Archive for the ‘ Blog ’ Category

Why Should I Consider a Baltimore Stone Monument?

Thursday, September 11th, 2014

Stone is made to last. People have been building monuments, buildings, and roads out of stone since the very dawn of civilization. Why? Because it’s naturally occurring and can stand up to nearly anything you throw at it. Take Stonehenge for example. Built nearly 5,000 years ago, Stonehenge in England is still standing today. While we’re not entirely sure what Stonehenge was used for, it still stands as a monument to the hard work and culture of our fellow man many millennia before the modern era. Setting something in stone means that you’re commemorating it for years to come. So, other than extreme resilience, what are the other benefits of building a stone monument?

Benefits of Stone for a Monument

Save your money – The upfront cost of stone might seem a little daunting, but it’s important to remember how long stone will last. If monuments have lasted for 5 millennia, you can bet that the price will even itself out before long (and way before 5,000 years, we promise). A stone monument won’t require a lot of maintenance or time, but it will commemorate whatever you find important for years to come.

Make it beautiful – If you’re creating a monument, there’s clearly a reason for it. The person, group, or cause that you’re making the monument for is likely special to your or your company. Opting for a stone monument means that you can design it in just about any way you want. You can go as small as you want or as big as you want with your monument. You’ll also be able to choose the type of stone you want and discuss all of the design details with your Baltimore mason.

Stand out – You want your monument to be seen and widely recognized. A stone monument can do that. Look at the Washington Monument, which can be seen for miles around. Though your monument may not be quite that ostentatious, you’ll still have a structure that will be easily seen and recognized!

Monument Masonry

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 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+.

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Caring for Your Granite Masonry

Friday, September 5th, 2014

If you’ve already chosen granite to take advantage of the wide benefits of employing granite for your commercial masonry project then you’re familiar with its versatility, long term durability, and classic style. However, to ensure your granite surface’s long-term stability it’s important to know the key components of long-term granite care.

Because natural stone is highly porous, it’s important to coat any granite surface with a protective water sealant, which will fill in pores and help prevent long term water damage. It’s also important to clean spills of granite surfaces quickly. It’s a crucial part of granite care to control moisture, as much as possible, in any indoor areas with granite flooring

It’s important to clean granite surfaces with a dry mop, or duster at least once a day. This will clear away does and prevent small particles from working their way into the surface’s pores. When performing more thorough cleaning, only use an approved granite cleaner and take special care to avoid using any abrasive cleaners, bleach, or normal detergents.

When placing hardened objects, such as furniture or pots and pans, be sure to use a protective cloth or buffer material. While granite masonry is very sturdy, it’s important to protect it from scratches or gashes which will ultimately decrease the stability and longevity of your commercial masonry.

For other questions regarding granite for commercial masonry, feel free to contact Delprete Mansonry. Our Maryland granite professionals will be able to assist you in choosing which type of granite is best for your upcoming project. To get started with your commercial 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+.

Source

http://www.baneclene.com/articles/granite.html

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Concretes Uses in Commercial Masonry

Thursday, August 28th, 2014

There are a few different materials that have been used for centuries by builders. Concrete is one of them, though it has changed and been improved upon over the years. Concrete is a material that we still use frequently for masonry projects. It’s used as a foundation for homes and businesses, as a material for signs and statues, and even for roads and sidewalks. One of the best things about concrete is its versatility. Concrete can be used for nearly any masonry project. When you think of concrete, you probably think gray, drab, and boring – but concrete has become so much more than that. With new innovations and the ability to mix colors into concrete, it has become a great, aesthetically pleasing material to work with. That’s certainly not the only benefit of using concrete, though.

Why We Still Use Concrete for Masonry

Sustainability – This probably wasn’t a reason for using concrete hundreds of years ago, but it’s certainly a reason that we use it now. Producing concrete results in very few carbon dioxide emissions. The majority of carbon dioxide emissions from a concrete building actually come from the electricity used inside the building. Concrete also has reflective qualities that help keep it cool, resulting in less of an “urban heat island” problem when concrete is used in place of aggregate in cities.
Durability – When we build a structure, we want it to last. Concrete structures have been known to last for centuries if they’re taken care of. Some concrete structures date all the way back to the Roman Era. Concrete is used for bridges, tunnels, and dams – all structures that require the strongest material available. When we use concrete, we know we’re using something that stands the test of time and pressure.
Low maintenance – If you’re like most people, you don’t want to spend a lot of time taking care of your building or masonry structure. Concrete is relatively low maintenance and doesn’t attract mold or deteriorate simply because of time. Weather can wear it down, but there are precautions that you can take to keep your concrete structure standing and intact. It’s easy to take care of and will last you a lifetime.

Building with Concrete

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 when you choose concrete. 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+.

