Decorative concrete can add beauty and function to an outdoor area. You want to make sure that you enjoy the look for the space through the cost-effective durability of concrete. This post addresses three types of decorative concrete flooring.
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Decorative concrete can be a beautiful feature for your home or business year-round, but winter can bring some challenges. The inclement weather as well as the harsh chemicals in de-icers like road salt can potentially damage your decorative concrete. Here are some care tips to help your decorative concrete survive the winter and continue to look great throughout the year.
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Whether you are a business looking to jazz up your storefront, or a homeowner interested in adding character to your house, using decorative concrete could add the perfect touch. There are several benefits to decorative concrete, and here are three reasons you should consider investing in it.
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There are several reasons why concrete could be a great option for your interior floors.
When people think of concrete, they often don’t expect it to be used much in interior spaces. But concrete’s durability and style make it an ideal material. There are several reasons why concrete could be a great option for your interior floors.
Concrete can be notorious for picking up unsightly stains from oil drippings from cars.
Concrete is a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, and durable material and a good choice for indoor and outdoor projects. But in places like driveways, concrete can be notorious for picking up unsightly stains from oil drippings from cars. Here are some tips that will help to take the frustration out of cleaning.
Concrete block is a very sturdy masonry material that is good for buildings and structures!
Many large commercial facilities use concrete block walls as their main structural elements. Otherwise known as cinder blocks, they are also being used to construct private, smaller buildings like homes. This material, like many others, comes with a list of pros and cons that contractors and engineers should consider when making construction decisions. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of using concrete block masonry walls.
A big advantage of using concrete block masonry walls is its durability. Concrete is one of the strongest materials available and is not susceptible to rotting, mold, or damage from various types of pests. Concrete is also fireproof and is often used as a firewall between rooms and other structures. It’s also ideal for wet environments because it resists moisture. The second pro is its friendliness to the environment. Concrete block masonry walls use recycled materials that don’t contain any harsh chemicals that will negatively affect your health or the health of the environment. The thickness acts as great insulation, reducing energy use and reducing the needs to harvest lumber. When choosing concrete block masonry walls, you’ll experience a decrease in construction time. Faster construction ultimately leads to lower labor costs.
The first and most noticeable con of using concrete block masonry walls is the dullness of the appearance. Quite frankly, this material is not the most visually attractive, especially when compared to other building options. The dry, gray color gives it an appearance that doesn’t match up to the intrigue and natural beauty of other options. Although you can paint the concrete, there isn’t much that will change the general texture or pattern. The second con is the cost. The cost of concrete block masonry fluctuates but is generally more expensive than lumber. Whether the additional cost will be worth it to your building project depends on the various details of the construction project.
Contact Del Prete Masonry for Your Building Demolition Today!
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.
Concrete block will save you time, energy, and money!
When it comes to planning your next masonry project you have plenty of options for material. But, if you’re looking for something that will save you time, energy, and money while maintaining aesthetic, you want concrete block. Concrete block is known for its durability and is particularly useful in areas with weather risks, but its advantages go far beyond just that.
Compared to many other materials, concrete block is easy to manufacture, meaning you save almost 25% in cost when compared to the same amount of brick. As the main competitor, brick uses significantly more natural materials and energy to produce. Meaning the cost is high both in environmental impact and budget.
With a little waterproofing (depending on the project) concrete block will stand the test of time. Although it does allow some water to seep through on its own, concrete block will not be undermined by moisture alone. It also can’t rust, rot, and will not weaken over time. To clean, all you need is a simple broom or in severe cases, a power washer will have your concrete block project looking good as new.
As one of the most durable materials on earth, examples of ancient concrete structures from thousands of years ago are still intact. When concrete block is installed and bonded properly, it will last for generations. Your structure will look as good as new for a long time to come.
Along with the energy saved in its construction, depending on what you’re using it for, concrete block can be even more environmentally friendly. Buildings made with insulated concrete wall systems will have approximately 25% lower heating and cooling costs. When using this material, the interior of your structure will be less subject to daily temperature fluctuations.
Regardless of the aesthetic you want, the flexibility of concrete means your imagination is your limit. Whether you want one story or three, simple doors or elegant archways, concrete is there to get the job done.
If you want to learn more about how concrete block is the perfect choice for your next project, 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.
Concrete curbing is a great way to make your home even more attractive to anyone passing by.
Landscape curbing is a great way to give some structure to your yard and tie everything together. If you are curious about how concrete curbing can help your landscaping and hardscaping, here is what you need to know. (more…)
Concrete joints are a helpful solution as they improve the look, performance, and structure of the concrete project.
As concrete is often lauded for its durability and strength, some people may not realize that like wood, concrete also shrinks and expands in changing weather. This causes cracks and other defects to the concrete, and could even compromise the integrity of the structure. Concrete joints are a helpful solution as they improve the look, performance, and structure of the concrete project. Here’s the rundown of what concrete joints are and how they will help stabilize your project and create a more durable, long-lasting finished product. (more…)
Maintaining the structure and look of your driveway, hardscaping, and other concrete features is essential to the safety of your family and friends, and preserving the appeal of your home or business.
The investments that you put into your home and property aren’t just about the value of your physical possessions, but also the pride and joy you feel when looking over the landscape. The concrete features of your home are a major part of what makes it unique. Maintaining the structure and look of your driveway, hardscaping, and other concrete features is essential to the safety of your family and friends, and preserving the appeal of your home or business. (more…)