Vertical foundation cracks are prevalent and not a real structural concern.
A building’s foundation will crack eventually. Determining the difference between which cracks are acceptable and which you must address can save your structure and your bank account. For instance, vertical foundation cracks are prevalent and not a real structural concern. Also, these cracks are determined by the material type (brick, concrete, stone), the reason for the crack, and your foundation type. (more…)
Here we explain when you must avoid repointing a brick structure and why.
Even though repointing is necessary throughout the life of any masonry structure, it’s not always the ideal solution. Repointing refers to repairing the joints or grout between bricks when they have cracks or crumbling. Although it provides an affordable way to restore masonry work, it’s not always the best option. Here we explain when you must avoid repointing a brick structure and why. (more…)
Masonry buildings are still undeniably popular among residential, commercial, and even industrial construction projects. In fact, when it comes to masonry, there are many different perks associated with the material itself. The reality is, masonry materials will add significant durability and strength to any building which play a significant factor in why it has become and continues to stay so popular among construction jobs throughout the industry itself. With all of that in mind, masonry damage can still occur. Ultimately, property owners need to take the time to understand and learn the common causes of masonry damage. So they can take preventative measures to help eliminate or reduce the damage that might occur — either over time or due to weather conditions.
(more…)
If you own a business, you realize how important it is to have a valuable commercial space to run your company from. Your company headquarters not only represents the quality of your business but will often be the first impression that potential customers have. There are so many different building materials available to build with, so it can be challenging to create a look that shows confidence and reassures your customers that they are choosing the right company. Here are just a few of the benefits of using masonry for your business.
(more…)
Signage is one of the most effective ways to advertise your business to potential customers. Studies have shown that almost 50% of customers choose companies based on their outdoor signs. Monument signs, for instance, are a great way of capturing the attention of passersby. A monument sign sits at eye level and is usually constructed from stone, brick, stucco, or foam. Monument signs are popular due to their design and sophistication. Let’s look at some of the benefits of monument signs for your business.
(more…)
Since your chimney sits on the roof, it is the most susceptible to weather damage. You want to get masonry repairs done as soon you come across any damage.
Spring is finally here which means that the warm weather is on its way. It also means that it’s time to look over your masonry and see what repairs you need. Spring is the ideal time for masonry repairs because it requires a lot of time outdoors and the harsh winter weather may have taken a toll on your building or structure. Fixing these repairs in a timely manner can save you money on extensive masonry restoration that you may need if you leave it be. Here are some masonry repairs you may need this spring season.
Since chimneys sit on the roof of a building, it is typically the most susceptible to damage from the weather. Freezing temperatures as well as snow and ice can increase the chances of cracks and leaks in your chimney. You want to check for any cracks in the crown of the chimney or bricks that appear to be coming loose. You also want to look for a white liquid substance coming from the chimney which could indicate that it may be absorbing water. These masonry repairs can prevent more extensive structural damage and avoid potential fire hazards.
If your building is made from bricks, you want to inspect the interior after all that snow melts away from it. Bulging bricks or mortar can indicate drainage issues. Cracks in the bricks are a sign of foundation problems which are more likely to happen in the winter due to the freeze-thaw cycle that occurs. You should invest in masonry repairs if you notice any of these problems. Proper maintenance and upkeep of your gutters and downspouts will help to avoid future damage to your brick masonry.
The cold weather can have an impact on the seals of your windows. If your room feels colder or more drafty than usual, that could be a sign that the caulking needs to be redone or that the seal is starting to come loose. Any leaks or holes in the seals can cause more hot or cold air than you would like to come into your building, which can increase your energy bills. If you notice any of these problems, it might be a good idea to hire someone to reseal your windows or in an extreme case, you may need completely new ones.
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.
Masonry specialists can cut and replace brick joints professionally.
Sometimes, even though you take care of the brick around your home or business, repairs need to be done. In fact, one of the most common repairs is repointing brick joints where mortar disintegrates or around loose or cracked bricks. Letting damaged or eroded mortar go unrepaired can cause a whole host of problems, mostly from water damage that can impact your interior wall if your home’s exterior is brick. Repointing your bricks can extend the life of your home siding, patio, stairs, or walls and here is how the job gets done right: (more…)
Monument signs, like the one we did for Johns Hopkins, are great ways to promote your business or organization.
We all know that effective marketing is invaluable to a business, but one of the best marketing tools is signage outside of your location. Since there are so many types of signs, it can be difficult to choose which one is right for your business. If you’re looking for a versatile and sophisticated look to your signage, you may want to consider a monument sign to draw customers to your business. (more…)
Custom masonry monuments can give your business a big boost. Why should you choose to have a custom masonry monument installed on your commercial property?
Custom masonry monuments can give your business a big boost. Why should you choose to have a custom masonry monument installed on your commercial property? Who benefits from from having these signs installed? What are some the options you can choose from when it comes to these monuments? In this blog we will explore custom masonry monuments. (more…)
What are some advantages of decorative concrete?
When it comes to driving up business, drawing the customer’s eye is key. In this blog we’ll talk about the advantages of decorative concrete. Concrete, although solid, rugged, and dependable, is not always the most attractive. So how can you wow your customers? Think about using decorative concrete to help spice up your interiors and exteriors. (more…)