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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Whether you are a business looking to jazz up your storefront, or a homeowner interested in adding character to your house, using decorative concrete could add the perfect touch. There are several benefits to decorative concrete, and here are three reasons you should consider investing in it.
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A fireplace can be a beautiful centerpiece of a room, and of your home. But sometimes brick fireplaces, in particular, can be tricky to maintain. Time and wear can start to cause problems, but if you don’t know what to look for, then it can be easy to miss signs of problems. Here’s how to spot where your brick fireplace might need repairs.
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Most often, it is outdoor projects that come to mind involving concrete. But did you know that concrete can work indoors in many creative and unusual ways? There are several benefits to using concrete compared to other materials in kitchen and bathroom remodels. Here are some ways that concrete will improve your indoor space.
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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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Both marble and limestone are excellent materials for many masonry construction projects. And although they might sound like interchangeable terms, there are several important distinctions between them. Here are some of the key differences between marble and limestone.
Natural stone is an eco-friendly material that gives any building or structure an elegant, timeless look!
Creating a beautiful, welcoming environment in your landscape is something almost everyone wants to achieve. Why not take it a step further and make it low impact too? Taking sustainability into account while designing your home landscape is something that can help take your space over the top. Not only is sustainability important for the planet, but it offers plenty of other benefits such as long term usage, financial benefits, and in the case of natural stone, aesthetic advantages. Opting for natural stone in your landscape is an investment, but it’s one that comes with many different benefits. (more…)
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.
Here are some reasons why you should choose masonry materials for your construction project.
There are many building materials to choose from, and if you’re reading this then you could be considering going with masonry for your next construction project. There are a few pros and cons to any type of material, and if the expense and labor-intensive involvement of masonry materials is a turn off, then keep in mind that there are several benefits that make it worth it in the long run. Here are some reasons why you should choose masonry materials for your construction project.