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Tips For Repairing Masonry Cracks

Wednesday, April 11th, 2018

Masonry cracks may seem minor at first, but they can expand and become a big, costly problem.

Even the most well-made masonry can occasionally crack, and while most of us are content to leave a few seemingly cosmetic issues, it’s important to repair any cracks as quickly as possible. Even the smallest masonry cracks can lead to serious, costly repairs down the line. Why not take a few precautions and save yourself some time and energy in the long run?

Small Wall Cracks

If you have a wall crack of less than 1/16th of an inch, your fix is fairly simple. After carefully cleaning out the crack, use a gel or cream adhesive with either butyl rubber or silicone rubber. These are sold at most hardware stores in tube format labeled as caulking compounds. Using a small brush with stiff bristles apply the caulking mixture straight from the tube, using the brush to ensure that the entire crack is filled.

Medium Wall and Driveway Cracks

When you have a larger crack or one that is frequently walked on, caulking is not the best option. Caulking in high traffic areas can result in the caulking getting disrupted, making it a less than optimal repair method. For these repairs you’ll need to pick up patching cement, which is made from a mix of cement, sand and is reinforced with vinyl. This type of cement is typically sold as a powder to be mixed with water. When applied in layers, this will perfectly patch narrow cracks.

Large Wall Cracks

In the event of a large wall crack, you may want to contact your masonry company for professional help. You will want to ensure your wall is still in serviceable condition before putting forth the effort of patching it. Large cracks can be repaired easily enough, however you’ll want to make sure it’s not indicative of a larger problem before you patch it. Once you’ve had it looked over, you can pick up some sand-patching cement to begin your repair. It’s important to note that areas patched with this method need to be over a half inch deep and of a significant size. To start, clean out the area of the crack. You’ll want to chisel out the interior, removing any crumbling areas, while making the interior wider than the opening so that the cement can get a better grip. Make sure to remove any dirt and dampen the crack before applying the cement.

Large Pavement Cracks

When it comes to large masonry cracks in driveways, steps, or pavement a mix of simple powdered concrete is all you’ll need to make the repair. Simply mix the concrete according to the directions, pour it into the cracked area and use boards or etc. to hold it in place as it hardens.

For All Your Masonry Needs Look To Del Prete Masonry

If you need help fixing cracked masonry, 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 Restoration

The Benefits Of Using Concrete Block For Your Masonry Project

Monday, April 9th, 2018

Concrete block will save you time, energy, and money!

When it comes to planning your next masonry project you have plenty of options for material. But, if you’re looking for something that will save you time, energy, and money while maintaining aesthetic, you want concrete block. Concrete block is known for its durability and is particularly useful in areas with weather risks, but its advantages go far beyond just that.

Decrease Your Construction Budget

Compared to many other materials, concrete block is easy to manufacture, meaning you save almost 25% in cost when compared to the same amount of brick. As the main competitor, brick uses significantly more natural materials and energy to produce. Meaning the cost is high both in environmental impact and budget.

Easy Maintenance

With a little waterproofing (depending on the project) concrete block will stand the test of time. Although it does allow some water to seep through on its own, concrete block will not be undermined by moisture alone. It also can’t rust, rot, and will not weaken over time. To clean, all you need is a simple broom or in severe cases, a power washer will have your concrete block project looking good as new.

Improved Durability

As one of the most durable materials on earth, examples of ancient concrete structures from thousands of years ago are still intact. When concrete block is installed and bonded properly, it will last for generations. Your structure will look as good as new for a long time to come.

Save Energy

Along with the energy saved in its construction, depending on what you’re using it for, concrete block can be even more environmentally friendly. Buildings made with insulated concrete wall systems will have approximately 25% lower heating and cooling costs. When using this material, the interior of your structure will be less subject to daily temperature fluctuations.

Flexibility to Design

Regardless of the aesthetic you want, the flexibility of concrete means your imagination is your limit. Whether you want one story or three, simple doors or elegant archways, concrete is there to get the job done.

Start Your Project Today With Del Prete Masonry

If you want to learn more about how concrete block is the perfect choice for your next project, 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 Concrete

3 Important Properties Of Mortar

Friday, March 30th, 2018

You want the mortar used for your masonry project to be workable and strong.

