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Archive for the ‘ Masonry Restoration ’ Category

Cold Weather Masonry Tips

Friday, January 6th, 2017
Mortar must remain above 40 degrees to be workable.

Mortar must remain above 40 degrees to be workable.

Chances are, you haven’t been able to go outside without a coat or scarf on for at least a couple weeks now, you had to finally locate your ice scraper in the backseat, and you have been turning on the heat in your home during the chilly winter nights. The change in weather doesn’t just mean a change in your daily routine, it can require a change in your masonry. Here are some tips for cold weather masonry during these cold winter months. (more…)

Do I Need Mortar Analysis?

Wednesday, September 28th, 2016
mortar analysis

Mortar analysis is necessary to find a matching mortar for repointing historic structures.

Repointing involves the application of mortar between masonry units. When mortar between masonry joints cracks or spalls, a repointing procedure may be necessary. However, when preparing to repoint a historic masonry structure you may first need to have the mortar analyzed by a professional. A mortar analysis helps find a matching mortar and correct properties needed to prevent the surrounding mortar from being further damaged. If an inappropriate mortar is used, it can actually accelerate the rate at which the masonry deteriorates instead of preserving it. A small investment in mortar analysis can save you a ton of money on the overall life of a project. (more…)

What Is Masonry Staining?

Thursday, June 30th, 2016
masonry staining

Masonry staining adds flexibility to any masonry project.

Masonry staining is the art and science of transforming the color of masonry with a custom stain solution. Masonry staining is a crucial component of the masonry industry and has empowered architects, owners and project managers to achieve a desired color when designing and building with masonry.  With masonry staining traditional color limitations can be overcome and risks associated with a project can be avoided. (more…)

The Benefits of Marble Flooring Restoration

Friday, April 29th, 2016
White-marble

While marble is incredibly durable, marble floor restoration is needed to maintain its full beauty.

Few types of flooring can match the benefits of marble. This natural stone is not only beautiful but it offers many other advantages over wood, carpet and even many other stone materials. It can be used in a wide variety of applications, including commercial settings, personal residences and places such as hotel lobbies, ballrooms and more. However, after many years of foot traffic, there is a good chance that your marble flooring  is in need of repair, cleaning or other restoration services. By allowing a professional marble restoration company to conduct this maintenance you’ll always enjoy the benefits that marble flooring has to offer. (more…)

Masonry Repair for Chimneys

Friday, April 8th, 2016
masonry repair

Masonry repair can restore an old and decrepit chimney.

Chimneys are known for durability, but that durability can lend homeowners to ignore masonry repair needs. Chimneys perform several important functions, and one that is deteriorating can be a safety hazard. As long as you keep up with maintenance and masonry repairs, however, you can extend the lifespan of your chimney and ensure it works properly. (more…)

Types of Surface Treatments for Antique Bricks

Monday, February 8th, 2016
stucco surface treatment

Stucco was one of may popular surface treatments for antique brickwork.

If you have antique brickwork, you may have noticed one of many different types of surface treatments that were popular at the time the brickwork was constructed. The surface of brickwork was often treated to lend uniqueness to the facade, update the brickwork, or fix a poor tuckpointing job. Here are three types of surface treatments for bricks that you may have noticed on your antique brickwork. (more…)

Helpful Hints for Properly Cleaning Your Masonry

Wednesday, September 30th, 2015

When it comes time to clean your masonry, it’s absolutely essential that you take the time to do it right. Masonry is fairly low-maintenance, but does require regular upkeep from time to time. If you don’t understand proper cleaning techniques, you run the risk of permanently altering its appearance or damaging your structure. We’ve prepared a list of helpful hints to take note of when giving your masonry one last final cleaning before winter hits.

Properly Cleaning Your Masonry

We’ve prepared a list of helpful hints to take note of when giving your masonry one last final cleaning before winter hits.

Masonry Cleaning Tips and Tricks

  • Do tests before you dive in.

Before you dive into your cleaning project, you should always do a test beforehand. Try out your cleaning product beforehand – on different stains, on different brick colors, and in different places. Cleaning chemicals and stains can be very different and not one-size-fits-all. Make sure you’re testing in an inconspicuous area and give it time to dry before you make a decision. (more…)

When is it Time for Masonry Restoration?

Wednesday, July 8th, 2015

Masonry is one of the oldest professions out there, dating back to well over 5,000 years ago. Even though centuries have been spent now to try and perfect the art, unfortunately, brick and stone work does deteriorate over a period of time. When that happens, you may be tempted to demolish it. Maybe you would even just leave it be and hope it doesn’t get any worse. But in fact, oftentimes, the best course of action is to hire an experienced and detail-oriented company to professionally restore your masonry. At DelPrete Masonry, our craftsmen are able to utilize brick, stone, and other materials to restore new life into your older building without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal.

Masonry Restoration

At DelPrete Masonry, our craftsmen are able to utilize brick, stone, and other materials to restore new life into your older building without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal.

Reasons for Masonry Restoration

1. It’s lacking in the aesthetics department.

Crumbling, faded masonry just isn’t pretty to look at. If your building’s structure is still completely functional, just could use a face lift, masonry restoration is a great option to preserve the original building and avoid the costs of demolition.

2. It’s unstable.

Although stone and brick masonry stands up well to the elements, if it was constructed poorly or is just very old, it may start to crack and crumble. DelPrete Masonry will be able to take a look and tell if masonry restoration can help to bring stability back to your structure.

3. It’s historic.

Many brick and stone structures and buildings contain rich history. By neglecting to maintain them properly, you could be neglecting a piece of history.

Many times, masonry restoration is the best option if you think your masonry could use a little love. Avoid costly and time-consuming demolition and save history through the simple process of restoration with DelPrete Masonry.

At DelPrete Masonry, we offer professional masonry 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 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 FacebookTwitter, and Google+.

Stucco Repairs and You

Sunday, May 31st, 2015

 

Stucco repair

We’ve got the rundown on stucco.

Today we’ll be talking about stucco and when you should call in professionals to repair it. We’ll be starting with a little bit of information of where you can use stucco and what can go wrong with it. Are you ready to learn more about stucco and how to monitor it? Let’s go for it! (more…)

Restoring your Bricks by Tuckpointing

Monday, May 25th, 2015

 

Tuckpointing, bricks

Do your bricks need a facelift?

Bricks wear down over the years from moisture and weather, but what if you could restore them? Well, using a method known as “tuckpointing” you can. Tuckpointing restores the mortar of your bricks and keeps them looking fresh and new. So, are you ready to learn more about tuckpointing? Here we go! (more…)