For many buildings and masonry structures, both old and new, masonry restoration is a key process that helps them stay in good condition. But the process might sound complicated to the average person. Here are the basics of what happens in masonry restoration.
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After any new hardscaping project, you might notice that, in spite of cleaning the excess mortar, that there could be a chalky residue left behind. Fortunately, there is a simple remedy for this, which is an acid wash. By using an acid wash, your new masonry structure will be clean and look as fresh and new as it should. Here are some things you should know about acid washing.
Acid washing cleans up the residue from a masonry project, such as a new installation or a repair job. By using a solution of acid, such as hydrochloric acid, that is diluted in water, the loose debris and thin film of mortar gets broken down so that it can be easily washed away. The reaction is usually mild and results in some bubbling, but in most cases, an acid wash eliminates the need for heavy scrubbing, which is why it is the preferred method of cleaning masonry.
Although there are many acid wash products available at hardware stores for you to try yourself, there are a couple of reasons why it might not be a good idea to take on the project alone. First, most acid wash products require you to figure out the ratios for diluting the acid yourself. Even with instructions on the container, you might find that their recommendation is too weak or too strong for your project. Not to mention that handling acid can be very dangerous. Without the proper protective gear, you can get nasty chemical burns on your skin.
Lastly, acid washing can be a delicate process and if you leave the acid on too long or scrub it off too hard you run the risk of damaging your masonry structure. While acid washing can sometimes replace traditional cleanup or help make up for a sloppily installed masonry project, it won’t solve everything. It’s better to have an expert take care of your masonry maintenance so that you will have peace of mind that everything will turn out right.
Whether you are ready to start your next masonry project or are still hesitant and have questions, Del Prete Masonry is here to help. We have the experience and expertise to get it right the first time. Questions? Want to visit some of our residential or commercial projects? Ready to set up a consultation? Feel free to give us a call at 410-683-0650 or visit us online. We are happy to serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and to keep up with our new and exciting projects, be sure to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Masonry structures are durable and meant to last for years, but that doesn’t mean that you might not run into the occasional weak spot in the mortar. Not to worry, it is very common to repair masonry structures by repointing these weak spots in the brick joints. If you have been wondering about what happens in this process, here is a brief overview of what it takes to repair brick joints.
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Leaving excess water can lead to a number of problems.
Although masonry structures can hold up against natural weathering for years, even the most durable structures are not immune to water damage. Moisture accumulation is an issue that is as easily overlooked as it can be fixed. But leaving excess water, whether from heavy rains or leaky pipes, can lead to a number of problems.
Concrete can be notorious for picking up unsightly stains from oil drippings from cars.
Concrete is a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, and durable material and a good choice for indoor and outdoor projects. But in places like driveways, concrete can be notorious for picking up unsightly stains from oil drippings from cars. Here are some tips that will help to take the frustration out of cleaning.
Concerned about the signs of wear and tear in your brick masonry? Here are a few things to inspect when taking these steps to preserve the beauty of your home.
Your beautiful brick home may have been in the family for generations. Or you may have bought a fixer-upper with masonry that had a lot of character and potential. However you came to own your home, you may be concerned about the signs of wear and tear in your brick masonry could lead to larger issues in the future. Fortunately, regular inspections and calling a professional for restoration, or even repairs, is a simple way to handle issues like worn, cracked brick and crumbling mortar. Here are a few things to inspect when taking these steps to preserve the beauty of your home.
You may not spend a lot of time thinking about your chimney.
You may not spend a lot of time thinking about your chimney. Even if you do, the average homeowner doesn’t know a lot about chimneys, how they’re built, or when they fail. But if a chimney does fail or deteriorate, it can be a huge safety issue. A failing chimney is a fire risk. So how can you know if it is time to get your chimney repaired, or even replaced if it is needed? Here are some signs that you can be on the lookout for so you know when to call in the professionals. (more…)
Read on to learn more about some common types of masonry repair.
Although masonry is known for its strength, longevity, and structural integrity it does require professional maintenance and inspection. Masonry structures are known for their stately beauty and require regular maintenance and repair. Read on to learn more about some common types of masonry repair. (more…)
You can choose either masonry repairs or masonry restoration to fix your damaged masonry.
If you are noticing that your masonry is starting to look damaged and worn down, it may be time to invest some money into fixing it. Masonry repairs and masonry restoration are actually two different things. Your contractor will either do one or the other to renew your masonry, depending on your needs. Here is the difference between masonry repairs and masonry restoration.
Repair: When a contractor repairs masonry, they replace the areas that are damaged with new brick or stone. They will often use caulking to repair any small masonry cracks and use concrete to fill larger cracks.
Restoration: With masonry restoration, all of the old masonry is removed and new mortar is put down (a process called repointing). After the new mortar is applied, the masonry is applied again. They will clean the mortar and seal the surface so that the original look of it is preserved, but it will look as if it was freshly built all over again.
Repair: The time that it takes for masonry repairs varies depending on how bad the damage is and how detailed the masonry is. However, repairs are typically done in a shorter period of time than restoration.
Restoration: Masonry restoration requires a lot more attention to detail than repairs. This is because the new elements must match the surrounding older materials to make it look as good as new. You want to plan for a longer process when choosing restoration.
Repair: Because masonry repairs are generally less extensive than masonry restoration, repairs are typically the cheaper option. This is good for those who have a smaller budget, but still want to improve the look of their masonry.
Restoration: Masonry restoration requires a larger budget than repairs do. However, the final result is worth the money invested into it. Masonry restoration gives your building a fresh look and may be worth expanding your budget for.
Whether you are ready to start your next masonry project or are still hesitant and have questions, Del Prete Masonry is here to help. We have the experience and expertise to get it right the first time. Questions? Want to visit some of our residential or commercial projects? Ready to set up a consultation? Feel free to give us a call at 410-683-0650 or visit us online. We are happy to serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and to keep up with our new and exciting projects, be sure to Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.
It’s good to know what caused your masonry cracks so that you know the best way to repair them.
Masonry materials are pretty durable, but they are constantly enduring the various elements of nature. Over time, the masonry can begin to wear down and even crack. There are several different causes of masonry cracks, so here are a few to help you narrow down the cause of yours.
These masonry cracks usually appear within the first year of construction. This is because masonry expands and contracts during the curing process. With concrete block, water evaporates as the block cures, causing it to shrink. With brick masonry, the moisture is absorbed while it’s curing, causing expansion. Joints are typically built in walls to accommodate this shrinkage or expansion, but improper joints can lead to cracking. Shrinkage/expansion cracks typically aren’t serious and widen as they move upward.
Settlement occurs early after a building’s construction and typically is caused from an improper foundation. This typically occurs in the early years of a building’s construction or if there’s a change in underground conditions. Cracks from uneven settlement typically appear at corners and openings and follow a diagonal line. Bigger cracks can be a problem, but small cracks are only a real issue if moisture can get through them.
Masonry piers sometimes rotate or settle differently than when they started. In addition, cold weather can cause them to frost or be damaged by the freeze/thaw cycle. This could lead to the piers themselves cracking. The cracks typically aren’t serious but a shift in masonry piers can cause the wood components of masonry to lose their bearings.
If you notice these types of cracks, you probably want to get it fixed as soon as possible. Causes of sweeping cracks include things like vibrations from machinery or vehicles that are close by, improper backfilling, or freezing of the soil next to the wall. These cracks are a sign that the foundation wall itself is breaking, so masonry repairs or restoration may be necessary.
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