Mortar is what is used to hold together brick, stone, and concrete masonry, making it a very important material. You want to make sure that the best quality of mortar is being used because you want your building to last as long as possible without needing any repairs. There are a few important properties of mortar that you should consider when deciding which type to use for your masonry project. Here are three important properties of mortar.

Workability

This is probably the most important property of mortar because you have to be able to manipulate it the way you want for it to work. When looking for work-ability, you want to look for one that spreads easily with the trowel and supports the weight of the masonry units. You want it to stick easily to the surfaces of the masonry and it should protrude from the joint when pressure is applied. If the mortar is workable, it will make for a much easier masonry project.

Bond

This property comes into play after the mortar has hardened. If it doesn’t bond well, your masonry units could being to separate from one another. The two components that measure bond are the extent-of-bond and bond strength. The extent-of-bond is the measure of the contact area of the mortar and masonry unit. The bond strength measures the stress required to break the bond.

Stiffening Rate

The rate at which the mortar stiffens and dries is also important. Stiffening is caused by loss of moisture. The rate of stiffening should be high initially so that the construction process moves at a reasonable pace. If the stiffening rate is too low, the mortar will squeeze out as time goes on, resulting in varied thickness and distortion of the masonry. If it’s too quick, however, the masonry could crack. Things like climate and the material that you are using impact how fast or slow the stiffening rate should be.

Your Preferred Masonry Contractor Is Del Prete Masonry

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

Masonry Repairs For The Spring Season

Thursday, March 22nd, 2018

Since your chimney sits on the roof, it is the most susceptible to weather damage. You want to get masonry repairs done as soon you come across any damage.

Spring is finally here which means that the warm weather is on its way. It also means that it’s time to look over your masonry and see what repairs you need. Spring is the ideal time for masonry repairs because it requires a lot of time outdoors and the harsh winter weather may have taken a toll on your building or structure. Fixing these repairs in a timely manner can save you money on extensive masonry restoration that you may need if you leave it be. Here are some masonry repairs you may need this spring season.

Chimneys

Since chimneys sit on the roof of a building, it is typically the most susceptible to damage from the weather. Freezing temperatures as well as snow and ice can increase the chances of cracks and leaks in your chimney. You want to check for any cracks in the crown of the chimney or bricks that appear to be coming loose. You also want to look for a white liquid substance coming from the chimney which could indicate that it may be absorbing water. These masonry repairs can prevent more extensive structural damage and avoid potential fire hazards.

Bricks

If your building is made from bricks, you want to inspect the interior after all that snow melts away from it. Bulging bricks or mortar can indicate drainage issues. Cracks in the bricks are a sign of foundation problems which are more likely to happen in the winter due to the freeze-thaw cycle that occurs. You should invest in masonry repairs if you notice any of these problems. Proper maintenance and upkeep of your gutters and downspouts will help to avoid future damage to your brick masonry.

Windows

The cold weather can have an impact on the seals of your windows. If your room feels colder or more drafty than usual, that could be a sign that the caulking needs to be redone or that the seal is starting to come loose. Any leaks or holes in the seals can cause more hot or cold air than you would like to come into your building, which can increase your energy bills. If you notice any of these problems, it might be a good idea to hire someone to reseal your windows or in an extreme case, you may need completely new ones.

Your Preferred Masonry Contractor Is Del Prete Masonry

Posted in Commercial Masonry Baltimore

Why Brick is Such a Great Material for Your Project

Friday, March 16th, 2018

Brick is a durable material that gives any building a classic look!

If you’re wavering between building materials for your next project, consider choosing brick! Brick is not just an aesthetically pleasing option for your building, patio, retaining wall, walkway, etc. It’s incredibly strong and has proven to stand the test of time for centuries. Whether you want a timeless, nostalgic look or need a durable design, brick is a great option. (more…)

Posted in Brick

3 Types of Brick Walls Available for Your Commercial Property

Monday, March 12th, 2018

There are a variety of different types of brick that you can use for your commercial building.

