Bring the outdoors in with concrete countertops!
The most popular countertop materials are usually granite, quartz, and laminate. Most people totally overlook concrete. However, in recent years concrete has seen a surge in popularity because of its versatility, flexibility, and natural beauty. Concrete can be designed to fit almost any design to add interest to your kitchen or bathroom through a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. (more…)
Decorative concrete floors provide a unique and beautiful look to any space while being affordable and durable.
Decorative concrete floors provide a unique and beautiful look to any space while being affordable and durable. In this post four types of decorative concrete floors will be explored. These ensure that anyone can have the look they desire for their space in the form of a cost-effective and strong floor. (more…)
Commercial concrete curbing can help you fix cracked concrete.
It is no secret that there are certain expectations when it comes to how commercial properties look and function. They are expected to maintain upkeep, and foster a certain level of aesthetic appeal for customers, clients, employees, and guests. If a commercial property does not look up to snuff, it can reflect poorly on the business as a whole. It can also create safety gaps, which can pose all sorts of problems. These can be potentially both hazardous and costly and damaging to the reputation of a business. It is especially important to upkeep concrete pavement. One way to do this is by utilizing commercial concrete curbing services. (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…)
Concrete joints are the pieces that help your concrete stay durable and free from cracks during its lifetime.
Concrete joints are the pieces that help your concrete stay durable and free from cracks during its lifetime. Fresh concrete is a viscous mixture that can be poured into a variety of places and left to dry, but it will reduce in size as it sits. Without the proper structure and concrete joints in place, the concrete will be very vulnerable to cracking and premature damage. (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…)
It’s not always a good idea to apply deicing products to your sidewalks.
In the winter many turn to the deicing product of their choice to keep their properties ice free. Ice can make concrete sidewalks slippery and potentially dangerous and possibly even damage certain materials over time. While shovels are often the safest way for removing snow and ice from masonry, it is not always enough to remove them completely. This is when people turn to a deicing product. However, excessive use of any deicing product comes with consequences. It can degrade masonry surfaces, damage mortar joints, and harm nearby vegetation.
There are numerous types of deicing product sold at various hardware stores. While these will undoubtedly melt snow, overuse has consequences for your sidewalk. Masonry surfaces can scale and flake when overexposed to these chemicals. This degradation is referred to as salt fretting and can often be found where the sidewalk and the bottom of a building meet. Severe fretting and even the loss of pieces of buildings and sidewalks are possible when a deicing product is overused.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions completely. Before you apply any deicing product, be sure to remove as much snow and ice as possible with a shovel. Only use it in areas of high foot traffic and be sure to keep it away from the base of your building. As the snow and ice melts, keep the slush away from the base of your building too. When spring comes, be sure to wash down any sidewalks and building bases that have been deicide to get rid of the product residue.
If you are ready to upgrade your property, 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 placed without joints is susceptible to uneven cracks.
Concrete joints are an important part of any concrete masonry project, as they help compensate when concrete expands or shrinks due to changes in temperature. Without them, cracks can form in the surface of the concrete. Concrete joints help prevent these cracks and provide a more finished concrete product. Cracks that do form will occur in specific locations that can be easily monitored for repair. (more…)
Make sure you protect your decorative concrete features this winter.
It’s starting to get cold again, and winter can really wreak havoc on decorative concrete. Besides the weather itself being a hazard, harsh chemical de-icers can actually damage concrete and landscaping details. If your business features beautiful decorative concrete, it’s important that you take steps to protect your investment. Here are a few tips for caring for your decorative concrete this winter. (more…)
Make sure your concrete sidewalks are safe for trick or treaters this Halloween.
Does your home or business see a lot of traffic from trick or treaters? Concrete sidewalks and walkways that are chipped, sunken, even, or otherwise in a state of disrepair are not only an eyesore that can damage the visual appeal of your property, but also a safety hazard. Consider repairing your sidewalk before Halloween swings around. (more…)