait until 2050? Knowing the signs of wear can help make the decision earlier. Examining the joints, meaning the area between the bricks where the mortar meets brick, would be step number one in this endeavor.

Weathered or flakey mortar can be a sign of deteriorating integrity in the masonry.
Cracked or missing mortar is a definite sign and re-pointing would definitely be recommended
Mismatched coloring in the mortar. This is a sign of an inappropriate re-pointing done in the past and the integrity is hard to tell on face value. Re-pointing can be done as a precaution.

If done correctly, re-pointing won’t have to be done for another 50-100 years, depending on certain elements like climate, rainfall, wind, etc. These may seem like small details but in the possible span of 100 years, the amount of tiny raindrops on your home can factor into the frequency of your home’s mortar restoration. However, if done correctly and all elements are taken into account, you can get at least 50 years out of your masonry.

What to do now

To reiterate, re-pointing can greatly improve the lifespan of a building. Without doing so, the structural integrity can become compromised. Water damage could also occur if restoration is not sought after, degrading the masonry itself and allowing water to enter the house. Del Prete Masonry is a business of professionals, dedicated to solid work that stands the test of time. Unless you get work on multiple brick walls, you may only meet the excellent masons of Del Prete once, at least for re-pointing, as their job is always done right.

To get started with your brick masonry 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 Blog

The History of Brick

Friday, January 16th, 2015

At Del Prete Masonry, we’re proud to continue the historic tradition of masonry, a craft that extends thousands of years into our past, with a history as storied and fascinating as the chronicle of any nation. Today, we’re looking backwards into the history behind one of the most crucial and powerful items of our trade: the humble brick.

The Middle East

As far as historians can tell, the earliest discovered bricks date as far back as 7500 BC. These early bricks were dried, which means that they were made out of clay-laden dirt and mud, then dried under sunlight until they were hearty enough to be used in construction. The oldest known bricks hail from a part of the planet that is now Syria. Other discoveries, which date as far back as 7000 BC, include bricks from the ancient city of Jericho and the Egyptian fortress of Buhen which ran along the west bank of the Nile River.

China

As early as 2000 BC, bricks were certainly being used in Chinese architecture. Scientists and scholars have even established that the Chinese were already mass-producing bricks roughly 300 years ago during the Western Zhou dynasty. In 1368 AD, under the Ming Dynasty, bricks were already being fired in kilns. To make these bricks clay and water were mixed together, then trampled over by oxen who beat it into a paste. The paste was then lain in wood frames and smoothed with a wiry bow. The bricks were then stamped with the brickmaster’s insignia and loaded into a wood-fueled kiln and removed while the kiln was still burning.

Europe

The Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations also used fired bricks. The Romans designed and perfected the use of mobile, cart-bound kilns and constructed massive brick buildings and structures all over their empire bearing the seal of the Roman legion. The middle ages saw brickmaking finally make its way to northern Europe and was popular in places without native rocks suitable for construction. Some of these buildings still stand today in Denmark, Germany, Russia, and Poland. This kind of brickmaking and architecture would eventually transform into the style that became popularized during the Italian Renaissance.

At Del Prete, We Know Where We’re Coming From

We recognize the importance of history and our professionals know everything about brick masonry, from practical skills to historical facts. For other questions regarding brick masonry, feel free to contact Delprete Mansonry. Our brick masonry 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 brick masonry 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 Blog, Brick, Brick

Signs You Have a Bad Masonry Foundation

Friday, January 9th, 2015

Foundation

Your home’s masonry foundation is incredibly important to its long-term survival. Without a solid foundation, you’re home or business will swiftly crumble and sink into the ground. That’s why it’s important to be on the lookout against foundation damage. Foundation damage is typically caused by moisture and will manifest in a number of ways. Del Prete Masonry is here to help with some of the most common signs of a bad foundation.

Crooked Windows and Doors

Door and window installers do their utmost to put in their wares so that they’re completely level. If they start to move out of alignment, it’s most likely because your masonry foundation has started to move. If your doors and windows become very difficult to open and close, or even show signs of damaged glass, it’s highly likely that the foundation in that region of the house has started to go bad.

Cracked Walls and Sloped Floors

If the level of your home’s floor starts to change, it’s almost certain that the foundation beneath it has started to settle, however this can be difficult to notice, especially with carpet. If your floors are uncarpeted, try dropping a marble and seeing if it rolls in an area you thought was flat. A sinking masonry foundation may prompt the developing of cracks in your drywall, particularly drywall near windows and doors. Be sure to look out for ejected drywall screws/ nails and baseboard gapping.

External Cracks/ Wall Bulges

While minute cracks are not unusual in masonry foundations, walls, and footers, be on the lookout for large, patterned cracks that seem to keep growing. If you see clearly rectangular patterns of cracks in your foundation masonry, or you notice unusual bulges in the foundation walls, the ground beneath it could be shifting. It’s also worth paying attention to your masonry chimney, if you spot cracks or damage on it, the frame of your house could be unstable.

Misc. Signs

Oftentimes, a masonry foundation will be set on top of posts and beams, if an inspector finds that these are leaning, the house has probably changed its position. If you spot water underneath your house or find that the ground seems wet on one face of it but dry on another, you could have drainage problems that need fixing. Taking care of these issues can nip masonry foundation damage in the bud.

Need To Repair Your Masonry Foundation?

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

How to Hire a Masonry Contractor in Maryland

Monday, December 22nd, 2014

Whether you’re looking to have a masonry structure retouched, repaired, demolished, or constructed from scratch, deciding on the masonry contractor that’s best for the job can be a difficult choice to make. Del Prete Masonry is here with a few tips for finding a masonry contractor that will do the job right the first time.

Know exactly what you want done and communicate it clearly. Masonry contractors employ specific specialists for certain kinds of work. Let them know exactly what you’re looking for so they can determine if they have the appropriate staff available for your project.
Be patient and search thoroughly. Ask your friends and family for advice or endorsements on masonry contractors they’ve hired. While word of mouth is a fine way to discover a few available contractors, it’s also well worth examining consumer review websites and the like to get a sense of a company’s overall quality.
Don’t accept the first bid you get, or the lowest one. Make arrangements to meet with at least three masonry contractors and be sure to get an itemized quote that breaks down the price of each element of your project. Absurdly low bids may lead to hidden costs popping up later or shoddy materials being used in the construction.
Find references. Make sure previous customers of a potential Maryland masonry contractor are generally satisfied with the work they had done, and do the necessary digging to locate any unsatisfied customers wo may have legitimate complaints.
Ask for proof of insurance and licensing. A masonry contractor must be licensed to perform work in Maryland. A license is the most basic guarantee any contractor can provide towards their professional knowledge and level of skill. It is illegal for any masonry contractor to work in Maryland without a license. Similarly it’s important to know that your Masonry contractor is properly insured. They’ll need to have both general liability and workers’ insurance to cover employees if they are injured.

Want a Reliable Maryland Masonry Contractor?

Call Delprete Masonry. As Maryland’s foremost experts on masonry repair, construction, and demolition, our skilled teams have what it takes to provide you with the very best in masonry contracting. At Del Prete Masonry, we’ve got the answers you’re looking for.

Posted in Blog, Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore