Posts Tagged ‘ commercial masonry ’

Featured Project: Lake Roland Park Stormwater Basin

Friday, May 20th, 2016

The original stormwater basin (left) and the basin with new natural stones (right).

Our team recently finished work on an interesting project that we thought our readers would enjoy! We set to work reconstructing an old stormwater basin in Lake Roland Park. This stone stormwater basin has been a feature of the park since 1840. It was crucial for us to restore the stormwater basin so that it had renewed structural integrity while still preserving the original design of the basin. The result is a new and functional basin that still captures the history of the park. (more…)

Posted in Stone Masonry

Why Use Natural Stone?

Friday, May 13th, 2016

Natural stone adds a sophisticated, natural element to any structure.

When it comes time to plan or build a new structure, many wonder just what materials to use. There are certainly a number of different mediums to choose from, all with their own unique pros, cons, look, and lifespan. Natural stone, however, is an old favorite that’s always worth another look for these, and many other reasons. (more…)

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore

The Advantages of Commercial Brick Repointing

Friday, April 22nd, 2016

Commercial brick repointing adds value and longevity to your structures.

There are a large number of reasons why building owners seek the restoration of the external fabric of buildings, such as brick repointing. Brick repointing aids in conservation, property value, image, resale, and helps to combat the inevitable obsolescence of the materials used in older buildings. In much of the western world the main construction materials used in a number of buildings have been brick, stone and flint. While together these things have great longevity, they do not last forever, and these components age at different rates, often leading them to need repair at different times. Periodic brickwork replacement and brick repointing, especially stopping mortar failure, is key. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick

Modern Surface Treatments for Bricks

Friday, April 15th, 2016

Treating brick surfaces is a great way to get a unique and modern look.

Looking for a way to make your lobby or office look modern and chic? There are many different types of surface treatments that can take exposed brick to a new level of trendiness. One of the more popular ways of treating indoor brickwork is to coat the surface in mortar or plaster. The result is a white wall where the bricks can be seen underneath the treatment. Levels or mortar or plaster and the texture of the finish can vary depending on which style you choose. Here are a few of the more popular trends. (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick

Importance of Professional Masonry Restoration

Monday, March 16th, 2015

Stone and brick masonry provide for long lasting, structurally sound, and impressive architecture. However, as long lasting as masonry may be, older masonry structures may still need masonry restoration for a number of reasons. The original mortar holding the masonry together may not have been well made, acid rain may have taken a toll, physical weathering, or freak accidents can all damage masonry enough to require masonry restoration. If you own or operate a historic or otherwise venerable masonry structure it’s important that you get professional masonry restoration for your property. Professional masonry restoration can return structural stability, revive your masonries appearance, and protect the historic quality of the structure. Poorly done restoration may devalue the structure, or worse, cause more damage. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Restoration

3 Things to Look For in a Commercial Masonry Company

Monday, March 9th, 2015

You’re looking to have some professional masonry work done for your Baltimore business. However, you don’t know what to look for in a commercial masonry company. DelPrete masonry is here with a simple guide to how DelPrete masonry qualifies in all 3 things to look for in a commercial masonry company. Experience to get the job done, professionalism to get it in budget and on time, and a large body of work to prove they can get it done. DelPrete Masonry, has everthing you look for in a commercial masonry company.

Experience

Masonry is more then simple work or construction, it is a craft passed down from masters to apprentices who must undergo years of tutelage to become journeymen and then masters themselves. (more…)

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Stonemasonry Signs Send Solid Signals

Monday, March 2nd, 2015

Your Baltimore business has been doing well since it started, and an important anniversary is coming up. Celebrate your business’ anniversary with a stonemasonry business sign. A stonemasonry business sign sends solid signals to your employees, customers, and competitors. A stonemasonry sign tells them you’re strong, smart, and that you’re here to stay.