If you’re thinking of installing a brick wall on your commercial property, you probably have a particular purpose in mind. There are different types, or categories, of brick walls you can build, all with their own strengths. As with all projects, maintaining and repairing your wall and paying attention to cracks, loose bricks, or other types of brick deterioration is critical to the longevity of your project. However, ensuring that you have the correct type of wall for your needs will lessen the amount of work to maintain. Consider these three categories of brick walls you can build on your property: (more…)

Posted in Brick, Brick Patterns

What Types Of Demolition Are There?

Thursday, March 1st, 2018

The ball and crane method is one of the oldest and most used types of demolition.

A lot of times, we are so focused on what goes into building something up that we don’t think about what goes into tearing it down. It seems like it would be a simple, one step solution to demolishing a building. However, there are quite a few different options when it comes to demolition and it is important that you choose the best one for your building when it’s time to take it down. Here are a few types of demolition so that you are aware of your options.

Implosion

The implosion demolition method is pretty similar to what is sounds like, which is an explosion, but inward instead of outward. It is very important that the building is assessed carefully to determine what type of explosives to use and where to place them. They must be timed correctly as well to ensure that everything goes smoothly. They use enough explosives to get rid of the vertical structural supports, hence forcing the res of the building to collapse.

High Reach Arm

This demolition method is done using a machine and is considered high reach when it reaches over 20 meters. The machine can be equipped with different tools depending the characteristics of the building. The first way of setting up this machine Is to use a base that is typically something like an excavator or a tank and attaching it to a demolition arm. The second way is to attach a tool such as shears, or crushers to the base machine. This method is most commonly used for masonry and steel.

Crane And Ball

One of the oldest and mostly used demolition methods, the crane and ball is probably what you have seen portrayed in a lot of movies. This method uses a wrecking ball that could be an upwards of 13,500 pounds to get rid of masonry and concrete structures. They will either drop the ball onto the building or swing it into the building. This method comes with a lot of dust and noise. For concrete structures, there are extra steps that need to be taken to finish out the demolition process. Only highly skilled crane operators should carry out this task because if the target is missed, it can cause the entire crane to tip over or could potentially hit the wrong thing.

Call Del Prete Masonry Today

Whether you want to demolish a building or construct an entirely new one with professional masonry installation, 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 Demolition

Benefits of Using Stone Masonry for Commercial Buildings & Structures

Friday, February 23rd, 2018

Stone gives your building or structure a timeless look, while also being durable and low maintenance!

Do you have a building project coming up and you’ve been weighing your options on how to get started and what some of the best choices are? Look no further than stone masonry. It’s the choice that will last the longest, look the best, and be the strongest. Here are a few of the benefits for using stone masonry for your commercial buildings and structures.

Aesthetics

Stone masonry provides timeless beauty. Throughout history, these materials and techniques have been used to build some of the world’s best-known monuments and structures, including the Parthenon and the Taj Mahal. It’s known for providing endless options for design, style, size, and type of structure. Stone masonry provides sophistication in an impressive and grand fashion.

Safety

You can trust the security of stone masonry structures. They are not susceptible to melting, burning, or bending. They have incredibly high tolerances for heat, which makes them an ideal choice for brick ovens, fireplaces, and chimneys. The sturdiness is a feature you’ll come to appreciate and trust. You’ll also find that they will withstand high wind and storm conditions. In fact, insurance companies have been known to assign lower premiums for buildings constructed with these materials when compared to others.

Durability

You’ll be impressed by the low maintenance qualities of stone masonry. You’ll never find yourself needing to remove rust or repaint its surface, and you’ll rarely ever need to repair or replace any of the elements of your structure. These damage-resistant materials will usually just require periodic washing to help restore its original beauty.

Bang for Your Buck

Combined with the right insulation materials, stone masonry will actually result in a decrease in your energy expenses. It helps enhance a building’s energy efficiency. In addition, you won’t be spending more money on monthly maintenance as it’s not required. As previously mentioned, you could even see lower premiums from your insurance by using stone masonry. The timeless style will always be trendy so you won’t find yourself needing to replace the structre for something more modern.

