Archive for the ‘ Blog ’ Category

Masonry Repair: Protecting Your Masonry Chimney

Thursday, December 4th, 2014

We often take our chimneys for granted. After all, there’s usually little reason to give them special attention. They do their job and we let them do it. However a masonry chimney is far from the passive, easily ignorable household system that we might treat it as. Over time and after routine exposure to moisture and the elements, chimneys can degrade and potentially become safety hazards. Delprete Masonry, your Maryland masonry repair expert, is here with some of the ways you can protect your masonry chimney, and what you can do to prevent them.

Install a Chimney Cap

One of the most effective methods for preventing water damage to your masonry chimney is using a chimney cap (also called a rain cover). Any roofing or masonry professional will tell you that chimney caps are a vital part of any chimney lining system. Chimney caps provide other benefits as well. They can prevent sparks from escaping, and help stop birds and other wildlife from nesting in the chimney. Chimney caps are constructed from corrosion resistant material and will protect your masonry chimney for years to come. Consult a masonry repair expert in Maryland about installing a new chimney cap.

Replace Your Chimney Crown

A chimney crown is the uppermost portion of a masonry chimney which seals the top of the chimney, directing water away from the flue, preventing erosion of the chimney’s brick and mortar. Many masonry chimneys are constructed with flawed crowns built from non-weather resistant mortar mix. An excellent chimney crown should be built from weather-resistant mortar mix and should project over all sides of your masonry chimney by at least two inches. A damaged masonry chimney crown should be replaced by a trustworthy team of Maryland masonry repair experts.

Repair Weakened Mortar Joints

Deteriorated mortar joints on your masonry chimney can become prime locations for moisture entry. Correctly made mortar joints, ones without gaps or missing mortar, are constructed specifically to repel water away from the joint. Damaged mortar can start to absorb water and crack, threatening your chimney’s structural integrity. If you notice that your mortar joints are starting to crack you should hire a Maryland masonry repair company to have them repointed.

Need To Repair Your Masonry Chimney?

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 chimney for any problems or structural weaknesses and can offer fast and affordable repairs. Your house is your most prized possession and a masonry chimney 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, Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Methods of Masonry Demolition in Maryland: Pusher Arm

Monday, November 24th, 2014

Whether you’re clearing way for a beautiful new masonry structure, or just looking to get rid of a structurally unsound eyesore, you need to consult a masonry demolitions expert on how you’re going to take down your masonry structure in Maryland. But how to do it? Del Prete Masonry is here with the inside scoop on one of the most common masonry demolition tools: the pusher arm.

What is a Pusher Arm?

A pusher arm is masonry demolition in-speak for a hydraulically powered excavator or loader that has been re-fitted with attachments to repurpose these construction machines for masonry demolition, such as percussion breakers and excavator buckets.

The Advantages of Pusher Arm Demolition

The chief benefit of using a pusher arm for your Maryland masonry demolition project is that the machines are very mobile, can handle large amounts of masonry at once, and are able to work on walls and floors that are above ground level. A team of pusher arm machines can be strategically employed to bring down masonry structures in a relatively short amount of time. Great for demolishing masonry infill structures, pusher arms can take down an infill structure by pushing them over in stages using continuous horizontal pressure.

The Disadvantages of Pusher Arm Demolition

To work efficiently, pusher arm machines need sufficient space to maneuver and gain access to a structure, as well as a flat and sturdy base. They are also limited by the reach of their arms whch must be extended at least 1.5 meters above the building being demolished. This method of masonry demolition is not recommended for large buildings on difficult to navigate sites

Pusher Arm Demolition Safety Precautions

Make sure that your Maryland site has been secured against unintentional entry by unauthorized personnel during demolition.
Always conduct demolition from the exterior of the building, and never let anyone enter the building while pusher arms are in operation.
Be sure that the operator has been trained in the work, or is being instructed by a trained person.
Use hand demolition to get the building to a level where pushing can start.
Separate the masonry structure from any attached buildings using hand demoltion.
Make sure that debris does not build up too high against the walls: this may push the wall onto the machine.

Need Masonry Demolition in Maryland?

