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Tips for Taking Care of Your New Masonry Structure

Friday, September 21st, 2018

A new masonry structure can add a lot of appeal and character to any building, so you want to keep it looking new for as long as possible!

Getting a new structure built for your home or business is very exciting. Because you are probably going to invest a good amount of money into your new masonry structure, you want it to last as long as possible. The best way to do this is to take proper care of it. Here are some tips for taking care of your new masonry structure.

Cleaning Materials

Your masonry structure does not require extensive maintenance, but cleaning it every so often is a good way to keep it looking new. You want to make sure that you are using mild cleaners that are safe and effective for the masonry materials. Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning your structure because it can cause it to deteriorate early or become discolored. You also want to avoid things like sand blasters because the impact can cause damage to your new masonry structure.

Patience is Key

The excitement of having a new masonry structure may make you want to clean and care for it every single day. While this is a good mindset to have, you don’t want to overdo it. It is best to wait about a month or so before cleaning the structure at all. This gives the mortar a chance to cure and set completely. If you begin to clean it too early, it can cause joint damage because the mortar will get messed up.

Weather Conditions

It is best to clean your new masonry structure when the weather is warm. Cleaning your structure in the cold weather can actually do a lot more harm than good. If you do need to clean it in the fall or winter, be sure to take the proper precautions. There is an entirely different procedure used to clean masonry when it’s cold versus when it’s warm.

Contact a Professional

If you are unsure of the proper way to clean your new masonry structure, don’t ever hesitate to contact a professional. A professional masonry contractor will have the knowledge and tools required to ensure that your new masonry structure is cleaned and cared for properly.

Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Construction Needs!

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.

Posted in Masonry Construction

The Important Questions to Ask When Hiring a Masonry Contractor

Friday, September 14th, 2018

When looking for a masonry contractor, it is important to ask questions about their expertise and experience!

When you are looking for a masonry contractor for your next project, you want only the best. It can be difficult to sort through a number of possible contractors and try to figure out which one will give you the best quality for your money. When are you looking for a masonry contractor, here are some of the important questions you should ask to help narrow down your decision.

Certifications

The first thing you want to do is make sure the masonry contractor you want to hire is certified. This shows that they are legally certified to do the job that you want. If a contractor can’t provide you with their license or certification, cross them off of your options list.

Experience

The type of experience you want your masonry contractor to have varies depending on the specifics of your project. If you know that you want to use brick, you should ask about their experience with brickwork. You also want to inquire about their experience with cutting and laying different patterns so that you know if they can recreate your exact vision.

Time Frame

You want to have your design ideas together when talking to potential contractors so that they can give you a timeframe of how long it’ll take them to finish. If you have a specific time frame that you need it completed by, make that clear in the beginning so that you know your masonry contractor can get the job done by then.

References

One of the best ways to figure out about a masonry contractor is to look up reviews and get references. If a family or friend went to the same contractor, ask them about their experience. They are a lot more likely to give an honest opinion over the contractor that’s trying to sell you their services. Online reviews are also a good way to get more insight about a company. You can ask the contractor directly for references of their past clients and projects.

Insurance

Inquiring about insurance is just as important as making sure the contractor is licensed and certified. Insurance is crucial because if something goes wrong during the construction process, you want to be protected financially. If they do not have insurance, do not even consider them.

Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Next Construction Project!

Posted in Masonry Contractor

The Benefits of Using Concrete Brick for Construction

Friday, September 7th, 2018

Concrete brick gives you the same classic look of traditional brick with more durability!

When you’re choosing materials for your next construction project, you should make sure that concrete brick is on your list of options. As the brick making industry has evolved, concrete brick has become a standout option thanks to its durability, appearance, and functionality. It offers all of the classic looks of traditional bricks but with significant advances in construction. Today we’ll go over a few of the reasons that concrete brick has become number one.

Enhanced Colors and Textures

One of the most significant benefits of concrete brick is that with modern technology, the color and texture can be altered to create almost any appearance. If you choose a colored option, the color is consistent throughout the brick, meaning that in case of chipping after installation, there are no color discrepancies.

Readily Available

The easy construction of concrete brick means that it can be made quickly to order, so tight deadlines can be met quickly. Often times, there is also enough pre-made to allow for immediate pickup and project startup.

