Whether you are looking after your commercial masonry structures or the brick walls of your own home, having an inspection is a key step in addressing any possible issues. But what does the inspection process look like? Here are some of the things that you can expect from a professional masonry inspection.
(more…)
With the right tools, a masonry contractor knows how to set level, strong and beautiful masonry.
If you are getting masonry work done for the first time, or maybe you’ve considered tackling a small project yourself, you’ve probably wondered how the pros get it done. With the right tools, a masonry contractor knows how to set level, strong, and beautiful masonry. Below is a quick look at what’s in the average masonry toolkit.
Choosing to undergo the project yourself, without the advice or work of a professional bricklayer, can wind up being a costly mistake that sacrifices structural integrity and requires serious fixes.
Whether you’re building or renovating your house, or building an outdoor structure such as a patio, it’s important to consider the benefits of hiring a masonry professional. Choosing to undergo the project yourself, without the advice or work of a professional bricklayer, can wind up being a costly mistake that sacrifices structural integrity and requires serious fixes. A bricklayer, who will have all the necessary experiences and qualifications to help you construct your project to meet your needs, can also help you save on costs and give you valuable knowledge about maintenance which will benefit you in the long term as a homeowner. Here are a few of the benefits of hiring a professional bricklayer. (more…)
One good way to prepare for the care and maintenance of your own masonry structures is to familiarize yourself with the tools and materials that are commonly used for masonry repairs.
One of the things that makes masonry so special is the simplicity of the materials used to make strong and beautiful structures. Masonry represents the background of many construction projects, so the stone and construction methods need to ensure a strong, durable structure for years to come. One good way to prepare for the care and maintenance of your own masonry structures is to familiarize yourself with the tools and materials that are commonly used for masonry repairs. Read on for our useful guide to masonry repair materials and tools. (more…)
You might be surprised to learn that bricks can be subject to water damage.
Brick masonry is a beautiful and durable method to use for any project. While brick is very long lasting, there are still maintenance and repair concerns you must take into account. By following these four simple tips, you can ensure that your brick will have the longest possible lifespan. (more…)
When looking for a masonry contractor, it is important to ask questions about their expertise and experience!
When you are looking for a masonry contractor for your next project, you want only the best. It can be difficult to sort through a number of possible contractors and try to figure out which one will give you the best quality for your money. When are you looking for a masonry contractor, here are some of the important questions you should ask to help narrow down your decision.
The first thing you want to do is make sure the masonry contractor you want to hire is certified. This shows that they are legally certified to do the job that you want. If a contractor can’t provide you with their license or certification, cross them off of your options list.
The type of experience you want your masonry contractor to have varies depending on the specifics of your project. If you know that you want to use brick, you should ask about their experience with brickwork. You also want to inquire about their experience with cutting and laying different patterns so that you know if they can recreate your exact vision.
You want to have your design ideas together when talking to potential contractors so that they can give you a timeframe of how long it’ll take them to finish. If you have a specific time frame that you need it completed by, make that clear in the beginning so that you know your masonry contractor can get the job done by then.
One of the best ways to figure out about a masonry contractor is to look up reviews and get references. If a family or friend went to the same contractor, ask them about their experience. They are a lot more likely to give an honest opinion over the contractor that’s trying to sell you their services. Online reviews are also a good way to get more insight about a company. You can ask the contractor directly for references of their past clients and projects.
Inquiring about insurance is just as important as making sure the contractor is licensed and certified. Insurance is crucial because if something goes wrong during the construction process, you want to be protected financially. If they do not have insurance, do not even consider them.
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.
When you are hiring a professional masonry contractor, you want only the best quality!
The most important thing you need to do when preparing for a hardscaping project is find the right professional masonry contractor that will suit all your wants and needs for the project. You have an idea of what you want done, so there is no reason to settle for a professional masonry contractor that will force you to compromise your vision. You want to make sure that all your money spent on the project was worth it, and only the perfect professional masonry contractor can do that for you, and here is what they look like.
You do not want to hire any professional masonry contractor before knowing more about their background. The best and most experienced contractors will have several references ready for you to prove their superior work, while non-professionals and inexperienced contractors may be more timid to provide you with any. Consulting friends and family on contractors that they know and like is also a good idea, and is a more trusted reference for you personally. They must also have the proper licensing or else that means they are technically working and handling the equipment illegally, which you do not want. Additionally, in case of any damages occurring, you will want to make sure they are insured so that you are not the one paying for their mistakes.
Obviously, not everyone has all the money in the world to funnel into their masonry project. This is why it is crucial to find a professional masonry contractor who can work with the budget that you have. This can be done by gathering quotes from different professional masonry contractors so you have an idea as to how much money you will need to spend to get the project done. You need to find the right professional masonry contractor that will fit perfectly within your budget.
Just because you have an idea of what you want, does not mean you completely understand how to go about it or design it. If you hire the right professional masonry contractor, they will be able to assist you in bringing life to your ideas. The perfect professional masonry contractor can help you both install your project and help you properly design it, and even give you advice on how to properly maintain it.
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 Restoration is a true necessity in some cases.
Masonry restoration is an important process that keeps historic buildings and new buildings in great condition. While many people assume that repointing a brick wall is the same as restoration, that’s simplifying the process a little bit too much! Here is what you should know to fully understand masonry restoration. (more…)
Masonry work is a specialized field already, and it requires incredible attention when the temperatures drop like this.
This week has brought a cold upon us for an extended period of time, and we’ve really never experienced anything like it. Meteorologists are calling it the “bomb cyclone,” which is just a cool name in itself. But what that means is that an unprecedented amount of arctic air has been pushed over the Mid-Atlantic. While temperatures won’t always consistently stay in the teens, we are officially in winter, and the air is as cold as can be. With that said, it’s important to understand how the winter weather can impact masonry. Masonry work is a specialized field already, and it requires incredible attention when the temperatures drop like this. The cold air can cause the mortar itself to expand, and that could lead to cracking. There are plenty of different techniques to follow when it comes to masonry work during this time period. (more…)
Hiring a masonry contractor can be a stressful process if you aren’t totally sure what you’re doing.
Hiring a masonry contractor can be a stressful process if you aren’t totally sure what you’re doing. However, it’s important to take your time, since the skill of the masonry contractor you select has a direct effect on the quality of the finished product. Here are some of our best tips for hiring the best masonry contractor. (more…)