Your Preferred Masonry Professional Is Del Prete Masonry

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 Stone Masonry

Signs That Your Masonry Needs Reparation

Friday, February 16th, 2018

Make sure you know when it is time for masonry reparation!

Your masonry might need reparation if there is seepage or structural damage present. However, how can you identify whether one of those two conditions are occurring? There are many signs, some subtle and some obvious, that your masonry is in need of repair. Here is what you need to know about the signs you might need masonry reparation!

Seepage Problems

Every foundation can slowly seep water into the home through tiny cracks in the basement floor as a result of increased hydrostatic pressure. This can also occur over the foundation wall whenever there are yard drainage problems, grading issues, or poorly sloped exterior hardscaping additions (like sidewalks, patios, and decks). Anything that forces water to flow towards your home instead of away from it can lead to seepage problems on the inside of the home.

Porous Masonry

What is the masonry in your home made from? If the stone used to make your foundation was porous, like unglazed telephone tile or terra cotta, it could cause seepage and foundation problems. Historic district brick foundations are also sometimes made from old clay bricks that can absorb excess water and start to deteriorate. The biggest problem-type of foundation is made from CMU, which is also known as concrete block. This mixture can be very porous if it is not properly made.

Mortar Joints

Mortar joints are also a prime spot for problems with seepage in foundations and masonry, since mortar is simply a mixture of cement and sand. If the masonry has not been repointed in a while, the mortar might be deteriorated to the extent that it cannot keep moisture out from the surface of the bricks adequately. Mortar joints are a very common weak spot in masonry walls, so if you are experiencing seepage and not sure where it’s coming from, there’s a good chance that it’s from them!

Structural Issues

Structural problems can also require a masonry reparation to fix. Lateral pressure as a result of very damp soil can put a great deal of pressure on masonry and lead to structural problems. Whenever expanded soil presses firmly against a masonry wall, there is a potential for pushing the wall in a certain direction and creating a need for masonry reparation.

Your Preferred Masonry Professional Is Del Prete Masonry

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 Restoration

Brick, Block, And Stone, Oh My!

Monday, February 12th, 2018

Stone is a durable material that gives your building or structure a timeless look.

There is a lot of thought that goes into constructing a new building. Whether it be a brand new commercial building or restoration to make your business pop, you have a lot of decisions to make. The first starts with what material you are going to use for your next masonry project. The three most common ones are brick, concrete block, and stone. Here is some information on the three that will help make your masonry decisions easier.

Brick

Brick is an eco-friendly material since it is made from some of the Earth’s most available materials, shale and clay. It is both long lasting and durable, so you do not have to worry about your building or structure being easily damaged. They require very little maintenance as the color of bricks doesn’t really fade. They are weather resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the wind knocking them out of place. The downside to brick is that it is held together by mortar, which Is not as durable. The mortar needs to be tended to every so often because otherwise it could cause damage to your bricks. There also isn’t much design variation for your masonry project with this option, as most bricks have a standard color and shape.

Block

Concrete block has an interesting advantage over the rest in that it repels insects. Buildings made with these blocks tend to have fewer insect infestations. While brick is pretty weather resistant, block is known to resist huge natural disasters. They can withstand hurricane winds, tornadoes, and most earthquakes. It is also fire resistant so if your building does happen to catch fire, there is a lower chance it will collapse and sustain extensive damage. There are a variety of different finishes you can use with blocks, so you have more versatility in its design than with bricks. On the flip side, water can seep through block more so than other materials. With this material, you might have to do some waterproofing and assure that your building has proper drainage.

Stone

Stone is also a very durable material like the other two. It gives a building a very luxurious look and works well combined with other construction materials. It is a material that will never go out of style, giving your building or structure a timeless look. Stone is ideal for warm climates because it is a naturally cool material, so it will keep the interior of a building cooler. You can use local stone for your masonry project to save money and give it a unique element that another structure may not have. The disadvantage of stone is that the installation requires a lot more time and effort. This makes it more expensive since more work goes into it. Since it is naturally cool, that’s a disadvantage for when the cold weather rolls around because your building will likely be colder as well.

Your Preferred Masonry Professional Is Del Prete Masonry

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 Stone Masonry