Call Del Prete Masonry. At Del Prete Masonry, we’ve got the expertise to perform masonry demolition by pusher arm, and a wide variety of other methods to ensure your unwanted structure is safely, and quickly, taken apart. We’re also one of Maryland’s most respected masonry construction groups, so we can replace any demolished structure with a pristine, and affordable, one in no time.

To find out more about your masonry demolition 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, Demolition

Methods of Masonry Demolition in Maryland: Demolition by Ball

Monday, November 10th, 2014

If you have a structurally unsound or physically unappealing masonry structure, or have purchased land with a building that doesn’t meet your needs, chances are that you need masonry demolition. Continuing our series on the various types of masonry demolition, Del Prete Masonry, your Maryland masonry company, is here with a behind-the-scenes look at how demolition via wrecking ball works.

While most building can be taken down with a wrecking ball, it’s a highly delicate process that requires years of training and experience to execute safely. Below are some general precautions that masonry demolitions experts must observe when demolishing a building via wrecking ball.

Machine Safety

Most wrecking balls are not attached to dedicated wrecking machines; rather they are affixed to converted cranes. Demolishing masonry via wrecking ball is a taxing task and it’s important to make sure the crane is properly equipped to deal with the added strain. Cranes using a converted drag line are considered the best for demolition via wrecking ball while hydraulic ram cranes should never be used for this purpose. Cranes must be outfitted with a Falling Object Protective Structure and the Safe Working Limit (The maximum weight which the crane arm can safely carry) must be at least 3 times the weight of the wrecking ball.

General Safety

The wrecking ball must be fixed to prevent it from disconnecting with the line and this connection should be safety checked every hour. All unnecessary personnel and the general public should be kept well away from any masonry demolition, particularly when using a wrecking ball. Also, any building that are attached to the masonry that will be demolished must first be detached by hand, otherwise serious structural damage could occur.

Need Masonry Demolition in Maryland?

Call Del Prete Masonry. At Del Prete Masonry, we’ve got the expertise to perform masonry demolition by wrecking ball, and a wide variety of other methods to ensure your unwanted structure is safely, and quickly, taken apart. We’re also one of Maryland’s most respected masonry construction groups, so we can replace any demolished structure with a pristine, and affordable, one in no time.

To find out more about your masonry demolition 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, Demolition

Methods of Masonry Demolition in Maryland: Demolition by Hand

Friday, October 31st, 2014

At Del Prete Masonry, there’s nothing we appreciate more than a fine stone structure, but sometimes for the new to be built, the old must come down. When it comes to masonry demolition there’s more than one way to get the job done. While masonry demolition should never be attempted as a DIY project, having a better understanding of how it works can help you know when it’s time to call in a professional masonry demolition . Today we’ll be looking at masonry demolition by hand.

Conducting masonry demolition by hand is a time consuming and difficult process. Demolishing masonry by hand requires ample scaffolding, structural reinforcement, protective gear, and a wide variety of sturdy demolition tools to be done safely.

Process

When performing Maryland masonry demolition by hand only one story of a structure can be demolished at a time. It’s typically safest to start with the highest level, the roof, and to work your way down from that point. A portion of every floor should be taken out so that debris can fall through to ground level.

It’s important not to let destroyed masonry pile up though. An overloaded floor could collapse, starting a chain reaction of collapsing floors and taking down the entire structure with tools, and more importantly people, inside. At the conclusion of every work day guying and propping must be done to ensure that the remaining portion of the structure can safely stand on its own overnight.

Personnel Safety

When conducting masonry demolition by hand in Maryland, law requires that guardrails and barriers must be erected in any place that poses a potential hazard to workers or the public. If there are areas in the demolition site where this is impossible, workers must be outfitted with anchored safety harnesses, and must be adequately trained in their use.

Before conducting any kind of masonry demolition by hand, Maryland requires employers to conduct hazard assessment to determine what specific safety precautions are necessary.

Need Masonry Demolition in Maryland?