Stonemasonry Signs Signal Strength

A stonemasonry sign shows your business is strong in a couple of ways. A stone sign shows your employees that you believe in their solid performance. A stone sign shows your customers and investors that you have a strong commitment to quality. And finally, it shows competitors that your company is financially secure enough to afford the expense of a stone sign. The strength your stone masonry sign projects will make your employees and customers confident, and intimidate your business competitors.

Stonemasonry Signs Signal Smarts

Stonemasonry signs signal smarts to employees, customers, business allies, and competitors alike. Your new stonemasonry sign shows your employees your business smarts, as eye catching stonemasonry signage is sure to instill confidence in your customers. Your signage shows your customers and business partners, that you know the importance of branding and making a statement. Finally it shows your competitors your smart, because they know business is an arms race, and that by getting a stonemasonry sign you’ve stepped up your game. They’ll have to get a similar sign or fall behind, and because you got it first your customers will see your competitors getting it as playing catch-up.

Stonemasonry Signs Signal Staying Power

Finally, stonemasonry signs let everyone know that you’re here, and plan to stay. Stonemasonry stands up to the worst of weather, physical wear and tear, and lasts for centuries. Though your stonemasonry sign is expensive to begin with, it will pay for itself over the years because of its lasting power. It needs very little maintenance, is easy and fast to clean, and won’t need to be replaced in your lifetime. A stonemasonry sign will let everyone know your confident of your business, and that you’re not going anywhere but up.

Stonemasonry Signs from Del Prete Masonry

Your sign is one of the first things that people see when they approach your business. Your signs tell customers what kind of business you are. If you want your customers to know that you’re a serious business, dedicated to quality, and are here to stay you need to invest in a stonemasonry sign. But don’t just go to anyone, your stonemasonry should look professional and beautiful. Let Del Prete Masonry help! Please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@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+.

Posted in Stone Masonry

Advantages of Stone Masonry For Buildings

Monday, February 16th, 2015

If you’re considering new commercial or residential construction get some stones and go with stone masonry for your project. Stone is more durable, long lasting, and better looking then anything else out there. Use stone masonry in your new construction and don’t just build a property, but build a property of value, that will last lifetimes.

Durable, Strong, Weather Resistant

No construction material is as durable, strong, or weather resistant as stone. Stone is hardly affected by the normal day to day actions that leave wear and tear on other construction materials. You might accidentally dent a plaster wall while moving furniture. Or scratch wood, or bend vinyl. Stone does not warp, swell, bend, splinter, or dent. And to chip or scratch stone you have to try pretty hard. Stone stand up against the blows of a sledgehammer better then concrete does. And wind, rain, hail, sleet, and snow do not bother stone in the slightest.

Long Lasting

Because of its strength, durability, and ability to weather weather stone lasts for a long time. The oldest human structures still standing are made from stone masonry. If you want a construction material that will stand the tests of weather and time, you build with stone. If you want your home or place of business to be an institution that you can pass onto your children, and their children’s children, you build with stone.

Aesthetic Appeal

Stone is versatile in its aesthetic appeal and can work well with other construction materials. It can be imposing, grandiose, dignified, and impressive, but it can also be warm, welcoming and homely. However, whether you’re building an extravagant cathedral, a solid bank, or a cozy stone cottage, stone is dependable. No other construction material makes a statement like stone. One that say’s you’re here and you intend to stay.

Stone Masonry From Del Prete Masonry

At Del Prete Masonry we have the expertise to build, restore, and care for all types of residential and commercial masonry, especially those utilizing stone masonry. We’re here to help you plan and build the stone masonry structure that fits your needs, with quality materials and service.

To find out more about your masonry options and building with stone 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 Stone Masonry

Signs You Have a Bad Masonry Foundation

Friday, January 9th, 2015

Foundation

Your home’s masonry foundation is incredibly important to its long-term survival. Without a solid foundation, you’re home or business will swiftly crumble and sink into the ground. That’s why it’s important to be on the lookout against foundation damage. Foundation damage is typically caused by moisture and will manifest in a number of ways. Del Prete Masonry is here to help with some of the most common signs of a bad foundation.