Sources: WBCSD Cement, CBDG

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Taking Care of Your New Masonry Structure

Saturday, August 23rd, 2014

When you have your new masonry structure built, you want to make sure that it lasts for a long time. After all, you’re probably going to be spending a good deal of money on it and you’ll want it to be worth every penny. The best way to enjoy your structure for all its worth is to make sure that you take good care of it and keep up with the maintenance. There are a few things that you should make sure to do once your new masonry structure is completed. The following lists of “do’s” and “don’ts” will help you keep your masonry structure standing and beautiful for years to come!

The “Do’s” of Caring for New Masonry

Do make a point to use the right cleaner. You need to use cleaners that are both effective and safe. Don’t use anything too harsh and steer clear of a sand blaster, as you could end up doing a lot of harm to your new masonry structure. The right cleaners will not only preserve the look of your masonry, but can also improve it.
Do rinse before and after. Rinsing is an important step in cleaning. You want to make sure that you rinse your surface thoroughly with plain water before you begin washing the surface, as well as after. It’ll help protect the structure and will keep the cleaning products from eating away at it over time.
Do ask for help if you need it. You should never be afraid to call in the professionals if you’re worried that you’re either doing harm to your masonry or you’re not getting it as clean as you’d like. Professionals specialize in fields for a reason – to help and give advice.

The “Don’ts” of Caring for New Masonry

Don’t clean in cold weather. An exception can be made for this rule if you have taken the right precautions and know how to properly clean for cold weather. It requires an entirely different set of skills and rules of its own. Be careful if you decide to clean during late fall or early winter.
Don’t use harsh chemicals. Yes, we know we covered this one above when we said to use safe cleaners, but the importance can’t be overstated. An improper cleaning can cause discoloration and deterioration. If you like the way that your new masonry looks, make sure that you are either cleaning it properly or having a professional do it for you.
Don’t clean before the mortar cures. It’s standard to wait about a month after your new masonry structure has gone in to clean it. This gives the mortar time to set and the structure time to settle in. You can cause joint damage if you clean too early, especially if you’re using a pressure washer that’s set too high.

Professional Masonry Maintenance and Construction

To find out more about your masonry options and taking care of new 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+.

Source: Lee Brick & Block

Posted in Blog

Tips for Marble Maintenance and Restoration

Tuesday, August 19th, 2014

Marble can be a difficult stone to take care of. It’s incredibly porous, so if something gets spilled on it or it isn’t maintained properly, it’s going to eventually begin to change color and will be less attractive than it was when you first installed it. On the other hand, marble can age gracefully and become even more attractive as it gets older. There isn’t a lot of work required to maintain your marble; however, it is important that you put in the time and effort to keep it stain free.

3 Tips for Marble Care and Maintenance

Seal it – No matter what you’re using marble for, you need to make sure that it’s sealed right after installation and fairly regularly after that. A sealant will help repel food, liquid, and other things that can easily soak right into the marble and cause stains. If you hire a good commercial masonry contractor to install and care for your marble, he or she should seal it when it’s first installed anyway.
Clean it – You should be cleaning your marble regularly. Make it a part of your daily routine to ensure that it gets done and stays looking good. It’s important to remember not to use harsh cleaners on marble, though. Marble maintenance requires gentle cleaning and caretaking. Use a soft cloth to clean marble on a daily basis – you can also use distilled water if you need to clean something a little more stuck on. Never use anything acidic on a marble surface.
Protect it – Apart from using a sealer, there are other ways to protect your marble surface. If your marble surface is indoors, you should make sure that you’re always using some type of protector between any liquid and the marble. Don’t sit food or drink directly on marble at any time, as it could stain the marble. If your marble is outside, you’re going to have a tougher time maintaining and protecting it. You can’t control the weather or other people. Your best bet is to cover your structure when you’re expecting rain or to make sure that it’s very well-sealed.

Marble Cleaning and Restoration

It’s not always possible to keep marble at 100% — sometimes you need an expert to come in and clean it up or restore it. That’s where Del Prete comes in. Restoring marble on your own can be a tough chore that requires a good bit of knowledge. Having the professionals do it ensures that your marble will look (almost) like new again. It’ll save you a lot of time and headaches! o find out more about your masonry options andtaking care of 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+.

Source: Bane Clene, The Stone Cobblers

Posted in Blog, Marble

Masonry Demolition Methods

Friday, August 8th, 2014

There are many times where masonry can be restored, but sometimes the only way to go is demolition. If a building or structure is dangerous, beyond repair, or if something better can be built, it will frequently be slated for demolition. One of the problems that companies face with demolition is that it’s usually done in areas that are residential or commercial in nature – meaning there are lots of people around. The debris and dust from a demolition project can be dangerous if the demolition is not done properly. There are a few different methods of demolition. Each one must be executed appropriately for safety and health concerns.

