Archive for the ‘ Commercial Masonry Baltimore ’ Category

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

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

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

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

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

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