If you have been thinking of installing a masonry structure, then you may have already thought over the materials. And while concrete, limestone, and natural stone all have their benefits, have you considered brick? There are several reasons why brick might be the ideal choice for your masonry project.
Before you start your next masonry project you have to stop and consider, are you using the right type of brick? While all bricks are made using a similar process; a mixture is placed into a mold, and then kiln fired, the differences can be quite dynamic. Most bricks are made from clay, but some are made from a mix of concrete and calcium silicate. There are five main types of bricks which are useful for different situations, today we’ll walk you through these.
First impressions are everything when it comes to attracting customers. Quality hardscaping can add a significant amount of curb appeal to your business.
When it comes to expanding your business, improving your branding and overall look is a surefire way to grab a customer’s attention and set yourself apart. A great place to start is using landscaping and hardscaping. Whether you expect to bring clients to visit your business or want to attract the attention of passersby, tap into the latest hardscaping trends to enhance your business’s appearance and create an appealing space for customers and employees alike. Whether you want to have a standout pathway to your front door or construct a patio for outdoor enjoyment, your trusted hardscaping and masonry professional can help. Check out these three simple ways hardscaping can improve your business, from the outside in.
Vertical cracks are one of the more minor brick masonry problems, but if left unfixed, they can lead to bowed bricks and damage to the inner wall.
Brick masonry buildings and structures are made to last for years at a time. However, just like any other materials, your brick masonry will begin to wear and tear over time, especially if the proper care isn’t implemented. You want to fix any masonry problems you have as soon as possible to prevent them from getting any worse. Here are the top four signs of brick masonry problems.
Also known as bulging brick, this is when the bricks in your wall are either caving in or jutting out in certain areas. This occurs because of moisture that has accumulated behind the brick. The moisture can warp the bricks, forcing them to push out or soften the wood behind the brick, causing them to cave in.
This is a common type of wall crack that occurs because of natural expansion of your brick masonry. With vertical cracks, you don’t have to worry about your building’s foundation being majorly affected. However, vertical cracks still allow water in, so it could lead to bowed bricks or damage to the inner wall if it’s left unfixed.
A compacted brick is one of the easiest signs to spot because the shape of the brick will be different than normal. Compacted bricks open a hole in the wall, allowing water to get through. They also will damage more bricks over time because it can’t provide sufficient pressure to the bricks next to it to keep them in place.
If brick masonry begins spalling, this means that the face of the brick is chipping. This is caused by corrosion to the shelf angle that sits behind the brick. The shelf angle is a metal piece that is installed behind a row of bricks in order to distribute the weight of the bricks evenly between the ground and the building. If the angle shelf corrodes, it can lose its strength and cause the weight distribution to become uneven, which can potentially be very dangerous.
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.
You want to repair any damage to your brick masonry as soon as you come across it.
Over time, even the best brickwork needs repairs due to a variety of reasons including weather and the nature of the ground beneath your masonry. The dirt underneath your masonry will naturally move due to erosion and the weight of the materials on top. As this happens the masonry of your brickwork may crack. While this is common, it still needs to be dealt with quickly so that larger problems don’t occur. If you’re concerned that your brick masonry needs work, we’ve compiled a list of signs to look for.
If you live in an area that experiences frequent freezing, you may notice the signs of bulging bricks, or what’s known as frost boil. This occurs when moisture seeps behind your brick masonry and softens the backing causing the bricks to either be pushed out or pulled in. To fix this, a mason will need to remove the affected bricks and treat the underlying cause before laying new bricks.
When it comes to cracks, some happen naturally. If they occur at a vertical or less than 30º angle, there is no threat of collapse. However, these cracks can still affect your brick masonry and need to be filled with an epoxy or urethane to prevent water from seeping in during heavy rainfall or from moisture freezing within over the winter.
A compacted brick is easy to spot because it will no longer be in its original shape. It may appear severely cracked or bowed and can allow water to breach the wall and cause significant damage. Often, if there is one compacted brick there will be others because the pressure that results from a compacted brick can affect those around it. If this happens you will need to replace the affected areas and potentially add spikes called push piers to your foundation for extra support.
If the mortar between the bricks begins to dissolve or buckle, it can cause dangerous side effects. When mortar wears away bricks begin to rub against each other causing damage and warping. It also puts you at risk of having the foundations become dangerous. If this happens you will need a mason to remove as much of the old mortar as possible before adding new mortar.
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.
Brick is a durable material that gives any building a classic look!
If you’re wavering between building materials for your next project, consider choosing brick! Brick is not just an aesthetically pleasing option for your building, patio, retaining wall, walkway, etc. It’s incredibly strong and has proven to stand the test of time for centuries. Whether you want a timeless, nostalgic look or need a durable design, brick is a great option. (more…)
There are a variety of different types of brick that you can use for your commercial building.
If you’re thinking of installing a brick wall on your commercial property, you probably have a particular purpose in mind. There are different types, or categories, of brick walls you can build, all with their own strengths. As with all projects, maintaining and repairing your wall and paying attention to cracks, loose bricks, or other types of brick deterioration is critical to the longevity of your project. However, ensuring that you have the correct type of wall for your needs will lessen the amount of work to maintain. Consider these three categories of brick walls you can build on your property: (more…)
The pattern of brick you choose can really shape the outcome of your project.
If you’re thinking of laying brick for your next outdoor project, you already know how versatile, classic-looking, and durable it can be for your walkways, driveways, or patios. However, choosing the right pattern can be a daunting task, as you’ll have it as a permanent installation in your decor. Before you commit to a pattern, check out these 5 brick patterns and see what could do best for your project. (more…)
The brick walls outside of your home or business set your building apart with timeless appeal.
The brick walls outside of your home or business set your building apart with timeless appeal. There are many different surface treatments available that can help to further customize your brick. Here are some of our favorite surface treatments for brick. (more…)
One of the single most important choices you will make is the brick pattern.
When designing your new patio, there are many things to consider, including how large you want your patio to be, any additional features, and whether or not fun outdoor living elements like fire pits will be integrated into it. One of the single most important choices you will make is the brick pattern. Here is everything that you need to know to find the best brick pattern for your patio. (more…)