Commercial Demolition

Implosion – Most people find this method to be the most exciting, but it’s also the most dangerous. Implosion involves dynamite and sequential detonation to make sure that each part of the building is demolished at exactly the right time. Usually only very large structures are demolished with implosion so they tend to be in urban areas. Demolition teams have to be very careful to make sure that the whole thing goes off without a hitch.
Crane & Ball – This is one of the oldest methods of demolition and is the one that most people recognize. A wrecking ball up to 13,500 pounds are attached to a large crane. The crane then swings the ball into the structure that is being demolished repeatedly. It works well in some structures, but not for all. Once again, demolition teams have to have a specific skill set to operate the crane and ensure that it doesn’t tip during the demolition process.
High Reach Arm – This is the type of demolition most frequently used for masonry structures. Demolition of masonry is particularly complicated because of the amount of dust that it produces. High reach demolition requires a base machine of some type, a large demolition arm, and tools attached to the machine. This process can take a while and varies considerably depending on the type of building we’re demolishing and the site construction.

Masonry Demolition from Del Prete Masonry

DelPrete Masonry performs demolition for commercial structures that have been damaged or must be removed. Our crews are highly experienced and take every precaution necessary to ensure that the structure, and its surrounding areas, is carefully prepped before demolition. Once the demolition is complete, DelPrete Masonry removes all debris and performs a thorough cleanup, so the existing space is ready for the next phase of development. Hire a professional masonry demolition expert, who performs safely and efficiently, to keep your project on schedule – contact us at 443-250-4193 or email.

Source: Construction.About

Posted in Blog

Precast Stone for Commercial Masonry Projects

Monday, August 4th, 2014

First thing’s first – what is precast stone? You’ve likely heard the term before, but you may not know what precast stone is or why you would choose it over anything else. According to the U.S. General Services Administration, precast stone is a material “made from Portland cement, sand, crushed stone, fine and coarse aggregates and water in varying proportions and formulas” that can be “manufactured in custom molds.” Precast stone has only been an American tradition since about the 1950s, but it’s one of the most commonly used materials now for a few different reasons.

What are the Benefits of Precast Stone?

Insulated – If you’re using precast concrete for a building project, you’ll find that it’s a great insulator. Your building will stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter. We’d all like to cut down on energy bill costs and precast stone will allow you to do just that. On a similar note, precast stone will also insulate you against noise pollution. It absorbs sound well and will help keep the interior of your building nice and quiet.
Easy to Maintain – Precast stone is a little-to-no maintenance material. It doesn’t have to be painted or sealed regularly, though if you want to paint it, it can easily be painted. Precast stone is difficult to damage and doesn’t require a lot of your attention once it’s installed. It’s an incredibly strong material and will stand up to weather and other outdoor elements so you don’t have to spend a lot of time repairing weather related issues.
Versatile – Not only are the uses for precast stone incredibly versatile, but the types of precast stone that you can get are also varied. Precast stone can be made from granite, marble, or just about any other variety of aggregate that you like. You can choose precast stone in varying colors, shapes, and sizes. You can even choose to have your precast stone “veined,” which will give it another element of dimension.
Sustainable – Most companies today are doing whatever they can to use more sustainable, earth-friendly products. Precast stone meets those requirements. It’s resistant to mold, which is great for air quality and helps avoid the need to replace the precast stone and results in less waste. Precast stone is also recyclable, so if you ever do decide to have your structure demolished, you can rest easy knowing that the byproduct will be recycled!

Precast Stone from Del Prete Masonry

For any questions regarding precast stone for commercial masonry, feel free to contact Delprete Mansonry. Our Maryland precast stone professionals will be able to assist you in choosing which type of precast stone is best for your upcoming project. To get started with your commercial 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+.

Source: BIBM

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

The Benefits of Stone Masonry Signs for Commercial Use

Friday, July 25th, 2014

Are you getting tired of seeing the same signs for just about every business? You know the ones I’m talking about. The big plastic signs with lights behind them to make them easier to see at night. The ones everyone has. Not that there’s anything wrong with those signs, but there are options that will last longer, not wear as fast, and will look better outside of your business. If you’re a Baltimore local, you’ve probably seen some of the superior signs that we’re talking about – the ones outside of Johns Hopkins University or M&T Bank Stadium. Signs made of stone will always last longer than signs made of plastic.

Why Choose A Stone Masonry Sign?

Well, the better question is why not choose one, but we’ve got a list of the top reasons to choose stone masonry over your other options.

