Author Archive

Residential Brick Restoration, What to Expect

Monday, February 11th, 2019

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.

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Posted in Masonry Restoration

3 Ways Hardscaping Can Improve Your Business

Friday, February 8th, 2019

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.

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Posted in Blog

What You Should Know Before Hiring a Demolition Contractor

Friday, February 1st, 2019

When you need a demolition project taken care of you may find yourself lost at how to find the right contractor.

When you need a demolition project taken care of you may find yourself lost at how to find the right contractor. Demolitions can be stressful, and hiring the wrong person for the job can make the process a nightmare, which is why we’ve put together this simple guide. (more…)

Posted in Demolition

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Bricklayer?

Friday, January 25th, 2019

Choosing to undergo the project yourself, without the advice or work of a professional bricklayer, can wind up being a costly mistake that sacrifices structural integrity and requires serious fixes.

Whether you’re building or renovating your house, or building an outdoor structure such as a patio, it’s important to consider the benefits of hiring a masonry professional. Choosing to undergo the project yourself, without the advice or work of a professional bricklayer, can wind up being a costly mistake that sacrifices structural integrity and requires serious fixes. A bricklayer, who will have all the necessary experiences and qualifications to help you construct your project to meet your needs, can also help you save on costs and give you valuable knowledge about maintenance which will benefit you in the long term as a homeowner. Here are a few of the benefits of hiring a professional bricklayer. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Contractor

How to Tell if a Chimney Needs Repair or Replacement

Friday, January 18th, 2019

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…)

Posted in Masonry Restoration

What Tools and Materials Are Used For Masonry Repairs?

Friday, January 11th, 2019

One good way to prepare for the care and maintenance of your own masonry structures is to familiarize yourself with the tools and materials that are commonly used for masonry repairs.

One of the things that makes masonry so special is the simplicity of the materials used to make strong and beautiful structures. Masonry represents the background of many construction projects, so the stone and construction methods need to ensure a strong, durable structure for years to come. One good way to prepare for the care and maintenance of your own masonry structures is to familiarize yourself with the tools and materials that are commonly used for masonry repairs. Read on for our useful guide to masonry repair materials and tools. (more…)

Posted in Masonry Contractor

Using Natural Stone in New Construction

Friday, January 4th, 2019

The possibilities are endless when using natural stone in your new construction project.

There are many options available when it comes to choosing building materials for your new construction. They each come with their own set of pros and cons. Natural stone is one that has a list of pros that far outweigh the cons. Some people see this material as being heavy and inflexible, but the opposite is true. The possibilities are endless when using natural stone in your new construction project. (more…)

Posted in Stone Masonry

Common Types of Masonry Repair

Friday, December 21st, 2018

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…)

Posted in Masonry Restoration

The Dangers of Moisture Accumulation in Your Masonry Structure

Friday, December 14th, 2018

Moisture accumulation can cause serious damage to your masonry structure if the problem isn’t fixed!

Masonry structures are durable and resistant to many common types of natural deterioration, making masonry materials a great choice for strong, long-standing structures. However, moisture accumulation can cause a number of problems in the best structure if it is not properly maintained. Water can penetrate your masonry structure many ways, including through drainage issues or water vapor condensation. This can cause serious damage if left unchecked, so it’s important to stay on top of moisture accumulation. Here are a few issues that can result from moisture accumulation in your masonry structure.

Loss of Appeal

One of the most telling signs of damage from moisture accumulation in a masonry structure is the aesthetic deterioration. For example, when moisture accumulates in masonry materials, it can leave behind mineral deposits when the moisture evaporates. For many masonry structures, this can mean a white crystalline deposit seen on the outside of the stone, called efflorescence. Efflorescence is a sure sign that there is a moisture accumulation issue in your structure, and it can seriously degrade the naturally beautiful look of your masonry structure.

Structural Problems

Moisture buildup can cause the same kinds of damage to structural integrity with masonry structures as it does with other materials. When moisture penetrates your materials, it can freeze or leave mineral deposits that can weaken the structure and cause cracking and crumbling. Depending on the type of structure or masonry walls you have, stubborn excessive moisture can also deteriorate your insulation and even stain interior materials. It’s important to stay on top of moisture accumulation in your structure to avoid large-scale costly water damage or even outright wall collapse that can occur if these issues are left untreated.

Health and Safety Issues

Moisture accumulation is associated with a number of health and safety concerns. Similar to other types of material, masonry structures can be subject to mold and mildew growth due to excessive moisture. This can impact hygiene and even cause health issues in a home if left unaddressed. Bacteria that grow in these environments can negatively impact air quality, sending spores or pollutants into the air that can impact respiratory health and cause nasty odors. By preventing moisture accumulation in your masonry structure, you can keep your property sanitary and avoid serious health issues.

Contact Del Prete Masonry Today!

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 Masonry Restoration

The Four Types of Mortar

Friday, December 7th, 2018

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.

M

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.

O

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.

N

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.

S

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.

Contact Del Prete Masonry Today for Your Next Construction Project!

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 Mortar