Consistency

Because of the manufacturing process, which allows it to be cured in a form, concrete brick maintains a consistent, uniform size. Not only does this make for a professional, beautifully crafted appearance, but it means that any construction done with a concrete brick will have a consistent, smooth installation. The form allows for both sides of the brick to be used which means you will have less waste.

Highly Durable

If you’re looking for strong, durable construction that will last for decades, concrete brick should be at the top of your list. Concrete brick is designed for high strength and will withstand even the most excessive wear and tear. Not to mention, it can’t rot and will be less likely to crack or fracture.

Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Next Construction Project!

Posted in Brick

Why Masonry Materials are Best for Your Construction Project

Thursday, August 30th, 2018

Whether you want to construct a new building or just a small structure, masonry materials are the best option.

There are many reasons why masonry materials are admired as high quality and high class in the world of construction and architectural design. From its beauty to its structure, these materials go down is history for its use in many famous structures. While it’s true that, depending on the circumstances, it makes sense to use other materials; when appropriate, discover all the benefits of using masonry materials for your construction project.

Strength

The strength of masonry materials only grows as time progresses. Construction projects that are completed with masonry materials are known for being structurally sound, rigid, and dependable for longer than other options. This isn’t just years down the line; decades later you’ll still find masonry structures maintaining the same amount of strength and integrity. This is even true of structures that have withstood damage from natural disasters. The most disaster-resistant homes and buildings have masonry materials to thank for their resilience. When paired with a poured concrete foundation, the durability is unmatched.

Beauty

It’s true that many people have different views and definitions of what beauty is, however, masonry materials are known for their timeless charm. In modern day, the trend leans toward using materials that are the quickest to construct and the cheapest to budget. When those projects are completed, the difference is inevitable. Using masonry materials is an investment into the elegance and refinement of the structure.

Value

It’s often the case that people overlook masonry materials out of fear that they will completely blow their budgets. However, when you think about value, you should consider the larger picture. If you prioritize investing in high-quality materials that are higher priced than other options, that immediately translates into more return for your investment when it’s time to sell. Not only that but because these materials are so dependable, you’ll find that overtime you won’t spend as much in maintenance and upkeep costs. If you invest more in the beginning, you are more likely to see high dividends and bigger savings in the end.

Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Next Masonry Project

Posted in Masonry Construction

The Benefits of Using Natural Stone for Your Masonry Project

Friday, August 24th, 2018

Natural stone is an eco-friendly material that gives any building or structure an elegant, timeless look!

When it comes to your next construction project, there are a lot of masonry materials available to give your building or structure a timeless look and a long lifespan. Deciding which material to use can be tough, but it is a really important decision to make. Natural stone is one of nature’s creations and adds a beautiful look to any building. Here are the benefits of using natural stone for your masonry project.

Environmentally Friendly

Most construction materials are synthetic, but natural stone is simply a product of the earth. Using this material for your masonry project doesn’t require any type of energy use or power to create it. This means that absolutely no pollution is generated when natural stone is create, which definitely helps to reduce your carbon footprint. Natural stone also has a thermal mass that allows it to naturally insulate, meaning you will save some money on those costly energy bills.

Durability

When it comes to your construction project, you want the materials used to be sturdy so that the building or structure lasts for years to come. Natural stone is great for this because it is essentially a rock, which are known to have indestructible qualities. Stone is able to withstand all types of weather elements including hail, winds, snow, and even fire and extreme heat. When you use it for interior elements, it isn’t easily scratched or burned.

Healthy Option

Because natural stone isn’t made from any synthetic materials or harsh chemicals, it is also a better option health wise. When you are using natural stone for a building or for interior structures, it helps to lower our chances of ingesting dangerous chemicals. This is something we may not even think twice about most of the time, but ingesting chemicals from construction materials can have long-term health effects.

Saves Money

Natural stone will definitely be quite a big investment initially, being one of the more expensive material options. However, it is well worth the investment and can actually end up saving you money in the long run. Because of its durability, you don’t have to worry about repairing a lot of damages or replacing your structures. A cheaper material may save you money initially, but it can really start to add up later when you have to constantly pay for repairs. In addition, breathing in harsh chemicals from synthetic materials can lead to a few doctors trips, which surely aren’t cheap. Investing in natural stone decreases the possibility of both of these scenarios occurring.

Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Next Construction Project!

Posted in Stone Masonry

Cement, Concrete, and Mortar, Oh My!

Friday, August 17th, 2018

Cement is an element that is contained in both concrete and mortar and is made up of limestone, clay, shells, and silica sand.

When it comes to masonry construction, there are a variety of different materials used in the process. From the actual building materials to the materials used to hold everything together, it can be really confusing. Cement, concrete, and mortar are terms that are often used interchangeably and they all resemble each other. However, they are very different. Here is the difference between cement, concrete, and mortar.

Cement

Cement is actually a component of both concrete and mortar. It is a binding material that is never used alone and is made up of limestone, clay, shells, and silica sand. These materials are crushed, combined with other ingredients, and heated. The final product is then grounded into a powder that is cement. The most common type of cement is Portland cement, which sets and hardens when combined with water.

Concrete

Concrete is a stand alone building material that doesn’t have to be combined with anything else. It is made of cement, sand, and gravel and is used for things like foundation walls, patios, and other masonry structures. Concrete is more versatile than the other two because it starts as a dry mixture and turns into liquid that can mold into any shape before it dries into concrete. The cement in the concrete is what allows it to activate when mixed with water and binds the mixture together to form one object.

Mortar

Similar to concrete, all you have to do is add water to mortar to activate the cement and allow it to harden. However, mortar is only made up of cement and sand. Because of this, it isn’t as strong as concrete so it isn’t often used as a stand alone building material. Instead, it is more so used as a glue to hold masonry materials together such as bricks, block, and stone. There is a special type of mortar known as thinset that can hold together tiles.

Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Construction Project!

Posted in Masonry Construction

The Different Types of Masonry Walls

Thursday, August 9th, 2018

Masonry walls give your building the strength that it needs while also helping to control the temperature inside!

The strongest aspect of a building is its walls. The walls of a building are what keep it standing and give it the strength and durability that it needs. Using masonry materials for walls helps to make them even stronger while also helping to control the temperature inside of the building. Here are some of the different types of masonry walls so that you know which is best for your next construction project.

Load Bearing

These masonry walls are typically made with stone, cement, or concrete blocks. They are made to hold the weight that transfers from the roof to the building’s foundation. Load bearing walls are used for both the interior and exterior of a building and are more economical compared to walls with framed structures.

Hollow

Hollow masonry walls help to keep moisture from getting into the building by putting space between the outside and inside of the wall. The space that is in between the walls keeps heat from getting through the walls, hence helping to better regulate the temperature inside the building. If moisture does get inside the walls, the hollow part will allow it to easily drain downward and out.

Composite

Two or more different units are used to construct composite masonry walls. Typically, a unit is either stone and hollow bricks or bricks with hollow bricks. They take multiple wythes of masonry (a section of masonry that’s one unit in thickness) and bond them together to form the wall. These walls provide a really nice look and are also economical.

Post-Tensioned

These masonry walls are built to withstand very strong forces and weather conditions such as earthquakes and strong winds from tornadoes and hurricanes. Post-tensioned masonry walls have rods that run straight through the core of the masonry units. Once the walls are finished, the rods are then tensioned and attached to the steel that is at the top of the masonry walls.

Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Masonry Walls

Posted in Masonry Construction

4 Signs That Your Brick Fireplace Needs Repairs

Friday, August 3rd, 2018

A brick fireplace adds a great look to any home while also keeping it warm and cozy, but you want to make sure you know when it needs repairs!

There is nothing like a beautiful brick fireplace in your home to make things warm and cozy. Fireplaces are great additions to any home and can also add property value. You want to make sure that you take good care of your fireplace to get the best lifespan out of it. Here are four signs that your brick fireplace needs repairs.

White Dust

You want to thoroughly examine the bricks on your fireplace and look for any white stains or powder. If you do see white dust, this means that efflorescence took place on the masonry. Efflorescence is when moisture accumulates in the masonry and pushes the salt inside of it to the surface. Moisture accumulation can damage your masonry so you want to repair it if you see this sign.