Sustainable – If you’re like most other people, you’re probably looking for an option that will be both environmentally friendly and economically friendly. Stone is a sustainable option because it is natural. Your sign will fit in better with the environment around it and look earth friendly. Plus, it’s going to last you a lot longer than a big plastic sign, meaning it’ll ultimately save you money.
Aesthetic – This goes almost without saying, but we thought we’d mention it, because it’s the biggest benefit of choosing commercial stone masonry over plastic. Choosing brick or natural stone for your business’ sign will give you a leg up on your competition. It makes it clear that you take your business seriously and, like the natural stone you’re using, you’re there to stay. Natural stone is professional and attractive.
Options – You have dozens of options when you choose natural stone. You can choose the color, pattern, type of stone, and finish that works best for you. Then we’ll work with you to help come up with a design that will reflect your business. Every piece of natural stone is unique and every sign is a little bit different. We’ll give you all of the pros and cons of the different types of stone and help you figure out what you prefer to work with. In the end, you’ll have your perfect sign.

Stone Masonry Signs from Del Prete Masonry

Your sign is one of the first things that people see when they approach your business. It should look professional and beautiful. Let us help! Please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us atmike@delpretemasonry.com to get an estimate for your new commercial stone sign. We’re located out of Phoenix, MD and 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: Natural Stone Council, Classic Design Stone

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Building Brick by Brick in Commercial Masonry

Thursday, July 17th, 2014

There are some things that have been done right for centuries. Much of masonry lives up to that standard. People have been building things since the dawn of the human race and a lot of their materials have come with them. Brick, for instance, is one of the most consistently used materials in history. We’ve discovered brick structures that date back more than 5,000 years ago. If you’re keeping track, that was about 3,000 years BCE. That’s pretty impressive when you think about it. Brick making is a little bit different today, but it has its roots in ancient practices.

How Bricks are Made

Bricks are made from natural, raw materials, which is one of the reasons that they’re still a popular masonry option. Brick is usually made from a clay compound – think red clay in the southern parts of the US. The raw materials are first mixed together to get the base product. They then go through an extrusion process where the materials are mixed with water and molded into the traditional rectangular “brick shape.” Many bricks then have a furrowed area carved in to make them easier to work with when paving. They’re coated with sand, dried, and then fired. The firing process makes the bricks stronger. Once the bricks are cooled, they’re packaged and manufactured.

What Benefits do Bricks Offer?

Durability – Bricks are a great option to use in the Mid-Atlantic area because they can stand up to just about any weather extreme that they’re pitted against. If you’ve lived here for a while, you know that we get everything from blizzards to hurricanes in this part of the country. It’s important to use durable materials that will outlast Mid-Atlantic weather extremes.
Good Insulation – We’re not telling you not to insulate your building. Far from it. We’re just telling you that bricks are a good natural insulator. They hold in heat better than almost any other building material. Their ability to retain heat energy will push your energy bill down and help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Perfect for the energy efficiency conscious company.
Aesthetic Flexibility – When you think of bricks, you probably think of the typical red, clay brick. That’s not the only option anymore! With new technologies and a better understanding of the world around us, manufacturers have begun to create bricks in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. You can have the classic aesthetic with the modern feel. It’s the best of both worlds.

Brick is a great foundation for any building, and as commercial masons, we can fully appreciate the benefits of brick. Ready to commission your commercial 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+.

Source: Go Brick

Posted in Blog, Brick

Why Should I Have my Older Masonry Restored?

Monday, July 14th, 2014

Masonry work is a beautiful thing. There is a lot of meticulous, detailed work that goes into creating a masonry structure. Stonemasons have been working to perfect the art for centuries and make advances on the foundations of masonry as they go. If you have mason work that is starting to crack or deteriorate (which does happen, no matter how hard we work to make it perfect), you have a couple of different options.

You could tear down and start over, destroying something that could have a rich history.
You could leave it be or reseal it and hope that it doesn’t get any worse.
You could hire a qualified restoration service to come in and restore a piece of work back to its original glory or better.

You should only approach option 1 if there’s absolutely no hope for restoration, if the original structure is poorly built, or if you want something entirely different. Demolition is sometimes the way to go, but if you like the structure, why not put the work in to save it and maybe even create something better out of it? The second option is rarely a good one. If you don’t work to properly take care of masonry (which is actually pretty low maintenance), it will eventually start to crumble and you’ll need to hire someone to tear it down or restore it anyway. Most of the time for both buildings and decorative structures, we recommend that you choose masonry restoration for a few reasons.

Add aesthetic – We can add a nice aesthetic appeal to older buildings that need to be restored. If they’re still useable but just need a face lift, restoration is a really good, fairly inexpensive option.
Stability – Restoring masonry returns it to its original stability and strength. Stone and brick masonry stands up well against weather and the elements, especially after you’ve restored it.
Protect history – Many buildings have a rich history that you risk losing if you choose demolition over restoration when the building can be successfully restored.

At Del Prete Masonry, we offer professional 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 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+.

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore