Whether you are looking for an addition to your home or are a business owner designing a new outdoor feature, you may or may not have considered masonry. There are many benefits to using masonry materials to build a new structure. Here are three reasons to base your construction project on masonry materials.
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Masonry structures are a great option for your business, whether you want to use masonry for the building itself or a feature like a monument. One masonry feature that is particularly useful is a custom masonry sign. The beauty and durability of masonry signage can be perfect for showcasing your business for several reasons.
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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.
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When it comes to masonry construction, the goal is to establish a masonry structure that will last. But there are certain conditions that can cause it to deteriorate. Here are three things that can cause masonry deterioration.
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Because many masonry construction projects can take a long time, you will probably experience weather changes. But the question is, what types of weather could be a concern? Here are some examples of weather that could affect your masonry construction.
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With these guidelines, you will know the steps to properly care for your new masonry structure.
Adding a masonry structure to your home or business is certainly a high point for any construction process. Since it is a significant investment of time and money, it is good to know how to care for your masonry structure so that it can maintain its potential to last a lifetime. With these guidelines, you will know the steps to properly care for your new masonry structure.
It can be exciting to have a new masonry structure installed. Starting good maintenance habits now will help it stay in its best condition for as long as possible. And one important aspect of proper maintenance is cleaning. Here are a few tricks of the trade for cleaning your new masonry structure.
After any wet-set hardscaping installation, you need to give your project an acid wash remove any leftover residue and bring the stone to life.
You’ve completed your new hardscaping project and cleaned up most of the extra mortar, but there’s still a chalky residue keeping your new installation from looking the way you expected. It’s time for an acid wash to finish up your new feature. After any wet-set hardscape installation, you need to give your project a final clean to help remove any leftover residue and bring the stone to life.
First impressions are everything when it comes to attracting customers. Quality hardscaping can add a significant amount of curb appeal to your business.
When it comes to expanding your business, improving your branding and overall look is a surefire way to grab a customer’s attention and set yourself apart. A great place to start is using landscaping and hardscaping. Whether you expect to bring clients to visit your business or want to attract the attention of passersby, tap into the latest hardscaping trends to enhance your business’s appearance and create an appealing space for customers and employees alike. Whether you want to have a standout pathway to your front door or construct a patio for outdoor enjoyment, your trusted hardscaping and masonry professional can help. Check out these three simple ways hardscaping can improve your business, from the outside in.
Mortar is a very important material in masonry construction because it’s what holds everything together!
When it comes to masonry, mortar may be the most essential part of the construction. Mortar is what is used to bond the materials of your masonry together, providing the structural integrity of the project. Depending on the type of project you are working on, different types of mortar can be used. Each class is best matched with a different kind of construction due to the differences in performance. Depending on your application you may want to use one over another, which is why knowing the differences is so important. There are four primary mortar types M, O, N, and S; today we’ll take you through what each is and where it is best used.
With the highest starting psi, type M mortar also uses the largest levels of Portland cement. Type M is most often used for driveways, foundations, retaining walls, and natural stone. Despite its extreme strength, it has poor sealing and adhesion properties which make it ill-suited for most applications where it would be exposed.
With only around 350 psi, type O mortar has the lowest compression strength of modern mortar, but it still is incredibly useful. Its primary function is for use in above-grade, non-load-bearing walls, and interiors. It’s particularly valuable for repair and repointing work on other structures thanks to its easy application and consistency.
If you’re working on above-grade walls and exteriors that will be exposed to high temperatures and severe weather, this type of mortar is highly recommended. It is considered to be an all-purpose mix that offers medium compression strength and great general application. It is regarded as the most commonly used mortar for home-owners and has a 750 pound per square-inch strength after 28 days. Type N is made from a mix of lime, Portland cement, and sand. It’s the preferred type for soft stone masonry and is useful for interior load bearing, exterior, and above grade installations.
With a high strength level, weighing in at 1,800 psi and a high-tensile bond, S mortar is a perfect fit for a variety of projects including those at or below grade. It is often used for retaining walls, sewers, manholes, and masonry foundations in below grade projects. It is also an excellent choice for masonry structures like walkways and brick patios. Although it already is able to withstand seismic loads, wind and soil pressure, it can be mixed to achieve an even higher psi level.
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.