Call Del Prete Masonry. At Del Prete Masonry we’ve got the expertise to perform masonry demolition by hand, and a wide variety of other methods to ensure your unwanted structure is safely, and quickly, taken apart. We’re also one of Maryland’s most respected masonry construction groups, so we can replace any demolished structure with a pristine, and affordable, one in no time.

Posted in Blog, Demolition

Benefits of Using Insulated Concrete Masonry Units in Maryland

Friday, October 24th, 2014

If you’re a Maryland business owner considering having masonry construction or replacement done, and are concerned about keeping energy bills low, you may want to investigate the option of using insulated concrete masonry units in your construction. Del Prete Masonry is here with some of the many benefits that insulated concrete can provide a commercial Maryland business.

What is Insulated Concrete?

Insulated concrete units are made with no connections or webbing between the masonry faces, filled with insulation, and are finished on the interior and exterior resulting in a masonry unit that provides a high quality thermal barrier. Benefits of using insulated concrete masonry units include:

Energy Savings

Insulated concrete can provide energy savings of up to a whopping sixty percent! By protecting your Maryland commercial structure with insulated concrete, you create an effective energy barrier between the interior and exterior of your building. Insulated concrete is also easy to install and can save you money on labor costs.

Environmentally Friendly

In addition to saving you money on HVAC costs, insulated concrete also saves the resources that would have been used to heat or cool your Maryland building. Because insulated concrete is finished on the interior and exterior, the need for painting or drywall is also reduced, making this one of the most environmentally friendly masonry materials available. Insulated concrete is also entirely nontoxic and contains no CFCs.

Incredibly Customizable

Insulated concrete is not only dual-finished, but is available in a wide variety of colors, ensuring you can customize the look of your Maryland commercial masonry structure to fit your business’ needs perfectly. Insulated concrete masonry units can also be reinforced both horizontally and vertically without needing to make any extra modifications, making reinforcement a breeze.

Interested in Saving Money and The Planet with Insulated Concrete?

Call Del Prete Masonry. At Del Prete Masonry we’ve got the expertise to install insulated concrete and a wide variety of other masonry quickly, affordably, and with superior quality. To find out more about your masonry options including insulated 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, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

What is Tuckpointing and How do I do it?

Wednesday, October 15th, 2014

Also commonly referred to as repointing or pointing, tuckpointing is the process of removing and replacing deteriorated mortar joints. It’s an important process that every owner of a masonry structure should be aware of, as it’s routinely used to reinforce and repair Maryland masonry to ensure that it stays looking good, and more importantly, safe.

Preparing to Tuckpoint

Tuckpointing is a labor intensive process and should only be attempted by an experienced Maryland masonry professional, or someone with substantial masonry experience. Before beginning to tuckpoint it’s vital to conduct a thorough analysis of your masonry to determine exactly where the problem areas are, and what mortar joints need replacing. You’ll also have to determine if the joints need cleaning, and the age of the masonry you’re working with.

Creating Tuckpointing Mixture

Decide whether or not you need power tools. Saws and grinders are normally used to remove mortar.
If you’re using mechanical tools you’ll need to set up extra proctection to avoid damaging the masonry.
Don proper protective gear,
Remove the old mortar up to a depth of 3/8 inches to ½ inch, or until you strike firm mortar. Warning: Do not remove more than one third of the depth of the masonry unit, this is very unsafe.
Remove dust and debris by brushing, rinsing with water or blowing the mortar joint with air.
Select the type of mortar that is going to be used.
Mix the additives to match existing mortar colors.
Place all ingredients in a mixing box.
Thoroughly mix all ingredients.
Add half the water needed for the mix.
Mix until the mortar forms a thick paste, thick enough so a ball can be formed, without having mortar flow.
Let the mix set and hydrate for about two hours.
Add water to increase workability. Warning: Adding too much water, will make the solution too runny, and thus unfit for use.

Applying the Mixture

Using the tip of a trowel, pack the mortar into the joint until it is full.
Scrape away excess mortar until the joint is flush with the masonry surface.
After the mortar has hardened a bit, strike the joints with a joint strike tool, first vertically, then horizontally.
Make sure to keep the mortar damp and covered with a sheet of plastic for 3 days after the procedure.