Crumbling Mortar

The mortar on your brick fireplace is the white substance between the bricks that holds them all together. If you notice that the mortar seems to be crumbling and falling off the bricks or that you can pick the mortar off with your fingers, this is a sign that your fireplace needs repairs. This could be because of moisture or because the chimney is becoming weak, causing the entire formation to loosen. If you notice crumbling mortar, it’s best not to continue to use the fireplace until it gets fixed.

Firebox Rust

The firebox is the part of the fireplace where the fuel is combusted. That means that it’s the part that creates the most heat. Because of this, it should never start to rust or become corroded. Cracking and holes in the firebox is a sign of rusting and corrosion which can potentially be very dangerous. You want to repair this as soon as you notice it and take precautions so that no more moisture gets into your brick fireplace.

Flakes in Masonry

Spalling is when the masonry materials begin to flake off. If you can flake pieces off of your brick fireplace, that means that there is too much moisture present. If the masonry is spalling, it is best not to use the fireplace because it can be dangerous. Once you notice that your brick fireplace is becoming flaky or any of the above signs, you want to contact a professional to make the necessary repairs.

Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Masonry Repairs!

Posted in Brick

The Pros and Cons of Concrete Block Masonry Walls

Friday, July 27th, 2018

Concrete block is a very sturdy masonry material that is good for buildings and structures!

Many large commercial facilities use concrete block walls as their main structural elements. Otherwise known as cinder blocks, they are also being used to construct private, smaller buildings like homes. This material, like many others, comes with a list of pros and cons that contractors and engineers should consider when making construction decisions. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of using concrete block masonry walls.

The Pros

A big advantage of using concrete block masonry walls is its durability. Concrete is one of the strongest materials available and is not susceptible to rotting, mold, or damage from various types of pests. Concrete is also fireproof and is often used as a firewall between rooms and other structures. It’s also ideal for wet environments because it resists moisture. The second pro is its friendliness to the environment. Concrete block masonry walls use recycled materials that don’t contain any harsh chemicals that will negatively affect your health or the health of the environment. The thickness acts as great insulation, reducing energy use and reducing the needs to harvest lumber. When choosing concrete block masonry walls, you’ll experience a decrease in construction time. Faster construction ultimately leads to lower labor costs.

The Cons

The first and most noticeable con of using concrete block masonry walls is the dullness of the appearance. Quite frankly, this material is not the most visually attractive, especially when compared to other building options. The dry, gray color gives it an appearance that doesn’t match up to the intrigue and natural beauty of other options. Although you can paint the concrete, there isn’t much that will change the general texture or pattern. The second con is the cost. The cost of concrete block masonry fluctuates but is generally more expensive than lumber. Whether the additional cost will be worth it to your building project depends on the various details of the construction project.

Contact Del Prete Masonry for Your Building Demolition Today!

Posted in Concrete

How to Properly Prepare for a Demolition

Friday, July 20th, 2018

Demolition is a dangerous process so it is important to prepare the site properly before it occurs.

It may seem that demolition is a simple process that doesn’t go much further than destroying the building. However, there are a lot of risks that come with demolishing a building especially if it is close to a lot of other buildings. That is why it is important to prepare the area before carrying out the process. Here is how to properly prepare for a demolition.

Remove all Belongings

You don’t want to wait until the day of the demolition to start packing up all of your belongings as this can be a long process. Plan several days in advance to begin removing your belongings from the building and far away from the demolition area. Giving yourself a few days versus waiting until the day of allows you to remove everything and also gives you time to inspect the area and ensure that you didn’t miss anything.

Close Off Area

Sometimes, only certain parts of a building are being demolished rather than the entire thing. If that is the case, you want to block off the area that is going to be demolished. This doesn’t mean simply just closing the doors. You want to seal off any vents and windows as well to make sure that dust and debris doesn’t get into other parts of the building.

Make Arrangements

If you are demolishing your home or a part of it, you want to make sure you have other living arrangements. A demolition zone is no place for you or your family, so you want to find a hotel or other place to stay while the process is taking place. If a commercial building is being demolished, be sure to find an alternative workspace for the employees.

Safety First

If you are going to be part of the demolition process, be sure to follow all proper safety regulations. Do not enter the demolition area without protective eyewear, long pants, and gloves. You want to hire a professional if there are walls being removed that have electrical wiring going through them because there is a risk of an electrical fire.

Contact Del Prete Masonry for Your Demolition Needs

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.

Posted in Demolition