Crooked Windows and Doors

Door and window installers do their utmost to put in their wares so that they’re completely level. If they start to move out of alignment, it’s most likely because your masonry foundation has started to move. If your doors and windows become very difficult to open and close, or even show signs of damaged glass, it’s highly likely that the foundation in that region of the house has started to go bad.

Cracked Walls and Sloped Floors

If the level of your home’s floor starts to change, it’s almost certain that the foundation beneath it has started to settle, however this can be difficult to notice, especially with carpet. If your floors are uncarpeted, try dropping a marble and seeing if it rolls in an area you thought was flat. A sinking masonry foundation may prompt the developing of cracks in your drywall, particularly drywall near windows and doors. Be sure to look out for ejected drywall screws/ nails and baseboard gapping.

External Cracks/ Wall Bulges

While minute cracks are not unusual in masonry foundations, walls, and footers, be on the lookout for large, patterned cracks that seem to keep growing. If you see clearly rectangular patterns of cracks in your foundation masonry, or you notice unusual bulges in the foundation walls, the ground beneath it could be shifting. It’s also worth paying attention to your masonry chimney, if you spot cracks or damage on it, the frame of your house could be unstable.

Misc. Signs

Oftentimes, a masonry foundation will be set on top of posts and beams, if an inspector finds that these are leaning, the house has probably changed its position. If you spot water underneath your house or find that the ground seems wet on one face of it but dry on another, you could have drainage problems that need fixing. Taking care of these issues can nip masonry foundation damage in the bud.

Need To Repair Your Masonry Foundation?

Call Delprete Masonry. As Maryland’s foremost experts on masonry repair, construction, and demolition, our skilled teams have what it takes to quickly and accurately assess your masonry foundation for any problems or structural weaknesses and can offer fast and affordable repairs. Your house is your most prized possession and a masonry foundation is one it’s most important systems, so why not take good care of it?

To find out more about your masonry repair options, 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

Benefits of Building with Marble in Maryland

Friday, October 3rd, 2014

A metamorphic rock that varies widely in density, patterning, and color, “marble” is derived from the Greek word marmaros, which means “shining stone.” Though typically thought of as a material for countertops and sculpture, marble has many practical applications in commercial masonry as well. Some of the stone’s uniquely beneficial properties are:

Permanence

The chief advantage of marble construction is in the material’s durability and strength. Constructing any structure, monument, or building with marble assures that it will last a long time and maintain its beautiful appearance. When building with marble you can be sure that you are not just building a permanent fixture for your business, but also for many businesses and people who will use it after your lifetime, making marble a wise choice for the environmentally conscious.

Versatility

Marble has a wide variety of applications within commercial masonry and can be used to build countertops, flooring, bars, tables, steps, monuments, and even entire buildings. Building with marble assures that whatever you choose to construct, your masonry will have a permanent and unique beauty, unrivaled by almost any other construction material.

Fire Resistance

While building with marble may prove more expensive initially than other materials, marble’s extreme heat and fire resistance ensures that, in the unfortunate event of a fire or other heat related disaster, your structure will remain standing strong. Many Maryland insurance companies will offer lower premiums, especially on fire insurance, to commercial masonry that utilizes marble construction.

Low Maintenance

Using Marble construction in commercial masonry also guarantees easy maintenance. Marble is very easy to clean, often just requiring a quick rinse and wipe to eliminate most stains or clinging debris. Additionally, and unlike many other construction materials, marble will never require painting and re-painting, saving time and expense over its very long lifecycle.

Do You Need Marble Construction/ Restoration?

At Del Prete Masonry we have the expertise to build, restore, and care for all types of residential and commercial masonry, especially those utilizing marble construction. We’re to here to help you plan and build the marble (or any other kind of stone) structure that fits your needs, with quality materials and service.

To find out more about your masonry options and building with marble, 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+.

Sources: ezinearticles.com, ElegantNatural-Hubpages

Posted in Blog, Marble