Need Tuckpointing or Other Masonry Repair in Maryland?

If you’re looking for a reliable Maryland masonry company that can take care of this laborious and technical process for you, 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 tuckpointing or other masonry repair 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

Accident Highlights the Importance of Masonry Repair in Maryland

Wednesday, October 8th, 2014

On October 6^th at 1:00pm in a town situated in East Yorkshire, England a 61 year old man was unfortunately crushed to death when winds from a passing storm blew masonry off an amusement arcade which then fell upon him. Neil Dean, a taxi driver whose vehicle was also crushed by the falling debris, described the incident saying that

“[The Masonry] came down on the top of the car as [the old man] was walking towards the amusement arcade. He was straight outside my car and I watched him go down. I feel so, so sorry for his family.”

“He was minding his own business and just walking towards Pleasureland Amusements. The falling masonry came from the pointing on the top of the building. That’s where it all came from.

“It quite a new building and it’s been there for under ten years. Apparently somebody saw it wobble a few weeks ago. It’s not an old building.”

The local fire department is currently investigating to see if any of the construction was at fault. The hearts at Del Prete Masonry go out to the victims of this unfortunate accident. We would like to take the time to underscore the importance of proper masonry repair and maintenance in preventing these kinds of tragedies in the future. As this incident illustrates, masonry repair is important even for newly constructed buildings and while the winds in Maryland rarely equal the torrential weather of England, we see our fair share of storms and dangerous weather.

Conducting routine masonry repairs and restoration is vital to the safety of everyone who works in your structure and the general public. As a Maryland property owner it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure the safety of your building by seeing that masonry repairs are performed routinely or by hiring a reputable and reliable masonry company for the initial construction.

Del Prete Masonry

If you’re looking for a reliable Maryland masonry company that can virtually eliminate the odds of these kinds of accidents, 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 commercial masonry repair 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+.

Source: The Yorkshire Post

Posted in Blog, Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Benefits of Building with Marble in Maryland

Friday, October 3rd, 2014

A metamorphic rock that varies widely in density, patterning, and color, “marble” is derived from the Greek word marmaros, which means “shining stone.” Though typically thought of as a material for countertops and sculpture, marble has many practical applications in commercial masonry as well. Some of the stone’s uniquely beneficial properties are:

Permanence

The chief advantage of marble construction is in the material’s durability and strength. Constructing any structure, monument, or building with marble assures that it will last a long time and maintain its beautiful appearance. When building with marble you can be sure that you are not just building a permanent fixture for your business, but also for many businesses and people who will use it after your lifetime, making marble a wise choice for the environmentally conscious.

Versatility

Marble has a wide variety of applications within commercial masonry and can be used to build countertops, flooring, bars, tables, steps, monuments, and even entire buildings. Building with marble assures that whatever you choose to construct, your masonry will have a permanent and unique beauty, unrivaled by almost any other construction material.

Fire Resistance

While building with marble may prove more expensive initially than other materials, marble’s extreme heat and fire resistance ensures that, in the unfortunate event of a fire or other heat related disaster, your structure will remain standing strong. Many Maryland insurance companies will offer lower premiums, especially on fire insurance, to commercial masonry that utilizes marble construction.

Low Maintenance

Using Marble construction in commercial masonry also guarantees easy maintenance. Marble is very easy to clean, often just requiring a quick rinse and wipe to eliminate most stains or clinging debris. Additionally, and unlike many other construction materials, marble will never require painting and re-painting, saving time and expense over its very long lifecycle.

Do You Need Marble Construction/ Restoration?

At Del Prete Masonry we have the expertise to build, restore, and care for all types of residential and commercial masonry, especially those utilizing marble construction. We’re to here to help you plan and build the marble (or any other kind of stone) structure that fits your needs, with quality materials and service.

To find out more about your masonry options and building with marble, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us atmike@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+.

