Archive for the ‘ Commercial Masonry Baltimore ’ Category

How to Create Stunning Hardscaping, Part 1

Friday, January 15th, 2016

Aren’t you glad you planned ahead for this beautiful stone walkway?

Adding some professional hardscaping to your commercial property can greatly increase your property’s appeal and value. Research really pays off when it comes to planning a hardscaping design. You want to keep in mind the unmovable elements of your property, as well as other aspects that should factor into your design. Jumping into a hardscaping project with little planning can result in a design that is defunct after only a few years. Here’s what to keep in mind when you’re planning out your hardscaping design. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore, Concrete, Stone Masonry

Tips for Cold Weather Masonry

Monday, November 2nd, 2015

There are certain precautions a contractor makes when working in the winter.

As cold weather approaches, it becomes more and more difficult to work with masonry. Working on masonry projects during the winter is still possible, but there are more considerations to keep in mind. When the weather dips below 40 degrees, the hydration in the mortar will expand and crack. The mortar can be rewetted before this happens, but if it is wetted too much, the mortar won’t stick to the unit. This is why it is better to hire an experienced, dependable contractor during the winter. An experienced contractor will know precisely how much to wet the mortar and what surface needs to be wetted. If you are looking to try your hand at a personal masonry project, waiting for warmer weather is the wisest choice. Masonry contractors, however, work year round. Here are some of the things that they look out for during the winter.

Speed Hydration. Many masons use speed hydration by using high-early cement or by adding an accelerator to the mortar. However, these methods do have the potential to change the color of the mortar.
Keep Units Dry and Warm. The best way to prevent masonry mistakes during the winter is to cover units with a tarp to protect them from rain and snow until they are ready to be used. A mason can also heat up some materials to ensure that the mortar is properly hydrated and binds correctly.
Know Your Products. Many commercially available admixtures that are marketed as “antifreeze” admixtures are actually just accelerators, rather than freezing point depressants. A contractor with experience knows how to tell the difference.
Keep Warm. It’s important to keep the masonry units and mortar warm, but it’s even more important to keep the masons doing the work warm as well! If working in high winds, it’s advised to set up a tarp as a windbreaker. If the temperature drops to below 20 degrees, it’s advisable to set up a heater or get to a warm, indoor space.

Build Your Next Concrete Masonry Project with Del Prete Masonry!

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 with it. 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+.

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore, Masonry Contractor

What should I know about Tuckpointing?

Friday, October 23rd, 2015

Do your mortar joints and brick masonry walls seem rundown? It might be time to do some home repairs, including tuckpointing. What is tuckpointing? It is the process of mortar joints repair of stone and brick masonry walls. In the tuckpointing process, grinding and raking of the mortar happens and then the filling of new mortar is done. This is no easy job and you should hire a reputable masonry contractor to do the labor-intensive job. You will know you are due for tuckpointing if your mortar joints have powdered material coming from it by a scratching the surface. If you cannot tell, a masonry contractor can assess the condition of your mortar joints.

It is important to hire a masonry contractor to do your tuckpointing because weakened mortar has the tendency to break down stone and brick masonry walls and result in moisture problems within your walls. The tuckpointing will help waterproof your mortar joints while extending the life of your walls. You will want to have tuckpointing done as soon as you notice a problem because it will save you a great deal of money in the long-run by preventing your masonry wall from deteriorating to the point you only have the option to tear it down and build a new wall. That’s expensive and you want to spot tuckpointing when you notice any loose masonry units such as brick and stone. When a budding has a new tuckpointed wall, you can expect the good condition to last for 25 years or more, depending on the quality of work from the masonry contractor. If you live in a high precipitation or high humidity area, you will want to check your brick and mortar often. For the best results, have your masonry work performed by a very professional and reputable contractor. This is the best way to guarantee you will have long lasting mortar joints that look good.

As for tuck pointing affordability, go for a quality and a good cost by comparing quotes and getting references. You want a masonry contractor with extensive experience to do your tuckpointing. This is not a job for amateurs because all tuckpointing projects are unique, whether on a flat ground surface or high-rise building, a masonry contractor needs to know what she or he is doing. Here at Prete Masonry we are here to do your tuck pointing right.

Del Prete Masonry

For any questions regarding new masonry construction, feel free to 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 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 Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Choosing the Right Masonry Contractor

Thursday, July 23rd, 2015

When remodeling or constructing a new building, quality stonework can add a unique, ageless aesthetic. Regardless of whether you know exactly what you want and how you want it or if you only have the vaguest idea, picking the right masonry contractor is the biggest factor in your satisfaction with the result. There are several strategies that you can employ to make sure you find the right masonry contractor for your work at the best price.

Make sure that you can find qualiy masonry at a good price.

(more…)

Posted in Blog, Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore, Granite, Masonry Contractor, Stone Masonry

Why does your Business need Professional Masonry?

Monday, June 29th, 2015

Professional masonry can change your business.

When it comes to sending a powerful message, or showing the world that you mean business, you’re going to need a little help. That’s where professional masonry structures come in. A new monument or sign made out of professional masonry materials can really add the punch that your business could benefit from. Would you like to learn more about using professional masonry for your business? Let’s do it! (more…)

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore, Masonry Contractor

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

3 Things to Look For in a Commercial Masonry Company

Monday, March 9th, 2015

You’re looking to have some professional masonry work done for your Baltimore business. However, you don’t know what to look for in a commercial masonry company. DelPrete masonry is here with a simple guide to how DelPrete masonry qualifies in all 3 things to look for in a commercial masonry company. Experience to get the job done, professionalism to get it in budget and on time, and a large body of work to prove they can get it done. DelPrete Masonry, has everthing you look for in a commercial masonry company.

Experience

Masonry is more then simple work or construction, it is a craft passed down from masters to apprentices who must undergo years of tutelage to become journeymen and then masters themselves. (more…)

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore

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?

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, 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

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?

Posted in Blog, Brick, Commercial Masonry Baltimore