Sources: ezinearticles.com, ElegantNatural-Hubpages

Posted in Blog, Marble

Tips for Finding a Commercial Masonry Restoration Company

Monday, September 29th, 2014

When looking for a masonry restoration expert to tackle your commercial masonry project, it’s important to thoroughly vet candidates with a detailed selection process. While it’s easy to rely on online review services like Angie’s List, or browsing through union membership lists, these won’t guarantee finding a commercial masonry expert who will fit your needs, and it can be hard to tell if an online review is paid for, or by someone whose opinion you can trust. Consider these steps when looking for a masonry restoration expert that fits you.

Consult Friends and Family

Often more reliable, and more aware of your personal needs than the internet are friends and family members. Check with them, or with trusted business associates, to see if they’ve ever needed masonry restoration done for their homes and businesses. You can also check nearby stone supply companies, which contractors will visit regularly. The staff at the supply facility will be able to point you in the direction of the companies that buy the best materials and pay their bills on time.

Phone and Face-to-Face Interviews

Write up a list of the most qualified-looking companies, and make a quick phone call to their offices. Ask them if they take on the type and size of project you’re looking to start, if they’ll provide financial and personal references, a previous client list, and how long they’ve worked with their subcontractors. Using these answers you can narrow down your list further and set up an in-person meeting. When meeting a potential commercial masonry restorer, trust your gut. If they put you ill at ease, have unusual stipulations, or try to pressure you into making a deal on the spot, cross them off your list. However don’t be bamboozled by flashy personalities either and make sure that they are in good standing with the Consumer Protection Bureau, and the Better Business Bureau as well.

Investigate

Spend some time checking with past clients and examining completed restoration projects. If you can, find a current site their working on and pay them a surprise visit to see if restoration is being done it what looks like a timely and efficient manner.

Get Bids

With your shortlist in hand, present your proposed masonry project to the potential clients. Don’t automatically accept the cheapest bid, particularly if the company wants most of costs up front. Low bidders and companies that require more than 50% in advance are frequently desperate for cash, and may suspect you won’t want to pay them upon completion, or they may go out of business before the job finishes.

Looking for the best? Need Additional Help?

For other questions regarding commercial masonry restoration, feel free to contact Delprete Mansonry. 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 commercial 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+.

Source:

This Old House

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Caring for your Brick Masonry Structure

Monday, September 22nd, 2014

One of the most popular building materials for centuries, brick masonry is used from everything from stately colonial mansions or small country cottages, to dignified commercial structures. Its versatility, efficiency, and appearance all contribute to raising the property and aesthetic value of your home. While generally maintenance free, it’s still important to take care of your brick structures to assure that your commercial masonry investment is protected and their longevity is being leveraged to its maximum potential.

Cleaning

Once a year, be sure to go over your brick masonry with a hose, equipped with a spray nozzle, to remove any loose dirt. Also if any side of your brick masonry structure or house gets very little sunlight you should be on the lookout for moss, mold, or mildew growth. Scrubbing any affected areas with a solution of 1cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water will clean most of this up. Avoid using wire brushes that can scratch or damage brick and be sure to rinse these areas with water BEFORE applying the bleach solution.

Check for Water Damage

Water damage to brick masonry has two potential causes: Splash back and rising damp. Splash back is the process by which rain, over a long period of time, is slowly absorbed into brick causing the mortar or brick itself to crack. Rising damp occurs when ground water seeps upwards, leaving behind what is known as a “tide line”. This line will disappear but will cause a buildup of salt crystals that will ultimately break down brick and mortar. Check for water damage routinely and allocate funds for repointing every 5-10 years.

Repointing

Repointing is the process of renewing the external parts of mortar joints, which hold brick masonry structures together. If you find signs of damaged mortar, consider having it repointed. This involves careful removal of the existing mortar, and a fresh application of a new batch. When repointing, the depth of the new mortar should be approximately twice the width of the existing mortar joints.

If you own an older house and want to preserve visual integrity, make sure that your fresh mortar matches the original. A contractor can take a sample of existing mortar and dissolve it in acid, exposing the base sand aggregate used to manufacture it, so that it can be replicated.

Get Help from Del Prete Masonry

Brick is a great foundation for any building, and as commercial masons, we can fully appreciate the benefits of brick. If you need your commercial masonry repaired, 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+.

Source: bobvilia.com

Posted in Blog, Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore